Forever You

by Allie Everhart

  “But, Dad, I don’t want you to—”

  “Garret. I’m taking care of it.” Pearce says it forcefully.

  Garret and his dad look at each other for just a moment and although nothing is said, it seems like there’s some kind of understanding between them.

  “I guess we should get inside,” Garret says.

  Pearce stands up. “Yes, we should go to dinner. Lilly needs to get to sleep early tonight. She’s had a long day.”

  And that’s it. The conversation is over. Garret and his dad act like the whole thing never even happened and I’m left confused, as I always am when his family’s involved. It’s like they turn a switch and one minute they’re in crisis mode and the next they’re back to normal. It’s so strange.

  We go back in the house and get ready for dinner. Grace takes us to her favorite restaurant in town, a little French cafe. I can’t even understand the menu because it’s in French so I make Garret find me something to eat. Apparently he learned French while in prep school. It’s not like he’s fluent in it but he can at least read the menu. I swear I’m always learning something new about him.

  After dinner, we go back to Grace’s house and Pearce puts Lilly to bed. He even reads her a story. The guy has totally changed. There’s a warmth coming from him that was never there before, or if it was, he hid it really well.

  It’s only 8, so Garret and I decide to head home instead of spending the night at Grace’s house. We tell everyone goodbye but as we’re walking out to the car, Pearce follows us.

  “My meetings will be done Thursday morning so maybe we could come by your place Thursday afternoon?”

  “Yes, definitely,” I say.

  He looks at Garret. “I know I told you not to worry, but I don’t think you should go into town until they’re gone.”

  “Can Lilly come over while you’re in your meetings?” I ask him. “Grace could bring her, right?”

  “That’s a good idea. Lilly would love to spend time with you two if you’re not too busy with the wedding plans.”

  “Everything’s pretty much done,” I say.

  “Then yes, I’ll tell Grace to bring her over.” He hugs Garret. “Have a safe trip back.”

  He hugs me, too. I’m still not used to it.

  On the ride back, Garret and I avoid talking about our conversation with his dad. But as soon as we’re home, getting ready for bed, I bring it up.

  “I don’t believe your dad. I don’t believe this is over.” I put a tank top on and get into bed.

  “Jade, I don’t want to get into this. Talking about it will just make you worry more.” He gets in bed next to me, wearing just his boxer briefs.

  “I’ll worry if we don’t talk about it.” I shove the blanket down so we’re covered with just the sheet. “I need to talk about it.”

  “There’s nothing to say. They let me go. They have to follow the rules. My dad’s right. The organization is all about rules and they’re very strict about following those rules.”

  “Then why are they here? And why are they doing this now? A week before the wedding?”

  “Because they’re trying to get in our heads. Like my dad said, it’s what they do. They’re fucking crazy. They get off on doing this shit. Playing mind games. Showing how powerful they are. You can’t let them get to you.”

  “Well, they’ve already gotten to me because I’m a nervous wreck. I feel sick to my stomach.”

  “Get over here.” Garret puts his arm out I scoot up next to him. He wraps his other arm tightly around me. “Everything will work out. You need to stop worrying about this.”

  I lift my head and look at him. “You’re not worried? Not even a little?”

  “I’m not going to let them ruin this for us. This is the week before our wedding. We’re supposed to be happy.”

  “But they’re here in town. What if they do something? What if they really do try to stop the wedding?”

  “It’s not gonna happen. I worked my freaking ass off trying to get you to marry me and it’s happening on Saturday, no matter what.”

  I rest my chin on his chest. “I don’t think you worked your ass off. I think I made it pretty easy.”

  “Are you kidding me? First of all, I worked my ass off just to get you to date me. And then I worked my ass off trying to get you to keep dating me after you kept trying to break up with me.”

  I smile. “I think you’re exaggerating. I didn’t make it that hard.”

  “You made it nearly impossible. That should show you how much I love you. There’s no way in hell I’d work that hard for any other girl.”

