Olivia

    “Married?” Dad repeated, setting down his fork. “That’s quite sudden, isn’t it?”

    “When you know, you know,” Alexander said, bringing my hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to my knuckles. “I’ve never been more certain of anything.”

    Nick leaned forward, curiosity etched on his face. “What about your work, Liv? Have you thought about whether you’ll continue at Carter Enterprises once you’re married?”

    “Absolutely,” I said, my voice steady but my heart racing. “My career at Carter Enterprises means a lot to me, and Alexander has always been incredibly supportive of that. We’ve talked about it at length, and he’s fully on board with me continuing my work there even after we’re married.”

    “Completely,” Alexander agreed. “Olivia’s talent is undeniable. I’d be a fool to lose her from thepany.”

    Dad cleared his throat. “While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I have to say this feels rushed. Marriage is a big step.”

    “Dad-“I started, but Alexander cut me off.

    “You’re absolutely right, sir,” he said, surprising me. “Under normal circumstances, I’d agree. But the truth isb, /bI’ve been in love with Olivia for longer than she knows.b” /b

    He turned to me, his expression so sincere I almost believed him myself. “From the moment I met her, I knew she was special. Letting her go the first time was the biggest mistake of my life. When fate gave me a second chance, I promised myself I wouldn’t waste it.”

    Mom’s expression softened visibly. “That’s very romantic.”

    “It’s the truth,” Alexander said, his eyes never leaving mine. “I love your daughter. I want to spend my life making her happy.”

    Dad studied Alexander for a long moment, then turned to me. “And you, Olivia? Do you feel the same way?”

    All eyes turned to me. I swallowed hard, aware that my answer needed to be convincing. “I do, Dad. I know it seems fast, but when it’s right, it’s right.”

    Dad sighed, then nodded slowly. “Well, I can’t say I’m not concerned about the timeline, but you’re an adult. If you’re sure this is what you want…”

    “It is,” I said firmly, squeezing Alexander’s hand.

    “Then I guess we have a wedding to n,” Mom said, her eyes already lighting up with excitement.

    “Nothing too borate,” I added quickly. “We want something small and intimate.”

    “Just family and close friends,” Alexander agreed. “Quality over quantity.”

    “Well,” Dad said, raising his water ss, “I suppose a toast is in order. To Olivia and Alexander. May your marriage be long and happy.”

    We all raised our sses, and I caught Alexander’s eye over the rim of mine. He winked, and I felt a flutter in my stomach that had nothing to do with nerves.

    The rest of dinner passed in a blur of wedding talk and family stories. Alexander charmed everyone, especially Mom, who

    237

    was already calling him “son” by dessert. Dad remained more reserved, watching Alexander with a thoughtful expression.

    After dinner, while Mom and Amelia cleared the table (refusing my help again), Dad gestured for Alexander to join him on the back porch. I watched nervously through the window as they talked, Dad doing most of the speaking while Alexander nodded seriously.

    “He’s getting the dad talk,” Nick said, appearing beside me with a stack of tes.

    b“/bbI /bcan see that,” I replied, not taking my eyes off them.

    “You really love him, don’t you?” Nick asked, studying my face.

    I turned to my brother, surprised by the question. “What makes you say that?”

    “Never seen you light up like this before.”

    Before I could respond, the back door opened, and Dad and Alexander came back inside, both looking surprisingly rxed.

    “Everything okay?” I asked Alexander when he rejoined me.

    “Perfect,” he replied, his hand finding the small of my back again. “Your father and I understand each other.”

    The evening wound down naturally after that. Ethan finally arrived just as we were preparing to leave, full of apologies and excuses about his project.

    “So I hear congrattions are in order,” he said, hugging me tightly. “My big sister, marrying the big boss man.”

    “Don’t start,” I warned, but I was smiling.

    “I expect to be best man,” Ethan told Alexander seriously. “I give excellent speeches.”

    “Embarrassing speeches,” I corrected.

    Those are the best kind,” Ethan grinned.

    As we said our goodbyes, Mom pulled me aside while Alexander was distracted by something Dad was showing him.

    “He seems wonderful, Olivia,” she said, squeezing my hands. “But are you sure about this? Marriage is forever.”

    “I’m sure, Mom,” I lied, hating myself for it.

    “Just be careful,” she said, lowering her voice. “Men like Alexander are used to getting their way. Make sure this is what you want, not just what he wants.”

    “I will, I promised, giving her an extra tight hug.

    Dad hugged me next, his embrace gentler than before his surgery. “Love you, kiddo. Be happy, that’s all I ask.”

    Love you too, Dad.”

    Alexander shook hands with everyone onest time, promising Mom we’d visit again soon to discuss wedding details. As we walked to his car, I felt the weight of the evening settling on my shoulders.

    “That went well,” Alexander said as he opened my door.

    “You didn’t tell me you were nning to announce our engagement,” I hissed once we were both inside the car.

    “It seemed like the right moment,” he replied, starting the engine. “Your family is lovely, by the way. Especially your mother.”

    “What did my dad say to you on the porch?”

    Alexander pulled away from the curb before answering. “He told me that if I ever hurt you, he knows people who could make me disappear.”

    My eyes widened. “He did not!”

    “Not in those exact words,” Alexander admitted with a small smile. “But the sentiment was clear. He loves you very much.”

    “And what did you say?”

    “I told him I’d sooner hurt myself than hurt you.” His voice bwas /bquiet, almost tender. “And I meant it, Olivia.”

    I turned to look out the window, unsure how to respond. This was all pretend: the marriage, the love, the promises. Wasn’t

    it?

    AD