“Well?” Mom asks.

“You look beautiful,” I tell her, squeezing her hand.

She smiles at me and looks at her reflection in the mirror. The dress is perfect. Everything is perfect, right down to the little teardrop pearl that hangs around her neck, that was my great grandmother’s.

“It’s perfect, isn't it?” she asks, as if reading my mind. She laughs, a puzzled look on her face. “It’s still annoying me that I haven’t worked out what happened to the other one. I mean, how could it just disappear like that?” 

I lean forward and hug her, mainly so she can’t see my smirk. 

“Quit worrying about it,” I whisper in her ear. “Just be glad it went missing in the first place.” I pull back and study her. “Now, are you ready to go?” 

She takes a deep breath and nods. “I think so.” 

“Good,” I grin.

I take her hand as we walk out the front, to the car, which is waiting to take us to the gardens where the ceremony is being held. It's just immediate family attending, which is all Mom and Jim want. Something intimate and small, with minimal fuss. Then later, we’ll move to the ballroom of The Intercontinental Hotel, for a party that all their family and friends will be attending. I climb in the back of the fancy Mercedes, along with Mom. When I’m buckled in, I reach for her hand. She smiles at me, then laughs.

“Why are you more nervous than me?” she teases.

I wince, because I was hoping she hadn’t noticed.

“Can’t I be happy my old Mom is getting married to the guy she loves?” I shrug.

The truth is, I’m nervous about seeing Cameron and hearing what he has to say. He's had all night to think about what I said to him yesterday and to decide whether I'm the person he wants to be with. The problem is, I’m not sure that I’m prepared to hear the answer if it’s no. 

“Darcy.” 

I look back at Mom and wince. “I'm sorry, what did you say?”

“I said, quit worrying about it. Cameron will be there,” she repeats. 

I stare at her confused, as her eyes sparkle. She smiles at me.

“How did you know?” I ask. 

She shrugs. “I had my suspicions, but I didn’t know until just then.”

“And you’re okay…I mean if he and I…”

“I'm your Mom. I'm always going to worry about you, but despite the fact that you sometimes act without thinking, I know you’re a smart girl. Cam is a good boy. You could do a lot worse than him,” she reasons. 

We pull up outside the park, adjacent to the rose gardens, where the ceremony will be held. I can see the arch and small stage it in the distance, along with the celebrant, and I think Jim and Mack. My stomach churns, because I can’t see Cam there yet.

“Don't worry about it,” Mom’s voice cuts into my thoughts. “You know what he’s like,” Mom smiles reassuringly at me. “He'll be here. I know he and Jim have their problems, but he wouldn't do that to his father.”

This has got to be hard for him with what happened to his Mom.

“He has his reasons for that, you know,” I can’t resist saying. As soon as I do, I regret it.

“What do you mean by that?” Mom asks.

I shake my head, annoyed at myself for saying anything at all.

“I promised I wouldn't tell…” 

“Darcy,” Mom says in a stern voice. “What do you know?”

 “Today is the day his Mom found out that she was terminal.”

Confusion fills Mom's eyes and then regret. 

“you mean we chose the…” she shakes her head. “I had no idea.”

“I don’t think Jim even realizes,” I say quietly. “They weren’t together or anything when she found out.”

“Why wouldn’t he say something?” she asks.

“Because he wanted to handle it. He didn’t want to ruin the day for you guys.” 

“So that's why he's been so standoffish towards this wedding?” she asks.

I nod. “It’s a big part of it,” I admit. “I'm sure there's more to it, but I don't know the full story.” I reach for the door handle as I unbuckle my seatbelt. “Anyway, we better get over there before Jim starts to wonder if you're going to turn up,” I tease. 

Mom smiles at me. “Thanks, Darc. For all your help and just for being such an amazing daughter.”  

I lean over and hug her, tears pricking my eyes, then I get out, and motion for her to hurry up too. She laughs and climbs out, taking my hand when I offer it to her. I snort when she nearly trips over the curb. She gives me a look, which just makes me laugh harder.

“You can barely stand in those heels now. Imagine what you’re going to be like after a couple of drinks at the party,” I tease. 

“I'll settle for just making it to the party at all, at this stage,” Mom says. 

Both Jim and Mac look up at spot us walking in their direction. The look in Jim's eyes when he sees Mom says it all. There’s no doubt that he’s smitten, and she is too. 

“Hey,” Jim murmurs to her when we reach them. 

“Hey back at you,” Mom says. She giggles like a teenager when he takes her hand. 

