I force my feet to stay firmly planted in their place, though. It may actually be the hardest thing I've ever done, but watching her work the kitchen as she starts to prepare dinner leaves me satisfied beyond words.
I stroll over to the breadbox and remove the loaf of fresh Italian bread. We don't say a word; just give each other sideways glances and small smiles, as we go about making dinner.
Fifteen minutes later, as Lia strains the noodles and I pull the bread from the oven, I can't help but stare at the simple beauty of the woman next to me. Without saying a single word, she has rocked my world again and made me feel those emotions I've kept locked deep inside for so long.
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.
"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.