  I rub my hand along his bare chest. “You’re funny.”

  “I’m not kidding, Jade. You made things very difficult. Extremely difficult.”

  I laugh. “I’m sorry. But you got what you wanted in the end.”

  “I did.” He drops a soft kiss on my forehead.

  “So did I.” I inch closer to him.

  “You know what?” he asks.

  “What?” I reach up and kiss him.

  “Next week at this time you’ll be my wife.” I feel him smile against my lips.

  “And you’ll be my husband.” I kiss him again then kiss my way down to his chest. I love kissing him. All of him. His body is pure perfection and I can’t help but put my hands and lips all over him.

  “Jade?” Garret smooths my hair with his hand.

  I kiss my way back to his face. “Yeah?”

  “I’m serious when I say I don’t want you to worry about this thing with Roth. We’re going to have a great week. We’re going to have a great wedding. And everything’s going to be okay.”

  “I know you say that but—”

  “What did I say back in the woods in Connecticut before I found out their decision about my future?”

  My mind flashes back to that day. I remember it so vividly it’s like it happened yesterday. “You said that everything will work out.”

  “And it did work out.”

  “Yeah, but you had no control over that.”

  “Jade.” He waits until our gazes meet in the dimly-lit room. “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes.” And it’s true. I, the person who used to trust no one, trust Garret completely now.

  “Then listen to me. They are not going to try to take me again. They’re not going to do anything to me. This is over, okay?”

  “I guess.” I rest my head on his shoulder.

  “Hey.” He lifts my chin up. “We can’t let them control us. I mean it. We can’t let them get in our heads.”

  “You’re right.” I take a deep breath and let it out. “Okay. I’m not going to worry about it. This is our wedding week and I want to spend it being happy. Because I am, Garret. I’m so happy to be marrying you.”

  “You are?” I see him smiling.

  “Yes. But you already know that.”

  “I still like hearing you say it.” He kisses me and the feel of his soft lips and warm breath gets me all tingly inside.

  “I’m not sleepy yet. I think I need to do something that’ll help me relax.” My hand wanders under the sheet and down his abs.

  “I can help you relax.” He turns on his side and eases me down on my back.

  “I didn’t even tell you what I wanted,” I say, running my fingers through his hair.

  “I know what you want.” His hand slides down my stomach, slipping under my panties. He kisses the area just under my ear and I hear him softly talking. “I know exactly what you want. And exactly what to do to drive you crazy.”

  His lips meet up with mine again and he proceeds to do those things and more.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  18

  The next few days I keep myself busy so I don’t have time to let my mind wander to thoughts of those men taking Garret. Well, my mind goes there, but I keep pushing the thoughts away and focusing on the wedding.

  It’s Tuesday now and Harper and I have spent the day going over all the final details. She’s k
eeping my dress at her place and even though I tried it on last week and the week before, she made me try it on again today to make sure it still fits perfectly.

  Harper’s doing my hair for the wedding and she wants that to be perfect, too, so she’s been practicing on me. This is now the third time.

  “This isn’t necessary,” I tell her as she pins my hair in place. She has it pulled back and arranged in a loose knot at the nape of my neck. It’s kind of the same way she did my hair last fall when I went to the fundraiser at Garret’s house. I loved how she did my hair that night so I asked her to do a similar style for the wedding.

  “I have to get it right, Jade. I don’t want to have to worry about it on your wedding day.”

  “It’s fine like you have it. The wind will blow it all around anyway.”

  She takes a bobby pin from between her lips. “Not if I pin it right.” She tucks the pin in place, then stands back. “That’ll work. I have 10 pins in there. Your hair won’t move.”

  She hands me a small mirror and takes me over to the big mirror to inspect her work. As usual, she did an awesome job. She has nothing to worry about.

  “It looks great, Harper.” I give her back the mirror. “So that’s done. What else do we need to do?”

  “You finished your vows, right?” She quickly takes the pins out and my hair falls back down around my shoulders.

