Sealed With a Kiss

Twenty Eight

XXVIII: The In-Laws

COLE TOOK MY HAND AND GAVE ME A COMFORTING SQUEEZE. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car with him. The driveway that led to the massive Richmond estate was made of cobblestone and complete with an angelic fountain in the middle, it was like something out of a movie.

The house, if it can even be called that, was illuminated by dozen of lights. Each room in the incredible four floor house lit up like a lantern and we flies, attracted to our own impending deaths.

"It's going to be okay, Poppy. You're my wife now."

I looked into his honest eyes and couldn't help but smile. "I like the sound of that."

"Yeah, Mrs. Richmond? Maybe later you can show me how much you like---"

The double iron doors parted just then. Cole and I looked away from each other in surprise to find Hannah Hastings standing there with her arms angrily crossed over her chest. On either side of her were two maids looking warily at Hannah. I couldn't help but laugh.

"You!" She screeched and pointed at me. "You two! I hate both of you. How dare you betray me in this way."

Cole rolled his eyes and pulled the young girl in for a hug. "Sorry. You know you're bae."

"Ewh don't call me that." Hannah pushed him away but Cole just laughed. "What are you, a preteen?"

"Poppy, I thought we were friends. Like seriously. How dare you not tell me you were going to elope?"

I blushed, "We didn't tell anyone. We paid someone off the street $200 to be our witness."

"I would have done it for free!" Hannah pouted.

I smiled and hugged her too. "I'm sorry. You know I would have loved everyone there, but it was a last minute thing."

"Fine forgiven." She stepped back and took my hand. "Come. Everyone is sitting there wondering what the big news is."

"So then how did you find out?" Cole asked Hannah as we walked together further into the house.

"Elle told me. Sort of. Well she screamed and fangirled so that bought me enough time to steal her phone and read the message. Same thing."

I laughed and shrugged at Cole. "I guess they'll all find out sooner or later."

"Probably sooner." Cole said eyeing the double doors that led to the parlor. "Ready?"

He looked more nervous than I. But I saw the courage in his eyes when he leaned down and kissed me, ignoring the gagging noise Hannah made.

Cole wrapped his arm protectively around my waist and together we walked through the doors.

I felt the weight of a million eyes falls on us. On his arm around my waist. On my hand clutching his jacket like a life source. On my third finger. On my ring.

Simultaneously, they moved as one. The ladies pried us apart and toon turns hugging me while the older Richmond men congratulated Cole with pats on the back and manly handshakes.

They were gushing over me, complimenting my hair and saying how pretty I was. I was stunned by the way they received us. I could tell from the surprise in their eyes that they didn't know, but they hid it well.

I looked over my shoulder and locked eyes with Cole. He rolled his eyes and sent me a smile. I simply shrugged in response. It was all a bit overwhelming.

It was then that Marc with a C came over and swept me in a big bear hug. I laughed and hugged him back tight. "Oh I knew it! The moment I saw you two I just knew it."