Page 119 of Love so Hot

Tears start streaming down my face before I even realize I'm crying. God, when did I turn into such a sap? But as I look into those hazel eyes that used to infuriate me so much, I can't help but see our entire journey flash before me. The arguments, the grudging respect, the fake relationship that somehow became all too real.

"Well?" Lawrence says, his voice rough with emotion. "What do you say, Wildflower? Ready to save the world with me?"

I let out a watery laugh. "You're such an idiot," I whisper, shaking my head. Then, louder, "Yes. Yes, I will marry you, you impossible man."

The moment the words leave my mouth, Lawrence is moving towards me. He wraps his arms around me, and suddenly, it's like all the tension of the past months just melts away. I bury my face in his chest, breathing in the scent that's become so familiar.

"I love you," he murmurs into my hair. "Even if you are a stubborn, tree-hugging pain in my ass sometimes."

I can't help but laugh. "Right back at you, you arrogant, red-headed menace."

Epilogue

Willow

I stareat my reflection in the antique mirror, wondering how I ended up here. The girl looking back at me is wearing a fluffy white robe, her hair in curlers, and an expression that screams "deer in headlights." Yep, that's me. Bride-to-be. Who would've thought?

"Honey, are you alright?" My mother's voice breaks through my reverie. She's standing behind me, a gentle smile on her face, a flower tucked behind her ear. Classic Margaret Sullivan.

"Yeah, Mom. Just... processing." I take a deep breath. "You know, most girls dream about planning their weddings since they were little. Me? I'm standing here clueless about everything from the venue to the flavor of the cake."

Mom chuckles, her hands resting on my shoulders. "Well, Lawrence certainly seems to have everything under control."

"Under control? More like iron-fisted dictatorship," I mutter, rolling my eyes. "The man won't let me make a single decision. I tried to argue about the dress, you know. Told him it was bad luck for him to see it."

"And what did he say?" Mom asks, her eyes twinkling with amusement in the mirror.

"He said it was only bad luck if he saw me in it. Can you believe the nerve?" But there's no venom in my voice.

"Oh, honey." Mom shakes her head, but she's smiling. "That certainly sounds like your Lawrence."

I turn to face her, suddenly overcome with emotion. "Mom, I... I'm so glad you're here. After everything that's happened, I wasn't sure..."

She pulls me into a warm embrace, and I breathe in the familiar scent of lavender and earth that always clings to her. "Oh, Willy. I wouldn't miss this for the world. We've had our differences, but you're my daughter. And I'm so proud of you."

I blink back tears, not wanting to ruin my makeup. "I can't believe I'm about to marry a guy who tried to build agas pipeline."

Mom laughs, a sound like wind chimes. "Life has a funny way of working out, doesn't it? Who would've thought this pairing would happen?"

"Not me, that's for sure," I admit, thinking back to our first volatile encounters. "But here we are."

As Mom fusses with my hair, I can't help but wonder what Larry has planned for our big day. Knowing him, it'll be either spectacularly romantic or a complete disaster. With Lawrence Sinclair, there's rarely an in-between.

"So," I say, trying to sound casual, "any chance you know what he's cooked up for today?"

Mom's eyes twinkle mischievously. "Now, now. You know I've been sworn to secrecy. But I will say this – it's going to be magical."

I groan dramatically. "Great. Magical. That could mean anything from doves being released to Larry appearing in a puff of smoke at the altar."

As we both dissolve into laughter, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. A gentle knock at the door interrupts our frivolity. Mrs. Sullivan's head pops in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ladies, it's time for the big reveal!"

My heart skips a beat. This is it - the moment I've been both dreading and anticipating. As Mrs. Sullivan opens the door, I see Sage gliding in, cradling something in her arms that looks like it's made entirely of... plants?

"Oh my god," I breathe, my eyes widening as Sage carefully unfurls the most breathtaking dress I've ever seen. It's a Marco Bellini creation, of course, sewn together from an intricate tapestry of leaves, vines, and delicate flower petals. The bodice is a masterpiece of woven ferns and moss, while the skirt cascades down in layers of soft, translucent petals.

"Holy composting worms," I whisper, reaching out to touch the dress with trembling fingers. "It's... it's perfect."

Sage grins, practically bouncing on her toes. "Wait till you see what we're wearing! We look like we just stepped out of a fairy glen or something."