Chapter 33

Chapter

Thirty-Three

Aelin smoothed her hands down the skirt of her navy blue dress, hoping it didn't look too wrinkled from being pulled out of a moving box that morning. She glanced over at the front of the outdoor ceremony space, where Ryan stood with his hockey teammates, his long hair pulled back neatly. Even after tangling her hands in it the night before and that morning, her fingers twitched.

She knew what he looked like under that tux. Knew what he felt like. Knew what he was capable of.

In one night, she'd discovered that she and Clark had never made love. He'd said the right words every once in a while, but mostly the wrong ones. He'd never been there for more than his own pleasure and validation.

Ryan on the other hand . . .

Aelin crossed her legs and forced herself to admire the bow on the back of the chair in front of her.

Amaya shifted in her seat. "It's like a fairy tale."

"I agree." Aelin put an arm around her thin shoulders. Her heart ached, wishing Bailey could see this with them. She would have died at the flowers alone. Aelin pulled out her phone and snapped a few pictures .

"Are you my dad's girlfriend?" Amaya asked suddenly, her hazel eyes wide and curious.

Aelin laughed and tapped Amaya playfully on the nose. "That sounds like a question for your dad."

"Why can't you answer it?"

She shrugged. "Parents like to be the ones to talk to their kids about things like this."

"But if you're not answering, that probably means yes, right?" She smirked, her legs swinging under the chair.

Aelin nudged her as the music swelled and the crowd hushed. All heads turned to watch Jenna walk down the aisle on her mother's arm. Aelin's breath caught at how beautiful she looked in her flowing, lacy white gown, her blond hair swept up elegantly. She was glowing as she made her way to a misty-eyed Country waiting for her under the floral arch that Aelin knew Ryan had helped put together.

Aelin hadn't expected to be there that morning. She hadn't expected to find Ryan on her porch the night before. She'd always dreaded surprises with Clark, but these? They were quickly becoming her favourite.

Her eyes drifted to Ryan. He was staring right at her. She smiled, and his mouth quirked.

It was so strange. Every few minutes, her mind tried to throw up its usual warnings and doubts, but Ryan kept proving them unnecessary.

A foreign calm swept through her, and Aelin gripped the edge of her seat. Was this what love was supposed to feel like? Not cold and empty. Not afraid and wary. But calm? Steady? Her stomach fluttered as Ryan straightened his suit jacket and clasped his hands in front of him.

Amaya was riveted as Country and Jenna said their vows, and as the ceremony drew to a close, everyone erupted into cheers. The bride and groom walked hand in hand back down the aisle, and when it was finally appropriate to stand, Aelin made a beeline for Ryan .

"Well, that was beautiful." Aelin grinned, then nodded toward Country and Jenna mooning over each other and greeting guests. "Those two are disgustingly adorable."

Ryan smiled. "They waited a long time for this." He turned to her, his hand brushing her hip. "I think waiting makes it more obvious when it's right."

Aelin's cheeks flushed.

Ryan leaned in. "You look lovely, by the way. That dress is stunning on you."

"You already saw me in it this morning."

His lips brushed her cheek. "Barely."

Aelin's mouth went dry. "Amaya asked if I was your girlfriend."

"What did you say?"

She laughed. "That she should ask you."

Ryan pulled back and glanced over her shoulder. Aelin turned to see Amaya running across the grass. When she turned back, Ryan was watching her.

"What do you want me to tell her?" he asked.

Aelin wet her lips, considering. She considered what she should say, what would make sense. Then told the truth instead. "That I hope I see her every day after school this year."

Ryan's eyes deepened. "Good answer." Aelin moved her hand forward until she linked her pointer finger with his. Ryan's lips curved into a slow smile. "So I was thinking. . ." He rocked back on his heels boyishly. "Would you want to be my date to the reception tonight?"

Aelin arched an eyebrow, fighting a grin. "Hmm." She tapped her chin in mock contemplation. "Will I get to see you in pink?"

Ryan groaned. "It's going to be ridiculous. You know that right?"

She nodded, her grin widening as she leaned in. "Just remember, I'll be waiting to take it off." Aelin pulled him toward the buffet tables on the patio and spotted Amaya already filling a plate with sponge cake and chocolate dipped strawberries .

"She's sleeping over at her grandparents' tonight," Ryan said.

"Hmm." Aelin smirked. "Fun Aelin loves sleepovers."

Ryan's hand slid over the backside of her dress. "Fun Ryan will make popcorn."