  “I finished them last week. They’re probably not very good but I tried.” I take the elastic from my wrist and put my hair up in a ponytail. “So what’s Garret planning for the wedding night?”

  “What do you mean?” She feigns confusion but I know her way too well.

  “He’s got some secret plan and I know he told you what it is.” I look her in the eye. “So what is it?”

  “I don’t know, Jade. Really.”

  I roll my eyes. “You are such a bad liar. I thought you took acting classes.”

  “I did,” she says defensively. “And I am a good actress. But for some reason I have a hard time lying to you.”

  “So tell me what he’s planning.”

  She smiles. “I said I have a hard time lying. Not a hard time keeping secrets.”

  “He didn’t plan some big trip, did he? Because I asked him not to like a thousand times.”

  “It’s not a trip. Although I don’t know why you won’t go on a trip with him. That’s what people do, Jade. They go on trips for their honeymoon.”

  “Yes, but you know we can’t travel so soon after the reality show thing. We don’t want photographers following us around.”

  “Yeah, I guess.” She starts going through her closet, pulling out dresses. We’re in her room and she has to meet her parents for dinner later. “What do you think of this one?” She holds up a short, green sundress.

  “It’s too casual. And it seems a little short for dinner with the parents.”

  “My sisters and I always wear short dresses and skirts. My parents are used to it.” She sets the dress down and picks up a pink one that’s a little longer. “I think I’ll wear this. Sean loves this on me.”

  I plop down on her bed. “You totally changed the subject. Come on. Just tell me what Garret has planned.”

  “Nope. I’m not telling you. He wants it to be a surprise.”

  “You’re in on this, aren’t you? You’re part of whatever he has planned and you’ve been lying this whole time, acting like you had no idea what he’s up to.”

  She thinks for a moment. “I have been lying, haven’t I? Huh. I guess I can lie to you.” She takes a headband from her dresser and puts her hair back. “I’m not telling you so stop asking.” She grabs my hand and pulls me up from the bed. “Let’s go.”

  Garret walks through the front door just as Harper and I are coming down the stairs.

  “Where have you been?” I go over and hug him.

  “I’m not telling you,” he says, smiling.

  “I know Harper’s in on your secret plan, but I couldn’t get her to tell me anything.”

  “I’m in on it, too,” Sean says. I glance back to see him in the kitchen, popping a handful of peanuts in his mouth.

  I turn back to Garret. “So everyone knows but me?”

  “Sure looks that way.” He walks past me to the kitchen.

  I follow him, then stand there and look at the three of them all wearing smug smiles. “Give me a hint. Please.”

  “Jade loves surprises.” Garret pulls me against him and kisses my cheek. “Just look how excited she is for Saturday night.”

  “Or we could skip the surprise and you could all just tell me right now.” I smile. “I’d still be excited.”

  They just stare at me, then Sean says, “So anyway, everything’s set food-wise for Saturday, but what about alcohol? Harper said you wouldn’t want any but I thought maybe some champagne?”

  “Yes, we should definitely have champagne,” I say. “And wine, if people want that with dinner.”

  “Are you sure?” Garret asks. “It’s our wedding, Jade. It’s your call. Don’t worry about what other people want.”

  I look at Sean. “Wine and champagne. Done. Anything else?”

  “Nope. That was it.”

  Harper checks her phone. “Shit! My parents are early. They just texted and said they’ll be here any minute.”

  A few seconds later the doorbell rings.

  “Jade, answer it.” Harper grabs Sean and drags him up the stairs. “Keep them busy while we get ready.”

  “I’ll get it.” Garret goes and opens the door. “Hi, Mr. Douglas.”

  “Garret,” Kiefer says. “You surprised me. I was expecting to see Harper.”

  Kiefer’s wearing a white polo shirt, light-colored pants, and loafers. He always has a California-look going with his wavy blond hair, tan skin, and casual clothes.