Jim looks around. “No Cam,” he frowns.

“I'm sure he's just running late,” Mom offers. “He’ll be here.”

The celebrant glances at her watch and makes a face. 

“We can wait a couple more minutes, but then we’ll have to begin, I’m afraid. I have another wedding shortly after yours.”

“It's fine,” Jim says. “Cameron knows what time the wedding starts. I guess it's his choice if he wants to turn up for it, or not.” 

I look scan the park, looking for him. At first, I think I’m imagining it when I see him in the distance, jogging toward us, but there’s no mistake.  

“There he is,” I say, the words catching in my throat.

He reaches us and smiles at Jim, then at me. I shiver, because I’m finding slightly out of breath and disheveled Cam dressed in a black suit very distracting.

“Sorry, the traffic was bad,” he's mumbles, running his hand through his hair. 

He gives his dad an apologetic look. 

“I'm just glad you’re here,” Jim admits. He nods at the celebrant, who is motioning for everyone to hurry up.

I smile through the entire short and simple ceremony, which lasts all of ten minutes. I alternate between wiping away tears and sneaking glances at Cam. He doesn’t meet my eyes once, which worries me. No isn’t really an answer I’ve prepared myself to hear.

I stand off to the edge of the gardens while I wait for Jim and Mom to finish their photos. Mack and Cam are both far enough away from me that polite chat isn’t an option, which feels like a better option than being closer and knowing he’s isn’t speaking to me by choice. After they’re finished, I walk back over and give both Mom and Jim a hug. 

“Congratulations,” I say, smiling at Jim. “Make sure you look after her.” 

He smiles. “I will. I always wanted a daughter, Darcy, and I couldn’t ask for a better one than you,” he says.

“Thank you,” I smile widely.

He has no idea how much that comment means to me.

He hesitates and then glances at Mom.

“Now probably isn’t the right time for this, but I just wanted you to know something. We only want you to be happy. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, please don’t think you need to continue it for our sakes.” He looks over at Mack and Cam. “That goes for you both as well.” I smile, a second wave of relief hitting me. I already knew they’d be okay with me changing careers but hearing them say it makes me feel so much better. I’m not going to rush into anything, because I want to make sure whatever I choose, it’s what I want.

“Thank you,” I say, smiling at Jim.

I lean over and hug Mom, then we walk over to the car.

Now all I need to do is talk with Can.

After the ceremony, we head straight to the hotel for the party. We’re nearly halfway through the evening, I still haven’t spoken to Cam at all. I’m trying hard not to think about it, and I’m doing well, until I literally run into him on the way to the bathroom. I give him an embarrassed smile as try to step around him, but he grabs my hand.

“Can we talk?” he asks.

I get the sinking feeling that whatever he's thinking, I'm not going to like. 

“Okay, but can we make it quick?” I ask. “I should get back in there…”

He takes my hand and leads me around the corner into a small alcove that gives us a little bit of privacy. I frown at him, my heart racing. Is this where he tells me he’s not interested?

“I just wanted to—” 

I shake my head. “Please, just leave it. Tell me tomorrow.” He frowns at me. “I know I said for you to tell me today, but if I'm not going to like hearing what you have to say, then leave it for another day.”

He stares at me for a moment, not saying anything, then he steps forward and pushes me up against the wall. I gasp as he kisses me, his lips rough and intense against mine. My heart pounds, because I wasn't expecting this. He reaches behind my back and unzips my dress, lowering the bodice until it sits around my waist. I gasp as his fingers trail down my back, the feel of his touch driving me crazy.

When he kisses my neck, I sneak a look around us. As private as this is, it wouldn’t take much to be discovered. You’d be silly to try anything here…

I stare at him, my heart racing as he lowers his mouth over my nipple. He sucks hard, while I finger his hair. He smirks, his tongue flicking teasing me until both nipples are rock hard. 

“I'm sorry, but you look fucking amazing in that dress,” he mumbles. “I’ve been trying to resist doing this all day, but when you thought I didn’t want you…” He shakes his head. “You’ve got no idea how badly I want to be inside you right now.”

I quickly glance around us again, then with a smirk on my lips, I lower his zipper and reach inside to grip his cock. He grunts, his eyes widening as I run my fist along his shaft.

I wrap one arm around his neck and kiss him, while fisting his cock with my other hand. He groans and presses me against the wall, lifting my thigh up to his waist. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a condom, ripping the packet open. I take it from him and roll it over his length.

