Older || Sequel To SOS

Forty-Five

"Hey, you think you could share her with her grandpa for a few hours and join me for an outing?" Elodie speaks up as she leans against the doorframe of the nursery. Liz had been cuddled up with Atlas as often as possible over the last few days since they'd arrived in LA from Sydney. Time Elodie didn't want to take away from her since they live so far away, but today's plans are ones she wants Liz at.

"I may be persuaded to spend a few hours with you, what's the occasion?" Liz looks up for a moment before back down to Atlas.

"My mom will be here any minute and since both of you are in town for a few days together I figured now would be the best time to find my wedding dress. Crystal set up an appointment for us this afternoon."

"You want me to come with you to find your wedding dress?" Liz's eyes gloss slightly as she looks up again.

"More than anything." Elodie nods. "Is that a good enough excuse to get you to leave Atlas with Andy and Luke for a bit?"

"The best reason." Liz carefully stands and walks towards Elodie. "Thank you for letting me be a part of this. For wanting me to be a part of this." Her voice has gone soft, her free arm wrapping Elodie in a hug.

"I couldn't have dreamed up a better mother-in-law for myself. It wouldn't be right to do this without you there."

"Should we go find granddad Hemmings, Atlas? Nana and your mummy have things to do." Liz coos at the baby before slipping out the door and heading for the stairs.

"Mum going with you?" Luke wanders up behind El, his arms snaking carefully around her middle.

"Ya, how close is my mom?"

"Should be pulling up any second. Crystal too."

"Good, I'm excited. I haven't got to work on anything wedding related with Atlas, and my mom, and my dad, and everything life has thrown at us. So getting to go pick out my wedding dress with our moms and Crystal is everything."

"And torturing me for the next eight months with not knowing anything about the beautiful dress has nothing to do with the excitement?" He smirks down at her.

"Maybe a bit, but I really am excited to focus on our wedding again. It's going to be the best day of my life to finally be your wife."

"Mine too. And El, get the dress you want. I don't care what it looks like, you're going to be the most exquisite bride no matter what. I want you to feel comfortable and beautiful on our special day."

"I will. Have a good day with your dad and Atlas today too, while we are all out of the house."

"I'm sure we will find something fun to do. And don't you worry for one second about our girl while you're out, just enjoy this afternoon."

"I will." She smiles, toeing up to press her lips to his softly. "I can't wait to be your wife. I don't think I've reminded you of that in far too long with everything else going on."

"I cannot wait to be your husband either." Luke chuckles, kissing her again as Crystal's voice comes from the entryway below.

"Guess that's my cue, we'll be home eventually."

"Have fun, and be safe. I love you, pretty girl."

"I love you too." She grins, pecking his lips one more time before heading down the stairs to find her best friend and mom.

***

"What are you thinking, El? Any specifics you want to try first?" Crystal asks, glancing over a frilly dress with far too much tule.