“But you two already have a wedding license,” Sayla chokes, “andyou’re getting married tomorrow?” Her gaze bounces between Loren and me. “That’s …”
“Incredibly convenient?” Loren offers.
“Terrific news?” I suggest.
“No, it’s gargantuan!” She snatches up her water glass and gulps half of it down, while Dex swipes the napkin over the lower half of his face.
“So basically,” he says, “my best friend’s been Batman all this time.”
“Basically.”
“Yes!” he hoots, reaching across the table for a fist-bump.
“Excuse me.” Loren tips her chin. “Who’s Robin in this scenario? Is it me? Or you, Dex?”
“You’d both look pretty cute in tights and tunics,” Sayla says, setting down her glass. “But I might need a minute for my brain to catch up with all of this.”
“I don’t need a minute,” Dex says. “I already love this for you.” He shifts his blinding smile to Loren. “Forbothof you.”
Ladies and gentlemen, the best man on the planet.Mybest man. Dexter Michaels.
More than anything, I want to blurt out that I love our plan too. That being in the possession of a license to marry Loren Elise Cane makes the skies bluer. That I’m seeing smiley faces in the clouds.
But A. I’m not a Disney princess.
And B. A part of me is as much terrified as I am elated. Because even the happiest happily-ever-afters have villains. Loren and I are facing more than one. Financial challenges. Legal challenges. Health challenges.
Margaret Adams.
But all that truly matters to me now is keeping Loren and her father safe. Their security is my number one priority. And that’s why our plan has to be foolproof.
“What about you?” Loren asks Sayla, and her breath hitches on the question. “How many minutes do you think your brain will need to … catch up on all of this?”
Sayla’s eyes soften, and she reaches across the table to squeeze Loren’s hand. “You are a glorious superstar who contains multitudes. And ifyouthink marrying Bridger is a good idea, I will support you.”
“Me too,” Dex pipes up. “Obviously.”
Loren smiles. “That is the best, most gargantuan news of all.”
“I agree,” I say. “Because if we’re going to become Mr. andMrs. Adams tomorrow, my future wife and I will need your help.”
By the end of our lunch, the four of us have outlined a loose plan. Dex even scribbled notes on both sides of a napkin to keep track of our roles. He’s quite the secretary.
OPERATION FOOL MARGARET!!
BRIDGER:
- Pick out rings
- Venmo Sayla cash for flowers
- Make appointment with magistrate
- Get tux at He Wed She Wed
DEX & SAYLA:
(Drop off Loren then split up)