  “Harper and Sean are getting ready upstairs,” I tell them. “Come on in.”

  Kelly coordinates with her husband. She has on a white dress, sandals, and sunglasses, and her tan is almost the exact same shade as Kiefer’s. It’s funny that they live in Malibu because they look like Malibu Barbie and Ken.

  “Hi, Jade.” Kelly hugs me. “How’s the bride?”

  “I’m good.”

  Although I’d be better if I knew what her husband was up to. I can’t think about that. I told Garret I wouldn’t, but now that Kiefer’s here, I’m thinking about it again.

  “And how’s the groom?” Kelly asks Garret.

  “I’m doing great.” Garret puts his arm around me.

  “Are you getting nervous, Jade?” Kelly asks.

  “No, not at all.”

  She smiles. “Good. You have no reason to be. I know you two will be very happy.”

  “You made an excellent choice with Garret,” Kiefer tells me.

  “I think I got the better end of the deal,” Garret says.

  Kiefer smiles at him. “That’s true of most men, isn’t it?”

  “Do you want something to drink?” I ask them.

  “No, we’ll be leaving soon.” Kiefer takes a seat on the couch. “Then again, if Harper just started getting ready, it could be an hour before we leave.”

  Kelly sits next to him. “That’s what you get for having girls.”

  Kiefer laughs. “Keep that in mind, Garret. If you end up having a house full of girls, get prepared to be waiting around a lot.”

  Garret just nods. Once again, the kid topic comes up. People just assume if you get married, you’re having kids. It’s like it’s not even an option.

  “So, Jade,” Kelly says. “Were you planning on going shopping with Harper and me tomorrow?”

  “No, I’m staying here because Lilly’s coming over. My gran—” I stop, realizing I almost spilled a huge secret.

  “Grace Sinclair is bringing her over,” Garret says, saving me. “Grace is coming to the wedding. My dad and Lilly went to visit her at her home in Santa Barbara last weekend. Then they all drove up here today. Grace is helping my dad take care of Lilly.
My family’s been friends with the Sinclair family forever.”

  “And your father was a big supporter of Royce Sinclair’s political campaign,” Kiefer says. “Isn’t that right?”

  “Yeah, he was.” Garret’s playing it cool. He’s so good at that. I’m terrible at it. My palms are sweaty just being on this topic. “Grace has been really lonely since she lost Royce and then her husband, so my dad has been checking in on her the past couple months. Making sure she’s okay.”

  “That’s so thoughtful of Pearce,” Kelly says. “Well, it’ll be nice seeing Grace again. We haven’t seen her for years.”

  “It was at the Hamilton’s Christmas party,” Kiefer says. “Three years ago.”

  Kelly looks at him. “No, it was the Pearson’s Christmas party. Two years ago.”

  “Yes, you’re right. I don’t know why I thought it was the Hamilton’s party.”

  Hamilton as in Ava Hamilton? So Harper’s family knows them, too? What the hell? Do all of these rich people know each other? Harper never mentioned that her parents were friends with Ava’s parents. Maybe she doesn’t know. Or maybe it’s a different Hamilton. It’s a common name. Still, I have to know.

  “You don’t mean Ava’s parents, do you?” I ask.

  “Yes. Ava’s parents.” Kiefer’s eyes dart to Garret and he lets out a nervous laugh. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned her given all the trouble she’s caused you.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Garret says.

  Kiefer knows all about the reality show and Garret’s fake bad-boy behavior. Pearce had Kiefer make the videos we used to convince people Garret wasn’t presidential material. But Kiefer doesn’t know that. At least I don’t think he does. I assumed Pearce gave Kiefer the same story we gave Harper, saying that the photographers were getting out of control and the fake videos were just to make Garret less popular with his fans. But maybe Kiefer knows the real story. If he’s involved with the organization, he probably does.

  “I didn’t know you were friends with them,” I say to Kiefer.

  “We’re not. But Kelly and Ava’s mother worked together on a fundraising committee years ago.”