I gasp as he expertly lines himself up with me, thrusting hard inside my wetness. I gasp, my thighs clenching as he slices through me. He grips my thigh, kissing my neck as he fucks me hard against the wall. Everything about it is rushed, fast and intense, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

“You feel incredible,” he mutters, kissing me on the mouth as he pumps into me. I groan, the sensation of his cock invading me pushing me to the edge. I groan, burying my face in his neck as I clutch onto him.

“Oh God,” I whimper, riding him as he fucks me harder.

I gasp, biting down on his neck as my body begins to tremble. He chuckles as I do my best to muffle my cries against him. Then he groans, his hips jerking against me as his thrusts become deeper and slower, and then they stop.

He pulls back, just enough to connect his mouth to mine. I kiss him back, exploring his mouth, enjoying his taste. I smile, still out of breath. He chuckles.

“You might want to put that dress back on,” he murmurs.

Shit. I duck behind him and quickly fix myself up, seconds before my mother appears. She looks from Cameron to me, then back to him, before fixing her gaze on mine.

“I just wondered where you got to,” she says. “Is everything okay out here?”

“Fine. Thanks for your concern,” I say with a little too much enthusiasm.

She nods. “Cameron? Lewis is looking for you, and Darcy, I think Katie and Sasha are here.”

I nod. “Thanks Mom,” I grin.

I hurry off before she can question me anymore. Not that she needs to. She’s already figured it all out.

“Hey,” I say, giving Sasha and Katie a hug.

“Your mom looks so beautiful,” Sasha gushes. “And Jim’s looking pretty handsome too,” she adds with a giggle.

I laugh. “Yeah, they both scrub up pretty well.”

“Have you spoken to Cam?” Sash whispers.

I bite my lip to keep my smile under control. “Define spoken.”

“Okay, have you fucked Cam tonight?” Katie asks, raising her eyebrows. I grin in response. “You little hussy,” she gasps, slapping my arm.

I look up when Jim whistles to get the attention of the room.

“I just want to thank you all for coming…”

I tune out and look around for Cameron. I don’t think much of not being able to find him, because it’s a big place. I turn back when I realize Jim has stopped speaking. The crowd murmurs in confusion as Jim stands there, not speaking. And then the spotlight shifts to the middle of the room.

What the hell?

I laugh as the crowd parts slightly, just enough to make way for Cameron as he starts to dance to …. He’s pretty fucking good too. I watch, shocked, as one by one, people join him. They randomly drop in, picking up the dance moves in perfect sync. Before long, there’s about twelve of them dancing. I laugh, clapping my hand over my mouth, when suddenly the music stops. The twelve of them freeze, and out of nowhere, Lewis wheels out, looking very cool in a silver suit. He wheels to the front of the group and the music starts up again, only it’s cut to something else.

Gangnam Style. I giggle uncontrollably, and even more so when I see Sasha and Katie out there. There’s now about fifty people, in the middle of the ballroom, all dancing in perfect unison, to Gangnam Style.

He organized a flash mob. For me.

I shake my head, because I can’t believe it. My eyes meet his. He winks at me, not missing a beat as he dances. I gasp, when Jim appears next to him, and Mack, both dressed in sparkling silver suits. I wipe the tears from my eyes and shake my head.

“He tried to explain it to me, but you know what I’m like.”

I smile at Mom. “I can’t believe he did this,” I whisper.

Mom nods. “He must really like you.”

I smile as he abandons his dance crew and walks across the room, in my direction. I try to keep a straight face, but I’ve got no hope. When he reaches me, I’m smiling like an idiot.

“Hey,” he grins. He pulls me into his arms and kisses me, which the crowd erupt with cheers.

“Surprised?” he asks, his eyes sparkling.

“Shocked,” I admit. “I thought I said no more surprises?” I add, narrowing my eyes at him.

“No, you said no more games,” he corrects me. “And all jokes aside? If I’ll do this for you, then you know I’ll do anything.”

“I can confirm that Cam is pussy whipped,” Lewis calls out. “I bathed his scars for him.”

“I can confirm he’s a pussy, if that helps you at all,” Mack offers too.

I shake my head as people laugh, as I look around at all the faces. Family and friends, all of whom are waiting in anticipation for my reaction. I reach for Cam’s hand and entwine it in mine, then I step forward and kiss him, ignoring the whistles and laughter from the people around us.

“Does that answer your question?” I ask.

“Yes, for now.” He nods. “But I do have another one.”

“Which is?” I prompt, smiling at him.

“What do I have to do to get you to dance for me?”