Page 70 of Count On Me

“You get more and more beautiful with every day that passes.” Pops assures her. “Don't you worry about getting old, you’re as fine as you ever were,” He’s as smooth as ever.

Normally their loved up conversations make me a little nauseous, but today it’s just reminding me of what I want with Edie. Mama pushes at his chest but leans into his arms, and when he kisses the top of her head, I smile.

“That's why I was calling, Mama. I need your help with my grand gesture. I’ve got Erin helping too, but I need your assistance.”

Her eyes light up at the idea of being involved and I know she’s on board before she even utters, “What do you need?”

I lean back in my chair as I tell her my plan—well, Penny’s plan. And as tears fill her eyes, I know it’s gonna work. Part two of my grand gesture is taken care of, now to sort out part one.

“Angie, you’re driving me fucking mad,” I growl through gritted teeth as she makes the assistant bring her another fifteen dresses.

“You want this to be perfect, right?” I can barely see her over the fresh piles of garments, but I groan out a yes to her. “Then shut up and let me find Edie’s perfect dress for this bloody masquerade ball.”

I slump back into my chair and grumble under my breath, but secretly I’m happy she’s here. I’d be fucking clueless without her right now. I know nothing about what Edie’d like and what she wouldn’t. The only stipulation was that it goes with her red football shoes. I fucking love those things.

I decided we needed to have a do over. A night where she can get dressed up, dance with me and enjoy being out with her boyfriend, and not have to flirt with someone else to get my attention. A night where I’m not afraid to hold her close to me, to let my lips touch hers and show everyone she’s mine and I’m hers. I just hope she goes for it.

Tomorrow, she’s moving back to her apartment with Angie. And when she walks back into her room, I want her to find thedress with an official invite to the ball. Fingers crossed she goes along with it and Angie manages to find a fucking dress.

“Jax, I think I found it. It’s a little out of her comfort zone, but once she puts it on I think she’ll be fine.” She holds up a black dress with a corset style bodice, covered in lace. The skirt is full, and when I picture Edie wearing it, my mouth dries and my dick twitches in my pants.

“Uh-huh. Yep. That’s the one,” I manage to whisper out and Angie giggles at my inept reaction. “Should we get her a back up dress? You said it was out of her comfort zone. I don’t want her to be uncomfortable.”

“Nope.” She makes the P pop and grins at me. “If she has a choice, she’ll opt for safe. We want her taking risks and I know she’ll look amazing in this dress. Especially with her hair up to show off her elegant neck and shoulders, and with the mask on, giving her an element of mystery. I’m so excited.” Angie squeals and I grin at her enthusiasm.

“Hold the dress up for me, I want to snap a pic and send it to Penny and Mama.”

“Hang on, I’ll go one better.” She calls the assistant over and gets her to hold the dress up while she fluffs the skirt a bit. “There. Now they can have the full effect of it and no one has to see my ugly mug.” She laughs, but it’s not an easy carefree one. As I stare at her, she sighs in frustration and snatches my phone out of my hand and snaps a few pictures of the dress. I snatch the phone back, eye her warily and send the pictures over to Penny.

Penny

That dress is beautiful. And is that the bridesmaid’s hand? Couldn’t you have snapped a pic of her face?

I chuckle and show Angie the message and she rolls her eyes as I respond.

Me

That was the assistant’s hand. The bridesmaid doesn’t feel like having her pic taken today. Another time maybe.

Penny

Fair enough. Do they have the dress in another color? Black’s boring.

Angie’s eyes narrow as she stares down at my phone, snatches it, and starts typing furiously back.

Me/Angie

It’s Angie, and with all due respect, I know Edie. This dress alone is out of her comfort zone, another coloUr would drive her over the edge. And black is classic.

Penny

You’re feisty. I like it. You’ll fit right in with us Bradys.

Me/Angie

Yeah, no thanks. One Brady is enough to deal with.

Penny

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