Lily’s Mistake By Pamela Ann
Prologue
Eighteen Years Ago
“Are you ready yet?” I call out from the bush I’m hiding behind. I don’t want Drake to get a peek at me while I’m getting ready.
“All set!”
I’m a few yards away from the white gazebo. Fixing my wildflower crown, I stand and slowly walk towards Drake’s line of sight. My hands tighten around the assortment of flowers bundled in my hands, but my shakiness vanishes when my eyes meet Drake’s. He’s gazing at me sheepishly as he waits for my approach.
I fight the urge to just run up to him; I know I shouldn’t, though. Weddings are supposed to be savored. Fairytales are forever and I have all the time in the world to get there.
I reach the few steps of the gazebo and almost falter going up them when Drake whispers, “You look beautiful.”
I give him a toothy smile in return.
We are finally standing side by side when he asks, “How do we do this? Do we just say forever and ever, then that’s it?”
“Gosh, I don’t know. How did they do it at your cousin’s wedding yesterday?”
Drake bites his lips as he thinks it through. “I don’t remember much, but I can try, I guess.”
“Good.”
He clears his throat and speaks, “I, Drake Tatum, take Lily Alexander forever and a day. I promise to give her flowers and kisses forever and ever until I die.” I giggle when Drake mentions kisses. “It’s your turn now, Lil. Just follow what I said.”
I nod and clear my throat. Smiling, I repeat his words. “I, Lily Alexander, take Drake forever. I promise to give him kisses and share my Reese’s peanut buttercups once a week forever and ever until I die.”
“That was not what I said, Lil! Now you just ruined it!”
I giggle again. “Drake! Just stop it. Aren’t you supposed to kiss me now?” He suddenly looks nervous.
“I guess,” he murmurs.
When I see his face closing in on mine, I close my eyes and wait for his kiss. I catch my breath as his lips touch mine. It’s short and sweet, but it seals my fate; I will forever be Drake’s girl.
When I open my eyes and blink a few times, I see Drake grinning at me. “There! Now we’re married!”
“Kids! Wedding’s over! It’s snack time,” his mother, Patricia, interrupts us.
When we pass by her, she laughs at our silliness. Once she piles our plates with sandwiches and cookies, she looks amusedly back at us. “So, how does it feel to be married?”
“I love it!” I exclaim.