Chapter 38
“It’s no wonder they call it the Dreamhouse.” Connor gapes out the windshield.
The Andersens named the property aptly because it’s the quintessential dream house. The cabin sprawls the bank of an ice-covered private lake, surrounded by snow dusted pine trees as far as the eye can see.
Thousands of fairy lights decorate the roofline and are strung between the cabin and the nearby trees, creating an idyllic fairytale.
Izzy and Reid came on a work assignment last year, and it was here their connection bloomed. He brought her back for Valentine’s Day for a romantic vacation ending with them officially being a couple.
Their love story’s come full circle, and they get to say their vows where they began.
The four-hour drive passed in the blink of an eye. Now that Connor and I are official, we spend most our time—that isn’t spent naked—reminiscing over our lives and sharing long buried secrets about our unspoken love.
The Rockies are already entrenched in winter and will be a snow-covered paradise well through March. Thanks to the dedicated men and women Connor used to work with, the highways were safe to travel. It wasn’t until we were navigating the back mountain roads that it became more adventurous.
Connor took it slow and repeatedly asked if I was comfortable because he wanted me to feel safe. I’ve never felt safer than when I’m with him, regardless of the setting or circumstance.
He rounds the truck cab with a skip in his step that warms my heart. My golden retriever with a surprisingly wicked protective streak. Frigid November air whooshes in and I shiver.
“Let’s get you inside and I’ll bring in the bags,” Connor insists.
The interior of the Dreamhouse is out of a magazine, and I’m filled with pride Izzy’s applied her vision to properties like this across the Rockies. A crackling fireplace greets us, instantly warming my chilled skin. Connor drops a kiss on the crown of my head and goes back out to get our things.
No one’s in the main room to greet us, so I take my time wandering through the space admiring the woodwork and unique artwork gracing the walls. A door shuts behind me and I whirl around.
“Twinie!” she shrieks running into my arms, as if we don’t see each other every day.
At the same time, we say—
“You’re getting married!”
“I’m getting married!”
We laugh and hug and twirl around the living room like children.
“I never dreamed my life would turn out this way,” Izzy says, with a spark of sadness.
“I never dreamed it either, but you deserve it, sissy. We went through too much, suffered too greatly, and worked too hard to claw our way out of that trailer. You deserve every happiness and luxury life affords you.” I comfort her, gently rubbing her back, the white ends of her hair tickling my hand.
Her hair’s grown so much this past year. She kept it short for ages as a result of her trauma, but once she felt safe with Reid, she let it grow and regained her bodily autonomy.
“Christ, it’s cold out there! It’s not even December, what’s going on up here?” Connor groans, toeing out of his boots and hanging his canvas work coat by the door.
Even fully clothed, his body makes me weak. He’s next level gorgeous and all mine.
“Let me take you to your room and I’ll give you the grand tour!” Izzy says with a delighted clap of her hands.
Somehow, the Dreamhouse is larger on the inside than it appeared from outside. Five suites are sprinkled throughout the property, along with the opulent master suite. Everyone was happy to double up, but there’s the perfect amount of space for the small wedding party.
Mr. and Mrs. Andersen will sleep the farthest from the center of the house, the quietest room for when they’re done of an evening.
Olivia and her niece Harper will be sharing an adorable suite facing the front of the property. Harper will be delighted to see the fairy lights from her window.
Connor and I have a corner suite overlooking the lake. I wish we could come back in warmer weather to take advantage of what must be the perfect lakefront.
James and Greyson get their own rooms—Greyson closer to Harper and James closer to the master where the bride and groom are staying.
Izzy jokes that James might want to shack up with Greyson because they have no intention on being quiet on their wedding night. She gives an exaggerated nudge-nudge-wink-wink and Connor feigns throwing up. She punches him in the arm, on par for their relationship.
“Reid’s parents just got here. There’s nothing planned until dinner, so go relax in your room. Take advantage of the jacuzzi tub—trust me.” Izzy bops off to greet her future in-laws and Connor snicks the door shut to our suite.
“Thank god we’re staying in a different room than they’ve used,” Connor says with a shiver of disgust. “I did not need to hear about Iz and Reid fucking in that tub.”
I snort, because I didn’t need to hear about it either, but it was hilarious how Connor grew more uncomfortable the more Izzy overshared.
He gathers me in his arms, pressing me into his hard chest and spins us like a madman until we flop onto the giant king-sized bed in a heap of giggles.
“Hi,” he says sweetly, peering down at me.
“Hi,” I say back, utterly charmed by this man. Seventeen years later and he still gives me butterflies. The difference is, I can act on them now.
We spend the afternoon making love and fall into a blissful nap.
Raucous laughter wakes us, and I’m surprised the sky is fading into pinks and oranges as we near sunset. I didn’t mean to sleep so long.
The rehearsal dinner is informal, and Izzy said to dress comfortably, so Connor and I change into fresh clothes that weren’t rumpled during a four-hour car ride and make our way to the dining room.
I can’t hold back my laughter. Every surface of the kitchen is covered with open pizza boxes, liters of Cherry Pepsi, and an adorable tower of Hostess cupcakes. Plates are passed around and loaded with greasy, cheesy goodness.
