I can do this. I look at myself. Meghan had stayed over to help me with my makeup and hair. She has made my eyes smoky so the green is enhanced.
I’m a no fuss kind of girl, so my hair is the most simple it could be attached on the side in a messy bun, with loose curls around my face.
It’s the dress I’m worried about. The chest is in a V-neck, stopping just before it reveals too much. It’s black lace. Another thing I knew Cooper would love. It’s tight-fitting till the knees, and then it’s completely see-through lace till the floor. The sexiness is that the dress has a slit right down the middle, so when I walk you see my legs. The new Christian Louboutin strappy sandals finish the look.
I’m only wearing a silver necklace with three silver bracelets. The only thing I’m looking at really is the diamond ring on my finger.
“Here goes nothing,” I say, turning to see that the V in the back is all tied up and secured.
Turning, I walk out of the room and start to go downstairs, looking for Cooper. It’s no surprise I find him in the family room watching TV with the kids.
Before he sees me, I take in my man. He’s dressed in a black suit that has to be tailored to him because the jacket fits his shoulders like a glove. His white button-down shirt is tied at the wrist with his cufflinks. A skinny black tie completes the look.
But it’s not what he’s wearing that makes my heart putter, it’s the fact that he’s sitting there holding Allison on his lap while she eats chips all around him, not even caring that she might mess him up.
“Okay, let’s get this party started,” I say into the room.
When his eyes find me, a smile forms on his lips.
“Mommy, you look like a princess,” Allison says, touching the bottom of my dress.
“I kind of feel like a princess.” I lean down to kiss her nose. “Okay, we have to head out. Matthew, you know the rules. I have my cell. If you need anything, you call me.”
Cooper makes his way to me, tugging my hand to come closer to him. “I don’t think we should go.”
“What, why not? I got dressed up and everything.”
“I know. That’s why. Babe, that fucking dress is going to be the death of me.”
I laugh at him, leaning in and whispering, “Maybe I shouldn’t tell you that I’m not wearing anything underneath it.” I turn to walk out of the door while I listen to him growl or hiss, I’m not sure which one. “Matthew, come and lock the door, please.”
I have a black cape that is wrapped around my shoulders in case it’s cold, but I’m so nervous I’m sweating.
When we get into his car, he looks over at me. “You really aren’t wearing anything under that?” The car’s not even started.
“Cooper, we are going to be late.” I look at the clock on the dashboard.
“We are not fucking leaving till you go inside and put something under that.” His body is turned in his seat, watching me. I mimic his stance, but because of the slit in the middle, he uses this to put his hand right up my dress. He’s met with the silk thong that I put on.
“Idiot,” I groan while pulling his hand out, reaching for my seatbelt.
I’m assuming he is all ready since he starts his truck and pulls out. There is no talking. I think we are both nervous. His hand is on my thigh, my fingers wrapped around his.
“Why are you so quiet?” he asks.
“I’m nervous,” I tell him. “I mean, everyone is going to know about the engagement. Are you sure you are okay with this?” I ask him, looking down at our hands.
“Never been more sure of anything in my life,” he states with conviction.
“Don’t leave me alone tonight, please. I mean, I know you have to socialize and stuff, but I don’t want to be left alone. Just in case.” I’m almost whispering.
“Babe, if at any time tonight you are not feeling it, all you have to do is say the word. We leave. End of story. No questions no nothing.” He pulls my hand to his mouth.
“Okay, Stone, let’s do this.”
“Okay, Mrs. Stone, let’s rock,” he says while pulling up to the valet. I’m not sure what I was expecting but a red carpet and cameras is not it.
“What the fuck is this?” I’m starting to get really freaking nervous. My heart is starting to beat a million times faster. My stomach is getting ready to barf up all those fucking mimosas. Why the fuck did I drink?
“Some of the sports networks always come out to take pictures, especially during this. Just breathe,” he says and then steps out of the car.
I mimic him. “Yeah, just breathe, babe, my fucking ass.” I snap my lips together, startled when the door opens and Cooper reaches his hand for me.