I woke to a yellowed envelope on his pillow addressed to ‘Alexander’s Love’.
The letter inside was handwritten by his mother days before she died.
I cried as I read each tender word about his soft heart and strong spirit.
I will cherish the letter until I take my last breath just as I’ll cherish the man I’ll marry later this year.
“You’re getting married.” She grabs hold of my shoulders. “You’re going to be the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
“You’ll help me with everything, right?”
“Everything.”
I suck in a deep breath. “You’ll be my maid-of-honor?”
Her eyes search mine. “Really? You want that?”
“I need that.” I kiss her cheek. “You’re my best friend. I need you by my side when I say my vows.”
“Inventory can wait.” She claps her hands together. “Today we start trying on dresses.”
***
“I missed you,” Alexander says as soon as I walk into our apartment. “I made dinner for you.”
He takes my sweater and hangs it up. I look over his shoulder. “You cooked?”
“You always say it as though you’re surprised.” He’s on his knees, removing my knee-high leather boots. “I’ve cooked for you dozens of times since I moved in.”
It’s true.
I’m treated to his cooking at least a few times a week. On Sundays, we go to Phoebe and Monte’s house. Sometimes they cook, other times Alexander takes to the kitchen, but it’s always a delicious meal spent with our family.
His hand inches higher. It moves past the hem of my black skirt. “Tell me about your panties, Olivia.”
He wasn’t here to watch me dress this morning. He had an early meeting at the school with a potential investor.
He’s expanding his classes to include adults. Those will take place during the day.
“They’re pink.” I look down and run a hand through his dark hair.
“Pink,” he repeats back, gazing into my eyes.
His hand moves closer to my core. “Tell me more.”
“I chose lace today.”
He groans as his finger skims the inside of my thigh. “You know how much I love the feeling of lace on your skin.”
I part my legs. “You know how much I love the feeling of your lips on my skin.”
He leans down to press a kiss to my leg. “Here, Olivia?”
“Higher.” I yank on his hair. “Much higher.”
His hands move behind me, pulling the tight black skirt up. “Higher?”
I gasp at the rush of cool air as it hits my ass.