“Have I told you lately that I love you?” she whispered.
He nodded. “This morning as I helped you dress.” His gaze swept over her dress. Desire lit his eyes. “And, I might say, I did a pretty good job.”
She glanced down at the brand new, ankle-length dress Austin had purchased for her just for her father’s wedding. The silky, hot-pink sensation fit her body perfectly, and actually made her look as if she had a curvy figure. Apparently, he’d thought so too, because she caught him drooling several times.
Instead of pulling her hair back into a ponytail, she kept it long and wavy…just the way Austin liked it. He couldn’t stop running his fingers through her locks. But she didn’t mind at all. She enjoyed watching the pleasure on his face when he did small, intimate, things like this.
He looked mighty fine, as well, wearing a black, cashmere, single-breasted Armani suit with a white shirt…and hot pink tie to match her dress. She wasn’t sure she liked the women ogling him with their stares, but Brittany supposed that if she had such a handsome man for a boyfriend, she’d just have to get used to other women staring with stars in their eyes.
After all, that’s how she had looked when she first saw him.
“I’m ready now.” She tapped him on the chest. “Let’s go into the chapel and find a seat, but I don’t want to sit up front.”
“Why not?”
“In case I have to go to the bathroom or something. I’ll need you to help me walk.”
He laughed. “Your wish is my command, my wonderful woman.”
Being so very tender with her, he walked them inside and found a place near the back. Once they were seated, she leaned against him, resting her head on his arm. She noticed her brothers right away. The oldest, David, was sitting with his pregnant wife who was ready to deliver any day now. He had lighter brown hair, like their mother had, but he inherited his height from their father.
Sean, the second to the oldest, was getting his master’s degree. He’d soon get his doctorate. He started out with lighter hair, but over the past few years, it grew darker. She figured he would have black hair like her, eventually.
Rick was in college, too, but his interests lie with the law. He’d told her once he either wanted to be a police officer, or a lawyer. Maybe that was why they were closer—because they shared the same passion for justice and fighting bad guys. They also shared the same color of eyes, and hair. Throughout their years, people had commented that they could have been twins.
When her brothers saw her, they waved, and she returned a small wave. She moved her attention to the decorations. Everything was so beautiful. Patricia had chosen green and tan for her colors. The bride and groom decided not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen, mainly because they’d both been married before. They wanted a simple ceremony—no more than fifty guests. Instead of a reception, they elected to have a dinner at a local restaurant, inviting only family and close friends.
If Brittany had wanted a small wedding, that’s what she would have done, too. But ever since she was a small girl, she’d always wanted a large wedding ceremony, with several bridesmaids and groomsmen, a flower girl, and a ring bearer. Her colors would be deep purple and silver. She wanted a fairy tale gown, but not so overly decorated that the guests couldn’t see the bride.
In all of her dreams, she hadn’t been able to see the groom’s face. But she knew he had short, dark brown hair. She also knew he’d have hypnotic green eyes, and a magnificent smile.
Tilting her head back, she looked at Austin. He was the perfect man. Surprisingly enough, he fit all the points on her checklist. He loved her for herself…even if she didn’t wear a lot of makeup. He didn’t mind when she had her hair in a ponytail, either. Rarely had she worn dresses, and he was all right with that, too… Although, he nearly devoured her when he saw her in this dress. Last, but not least, she hadn’t told himI love youfirst, because he had confessed it. That meant he really did love her!
He looked at her. “Are you feeling all right? Are you in any pain?”
“No pain.” She shook her head. “And I’m feeling…wonderful. I have the best man in the world, and my heart is full of love. What can be better than that?”
He cupped her face and tenderly kissed her lips, briefly. “You make me so happy. I want this feeling to last forever.”
“Me, too.” She kissed him one more time before pulling back.
“So what are we going to do about it?” He arched an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?” Her heartbeat quickened, wondering…hoping…anticipating what he was going to say next.
He chuckled. “Well, being here in this church, admiring all of the beautiful decorations, it’s made me wonder what our wedding is going to be like.”
Her heartbeat kicked into overdrive and she couldn’t control the grin stretching wide across her face. “You, too, huh?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t know men did that.”
He laughed. “Some men do, especially when we’ve found the perfect woman.”
“Well…I don’t know.” She cocked her head. “You haven’t even proposed to me yet.”
The laugh-lines in his forehead and around his eyes relaxed. “I’ll have to fix that, won’t I?”
