Once the car was moving, she reached across my lap and pressed the power seat switch, pushing my seat as far back as possible. Then she climbed into my lap and unbuttoned my shirt the rest of the way. Her mouth was on my neck, her hands roving all over my chest.
My breathing was labored and I fought to keep an eye on the driveway. I made myself slow down even though I was dying to get there already. The last thing I wanted was to wreck on our wedding day.
We parked in front of her and her mom’s old house where we’d be staying for the night before taking off for the Caribbean first thing in the morning. She slid back into her seat. I dashed around the front of the car, my unbuttoned shirt flapping like a pair of wings. When I opened her door, she stepped out of the car, and peeled my shirt off the rest of the way. Then she tossed it in the passenger seat.
Anna was done with propriety, apparently. About freaking time. I scooped her up in my arms, carrying her bridal style. She pulled my lips down to hers. I kept one eye open as I walked. We didn’t have time for injuries tonight.
Once we were on the porch, I broke the kiss. “Hey babe, I’d really like to carry you over the threshold, but I’m gonna need your help to get inside.”
She wiped her mouth, giving me a teasingpfftfor my lack of extra arms. Then she opened the door.
I stared at the inside of the house, in surprise. It was lit up with hundreds of twinkle lights and at least fifty glowing candles. Bouquets of pale pink flowers decorated every surface. Rose petals lay neatly on the wood floor, making a trail to the bedroom.Our bedroom. Anna looked up at me, silently asking if I’d done this. I shook my head.
“Wow,” was all I could say. So this was where Lemon and Mom had snuck off to.
I carried her over the threshold and set her down on her feet. We looked around the room, awed. I pointed to a baby blue envelope, labeledMr. and Mrs. Annaleise Dupree, propped against a crystal vase. Anna gasped and pressed a finger to her lips. Then she hurried over to the letter. I followed.
Her eyes skittered to mine, wide and wet. “It’s from my mom.”
As Anna opened the letter, I jammed my hands in my pockets feeling a little chagrined at being shirtless at this moment. But Anna didn’t seem to mind. Her hand slid around my waist as she read it aloud.
My dearest Annaleise and husband,
First of all, I’ll make this short. I know you have things to do. ;-) Secondly, congrats to the happy couple. And to Anna’s husband, welcome to the family. Being a Dupree is not for the fainthearted. I hope you know what you’re getting into, and if not, too late! I’m sure you’re a spectacular guy. Silas wouldn’t let you marry Anna otherwise. Or Holdie, Ashbucket, and Fo-shizzle.
I chuckled as Anna laughed.
It’s your wedding day, darling girl. I’m so sorry I’m not there. It kills me to miss it. Get it. Haha.
Anna shook her head but smiled. “Good grief, Mom.”
But I hope Lemon decorated for you like I asked.
I squeezed Anna’s arm. “Your mom did this for you.”
Anna looked around the room again, her eyes twinkling along with the glow of the candles. “Mom and Lemon. Back in the saddle again.” That made her voice shake. She blew out her breath and continued,
I wanted you to know that I may not be there in person, but I was there today in spirit. I can promise you that. Nothing could keep me from your big day. Not even death.
Anna smiled through her tears. “I know she was here.”
I rubbed her arm. “Yeah. I’m sure she was.”
Anna cleared her throat.
Son-in-law?
Her eyes flicked up to mine.
Treat my girl well. If you don’t, I have no qualms about haunting you and throwing all the bad karma your way.
I scoffed and chuckled.
You think I’m kidding?
I chuckled again, nervously. I’d heard about Sophie Dupree. I just never thought her ire would be aimed at me. I guess I’d underestimated the woman. Would things start magically flying around the room whenever Anna and I had a disagreement?
In all seriousness, please love my girl with all your heart.
