After introductions and hugs, everyone is shown to their guest rooms, instructed to nap, freshen up, and then meet for lunch on the patio at one.
Aiden and I talked almost the whole flight, about everything and nothing, so I’m very ready for a nap. We snuggle up and quickly fall asleep.
When I wake up, Aiden isn’t in bed, so I take a long shower, dry my hair, and am putting on a dress when there’s a soft knock on my door.
I open it to find Kym, who quickly shoves her way into my room, then puts her back on the door and shuts it.
“Whew, I didn’t know if I’d make it.”
“Make what?” I ask, eyeing the hanging garment bag she’s carrying.
“I wanted you to see your dress for later today. I’m dying to show someone something. So humor me.”
“I can’t wait to see it,” I tell her.
“They’re almost set up for the party. With my subtle guidance, your mom decided on an over-the-top garden fairy fantasy look for the decor. You have no idea the favors I had to call in to get this wedding outfitted on such short notice. I’ve been sending her overnight deliveries every day. I’m surprised she hasn’t suspected something.”
“What did you tell her the deliveries were?”
“Dresses. That since her movie came out, every designer assumes she’s going to win an Oscar and wants her to wear their design.”
“Did she ask to look at them?”
“Of course she did, but I told her not to open them because I had more coming and that we’d make a day of trying them all on for Tommy after Christmas.”
“She likes getting Tommy’s opinion.”
“Exactly. Now, please say a prayer that your mom doesn’t freak over this.”
“She’ll be thrilled.”
“I think she will be too. I’m so excited I’m about to burst,” she says, unzipping the bag holding my dress.
It’s an adorable Sherri Hill dress with a high-low ruffled bottom in a soft peachy-pink.
“I’ll be right back,” she says. “I have to show you what I got to go with it. And you should see the girls’ dresses. Pale green silk, organza tulle skirts in subtle pastels, purple silk sashes. And they’ll be wearing wings and carrying floral fairy wands.”
I go back to getting ready, putting on some eye shadow, when I hear the door open again.
I was expecting Kym but it’s Aiden who walks into the bathroom, grabs me around the waist, and kisses my neck.
“Sleeping Beauty finally wake up?”
“Didn’t you take a nap?”
“Not for long. I couldn’t sleep. But that’s okay. There is a whole lot going on here. I know I’ve never been to a Hollywood party, but I was walking with Tommy and your Grandpa and looking at the set up. It looks more like a wedding to me.”
“Does it look pretty?”
“It’s gorgeous. Flowers. A tent. Tables. A stage and dance floor set up in the barn. Just seems really extravagant for such a small group.”
“What did Tommy think of it?”
Aiden turns me around to face him. “Tommy thought it wasn’t enough and ordered more flowers.”
“He’s excited everyone’s here. It’s gonna be a good party.”
“Are there more people coming?”
“Uh, no. Just us.”
He kisses me, using his tongue in a way that makes me forget who I am.
After a very thorough kissing, he pulls out my bottom lip out with his teeth. “You’re lying.”
“You heard what Tommy said about the wine. Parties like this went on all over France in November. They’re just more extravagant here. Haven’t you ever seen Versailles?”
He moves his lips slowly down my neck.
“I have, but there’s also a gazebo fully decorated in grapevines, thousands of pastel flowers, and little butterflies. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was going to a wedding.”
“Fine. There maybe is something going on. But it’s something that no one is supposed to know about. You absolutely should not say the word wedding in front of anyone. Especially any of the people who are setting up.”
His lips move lower, his tongue grazing my cleavage.
He stops kissing me and pops his head up. “They’re getting married, aren’t they? That’s why we didn’t go to St. Croix. And didn’t you promise never to lie to me again?”
“I’m pretty sure I never promised that. Besides, they aren’t even engaged. Mom just likes to plan fun parties.”
“Did she plan her own wedding and not know it?”
He doesn’t let me answer, giving me a rough, hot kiss instead.
When he stops kissing me, he gives me a grin. It’s like his grin contains truth serum.
It flows through the air and collects in my bloodstream.
I hate him.
Okay, well, not really. I just wish I had some powers of my own.
Maybe I do. Maybe I can distract him.
I give him a good long kiss, then kiss down his neck. Suck on it a little.
“If you’re trying to distract me, it’s not going to work.”
Well, shit.
“Do you remember that day in French when I was writing out Will you marry me?”
“Yeah, you were doodling words in French and English.”
“Maybe I was brainstorming.”