“Thanks to Justin and his connections. If he hadn’t stepped in and contacted a designer willing to make a custom couture gown at the last minute, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
“No need to think about what almost happened. Let’s focus on today.”
“I can’t believe this day is here. In a few hours, I’ll marry the man of my dreams.” Ava beamed.
“No time for tears,” said Tess. “We need to get ready.”
The ladies spent the next two hours getting their hair and makeup done. Tess and Meghan changed into their rose-colored dresses. Evelyn changed into the mother of the bride cream colored dress. Thirty-minutes later, Nina arrived with her kids in tow. Her two girls were dressed in rose-colored flower girl dresses and her son, Nico, in a tuxedo to serve as the ring bearer. Ava called Corrine on the phone to ask her to stop by. Once she arrived, Ava, who was still in her robe, gathered all the women in the living room.
“Now that you all are here, there’s something I would like to say.”
All eyes fell on Tess, who abruptly rose to her feet. “First, we must follow tradition.” She looked at Meghan, who burst into a smile.
“I have something blue.”
Ava shook her head and smiled. “Guys, we don’t have to do none of that.”
“Oh yes, we do,” said Tess. “The something blue is from both of us.”
They handed Ava a white gift box. Everyone watched with anticipation as she opened it. Ava laughed when she saw what was inside. She held it up for all to see. “Really, guys? A blue lace thong.” Everyone laughed.
“Okay, I have something borrowed,” said Nina.
“You do?” asked Ava, surprised.
“Yes.” She approached Ava and placed a crystal rhinestone hair comb in her hand. “I wore it on my wedding day to Dale. I hope you like it.”
Ava placed her hand over her heart. Touched by the gestured. “It’s lovely. Thank you.” She stood and hugged Nina. “Okay, who’s next?” Ava dabbed her watery eyes.
Corrine stood. “Your mother and I have something old.” Ava glanced at her mother and smiled.
“I have an antique heart-shaped miniature frame,” said Corrine.
“And I have a picture of your father and me on our wedding day. Together we have this gift for you.” Her mother handed her the gift box.
“We hope you cherish it,” said Corrine.
Ava opened the box and peeled back the tissue wrap. Her eyes watered, followed by a stream of tears. “You guys are ruining my makeup.” She held up the black-and-white photo for everyone to see. “That’s my mother and my father, Liam Sinclair.” As dysfunctional as her relationship was with her father, she wished he had the opportunity to walk her down the aisle.
“You can attach it to your bouquet and your father will be with you each step down the aisle,” said Evelyn.
Tess handed Ava a tissue to wipe her eyes.
“Thank you, both.” She hugged her mother, followed by Corrine.
Everyone wiped their eyes. “Okay, we have something borrowed, something old, something blue,” said Meghan. “We need something new.”
“I have that covered,” said Ava. She reached in her purse and revealed the pink sapphire and diamond bracelet Justin had given her the day before. Everyone oohed and aahed over it. “Thank you, everyone, for being here and sharing this special day with Justin and me. We both love and appreciate everyone in this room. That being said, we hope you all have room in your hearts for our newest family member.” Ava grinned while they all sat in confusion. She didn’t say another word until one of them figured it out.
“Are you pregnant?” asked Corrine.
Ava nodded and smiled. “Yes!”
Everyone jumped up and screamed in joy. Each took their turn to hug her. “How far along are you?” her mother asked.
“I would guess at least four weeks. I just took the test, and I won’t get to the doctor until after the honeymoon.”
After more hugs of joy, Ava had her makeup touched up. She then placed on her dress. Tess and Meghan helped her slip on the mermaid-styled gown. The strapless white dress had a hand-beaded Swarovski crystal bodice with an organza and tulle layered skirt.
Corrine left to verify if the men were in place, while Ava and the other women proceeded downstairs. Once Ava reached the door that led to the courtyard, her heart skipped several beats and her stomach became a bundled of nerves.
Although the wedding was small, with only fifty wedding guests, they spared no expense. Her favorite was the fresh flowers Justin had flown in from out of the country. The fragrant, rose-gold peonies adorned the end of each aisle and covered the wedding arch. Along with the flowers, a blush-colored fabric draped across the white wooden arch. The planner placed it facing the lake to provide the most breathtaking backdrop.
