“How could we forget that,” Erin replies dryly.
“Even though I purchased lingerie for my brother’s wedding night - and that totally grosses me out a little - I’m totally happy with myself for those purchases. That man, whom we will not mention by name, is going to trip over his tongue,” Avery says.
The girls in the room giggle as a knock sounds on the door. Mrs. Stevens and Brooklyn, donning a beautiful little ivory flower girl dress, enter the room with huge smiles plastered on their faces. Mrs. Stevens looks stunning in her green, floor length satin dress with a lace overlay.
“It’s almost time, ladies,” Mrs. Stevens says as she takes in the ladies in the room. Each of Erin’s bridesmaids are wearing a tea-length, green satin dress. I quickly excuse myself to give the woman a few moments with her daughter and daughters-in-law.
As I reach the end of the hallway, I see the smoke billowing out from under the door moments before I hear the loud, boisterous voices coming from within. Just as I approach the door, it opens revealing Nate in a cloud of smoke. I cough as I wave my hand in front of my face.
“Oh, this won’t make your mother very happy,” I reply as the smile spreads across my face. Nate is wearing a strapping black tux and has a big, fat cigar sticking out of his mouth.
“Nope, I’m pretty sure she’s going to kill us all before we even get to the ceremony,” he replies as he removes the gross thing from his mouth.
Nate leans in and lays a big kiss on my lips. He tastes like nicotine, but it has a surprisingly sweet scent and taste.
“See? Not so bad is it?” he asks with a satisfying grin on his too-handsome face. Oh, this boy has more charm than any man should be allowed to have.
“No, not so bad. I better have another one, though, just to make sure,” I say as I step into his embrace.
Nate’s lips are on mine a fraction of a second later.
“Dude, quit making out in the hallway,” Jake says from behind Nate. “It’s my wedding day. The only one making out tonight is going to be me,” he thunders in his deep, demanding voice.
“Here, hold this,” Nate says as he spins around just enough to hand Jake his cigar. Once both of his hands are free, they weave into my downed hair and rub soft strokes up my neck.
“Keep it in your pants, you two. I’m getting married in like five minutes and you don’t have time. Unless, Nate only lasts five minutes. Then, by all means, go ahead,” Jake says, causing the entire room of men to erupt into laughter.
Nate sighs against my lips and slowly pulls away which causes me to giggle. “Why are you always such a douche bag?” Nate asks with the hint of a smile.
“It’s a gift,” Jake replies with a slap on his back.
“Jacob Andrew Stevens, are you smoking in my house?” The very stern voice of Mrs. Stevens thunders from the now open doorway of the ladies’ suite. Moments later, Mrs. Stevens walks out into the hallway with her hands firmly placed on her hips.
“It was Maddox’s idea, Mom. I would never have suggested the guys smoke in the house,” Jake replies, feigning innocence.
“God bless you, Erin,” Mrs. Stevens says with a firm shake of her head as she steps back into the room and closes the door behind her.
“Come on, assholes. It’s time for me to get married,” Jake says, snuffing out the cigars in the ashtray.
“Are you sure you’re okay with holding Grant for the ceremony?” Nate asks.
“Are you kidding? I’m excited to have such a handsome little date,” I reply with a wicked gleam in my eyes. Nate and I make our way down the stairs, the guys all laughing and carrying on as they follow closely behind us.
When we reach the bottom of the stairs, Maddox’s parents are sitting in the family room with both Grant and Ryder on their laps. Nate walks over and gives Ryder a kiss on the top of his fuzzy head before taking Grant from Mrs. Jackson.
“Listen here, little man. We need to have a serious guy talk,” Nate tells the ten month old toddler. “I’m leaving Lia in your hands, okay? I need you to watch out and keep her safe while I’m up at the altar,” he says with a kiss to the top of Grant’s dark hair. “And if I see you getting fresh with her, I’m going to come down from the altar and whoop your butt,” he adds good-heartedly resulting in a laugh from me. But watching Grant laugh at his uncle makes me laugh even harder.
Nate places Grant in my arms as Travis comes up and gives his son a kiss. “Be a good boy for Auntie Lia,” he tells his son.
The words cause an instant reaction to me. My gut twists and my heart speeds up to an alarming pace. Nate looks at me with his piercing eyes and gives me a smile causing those weird butterfly flutters deep in my belly.