All I Know Preview
AVA
Chapter One
“The harpist has arrived, and she’s playing beautifully—a Taylor Swift song, just like you wanted—while the guests start to filter in,” Harper, my sister and bestie, says as she strides into the bridal suite and passes me a fresh glass of sparkling water.
I wish I hadn’t given up alcohol. This was not the month to do that.
All my girls are with me and have been by my side since yesterday afternoon. Don’t get me wrong, I love them to pieces, but I’m used to solitude. I live alone, work alone, and only see them for book clubs, girls nights, and family dinners.
Twenty-four hours straight of togetherness is starting to wear on me.
But I grin and take a sip of the fizzy water. “Good. She was only a little late.”
I hate it when people are late.
I might be a bit of a type A personality. Okay, fine, I’m a control freak.
Sue me.
Just don’t hire my fiancé for the job.
“Chad’s going to be your husband today,” Ivy says. Ivy is my brother’s girlfriend, and she’s become a good friend to me in the past year or so, even before she and Xander were an item. I’ve known her for a long time, and I like her.
But Jesus, did she have to remind me of that now?
And why does it feel like a threat?
“How you holdin’ up, honey?” Darby, my other brother’s girlfriend asks. All these women are the best. I love them.
I wish they’d go away.
“I’m great.” Yes, my voice sounds squeaky. I can’t help it. I squeak when I lie. “Totally fine. Ready to get this over with so we can all just move on with our lives.”
“That’s so romantic,” Harper says, rolling her eyes. She looks so pretty in her sage green dress. They all look gorgeous today.
I never really considered a winter wedding before. I always planned to get married in the summer at my family’s ranch, but my wedding planner showed me how beautiful a winter celebration can be, and I kind of love it. The dresses are silk and fit each of my girls perfectly.
Except, I haven’t seen Juliet yet.
“Where’s Jules?” I ask the others.
“She’s almost here,” Harper says, consulting her phone. “She says she’s already dressed and ready to go, so no need to worry.”
Jules had to run home this morning to get something, which was probably code for have sex with her insanely hot husband, and I’m glad she’s almost here.
Even though I kind of want to be alone, I really am glad they’re all here.
I need all the moral support I can get if I’m going to make it through today with my sanity intact. Because I’m getting married to a man who’s never even given me a fucking orgasm. Why? That’s an excellent question.
I don’t want to think about it.
Jules bustles into the room, followed by Indigo, the little sister I just found out about a few months ago, and finally, all the important girls are here.
“I love you all,” I say, feeling tears tickle my eyes, but I sniff and suck it up because I’m Ava Hendrix, and I’m a badass. “So much. I know that you’re not sure about Chad, but I also know that you’re here for me. That you’re supporting me, and it means the world to me.”
“We love you too,” Harper says as she grips my hand tightly, giving me a supportive smile.
“Also, we all look pretty fucking hot,” Ivy adds and brushes her long red hair over her shoulder. “This is going to be an amazing wedding, Ava. Everything is so beautiful.”
There’s a knock on the door, but we ignore it as we all raise our glasses.
“To Ava,” Darby says. “May you be happy, healthy, and in love for the rest of your life.”
I clink my glass to everyone else’s and take a sip, but my heart feels heavy.
Am I usually happy? Yes.
But healthy and in love?
Meh. Those two things aren’t really in the equation.
The knock comes again, and Harper walks over to poke her head out the door to answer, then steps back and looks at me with a raised eyebrow.
Chad’s dad, Theo, is standing on the other side, and he doesn’t look happy.
“May I have a moment, Ava?”