"We're lucky bastards, I can tell ya that."
"So what about you?"
"What about me?"
"You ever think of asking Charity to marry you?"
He was silent for a moment. "All the damn time. I think I'm going to wait until after the baby is born."
I could hear the smile in his voice. "Sounds like a good plan."
"Oh hell, I think Gabi called Charity."
"Why?"
"I just heard her scream you're doing what?"
Laughing again, I walked back into the house. Gabi was standing there holding the phone out with a frown.
"We'll call you guys when we land and then after the deed is done."
Cole chuckled. "Sounds good. Have a safe trip."
Gabi shook her head and smiled. "She's listing all the reasons why we can't elope."
I lifted a brow. "Any good ones?"
She shook her head. "They're all about her! She needs to be the bridesmaid, she has to throw me a shower because she's always wanted to throw a shower and a bachelorette party."
Covering her mouth, she whispered, "Oh, this is the best one. We have to wait until she has the baby so she can fit into a sexy bridesmaid gown."
"While you have made valid points on a few of your arguments, I'm still leaving on a flight tonight to Reno," Gabi said.
"I know you want to be there, but how about you throw us a shower when we get back?"
She rolled her eyes. "We both know that is a promise I can't make, but I'll try. If you want to close the bakery, you can since I'll be gone. You sure? Okay. I love you too, Charity. Please don't work too hard. We will. Bye."
Gabi let out a long sigh. "I have a feeling that was a preview of what is to come with your mother."
I tossed my head back and let out a roar of laughter before focusing back on her. "Baby, that is the calm before the storm."
Gabi giggled then looked at me with a questioning look. "Are you sure?"
Pulling her into my arms, I ran my thumb over her lips. "I've never been so sure of anything in my life."
She smiled and my heart skipped a beat.
"Did you leave your birth control pills here?"
Her cheeks turned a beautiful rose color. "Yes," she softly said.
"Good. We need to get in some serious practice on making a baby."
Gabi put her arms around my neck. "I like the sound of that."
Leaning down, I kissed her gently on the lips. If I wasn't careful, I'd take her again here in the living room.
"You ready to head out?"
She chewed on her lip then grinned wide. "Never been more ready!"
Lake Tahoe in September was beautiful. The warm afternoon sun shined down on us, keeping things comfortable as we stood on the beach.
"We never usually have openings, but it looks like you lucked out."
My eyes swung over to the wedding planner from the Hyatt and I grinned. "I'd say we did for sure."
We had flown in last night, stayed in Reno and got our marriage certificate in morning before we drove out to the lake.
Gabi smiled as she looked out over the crystal blue lake. "I am going to owe Charity big time."
My arm slipped around her waist. "She did good."
Charity had called ahead to the Hyatt to see if the beach location would be available for a wedding today. Totally last minute, minimal wedding she told the wedding planner. Of course, it didn't hurt that Charity's family had been coming to this hotel for years and she had attended a few weddings here. We were walking in blind, but Charity had taken care of everything for Gabi. It was her way of being a part of the wedding.
"So, Ms. Rossi, would you like to see the bridal bouquet that Ms. Evans had designed?"
I wasn't used to hearing people call Gabi by her real last name. Each time it threw me.
Gabi turned to the wedding planner. "No, I think I'll be surprised."
The older lady smiled. "Well, the ceremony is scheduled for seven. The sun will be setting at seven eleven this evening."
"That's perfect!" Gabi said with a little excited hop.
Glancing between the two of us, the wedding planner asked, "Will you need any help with anything?"
I turned to Gabi. She shook her head. "No, thank you. I'm going to take care of my makeup and hair."
The older lady nodded. "Well, you should have something delivered to your room by now. A gift from Ms. Evans."
Gabi looked surprised. "Oh, okay thank you."
"Now, if you'll both be down to the reception area at six fifty. You may want to come a few minutes apart if you don't want to see the bride before the ceremony, Mr. Drivas."