ACE

Chapter 77: Perfect Shot

Playlist for this Chapter: Red by Taylor Swift, Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift.

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I looked at the bustling people from the balcony of Nico's room as they prepared the backyard for the reception tomorrow.

It's been nearly two weeks since I woke up and the doctors let me come home a few days days ago.

Wedding preparations were in full swing and I admired the beautiful flowers and decorations being arranged below.

I was lost in my thoughts when a strong pair of arms wrapped around my waist gently and I sighed deeply.

"What are you doing out here?" Nico asked me and I turned around slowly and hooked my arms around his neck.

"Admiring the decorations and flowers. It's so pretty." I said glancing down again before turning to look at Nico.

"You like it?" He asked me and I nodded.

"Yes." I said and he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Are you hungry? Did you take your medicines?" He asked me and I nodded.

"I ate some snacks Adriana brought and she also gave me my medicine." I said and he nodded, nuzzling his face in my hair.

"How is she feeling?" He asked me while I looked below.

"She's nervous, not that she needs to be. She's marrying someone she loves so I don't see why anyone would be nervous, but I guess its natural to worry." I said and Nico pulled away to look at me.

"Would you be nervous?" He asked me and looked into my eyes intently which beckoned me closer, whispering to me to drown in them, not that I already had.

Would I?

"I don't think so, maybe? I'll be marrying someone I love but obviously I'll be worrying about things needing to be perfect. It is a big day after all." I said and he gave me a soft smile that reached his eyes.

"Your family's here." He said after a few moments when I beamed.

"Really?" I asked him and he nodded, taking hold of my hand and grabbing his cane with the other as e winced but then masked it immediately as he walked with me slowly.

When we reached the bottom of the large staircase, I was engulfed into a large hug by Abby and Ava.

"We missed you so much." Ava said and pulled away with Abby after a few moments.

"We literally just met two days ago." I deadpanned and they both shrugged as Cole came to hug me with Dan, followed by mom and dad.

"How are you feeling now, sweetheart?" My mom asked me as we settled in the living room.

"Much better. How's your book editing going?" I asked her and she sighed tiredly.

"There's still a lot to do and very little time, but I'd say it's going well." She said and I smiled.

"If anyone can finish it, it's you. Don't worry, it'll turn out amazing." I said patting her shoulder when she smiled.

"Thanks, sweetheart." She said and we both glanced at dad and Nico talking about something and nodding to each other.

"He's a keeper, no?" My mom gestured to Nico and I smiled looking at him.

"Yeah, he really is." I said and smiled to myself.

I glanced around at everyone else and saw Adriana, Abby and Ava talking animatedly about tomorrow's ceremony and Cole, Dan, Stuart, Matteo and Jake playing a card game.