“Why can you never just do as you’re told?” Ethan whispered the words into her ear so no one else heard.
“I don’t take orders from anyone, so I don’t know why you think you’d be any different, Gelderman.”
His lips twitched and his grip on her fingers eased, so at least the blood could flow again.
They sat in silence steering at the back of Mrs. Gelderman’s hat, which was large with a floppy brim, in a pretty shade of blue. On impulse, Annabelle learned forward.
“That’s a lovely hat, Mrs. Gelderman, and such a pretty color.”
The woman turned, and the surprise on her face was genuine. Her eyes went from Annabelle to Ethan. “Thank you, Ms. Smith.” Her smiled was a bit brittle, but Annabelle thought it was genuine just the same.
Annabelle nudged Ethan in the ribs.
“It’s nice, Mother. You look lovely.”
More surprise at her eldest son’s words. This smile was less brittle and definitely genuine. “Thank you.” She then turned to face forward once more, and beside her Uncle Mitch said something.
“Happy now?” Ethan said into Annabelle’s ear.
“Women of any age like a compliment, Ethan. Just because she’s your mother doesn’t make her immune,” Annabelle said, turning to look at him. He was so close she could see the strain etched in the lines of his face.
“I can see that now. Thank you.” His gaze moved over her face and down her neck, where it lingered on the necklace and then moved lower.
“Stop that!” Annabelle whispered as it settled on her breasts.
“Honey, do you have any idea how you look in that dress, with those killer heels doing amazing things for your already amazing legs, and those gems sparkling at your throat and your hair all sleek and shiny?”
“Oh, please. You’ve been saying things like that to me since we met,” Annabelle scoffed, trying to ignore the spike of heat that was spiraling through her body. He was just looking at her, for pity’s sake.
“Ah, but the difference then was I didn’t know what was under your clothes. Now I do, and believe me, that outfit you’re wearing today does spectacular things for your body, Ms. Smith.”
“Ethan, we’re in a church. Stop it.” Annabelle wriggled on her seat in embarrassment as his eyes continued to trail over her.
“Don’t inhale like that. Christ, my blood pressure is in the rafters already.”
The tightness was slowly leaving his eyes as he teased her and even though it was at her expense, she was glad. Maybe she could give him a few other things to think about.
“Like what?” Annabelle fluttered her eyelashes and took a deep breath, feeling her bodice press against her chest then release.
“Hussy.”
She placed a hand flat on his chest, letting her fingers slide inside the front of his jacket. Leaning forward, she then brushed his lips softly. His inhale was deep and the muscles beneath her hand clenched.
“This,” he rasped softly when she pulled back, “will be the longest day of my life.”
Annabelle sat back and smiled and then the music started.
Hope looked beautiful in ivory satin, with a long lace train gliding behind her as she walked on the arm of her father. Steven’s smile was just for his future wife as she reached his side, as was the kiss he placed on her lips when her veil had been lifted.
“Oh, that was beautiful.” Annabelle felt the sting of tears and sniffled.
Ethan didn’t say anything, just lifted her fingers to his mouth and kissed the back of her hand. The gesture was sweet and innocent, and touched Annabelle a lot more than it should.
She watched the service and listened to the vows, and wondered if she would ever experience this. Would she ever commit her life to another?
“You have a wistful look on your face, honey.”
She didn’t look at Ethan as he whispered the words, feeling uncomfortable. “It’s a lovely service,” she said in reply.
