"Rory did great, took her time, but she did it, and we’ve got proof of it," West says.
"I didn't realize the Grand Canyon was on your stop list," Nate says.
"It wasn't. We stopped in Flagstaff and decided to visit since we kept seeing all the signs for it. More like I convinced Rory to go."
"Damn guys, you keep adding time, and you’ll miss the wedding," Nate says.
"Oh, they will not," Mandy says in the background, and the sound of her playfully slapping my brother fills the line.
"We will be back on the road tomorrow," I tell him, trying to get his attention back.
"You guys having fun, though? I saw the photos of the Balloon Fiesta, and now Mandy is insisting we go next year."
"You should. It was well worth the stop," I say.
"The whole trip has been worth it. I'm glad you suckered me into it." West says while his eyes are on me, clearly having a double meaning to his words.
"Well, keep her safe and no more delays!" Nate says.
"No promises!" I say at the same time West says, "I will."
We hang up, and the moment the call ends West's lips on mine again.
Weston
We make the drive down to Flagstaff and then Arizona 89A into Sedona. Rory looked it up online, and it's supposed to be this beautiful scenic route where we get to see the Sedona red rocks up close.
"Can we go see the Chapel of The Holy Cross before dinner? It's the church built into the red rocks." Rory says, turning the radio down.
This is the first time she has spoken since the call with her brother.
"Of course, just put it in the GPS." I nod toward the dashboard.
After setting the GPS, she sits back and places her feet on the dashboard. She looks so damn sexy like that. But I can tell something is on her mind, and I don't want any secrets between us. I can’t help her and support her if she doesn't open up to me.
"What's on your mind?" I reach over to take her hand in mine simply for the connection.
"What do we do when we get to the wedding?"
"What do you want to do?" I ask her because I know what I want.
I want to talk to her brother the moment we get there. Then I want her in my bed, in my arms everywhere so I can show her off.
"Well, I want to talk with my brother but..."
I was over the moon excited until I heard that but.
"But what?"
"This is their weekend and their event. I know Nate won't be happy, and I don't want to ruin it."
"I agree, so maybe I’ll talk to him myself, but we keep us on the down low from everyone else. But I still want to spend as much time with you as I can."
"Ok, that works. I agree." She seems to loosen up at this and relax.
"You know,” she says, “I was looking forward to this trip the moment my brother said he was getting married. I was even looking forward to the wedding. Now, not so much."
"Why not, baby girl?" I ask her.