Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

Today is a busy day. Caroline was able to get me a last minute appointment with an amazing wedding gown designer. Unfortunately Sara already left town. Caroline and a few other friends will be coming with me though. There’s one other person I’d like to join us. I pull out my phone.
“Hello?”
“Karen, it’s Liz.”
“Liz, how are you?”
“I’m good. I have something important to ask you.”
“Alright, dear. What is it?”
I tear up. “I have an appointment this afternoon to try on wedding gowns. Since I can’t have my mom with me, I was hoping you’d come?”
“Oh Liz, I’d be honored.”
“It means a lot to me, Karen. I’ll see you this afternoon.”
“Liz?”
“Yes?”
“I am so sorry you lost your parents, sweetie.”
I can barely speak. “Thank you. See you later.”
As soon as I hang up the phone, the tears fall uncontrollably. I miss my parents so much.
“Liz?”
I turn to see Liam. He’s standing in the doorway, his arms open wide. I run into them and he holds me tight. I cry an ocean of tears onto his shirt as he rubs my back, kissing the top of my head. He whispers in my ear. “I’m so sorry about your parents.” “You know I’d bring them back to you if I could, Liz.”
I silently shake my head yes.
“I love you, Liz. I’d do anything for you.”
I am finally out of tears. I pull back to look him in the eye. “I know you would Liam. That’s just one of the reasons why I love you so incredibly much.”
Liam wipes away my remaining tears. I look at his shirt, it has a large mascara stain on the chest. “I’m so sorry Liam, it looks like I’ve ruined your shirt.”
He looks down at it. “It’s no problem, love. I never liked this shirt anyway.”
I touch his face, getting on my tiptoes to give him a kiss. I know damn well that it’s one of his favorite shirts.
“I better go fix my makeup. I must look horrible.”
Liam smiles. “You look beautiful, love.” The doorbell rings.
“That must be the lads.” Liam says.
“I’ll go upstairs and fix myself up, you get the door.” I start to walk away when Liam grabs my arm and pulls me back. He kisses me sweetly then releases me. I smile and head upstairs, my heart absolutely swollen with love.
As soon as I look in the mirror, I laugh. Liam told me I looked beautiful. I have mascara running down my face. My eyeliner and eyeshadow are completely gone. I use a makeup remover wipe to start over.

When I arrive back downstairs, I find the guys in the lounge. As I enter the room, they all stand up. I smile. Perfect gentlemen. I greet Louis first, he’s in the overstuffed chair. He gives me a big hug.”Hello, love. How are you?”
“Good.” I reply.
“Done anymore ‘riding’ in the lamborghini?” He asks with a smirk.
I grin. “That’s nothing compared to what we’ve done in that chair you’re sitting in!”
Louis crinkles up his nose. “Eeewww!”
We all laugh.
I move to Niall and he gives me a big hug. Then I move to Harry. He gives me a big hug and rubs my back. “How are you, Lizzie? You look like you’ve been crying.”
“I’m alright, H.”
I move to the opposite couch to sit next to Liam. He gives me a quick kiss, then we all sit.
We all chat for a bit about what everyone's been doing. We fill them in on our wedding plans. Once we catch up, I look over at Liam and he nods.
“Thank you so much for coming today guys. There’s some important things we’d like to talk to you about.” I get up and move to sit on the table in front of Niall and Harry. I look from Louis to Niall then to Harry. “You three know how important you are to both myself and Liam. We can’t have a wedding without you guys as part of it. You are all our family.”
The boys smile. I take a deep breath. “Speaking of family, you guys know I lost my parents. That means I have no one to walk me down the aisle.” I try so hard to hold back the tears.
“Niall, Harry, would you both walk me down the aisle?”
They each take one of my hands. “Of course we will, Liz.” Niall says. “It will be our honor, Lizzie.” Harry says as he reaches up and wipes a tear from my face.
“Thank you both, it means so much to me.” Then Liam adds. “After you walk her down the aisle, I’d like you to come stand beside me. As my groomsmen, or whatever it’s called.” We all laugh.
Then Liam turns to Louis. “And you mate, will you be my best man?”
Sarcastic Louis disappears, and sweet Louis appears. “Of course Payno, I’ll be honored.” They hug. “I’m just glad you’re finally admitting I’m the best.” And sarcastic Louis is back.
We all laugh, then Liam gives Louis his conditions. “No water guns or silly string at the alter!”
Louis looks down at the ground, frowning. Then he pops up with a smile. “I promise, mate.”
We all hug. Then Liam invites everyone in the kitchen for some lunch.
I take a moment to wipe my tears. Harry hangs back with me. He puts his arm around me. “You alright, Lizzie?”
I smile. “I’m ok, Harry.”
He stops, puts his hands on my upper arms and bends down to look straight in my eyes. “Promise me, that if you ever need anything, you’ll call me. Even if I’m in America, I’ll fly back in a heartbeat. Alright, Lizzie?”
“I promise, Harry.” I hug him. He returns the hug with a tight, all encompassing, massive Harry hug.
“You are an amazing friend Harry.” I tell him.
He squeezes me tighter. Then mutters in my ear. Ya, great…..friend.”

Notes