Ella POV
Just as I was beginning to lose myself in the kiss, the front door burst open. My mother’s surprised gasp cut through the moment, and I quickly pulled away from Alexander, heat rushing to my face in mortified embarrassment.
Alexander laughed under his breath—a soft, warm sound—and when I looked up, I found him smiling fondly at me, completely unbothered.
“My goodness,” my mother said, a teasing lilt in her voice. “I see the wedding is coming just in time—you two can hardly control yourselves.”
“Mother!” I exclaimed, my cheeks burning even hotter.
“My apologies, Mrs. Rowan,” Alexander said smoothly, his usual charming smile firmly in place.
“No need to apologize,” she replied, clearly amused. “I assume from your goodbye kiss that you won’t be joining us for din
