Always(Trilogy)

Chapter 28

It's been over a week since me and Daniel's first kiss and I must say, it's been a very productive week indeed. 

Daniel has either come over to the house or taken me out almost every day since then. The kids sometimes tag along on our dates and we'll take them to the skating rink or the park. When we took them to the skating rink, I can't deny that it was both hilarious and heartwarming to see Daniel out there with Brooke, Daliah, and Nicholas. They would lose their balance and he'd go down with them, sinking like the Titanic and laughing each time before good-naturedly getting back up.

The boys and Daniel get on very well, always debating on which football team is best. On Sunday, they decided to have a barbecue and a backyard picnic complete with beers, burgers, and hot dogs. 

It is Friday once again and I am just coming home after picking the kids up from school. They begged for me to pick up some stuff to make my famous spaghetti, so I did and agreed to allow them to help me.

"We'll get started on dinner in a bit. For now, you all just go play, alright?"

"Okay!" they all rush up the stairs, racing each other to see who can get up there first. 

I'm just about to plop down on my sofa and take a much-deserved nap when my phone rings. Just by the ring tone, I know exactly who it is. 

I smile before picking up.

"Yes, my little Irish leprechaun, what is it?"

"Alli?" his voice rings with anxiety. 

"Niall? What is it?" I sit up all the way, automatically worried.

"Is it okay for me to come over?"

"Of course."

"I'll be there in two minutes," he says. "Be ready to open the door."

"Okay," I agree. "But Niall, what-"

"I gotta go."

With that, he hangs up on me and I'm left feeling utterly confused. What in the world could be making him this nervous and worried? It obviously can't be something good. 

I go upstairs and change into a comfortable pair of shorts and a baggy t-shirt and am just coming back down the stairs when the doorbell rings. 

"Coming!" I call. When I open the door, Niall steps right inside. 

"Have you checked your mail?" he asks.

"No..." I trail off. "I just got home not even ten minutes ago."

"You might want to check it." he advises, taking a seat on my couch in the living room.

"Okay..." He's acting weird. I go out and check my mail, finding a few things in there. I wait until I'm back inside the house to flip through them.

Bill. Bill. Bill. Postcard from Dad. 

And then something catches my eye. It is a big white envelope with fancy black script and elegant black and white swirls decorating the outside. 

'You are cordially invited to the wedding and union of Carol Whittman and Christian Knight' 

I squeal in delight.

"Oh my gosh, this is amazing! I'm so happy for them!" I open the invitation, carefully reading the fine print. At the end, in Carol's beautiful handwriting, is a message just for me.

'I just had to put a little special message to you. I really hope you can make it, Allison. I need you to be there. I want you to be my Maid of Honour because who else would deal with my crazy ass besides you? Dress hot and be ready to party after the ceremony. Call me AS SOON AS YOU GET THIS so we can go over some things.