When it’s my turn through the line, I hesitate for only a moment. In the past, pizza was a strictly no-food for me. Just the thought of eating it used to give me hives, but the anxiety is a ghost of what it once was.
Food’s been easier lately, probably because of how happy I’ve been. When Connor told me he loved me, something clicked into place, and I felt whole. Every day that he showers me with love, I heal bit by bit.
I take a slice of cheese, Izzy’s favorite, and meat lovers, Connor’s favorite. It’s been years since I ate pizza, and I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with new options.
Connor kisses my temple and whispers, “I’m proud of you” as he fills his plate.
He pours me a bubbling glass of Cherry Pepsi and gets a dessert plate with two waxy cupcakes for us to enjoy after dinner.
“James, if you don’t shut the fuck up right now, I’ll kill you and send you to a watery grave in the frozen lake, I swear to god,” Reid seethes.
James is cackling like a hyena, nearly tipping backwards out of his chair.
“What? You don’t want your blushing bride to hear about the time you got Little Reid stuck in your zipper trying to cover up getting caught in the hay loft with Marcie Gossler?”
Reid lurches from his chair to strangle his older brother but Izzy holds him back, laughing. Even the normally stoic Greyson is laughing.
“No, you dumb fuck, why would I want my wife to hear about any of my past sexual experiences?” Reid snaps.
“It’s okay baby, I know you weren’t a monk before me. Plus, now I want to hear the story,” she says with glee.
He tickles her sides but relents, waving a dismissive hand for James to continue.
“That’s the whole story. He was in the hay loft with Marcie doing god knows what, heard me and Sam come into the barn, panicked, and got his dick pinched in his zipper. He screamed like a little bitch and Marcie flew down the ladder like her ass was on fire,” James regales.
“Never thought I’d take my son to the emergency room with a penile injury, but such is life,” Mr. Andersen says chuckling. Mrs. Andersen bats his chest with the back of her hand.
Connor laughs with the family we’ve been adopted into. I’m so lucky to have his love.
“How’re we supposed to fit into these dresses after that brunch? My god!” Livy complains, cradling her food baby.
“Hush, you’re gorgeous. Maybe James will ask you to dance,” Izzy taunts.
Livy turns beet red, stuttering, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Gross. I mean, like…shut up!”
Flustered, she takes her dress to the bathroom and the lock clicks behind her.
Izzy and I share a knowing look but drop the subject. Today’s about Izzy and Reid, and in the end, Livy’s love life is none of our business.
“It’s so nice of Mrs. Andersen and Harper to finish the decorating,” I say.
“I know, luckily this place is stunning as it is. Some flowers and candles and we’re set!”
Izzy’s an angel in her wedding dress. Blush pink chiffon drapes like a waterfall from her waist to the floor.
A high slit allows her leg to peek through with each step, showing off hot pink cowboy boots.
The bodice is made of intricate lace, with a sweetheart neckline held by delicate straps that meet at her waist, leaving her back exposed.
I stand behind her, finishing her hair, overflowing with happiness for my sister. A somber expression crosses her face.
“Hey, what was that? Today’s a happy day,” I say.
“It is. I’m over the moon, I can’t wait to marry Reid and become Isabelle Andersen. His parents being here for him—so happy and involved—makes me sad for what you and I don’t have,” she says to me in the mirror.
Moments of grief like this come out of nowhere.
Having a difficult relationship with a parent is a minefield to navigate.
Though they’re alive, you mourn the death of the relationship you wish you’d had.
Our parents cared more about gambling and alcohol than to be there for us.
The way we were raised was worse than negligent, it was abusive.
“I know, sissy. I think about it sometimes too. But look at the family you’ve built for yourself. Your life is full of support and love, and we’ll always have each other,” I say.
Izzy turns around and wraps me in a soft hug.
“I love seeing you so happy,” I say to my sister, choking back tears.
“None of that, I don’t want to redo my makeup.” She laughs. “You look amazing. Connor’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.” Izzy fluffs my breasts, and I slap her hands away.
A knock sounds on the door and Livy shouts from the bathroom, “Five minutes!”
I open the door to find Mrs. Andersen’s smiling face—the kind of mother I wish we’d had. Izzy exits ahead of me and her future mother-in-law brushes a tendril of hair from her face.
“Oh honey, you look lovely. My son’s a lucky man.” They leave to set up before the ceremony and I follow behind, Livy still shouting from behind the bathroom door.
I bump into a wall of muscle, and Connor’s arms shoot out to catch me.
He immediately yanks his arms back, nearly dropping me, to dramatically cover his eyes.
“It’s bad luck to see the maid of honor before the wedding,” he says.
I have no such qualms. Connor’s edible in dress cowboy boots beneath tailored dark grey slacks and my favorite white pearl snap. His hair’s slicked back, and I have an uncontrollable urge to dig my fingers in to mess it up and grip it while he kisses me.
“Ok, studmuffin,” I say, patting his firm chest on my way past.
“See you in a few,” he says, still dramatically covering his eyes.
“I’ll be the one next to the bride.” I slap his tight ass and saunter off to find the rest of the wedding party.