They had both resigned from the corporation. Some called them crazy, some called it romantic, and some just didn't care. After their elopement, they began their own business: Weddings by C & C. Who would have ever thought her idea born while curled on the sofa, sulking in self-pity, and indulged by ice cream would become a booming business? Hawaii remained the perfect wedding destination, and they helped make dreams come true. What could be better?
"Hi, Crystal, yes, there's another change for the Bradlee Wedding. The deep blue orchids for the topper and table decorations are the only thing she will accept and nothing else. I tried to reason with her, but she refused to hear anything different. And nothing purple. She now hates that color, so deep blue only. God knows how many times she'll change her mind again." Christine waited a moment for Crystal to sigh and speak. "I agree, but the bride gets what the bride wants. At least she's sticking with the same flavors and icing. For now."
***
"You're sure she doesn't suspect?"
"She has no clue." Charlie glanced at the phone, saw the second line light, and knew he only had a few more minutes. He absently stroked the scarf in his hands. "You and Robin will meet Adam at the airport. His flight comes in thirty minutes before yours. Alyssa is on his flight too, and she'll get Harry to drive you all here."
"Oh cool, everything's all set then. Did Crystal get her cake all finished?"
"It's spectacular. Coffee flavored cake and mocha icing." Charlie grinned as Anna moaned. "Yep, Adam said you'd love it as much as your mom."
"Adam knows me and Mom well." Anna paused. Charlie heard her speak to someone beside her before. "Robin says all our cohort members are jealous. No one else gets to spend Spring Break in paradise. So thanks for living there."
"You're both very welcome. You'll have lots of time to relax and forget about studying for a while." It never failed to amaze him how Christine's children had accepted not only him as their step father, but their mom moving thousands of miles away. "I've made certain to keep the schedule light so you get all the time you want with your mom too. We only have the Bradlee wedding scheduled. She's going to be thrilled."
"I can't wait to see her face. What an awesome birthday surprise. Charlie, you're the best!" Anna giggled, bubbly and full of life, so like her mother. "Did I mention my birthday is in August?"
Charlie laughed. "I think you have actually. Several times. We can also talk about the holidays while the three of you are here, schedule some things. Does Adam have a move in date for his new condo?" Christine's son had moved into her home after she moved to Hawaii, more than content while he waited for his new townhouse to be built, and taking a load off Christine's mind about what to do with the house.
"Not yet, but it should be soon. He's going to make sure the house is kept up, though, until after I graduate and move back. I applied at a couple of school districts near there already." Anna giggled once more. "Robin says he's applying in Hawaii and becoming a beach bum."
"He's more than welcome and so are you." Charlie twirled a pen and wondered if Anna realized how many times she mentioned her best friend's name.
"Oh, I'm aware and don't think I'm not tempted. We'll see. It's still two years away after all. But you have coffee mocha cakes and fabulous sunsets. Hard to top those." A loud speaker announced boarding would now begin. "We need to dash, Charlie. They're calling our flight."
"Okay, hun. I need to go as well." Charlie waved as a smiling young couple, hands entwined, entered the glass door. He shoved the scarf back into his pocket. "See you all in a few hours. Safe journeys." He disconnected and put on his best smile as he walked forward to greet the new customers.
"Hello, I'm Charlie Jergens. Welcome to Weddings by C and C. We'll make your dreams come true."
Excerpt from Wedding Belle Blues Weddings by C & C book 2
Appalachian State University, Early Senior Year Robin Bates paused to tap his head on the wall. This couldn't go on. Stop stalling and do it. He opened the door and took a deep breath. "Anna, we have to talk."
The blue lamp on the table glowed. Books and crumpled papers decorated tangled sheets. Her laptop perched at an angle on the pillows. But she was all he could focus upon. Robin's gaze followed the line of Anna's bare legs. All but transparent from numerous washings, her favourite blue nightshirt rode high on thighs he'd give his right arm to caress. His body hardened.
Anna whispered in her sleep and shifted. Her thighs parted.
Robin felt actual pain in his groin. Did she wear those cute smiley face panties or the ones with the little bows? What the hell was he thinking? "Jesus, get a grip." Robin ran a hand through his hair. "I'm supposed to be breaking away from her not perving and imaging sex."
Yet he couldn't stop. Moth to her flame his gaze devoured her in the way his hands couldn't. Her glorious dark golden hair tumbled out of a braid. Waves spilled over sonic screwdrivers and Tardises printed on her pillowcase. One arm was thrown over her head, small slender fingers curled. The slow rise and fall of her chest made him picture her breasts filling his hands. Robin wanted her in a way he'd never wanted anything.