My entire body is sore from what we did last night. I can’t seem to move as I force my eyes to open on a new day, one in which we will celebrate our marriage with Flynn’s family. I’m disappointed that neither of my sisters could get the time off from school and work, and that Leah couldn’t get anyone to cover her shift at the bar. Aileen had another round of chemo on Friday, so she can’t come either.
I tell myself I’m okay with none of my people being here, but I can’t deny I’m disappointed that none of them could make it work, even after Flynn offered to fly them out for it.
I need to get up. I need to take a shower and wash my hair so I’m ready when the hair and makeup people get here to help me get ready. I told Flynn and Addie I didn’t want all that, but he insisted on full pampering today.
“Hey, you’re awake,” he says when he and Fluff come into the room. Wearing only a pair of basketball shorts, Flynn is carrying a tray, and the scent of coffee has my full attention. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
I try to sit up and instantly regret moving.
“Oh God, baby. Is it bad?”
“I’m okay.”
“Tell me the truth.”
“I’m sore.”
“I’ll run you a hot bath after you eat.” He gestures to the plate with eggs and bacon and pancakes.
My stomach growls loudly. “Did you make all this?”
“No, Fluff did. But I supervised.”
I laugh despite my aches and pains.
Fluff barks and jumps up on the bed to “help” with my breakfast.
I struggle to find a comfortable position, and when I’m settled, he places the tray on my lap. “I’ve never had breakfast in bed before I met you.”
“What do you think of it?”
Taking a bite of bacon, I smile at him. “I could get used to it.”
“We’re fine with that.”
“Have you been up long?”
“Couple hours. I took a run and did some work.” He accepts the bite of pancake I offer him. “It’s no fun being awake without you.”
I waggle a finger at him to bring him closer so I can kiss him. “Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too. Sorry I slept so late.”
“Don’t be sorry. You were worn out.”
“Extremely.”
“Are you sorry… Do you wish…”
I lay a finger over his lips. “I loved it. No regrets, no second-guessing.”
He takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. “Ready for that hot bath?”
“Sounds heavenly.”
“You should have plenty of time to soak before the masseuse arrives.”
“Masseuse?”
“You heard me right. I want my wife nice and relaxed for her big day.”
“You’re too good to me.”
He leans over to kiss me. “You’re good to me, too.” Then he’s gone to the bathroom to turn on the tub for me, Fluff following close behind him.
I meant what I said about having no regrets. I love happy, satisfied, relaxed Flynn, who isn’t wound so tightly he might burst from trying to deny who and what he is. I said I wanted all of him, and I got that last night. I have absolutely no regrets.
Flynn returns to the room with Fluff once again hot on his heels.
“Have you noticed she follows you around now the way she used to follow me?” I ask.
“Does it bother you that she likes me now?”
“Of course not. I want you guys to be friends.”
“I thought you wanted us to be father and daughter.”
I giggle at his indignant expression. “That, too.”
He comes over to the bed and removes the tray, placing it on a nearby footstool. “My love, your bath awaits you. Put your arms around my neck and allow me.”
Because I’m so achy, I do what I’m told and enjoy the way his strong arms scoop me up like I’m weightless. “Hey, what happened to my garters and the rest?”
“I took them off after you conked out last night.”
“I’m worried about how much time you spend awake while I’m sleeping.”
“I’m always watching over you, sweetheart.” He deposits me into the tub, which is full of bubbles and something else.
“What is that? What do I smell?”
“Eucalyptus. It’ll fix what ails you.”
“This is very decadent.” I reach for his hand. “Come in with me.”
He drops his shorts and climbs in behind me. The tub is even bigger than the one in his New York apartment, so there’s more than enough room for both of us.
With his arms around me, I recline against his chest and sigh with contentment. “Already the best Valentine’s Day ever.”
“For me, too, sweetheart. Are you excited for the party?”
“Very. I can’t wait to see what your mom put together for us. I’m sure it’ll be amazing.”
“She does love to throw a party. At this very moment, I picture her with a clipboard and a bullhorn, ordering everyone around. My sisters are probably nowhere near there. They know better.”
“A bullhorn?”
“She does her best work with amplification.”
I giggle madly at that image of his classy mother barking orders into a bullhorn.
“Don’t worry. With Stella at the helm, it’ll be a hell of a party.”
“I have no doubt. I just wish my sisters could’ve come, and Leah and Aileen.”