Page 104 of Edge of Desire

“I love you more, Mrs. Mitchell.”

We turned to face the crowd and they applauded. Then Preston shouted, “I love this woman.”

I raised my bouquet in the air and laughed along with everyone else. We left the arbor and the photographer wanted to snap some photos. We had forgone the first-look thing. Preston decided he wanted to be surprised. And he was.

“I never imagined how stunning you’d be. Now I can’t wait to see what’s hiding under that dress.”

“You can probably figure whatever it is, it has polka dots.”

After our photography session ended, Preston wanted to pull me into our bedroom and do the dirty, like Grams predicted. “Um, we have guests we need to attend to.”

“They can wait.”

“Preston!”

“Okay, how about the bathroom for a quickie?”

“When have we ever been quick?”

“I promise I’ll be fast.”

His persistence had me caving. “You’d better not mess up my dress.”

He took my hand and pulled me into the closest bathroom. “Can you lift your dress?”

I did, praying it didn’t get wrinkled. He bent me over the vanity, found the string of my thong, and pulled it aside. Then his fingers found me. We went at it like two rabbits and managed to do it in record time. I only hoped no one was outside, waiting to use the bathroom.

He pulled out and spun me around, finding my lips. “That was faster than a speeding bullet,” I said against his mouth.

“I told you I’d be quick.” He laughed and then helped me tidy up.

“How’s the dress?”

“A slight wrinkle here and there, but nothing to worry about.”

I grabbed his hand and said, “Good. Let’s go.”

I leaned closer to him and said, “I have to tell you what Grams said. Oh, and did you notice my earrings and necklace?”

“Babe, the only thing I noticed was how beautiful you are.”

I stopped and turned to show him the earrings and necklace. “Wow, those are really something.”

Then I explained the story behind them.

As we walked, the first person to approach us was my brother Andrew.

“Ava, Preston. Congrats, you two.” He hugged me. “Sorry I missed the rehearsal party, but I didn’t get in until eleven. I had to work yesterday.”

“I’m just happy you’re here now.”

“Your friend Melissa is a blast. She’s had me laughing since I met her.”

Preston piped in and said, “Whatever you do, don’t let her put you in a choke hold.”

“What?” Andrew’s brows shot up.

“Oh, yeah. Man, it’s deadly.”

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