“Anxious?” asked Tess.
“I am. I can’t wait to see him.”
“It shouldn’t be much longer.”
Ava peeked out the side window and saw the chairs filled with guests. Dale and Chase stood at the front beside Justin, who’s back was turned. The music started and one by one everyone emerged through the doors. Ava stood at the door with her mother by her side with their arms interlocked. Seconds later, they walked out and down the aisle. Ava’s eyes immediately met Justin’s. The muscles in his face gave way to a stream of tears. He looked just as handsome as ever. By the time she reached him, she was a blubbering mess.
“Simply gorgeous.” He kissed her cheek. Ava passed her bouquet to Tess and held onto Justin’s hands. The officiant began with the words dearly beloved. Midway, she and Justin exchanged vows and slipped a wedding band on each of their fingers. Then came the best part. The officiant said, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Justin pulled her close, held her tightly in his arms, and placed a deep passionate kiss on her lips.
They held the reception in the ballroom where they partied the night away. The following morning, Mr. and Mrs. Harrington departed to Paris for a two-week honeymoon.
Chapter Forty-three
Nine Months Later
“Justin! It’s time!” Ava waddled out of the bedroom. Her pants soaked by water trickling down her leg. The pain in her lower back increased with each step. She stood at the stair railing, peering down in search of her husband. “Justin!” she called out again. This time he emerged at the bottom stair, staring up at her. “What’s the matter?”
“You didn’t hear me? My water just broke.”
“You sure?” His face was full of fear and confusion.
“Yes. We need to go!”
He rushed up the stairs and ran into the bedroom. Ava held onto the railing and took slow deep breaths in and out. Minutes later, Justin held a packed suitcase in his hand. He assisted her down the stairs, one uncomfortable step at a time. When they reached the front door, he helped her into the car first and ran back inside to gather the bags.
“Hold on, babe. We’ll be at the hospital before you know it.”
On the way, he first called Ava’s obstetrician who informed them she would meet them at the hospital. His next call was to his parents, followed by Meghan and Chase. It was apparent the many calls were a way to help himself remain focused and calm.
Once they reached the hospital, nurses ushered Ava to the private wing. She laid in the bed attached to a fetal monitor as the nurses kept a close eye on her contractions. After an epidural and ten hours later, Ava pushed out a five pounds, six ounces boy. The expression on Justin’s face was one of a proud father. His eyes smiled with glee, his chin jutted with a sense of pride, and he watched every move the nurse made as she held the precious bundle in her arms.
“Okay Ava, I need another big push,” said her doctor.
“I’m tired.”
Justin stood by her side, holding on to her hand. “Come on, sweetheart. You can do it. One big push.”
Ava bore down and pushed with every ounce of energy she had. Moments l
ater, another baby’s cries filled the room. Her head fell back onto the pillow.
“You did it, honey!” Justin wiped her forehead and kissed her lips.
A nurse brought over baby number one wrapped in the standard blue and pink striped blanket and placed him in Justin’s arms. Another nurse wiped off baby number two and placed the angel on Ava’s chest for skin to skin contact.
“Here’s your daughter. She’s five pounds, two ounces.”
Tears fell from Ava’s eyes as she placed a soft kiss on her daughter’s delicate hand. Justin moved to the other side of the bed. Ava’s eyes shifted between her son and daughter. “Who would’ve thought in a million years we would have twins?”
“A boy and a girl. Are we sticking to the names we’ve chosen?” he asked.
“Yes. Jackson Liam Harrington,” said Ava.
“After my brother and your father. What about our sweet girl?”
“Sophia Abigail Harrington.”
“Can our life get any better?” asked Justin.
“It’s pretty perfect just as it is,” beamed Ava.
Thank you for taking the time to read Conned by You, Book Three in The Deception Series. I hoped you enjoyed the conclusion to Ava and Justin’s trilogy. If so, please consider leaving a review.
To be informed of my next release, please visit my website. http://marilynwilliamsbooks.com
Other Books by Marilyn Williams
The Shattered Series
Shattered Lives
Shattered Hearts
Shattered Truth
Conned by You Page 19
