#Chapter 20: His Family

Carol’s POV I’ve been getting ready for three hours now, and it still doesn’t feel like enough. I’ve done everything to prepare myself that I can think of — I’ve showered, done my hair, put on my makeup, slipped into my expensive gown — still, I’m not convinced that I’m ready. I check the clock — fifteen minutes until we need to leave. I groan to myself. I take another look in the mirror, flattening down invisible flyaways and smoothing nonexistent wrinkles in my gown. At last, I decide that I’ve done enough. I step out of the bathroom to find Aiden waiting for me. He didn’t have to do nearly as much as me to prepare, of course. All he had to do was brush his hair and put on the suit. Nevertheless, he looks absolutely stunning. I feel my breath catch in my throat as our eyes meet. He slowly gets to his feet. “You are a vision, Carol,” he says. “Anyone would be lucky to have you on their arm tonight.” He steps toward me and takes my hand, using it to lead me into a small twirl. I