Page 45 of Steamy Ever After

"Oh, my gosh. Carter!" Mom's hands come up to her chest and cover the space where her heart resides.

"Shh." I place my finger to my lips. We share a smile, staring at each other as seconds pass, neither of us saying a word as we, instead, let the excitement of this upcoming milestone settle in our hearts. "I had it all planned, but ..."

"Hmm. Now I know why you were so upset with your brother." Understanding dawns in her eyes, and she pulls me into a hug. "Lacey's going to be so happy. I'm excited for you, son."

"I just have to figure out when to do it. I want to do it right, you know?"

"I do, and I'm sorry, honey. I know how important this is to you. Does Declan know?"

"No. I haven't told him yet but, that was also part of my plan; to ask him to be my best man. Now, I don't know when I'll have some time with him." I shrug nonchalantly. "I did have everything laid out, but it's all good, Mom. I'll pull the pieces of this together. I just hope she says yes."

"Of course she will!"

"Mom!" I chuckle. "Shh. She's going to hear you." Concern washes over me as Lacey's observations find the forefront of my thoughts. "And you saying you're sorry is completely unnecessary. It's me who should be sorry. I didn’t mean to blow my top. It's just, I had planned to ask him, then Marisol showed up.”

"Of course you were upset," she exclaims, then claps her hands together. "You know what? We’re not going to let anyone, or anything ruin this for you. This is fantastic news!"

I hear movement in the house and put my finger to my lips. "I'll figure it out, but I wanted you to be the first to know."

"I’m so glad you told me." She whispers.

The screen door squeaks. Lacey stands in the doorway as beautiful as ever in a bright yellow sundress. "Is Declan here yet?"

"Not yet, sweetheart," Mom replies as she reenters the house. I follow behind her and take a seat in the rocking chair next to the front door. Mom compliments Lacey's dress and I watch as the two of them chit-chat. A few minutes later, Declan and Marisol appear.

I watch Marisol as she looks around. She takes in the living room, its well-worn charm seeming to miss her as her posture stiffens.

"Marisol, would you like to join Lacey and me tomorrow? We're going to the outlets."

"What’s an outlet?" She asks.

"It’s a store that offers discounted prices on designer items," Declan explains.

"I don’t need discounts on anyth?—"

Declan interrupts her, his tone convicting. "Stores like Movado and Michael Kors are there. I'm sure there are other designer shops as well."

"Designers, usually, come to me," she states with a superior-sounding tone.

"Not everyone has that privilege," he retorts cooly with a hint of impatience.

Marisol says nothing but her snobbish attitude isn't lost on me.

"I'll treat us all to lunch. It will be fun," Mom adds.

"It will be," Lacey confirms. "And I'd love it if you would help me pick out a few new things. I'm sure you have a perfect eye when it comes to fashion, and I can use a little help. I don't follow the trends and let's face it; you set them."

Marisol's brows perk as if to confirm Lacey's comment. I dismiss her, mentally brushing her off like she's an annoying bug, then stand, corralling everyone so we aren't late for dinner.

CHAPTER 10

Lacey

"So, tell us how you came to be a model. We know Declan's story, but I'm interested to hear yours." I attempt to open casual conversation.

Marisol studies me, then a sly smile hooks the corner of her mouth. "Isn't it obvious?" She frames her face with a wave of her hand.

Rose's smile fades into a tight line and I feel offended for her. It's apparent Marisol's attitude is off-putting.

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