She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. Damn you, Kelly. “You’re working from home today?” she asks me.
I nod. “Yeah, we have a lot to plan by Saturday, and I thought it would be better if I did it from here. Plus, you know I hate to be too far from you. I don’t want to give you any time to change your mind.” As soon as I say it, I know it’s the truth. Now, more than ever, I want this to happen.
She nods, and I do what I’ve been thinking about doing all last night and again this morning. I cup her cheek and mold my mouth over hers. I don’t hold back. I want her to know that I don’t care what Kelly thinks–or anyone, for that matter. I feel a panic even while we’re kissing, and the only thing that soothes it is when Isabella moans and pulls me closer. I gather her in my arms and pull my lips from hers breathlessly. “I’ve got a few things to finish and then I’m going to come upstairs and have lunch with you and Granny.”
She nods wordlessly.
She walks away, and I turn to Kelly, who’s standing in my office watching with her mouth hanging open. “Do you want me to ask Bridget to bring you lunch in here?”
Kelly shakes her head. “No, I think I’ll go into town for lunch.”
I nod, and instead of going to finish anything, I go up the steps toward Granny’s wing of the house. As soon as I walk into the room, I walk straight for Isabella and pull her against me. I lean down and kiss her neck. “Did you tell her?”
Granny looks between the two of us. “Tell me what?”
Without hesitating, I tell her, “I asked Bella to marry me, and she said yes.”
Granny looks between the two of us, happiness shining on her face. She grabs a tissue off the table next to her. “Oh my, wow, that’s wonderful news.” She points her look at Bella. “And you, Bella, are you happy?”
Bella turns and wraps her arms around my middle. “You know I am, Granny.”
I figure I might as well get it all out on the table. “And we’re getting married this Saturday.”
“Saturday?” Granny exclaims. “That’s too soon. We’ll never be able to plan a wedding that quickly.”
I lace my fingers with Bella’s. “We both want a small wedding with just our families, Granny.”
She still can’t believe it. “Yeah, but Bella, you should get the wedding of your dreams.” She leans forward and looks at us worriedly. “You’re doing it so quick because of me, aren’t you? You don’t have to rush it. Just knowing you have each other is enough.”
It’s an out. I can tell her I agree, and Isabella and I can date for a while. Obviously, Granny is happy just having us together. I can feel Bella’s gaze burning into me, and when I look down into her face, I can see she’s giving me an out, but I can’t do it. I don’t want to. I lean down and press my lips to her forehead before turning to my grandmother. “No, Granny. I’ve waited too long as it is. I’m ready for Bella to be mine.”
She is thrilled and tries to stand to hug us. We both walk over to her and lean over to hug her. The next few hours are filled with wedding talk and plans.
Isabella
“Married? Right! Har, har, Issi.”
I nod my head without even a hint of a smile. I look into the face of my best friend, and unease settles over me. She thinks I’m crazy. I know she does. There’s a part of me that wonders if it’s partly true. This is all happening so fast. “I am, Carlotta. I’m getting married Saturday. And I want you to be my matron of honor.”
She smirks, and when I still don’t laugh, she shakes her head. “Wait. You’re serious right now?”
I nod.
She looks around at the people at the bar drinking and having a good time around us. When she realizes she’s not being punked or something, she asks, “I’m sorry, Issi, but you haven’t even mentioned dating anyone. Who is this mysterious groom that you’re supposed to be marrying Saturday?”
I can tell by her tone she doesn’t believe me, and I can’t say I blame her. Hell, last week we sat at this very bar–this very table–and I complained that I was going to die a virgin. “Lucas Blaze.”
Her mouth falls open, and she slams it shut. “What the...? You’re not kidding.”
I slowly shake my head and stutter, “No, I’m not kidding.” Hell, I can’t blame Carlotta. I’m having a hard time believing it myself.
She scoots to the edge of her seat and grabs my hand. “Okay, what have I missed? Did he realize he’s dying of love for you? Did you tell him if he wants the you know, he has to put a ring on it first? Way to go, girl, if so. Very smart.”