Lia sets dinner on the table and gives me a big smile before she takes her seat. I slowly make my way towards her, food almost completely forgotten. I give her the passionate kiss that I can’t contain any longer, on her lush, sweet lips. I pull away after only a few moments and watch as her eyelids open, revealing her beautiful eyes.
Yep, food first. Then that apron is definitely coming off.
Chapter Eight
Lia
Last night was more fun than I’ve had in probably my entire life. After we ran through the rehearsal for Jake and Erin’s wedding, we went to Laverne’s Steakhouse for dinner. Erin doesn’t have much family, though her parents did fly in from Florida for the weekend. They even paid for the dinner last night which, according to Avery, is kind of surprising.
I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life. Being at Nate’s side must have given all of his brother’s free reign to share every embarrassing story they could come up with. By the end of the night, I had tears streaming down my face, but Nate wasn’t so amused. In fact, he seemed ticked off. And I’m pretty sure the punch he threw to Travis’s arm left a big ol’ mark.
But don’t worry. I made it up to him the moment we stepped through his front door. Twice.
Today, the August sun is shining brightly in the sky. The wedding is set for later at six o’clock in the Stevens’ backyard. Getting married in the backyard of the house you grew up in is so sweet and completely inspiring. Erin wanted a small, intimate wedding and the Stevens’ place seemed like the perfect fit. And Jake gives Erin whatever she wants, so there you have it. An elegant backyard wedding.
Mr. and Mrs. Stevens brought in a large white tent with ceiling fans inside. Large crystal-like chandeliers hang strategically throughout the tent, giving enough light to see and ensure a subtle, romantic atmosphere. There’s a dance floor and beautiful flowers draping everything that stands still.
In the master bedroom, Erin and her bridesmaids, Avery, Josselyn, Claire, and Holly, are getting ready. Mrs. Anderson has been coming in and out of the room all afternoon, and we can tell she stresses Erin out a little. So, we’ve made it our job to keep her mother busy and away from the bride until we can get her down the aisle.
The clock reads five-thirty. Guests have begun arriving and are filling the tent. Brightly colored flowers adorn the entrance of the tent and the caterers are busy preparing tonight’s dinner in the kitchen. It’s perfect.
“Erin, do you have your Something New?” Avery asks with a grin.
Erin looks around the room as if to confirm that both mothers aren’t within earshot. “Yes, I have it. I’m wearing it,” she replies as her cheeks darken.
Avery laughs and turns to wink at Josselyn.
“What did I miss?” I ask the room.
“I surprised Erin last night with her Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue,” Avery says.
“And?” I ask, nodding my encouragement for her to continue.
“Well, her Something Old is my grandmother’s hair clip. I wore it in my hair on my wedding day, as did Josselyn.” Erin leans forward to show off the intricate silver clip with white pearls and crystals.
“Her Something Borrowed is her handkerchief there,” Avery says, pointing to the small piece of material Erin has had a death grip on since my arrival.
“It was my grandmother’s,” she says quietly as tears gather in the corners of her emerald green eyes.
“Enough of that, Erin. You don’t want us to have to call Elvira back in here to touch up your makeup, do you?” Elvira is the gothic makeup artist the salon sent over when their usual girl came down with the flu. Fortunately, Erin’s makeup did not turn out as scary as the artist’s. Erin’s is subtle and timeless.
Erin shakes her head “No” quickly and wills the tears to remain at bay.
“Her Something Blue is her garter. I had hand-sewn blue flowers and crystals on it and it’s stunning,” Avery says as she points towards Erin’s leg. Erin pulls up the long, ivory satin dress to show the pretty piece of work.
“And her something New is what’s underneath the dress,” Avery says with a sly smile.
“That, you’re not seeing,” Erin says as she drops her dress in place and smoothes down the silky material.
“For my future sister-in-law, the garment is scandalous,” Avery says with a smile as Josselyn vigorously shakes her head.
“Like, there’s more material in that handkerchief she’s carrying than material in her bra and underwear combined,” Josselyn states.
“Don’t forget about the garter belts,” Avery reminds Joss while Erin’s face flushes four shades of pink.