“Just to be clear,” she said, lifting her chin, “you’re transferring to Austin in December?”
Before she took this very important step with Tripp, she wanted to make certain that they agreed on everything.
“Yes.I’ll finish the fall semester at Baylor and switch.We’ll only be apart for a few months.I’ll come see you every weekend.”
“And we’ll get an apartment together.”
“I’ve already looked online.There are student places near campus.”
Her heart bloomed with warmth.She was scared, but not of him.Never of him.She was more afraid of losing him.
“You know everyone’s going to assume we’re pregnant.”
It was true, and yet, part of her didn’t care.They would know the truth.They had married because she couldn’t live without him.
Tripp grinned.“Well, we’re not.No babies until after law school.”
“Agreed,” she laughed.“But...I did buy a nightgown for tonight.”
He groaned dramatically and pulled her closer.“Let’s leave now before I die from anticipation.”
Nicole let out a breath of relief filled with a small bit of terror.They had yet to consummate their relationship and were waiting until tonight, when they were man and wife.
“Thank God.I keep expecting your mom to burst in here and drag me out by the hair.”
His mother hated her and had let her know her feelings months ago.Suzanne Masterson didn’t think she was good enough for her son.
He kissed the side of her head.“We’ve made our appearance.That’s enough.”
“You’re certain?It’s your party,” she said.
“I didn’t want this party.My mother did,” he said as he took her hand and pulled her toward the door.
They began weaving toward the exit, trying to avoid any parental radar, when a familiar figure stepped into their path.
“Where are you two sneaking off to?”Paige asked, arms crossed and one perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched.Her silver heels gleamed under the chandelier light.
Nicole smiled.“It’s a secret.”
Her best friend knew of their planned elopement.She had tried to talk her out of doing this, but Nicole loved Tripp, and they wanted to stay together.Yes, it would be hard, but love would keep them together.
“Oh no,” Paige whispered, her voice catching.“You’re doing it.You’re actually doing it.”
Nicole nodded, and Tripp wrapped an arm around her waist.
“We have to go.The chapel closes at ten.”
Paige looked between them and sighed.“Do you need a witness?”
Tripp shook his head.“No.You need to stay.If you disappear, my mom will know something’s up.”
Paige’s mother and Tripp’s mother were best friends.If they began to suspect anything, they would drag Paige into it and probably even torture her until they learned the truth.
“Where are you staying tonight?”
“That’s top secret,” Tripp said.
Paige rolled her eyes.“Fine.But use protection.Please.You two are way too young to be raising a baby.”
