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“I’m sure Allie wants everything perfect.” Cade smirked.

I kept Allie’s admission to myself. If they wanted to think she was the so-called typical bride obsessed with details, they could. I knew the truth. She just wanted to marry the man she loved. At least in all the zaniness, I’d technically be gaining a sister-in-law. Allie was one of the more normal parts of my new life. The current situation of sitting around with three Pterons who clearly didn’t like each other… not so much.

“Would it would be okay if I went to lie down?” I asked Toby but really I wasn’t exactly asking.

“Sure. I’d join you, but I don’t want to leave these two alone out here.”

“I’ll be fine on my own.” I gave his hand a squeeze before walking back into the bedroom.

***

I came out of the bedroom as we began our descent. I hadn’t actually slept, but I used the time to think. Sometimes it felt like my life was moving so quickly around me that I couldn’t even keep up. With all the things I didn’t know, I decided to focus on the things I did. I needed to find Vera. I’d have to figure everything else out as I went along.

Toby met me halfway down the aisle as though he’d been on his way to get me. “Good timing.”

“Yeah?”

“The island just came into view.”

I hurried over to a window and watched the swath of green below. “Beautiful.”

“It is called the Garden Isle.” Jared smiled and things felt more normal already. As much as I’d dreaded facing him, now that we’d gotten the worst of it over with, I felt better. Most importantly, I knew he was on my side. Whatever his reasons, he wanted to help me find Vera. Maybe afterward, we’d find a way to be friends like he suggested. He’d been right about one thing, if I chose to stay with the Laurents, we’d be seeing a lot of each other. Avoiding each other would be out of the question.

I gathered my stuff and buckled up as the plane lowered the landing gear. I had no idea what the weekend would hold in store for us, but I was ready for it. The next few days were about Allie, and I’d do what it took to make sure my worry and frustration didn’t ruin it for her.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Toby

I could have kissed Allie. That probably sounds bad considering we were at her wedding, but she was definitely on my good list. Scratch that, great list. I’d been hoping my room would be located near Casey’s, but I got a better surprise when we checked in—our rooms were adjoining.

Allie watched us from a few feet away when we grabbed our keys. “Happy with the room assignments?”

“I think they’ll work out okay.” I held back a smile.

“They’re perfect. Thanks.” Casey smiled somewhat shyly. Was she embarrassed?

Allie smiled. “I wasn’t positive what your status was…so I played it safe.”

“It was very thoughtful.” Casey adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder.

“Go have fun you two.”

“Where are you off to?” Casey asked.

“Levi’s supposed to meet me here.” She glanced around. “But he’s not here yet.”

Casey smiled. “I wouldn’t worry.”

“Sorry, babe!” Levi ran into the lobby.

“Where have you been?” She looked him over warily.

“Oh. Nowhere.”

I shook my head. “It had better be a good surprise, man.”

He laughed. “That obvious?”

“You’re grinning from ear to ear.” Casey smiled. “We’ll see you guys at the rehearsal.”

I followed Casey over to the elevator. She insisted on handling all her bags herself. I knew she was more than strong enough, but call me old fashioned, I liked doing that kind of thing for a girl.

“So the room set up is pretty convenient.” The elevator door opened, and I waited for her to walk in first.

“Convenient? That’s one way to put it.”

“How else would you?” I pushed the button for our floor.

“Lucky. This way I can lock you out of my side if you get out of line.”

“Oh yeah? What does out of line entail?”

“Okay. None of that, you guys.” Hailey jumped into the elevator right before it closed.

“Hey!” Casey greeted Hailey excitedly.

Hailey hugged her, causing Casey to drop one of her bags. I quickly picked it up. “I’m glad you guys made it. I thought you were supposed to be in earlier.”

“We had to make a little detour to pick up more passengers.” Casey shifted her weight.

“Oh? Wait. Didn’t Jared get in at the same time?”

I could see the wheels turning in Hailey’s head. “Jared and Cade decided to hop a ride with us at LAX.”

Hailey laughed. “I bet that was an entertaining flight.”

Casey attempted to shrug, but with a tote bag slung over her shoulder, it wasn’t easy. “I slept for most of the flight.”

“Okay. This is me.” The elevator opened on the floor below ours. “I’ll see you guys in a few.” Hailey stepped off.

“I really like her.” Casey made the comment out loud, but it was almost like she was telling herself.

“Yeah. Hailey’s cool.”

“She’s been really friendly and helpful. If I have to spend time in New Orleans, I’m going to be hanging out with her.”

“I’m glad. She seems like someone you’d want on your side.” At least that’s how she came across. She seemed to be a really good friend to Allie. We got off on our floor.

“This is me.” Casey stopped in front of a door. She dropped her bags and inserted her room key into the door. I waited until she’d stepped inside before walking next door to my room. By the time I’d entered, she had the door connecting the rooms open.

“Hello there, neighbor.” She smiled.

“Hello, we probably don’t need both rooms, but maybe we can use both.” I dropped my bags and stopped right inside my side of the doorway.

“I haven’t decided whether I’m going to let you into my room.” She leaned against the door frame.

“You haven’t decided yet?”

“Nope. You’ll have to convince me.”

I liked this playful side of her. “I’ll convince you.” I met her in the doorway and leaned in. “You already know I can distract you. I guess it’s time to show you just how convincing I can be.” I ran my lips down her neck, loving the groan it elicited. I curled a finger through her belt loop, pulling her against me.