Free Wedding Haters (Event to Remember Series-Book 2) by Melissa Baldwin Page A

matching bridesmaids’
dresses and the planning of an unwanted Vegas trip, I’m ready for a
night out with my man. I tell Cole all about my morning, and he
thinks it’s hilarious.
    “I’m so glad you find all of this so funny,”
I say with a scowl. “Honestly, though, do you think I should be
worried about this? These girls are becoming immersed in our
wedding. It’s stressing me out.”
    “Well, we could always get married on the
beach in Hawaii.” He gives me a wink. “I would hate to see you so
stressed out.”
    I never would have considered that before,
but maybe that’s not such a bad idea. I don’t say anything though.
I don’t want to give him the impression that I like the idea
because then he would never drop it.
    “Honey, it’s not happening, so give it up.” I
lean over the table and kiss him. For a few seconds I think we
forget where we are. Ew. I don’t want to be one of those people who
makes out in a restaurant. I quickly excuse myself to use the
restroom. As I make my way through the restaurant, I see a very
familiar face seated nearby. I’d know that face anywhere, it’s Ace
Eckelund and he is not alone. He has a girl with him?
    “Madison! How wonderful to see you!” He
practically jumps out of his seat and kisses me on both cheeks. I’m
slightly taken aback by his accent even though I’ve heard him speak
hundreds of times. I mean, really, how hot is that?
    “Hi, Ace, when did you get back in town?” I
ask while glancing in the direction of his dinner companion
(date?). I’m about to go into overprotective bitch best friend mode
but Ace answers the burning question before I have a chance.
    “Madison please meet Allyson; she is from our
Scotland division, and we’ve just moved her to the States.” Allyson
says hello and shakes my hand while she continues to size me
up.
    “Welcome to California.” I give her a warm
smile even though I already know what this girl is up to. She
seemed extremely interested in who I was, and once she found out I
was off the market she seemed more at ease. Just then, the
lightbulb goes off in my head and now is my chance to ask Ace about
the wedding.
    “Ace, can I talk to you about something
really quick? I promise,” I say, looking at Allyson who is clearly
becoming more and more annoyed at my interruption. I wave at Cole
who is on the phone; he shakes his finger at me because he knows
what I’m up to.
    “Does Sienna know you’re back?” I ask when we
walk away from Allyson’s eye rolling.
    “She does. We spoke earlier today. I suppose
she hasn’t told you?” he says with a smile. He knows that I’m
notorious for sticking my nose in their business.
    “Noooo, but that’s not why I wanted to talk
to you. Long story short, I asked my cousins to be in our wedding
party so our numbers are uneven. My grandmother will probably throw
herself down the stairs if I don’t correct this. Sooo, Cole and I
would love to have you in our wedding. Please! You will probably
save Grandmother’s life.” I stop and give him an innocent
smile.
    “Oh.” He looks surprised. “I am honored you
would think of me. You know I have to ask, does Sienna know about
this? I’m really trying to be careful; I promised her we would take
things slow.”
    “She doesn’t yet, but I will tell her. She
won’t care. So what do you say?” I’m practically begging, although
I’m sure I’m not the first woman to beg Ace Eckelund for
something.
    “Mr. Eckelund, you aren’t trying to move in
on my girl are you?” Cole joins us and slaps Ace on the back.
    “Of course not, mate. It’s great to see you.”
Ace gives Cole a man hug. Or that thing guys do that’s a
combination of a handshake, chest bump, back pat, and hug. Does
anyone know what that is called? I just call it the man hug.
    “Good thing because I would never be able to
compete with the accent and the abs. Seriously, I can see your six
pack through your sweater.”
    Ace laughs and shakes his head. I take a