‘You’re diabolical,” I said admiringly.
“I prefer ‘romantically strategic,” Leah said with a grin. “Sarah and I already have a whole plan mapped out. By next Saturday, they
won’t know what hit them.”
Sarah joined us, having settled Liam and Lily with Orion. “Did I hear my name? Are we talking about Operation Get Derek and Kiara
Together?”
“That’s what we’re calling it?” I asked.
“Leah’s idea,” Sarah said. “I wanted to call it Operation Obvious Tension, but that seemed less covert.”
“They’re going to figure out what we’re doing,” I said, though I couldn’t stop smiling.
“Let them,” Leah said. “Maybe that’s what they need, to realize everyone else can see what they’re too stubborn to admit.”
Across the room, Derek and Kiara stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, and I could swear I saw something shift between them. Something softer, more vulnerable.
Then Derek cleared his throat and stepped back. “I’ll see you next Saturday. Try not to be late.”
“Try not to be insufferable,” Kiara shot back, but there was no heat in it.
“Hey, Kiara!” Leah called out. “Don’t forget, you and Derek need to meet this week to coordinate everything. I’ll text you both some
times that work.”
“And don’t forget to practice that dance,” Sarah added sweetly.
Kiara looked at us suspiciously. “Why do I feel like you three are up to something?”
“Us?” I said innocently. “We’re just trying to make sure the wedding runs smoothly. You know, organized and efficient. Derek would
approve.”
Derek’s ears turned slightly pink at the mention of his name, and Kiara’s expression softened just a fraction before she caught herself.
“Fine,” she said. “One meeting. One dance practice. Then you all leave us alone.”
‘Deal,‘ we said in unison, exchanging victorious glances,
As Kiara walked away, I saw Derek watch her go, his expression thoughtful in a way I hadn’t seen before.
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18:24 Fri, Jan 30 M…
Chapter 369
‘Those two, Sarah said, coming to stand beside me. “They’re going to be interesting to watch.”
“Very interesting,” I agreed.
‘Do you think they’ll actually get together?” Leah asked.
“Absolutely, Sarah and I said at the same time.
Ø%
“It might take them a while to figure it out,” I added. “But the spark is definitely there.”
“Good thing we’re all very patient people,” Leah said with a grin.
“And very good at creating opportunities,” Sarah added.
Tristan came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his hands on my belly. “What are you three plotting?”
“Nothing,” I said innocently.
“Everything,” Leah said at the same time, making us all laugh.
“Should I be worried?” Tristan asked, though he was smiling.
“Only if you don’t want your best man to find happiness,” Sarah said. “We’re just… helping things along.”
“Ah, Tristan said knowingly. “The Derek and Kiara situation.”
“You noticed too?” Leah asked.
Of course he did.
“Everyone’s noticed,” Tristan said. “Except apparently Derek and Kiara. They’re the only two people in the room who don’t see how perfect they are for each other.”
“Well, I said, leaning back against him, “that’s what friends are for. To help them see what’s right in front of them.”
‘Just don’t be too obvious about it,” Tristan warned. “Derek will run in the opposite direction if he thinks he’s being set up.”
“Oh, we’re being very subtle, Leah assured him.
“Extremely subtle, Sarah agreed.
“Making them coordinate toasts and practice dancing together is subtle?‘ Tristan asked, raising an eyebrow.
18:24 Fri, Jan 30 M…
Chapter 369
“Completely,” I said. “They won’t suspect a thing.”
Tristan laughed and kissed the top of my head. “Ready to go home, Mrs. Hayes?”
“Ready,” I said.
One more week until we stood in that gazebo and exchanged vows in front of everyone we loved.
One more week until I got to walk down an aisle toward the man I loved more than anything.
One more week until our forever really began.
And if we were very lucky, and very strategic, maybe Derek and Kiara would start to see what was right in front of them too.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
