Page 29 of Pax

“I think maybe you all should go and speak with him tomorrow,” said Alice. “He said he’d be working the next two days, and then he’s off for two days.”

“Appreciate it, Alice. Thanks,” said Cam.

“Where’s Deanna?” asked Pax. Annie smiled at her son.

“She’s coming. We made reservations for you two to have dinner alone tonight.” She smiled at her son, and he cocked his head to the side.

“Is that why I had to put on ‘nice’ jeans?” he smirked. His friends all had their mouths open, and Saint finally spoke.

“Ho-lee shit. You’re fucking hot, Dee!” Deanna laughed as Pax turned and gasped.

“What the hell?” He turned back to Saint and frowned. “Do not look at her like that!”

“Dude, she’s like my sister,” laughed Saint. “Besides, she’s fucking hot.” Deanna laughed, shaking her head.

“Thank you, Saint,” she laughed. “I’m guessing you don’t like it?”

“Don’t like it?” said Pax. “You look freaking amazing, babe. Shit. I’ve never seen you dressed up like this.”

“Your mom and Alice convinced me to buy the dress and shoes. The hair and makeup were done by them as well. It was kind of fun to dress up.” Pax walked closer to her, gripping her waist and kissing her sweetly.

“You look stunning,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m the luckiest fucking guy in the world.”

“You got that right,” smirked Saint. “Be glad you finally put a ring on it, or I might have.”

“Okay, okay, shut up before I deck you,” he grinned, turning back to Deanna. “I believe we have a date.”

“Hey,” said Luke. “We stirred a few hornets’ nests today. Don’t be surprised if you see the Jordans having a beer not far from you. They’re just making sure you’ll be okay.”

“Always welcome extra security,” said Pax. He held out his arm, and Deanna slid her hand into his elbow. “Let’s go, gorgeous, before I change my mind, throw you over my shoulder, and take you upstairs.”

The restaurant was built in an old Victorian home. From their table on the patio, they could look down the street and straight onto the beach and ocean beyond. The warm evening was blessed with cool, soft Pacific breezes.

“You look stunning,” he whispered, kissing her hand.

“Thank you,” she smiled. “Your mom and Alice convinced me to buy it.”

“Well, I’ll have to thank them both later. Next time you go shopping, take them with you. They definitely know what brings out all your assets.” She frowned, looking down at the table. “Dee, I meant nothing by that. I love you just like you are.”

“But you love this look more.”

“No. I love this look because it’s something different for you and because I can see that it brings out your confidence, your smile, your individual style. This look enhances everything that’s beautiful in you. You can feel it. I know you can.” She nodded, smiling at him.

“You’re right. I do feel it. I always dressed so conservatively before, and I’m not even sure why.”

“And I love that about you. I don’t want my wife dressing provocatively so every man on the planet wants to touch her. Hell, they all turn and look at you now.”

“No, they don’t,” she laughed.

“Babe, I’m about to throat punch the five men at the bar, and two of them are Patrick and Christopher Jordan, and I know they’re married!” Deanna laughed, shaking her head.

“Sorry, folks. It’s been super busy tonight. What can I get you – hey, it’s you,” said the waiter.

“Juan. Pax, this is the young man we told you about earlier. Juan, this is my fiancé, Pax.”

“Hello, sir.”

“Hey. How are you?” He shrugged and tried to keep a smile.

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