I press myself closer to his chest. “Not yet.” My voice is hoarse, causing him to laugh again. I hit his chest, hiding my smile from him. Remembering what I just asked him, I repeat my question.
“Unfortunately, not much longer. Summer will be over soon, so they’ll only be here for a few more weeks.”
“Oh.”
I can feel the smile in his voice. “Don’t be so sad, couch girl. Next year, from spring until fall, we’ll have an amazing view.”
“I would love to have this background in our wedding photographs,” I whisper wistfully.
His body jerks as he sits upright, taking me with him. “This”—he cocks his head forward—“isn’t large enough to hold a big gathering.”
“You want a big celebration?” My voice quivers at the thought of hundreds of people staring at me.
“I want what you want, Rose. Like I said, I want to give you the world.”
My insides tingle at his words. “I want us to get married here. Just family and friends.”
“Family and friends sounds right. When?” His heart thumps under my hand, mimicking my own.
“What do you think about next week?”
“Next week!” he shrieks before clearing his throat. “You don’t need more time?”
“No. Do you?”
“I don’t. But won’t you…need a dress or two and everything else?” He sweeps his hands around as his gaze excitedly jumps from my face to the garden.
I laugh nervously, my pulse skyrocketing. Are we really doing this? Getting married in less than seven days? “I’m sure Clementine can get me a dress tomorrow.”
“Next week,” he repeats. “You sure?” His eyes sparkle with excitement.
I nod, and without missing a beat, Zander pulls his phone from his pocket. He keeps me tucked into his side while dialing someone.
“Zach. Shut up, you fucker.” He cuts through whatever his brother was saying, and I can’t help my giggle as I imagine Zach’s pout. The middle Teager brother is really growing on me. Zander smiles, looking down at me before he asks Zach to wait. “Let me pull in Zane.” After a pause, he says to his brothers, “I’m getting married next week.”
“No, we haven’t decided on an exact day yet, but I need you both here tomorrow. We need all the help with the arrangements.” I hear his brothers’ muffled voices before Zander replies. “No. It’ll be just family and friends.”
After his call is over, I open my hand to him. “Phone, please. I left mine inside.” I flutter my eyelashes in a cute way. At least I think it’s cute, by the way he smiles back.
Kristy picks up my call in two rings. “Shouldn’t you be curled up around your fiancée in your beautiful home?”
My cheeks turn hot. “It’s me.”
“Shouldn’t you be curled up around your fiancé in your beautiful home?” she smartly repeats.
“I am curled up around my fiancé.” Immediately, Zander tightens his arms around me. “But I need to tell you something.” I take a deep breath. “We are getting married next week.”
She squeals into the phone, and Zander’s body shakes with suppressed laughter.
“Can you believe it, Kris? I’m getting married.” She squeals again, and this time, I join her.
“Congratulations, Rosie. I’m so happy for you. We need to celebrate. I’m gonna throw you the most amazing bridal shower.” Excited words rush out of her mouth.
“I get a bridal shower?” I literally jump onto Zander’s lap, pumped by her excitement.
“Of course! You get everything.”
“But first, I need a dress. A wedding dress!”