Page 63 of Chasing Storm

I answer, “We were talking about some woman who commented on Ella’s outfit at a fashion show.” I gesture to both of them. “They’re models, if you haven’t guessed.”

But he hasn’t noticed. While I’m fawning over the supermodels, my husband’s attention is solely on me. These two women are standing in front of us, gorgeous with their silky brown hair, and smelling of lilac, except they’re not who Joey is looking at. His eyes are on me, smiling as if I’m the sun’s light and the glow of the moon. And even though he’s caught my heart long ago, this moment defines so much and reinforces all that he’s said. I am his everything. Our soft gazes infect every part of me. Joey’s hand rests on the small of my back. My eyes wander over his facial features, causing a tightness in my chest from the overflow of emotions.

The pad of his thumb brushes a tear from under my eye. “What’s wrong, Tea?”

Courtney steps forward. “Are you okay?”

I snap my gaze from Joey, nodding at her as I respond, “Yeah.” The tips of my fingers pat at my eyes. “I’m sorry.” Cupping Joey’s cheek, I kiss him and add, “Excuse me. I need to go to the washroom.”

Joey isn’t far behind. “Love, what happened?”

Shaking my head, I turn and smile. “You. You’re what happened. I’m just so overwhelmed with appreciation.” He’s about to say something, but I continue, “Really, I’m fine, Joey. I’m going to the washroom, and I’ll meet you out back.”

He reluctantly returns to the terrace. I clean up my face, add some lipstick, and when I exit, Kara and Henry have arrived. I give them a hug, leading them outside. Kara shoots right over to Joey, embracing him, and Sean meets us halfway where she does the same to him.

Sean introduces her to Micah, and she says, “I’m so glad my son found someone.” She takes Micah’s hand between hers, and adds, “He deserves the best.”

Micah glances at Sean. “Yeah, he does. I hope I’m worthy of him.”

Kara ushers us in a circle. “Blessed doesn’t even describe how I feel.” She looks to Henry and Micah, then her eyes swing from Joey’s, to mine, and Sean’s. “Our little family is growing.”

From a distance, I hear my brother’s voice, so I break from the group to meet him. He’s carrying Maya, who I take from his arms after I give him a hug. Leo takes care of himself, and it’s reflected in his build and clothes. Isabella and I chatter on about how long it’s been. I bring them over to Joey and Sean, where there are introductions, hugs, and friendly banter.

All of us enjoy ourselves, even my introvert, Joey. We play games, eat, and drink. Erin and I take some time to go off in a corner, talking about her engagement, the house, and our futures. They’re to be married in the fall in New York. She tells me Elijah hired a wedding planner who can make the short plans possible. It’s one of the best parties I’ve ever been to.

Chapter 26

Tea finished her summer session of school and has a couple of weeks off until the fall trimester. I decided it’s time to give her a proper honeymoon. Well, seeing that we never had one, it is a honeymoon. She’s never brought up or complained about it, but this is something long overdue and I want it to be a surprise. I’ve spoken to my mom about Teagan being gone for a while, which prompts a slew of questions. I cave and tell her. My mom acts as if she was the one going, dancing around, clapping, chanting, “I might get my grandchild wish.” This makes me laugh even though I’d love the same. Sean and Micah promise to watch over my mom. Turns out Micah is a pastry chef, and his store is down the street from my mom’s florist. Henry also tells me he’ll keep an eye on her. The guy is growing on me.

I’m in my office making last-minute plans when Teagan hops in. My hand covers the reservations, sliding them into the top drawer.

She comes around my desk, sits on my lap, and says, “It’s gorgeous out. Let’s do something.”

“I’ve got the perfect idea.”

“What?”

I carry her in my arms, and into our bedroom. After she got ready this morning, I snuck up and placed the open suitcases on the bed.

As soon as I step into the room, and put her down, she asks, “Did you take…” I nod. “Why?”

My steps have her backing up until her legs meet the bed, and she falls backwards. I lean forward, bracing myself on my arms. She flattens her hands against my chest while my mouth pecks at her face.

“You wanted to do something, so get packing.”

I move to my dresser to place clothes inside my suitcase. She’s hovering over me, like a shadow, following me around the room, bathroom, and closet.

“If you don’t start packing, I’m leaving you here.”

Teagan narrows her eyes on me while she hurries into the closet, pulling out dresses and shoes.

She stops. “Wait. What should I pack?”

“Summer clothes.”

With her hands on her hips, she asks, “Joey?” I glance over at her serious expression. “Where are we going?”

I sit on the bed, pat the space next to me, and she sits down.

---