Husband With Benefits-Chapter 623: Designated Driver

"Why do you guys even need a designated driver, is what I would like to know," Gabe asked as he navigated through the bustling city streets. And why had he been names the volunteer? Did he look like a professional driver to them? Shrugging that off, he continued to question the females,"I mean, it’s not like you’re going to get high trying on a bunch of gowns."

Nora chuckled, "Oh, Gabe, you underestimate the gravity of the bridal gown mission. It’s not just about trying on dresses and gowns okay? There’s an art to it. It’s a proper ceremony almost. We must have wine to toast each selection, and heaven forbid we don’t find the perfect one—it could mean even more drinks and plenty of fretting. Hence, the designated driver."

Gabe smirked, shaking his head in mock disbelief. " Are you people lush? You’re going to choose a gown or get drunk?

"Absolutely not! We would never choose a wedding dress drunk.!" Isabella chimed in from beside Nora and continued, "We’ll only be a bit tipsy. But imagine us driving around tipsy, trying to debate the merits of lace versus satin. Disaster waiting to happen!"

He glanced at Isabella in the rearview mirror, amused yet wary. "Maybe what you really need is a bodyguard, someone to keep you out of trouble."

Nora scoffed playfully. "Oh please. We’re not as wild as you think."

Gabe grinned, eyes twinkling mischievously even as he put on a sad expression. "That’s exactly what worries me. You girls are much wilder!!!"

Gabe’s teasing remark elicited a chorus of laughter from the backseat, where Nora and Isabella exchanged knowing glances.

"We are not!" Nora snapped to which Gabe shot back," Are too."

Autumn giggled as she heard the two people bickering like siblings and shook her head. This was a side of Gabe that she had never seen. Arguing like a kid... It was a fun thing to watch.

"Oh please. You would enjoy chaperoning. Trying to keep us in line."

"As if anyone I can keep any of you in line!"

The car finally pulled up in front of an elegant bridal boutique, the storefront adorned with delicate lace curtains and mannequins showcasing stunning gowns. Gabe parked and sighed dramatically, "Alright, ladies, your palace of gowns awaits. Is Ava here yet?"

"She’s inside. Come on in Gabe." Isabella said as she jumped down and Gabe shook his head with a look of horror," You want me to lose my masclinity by going into that place?"

Nora laughed and patted him on the back. "Oh, come on, Gabe. Just think of it as adding ’bravery’ to your already long list of macho qualities."

Isabella grinned and high fived Nora, adding, "Besides, we need a male opinion. Who else is going to tell us if we look stunning or just okay?"

"Is there a time, you girls do not look stunning?" Gabe asked with the perfect expression of someone shocked at the concept that the girls would not look stunning. The girls all laughed and nodded,"You’re too good, Gabe Frost!"

Just then, Ava walked out of the boutique, her face lighting up as she spotted Nora, Isabella, Evana and Autumn. The girls rushed to greet her, enveloping her in a group hug. Ava’s nerves seemed to ease with their warmth and enthusiasm even as she looked a bit nervously at Gabe.

They were all wonderful people, she knew. Caius had always talked about his uncles. She’d met them a few times, but always felt as if she were on the edge. Not a part of the family but forcing her presence on them. When Erasmi told her that one of his brothers would also be coming over, she was too nervous. She didn’t know what they thought of this marriage...

"Ava, you look gorgeous!" Nora exclaimed, holding her hands.

Isabella nodded, beaming. "We’re so excited to help you find the perfect dress."

Ava smiled nervously, casting another sideways glance at Gabe. "I’m so glad you all are here. I was a bit anxious about this whole process."

Before she could cast him another anxious glance, Gabe walked forward and kissed her cheek,"Welcome to the chaos, that are the Frosts, Ava."

Ava’s eyes filled up. She knew then Erasmi had been right. His brothers had really accepted her just because Erasmi had chosen her.

"Thank you, Gabe. This means so much to me." Gabe nodded but before the people could say more, the girls dragged Ava into the bridal boutique, eager to look at dresses, while Gabe followed at a more sedate pace. The different shades of white inside the boutique almost made his head spin, even as he considered the idea of having a similar boutique in the resort since they were planning to make it a go to place for weddings...

Even as he sat back to note down the idea, his eyes followed Autumn who had now somehow separated from the group of chattering girls. But it was her expression that caught his eye. He noticed her hand pause at one particular dress.It was an exquisite gown with a fitted bodice adorned with intricate pearl and crystal embellishments, while the skirt was a flowing train that added a touch of fairy-tale elegance to it... Autumn’s hand lingered on the dress, her eyes filled with a wistful longing.

It struck Gabe then, what Nora had said about wanting to have a perfect wedding dress even if the wedding would not be perfect. Autumn, to had not been given a chance to become a bride...

He looked at Autumn thoughtfully, trying to see what she would do. However, before Autumn could take the dress out, the assistant approached her, asking her to probably go into the trial room where the other women had now disappeared. He watched as she gave the dress another lingering look before leaving...

Decisively, Gabe summoned the assistant and as the woman approached him, whispered something in her ear. The woman lit up and nodded as she hurriedly walked away while Gabe sighed and looked at the dress carefully.