Page 66 of Shadows of Eternity

“Hang on tight,” he said as he swung her into his arms and headed for the bedroom. “I don’t have much time, you know. I’m due at the theater at seven-thirty.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Leia woke slowly, her body still warm and tingling from Rohan’s caresses. They had made love again when he got home from the theater last night. She smiled at the memory. Last night, every nerve and cell in her body had come alive at his touch as never before. She wondered if he’d been holding back a little the other times they had made love, wondered if he felt differently about her now that she had agreed to marry him.

Raising up on her elbow, she let her gaze move over him. His long, black hair covered the pillowcase like a splash of ebony ink. She admired his muscular arms and legs, his broad shoulders and chest, his flat belly ridged with muscle. Not wanting to wake him, she clenched her hands to keep from running her fingers over all that tempting, copper-hued flesh.

She continued to admire him as she thought of the things she needed to do in the next few days—find a church, order a cake and flowers, call her parents and arrange for them to meet Rohan. She was sure Janae would agree to be her matron of honor, and her friend, Rosemary, would agree to be a bridesmaid. She couldn’t wait to go shopping for a dress. Couldn’t wait to be Rohan’s wife.

She eased out from under the covers so as not to wake him, giggled when his hand curled around her arm.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, his voice whisky-rough as he drew her down on top of him.

“I think I’m staying right here,” she said, stifling a laugh.

And it was a long time before she made it out of the bedroom.

After a late breakfast, Leia called her parents. Her mother answered the phone. “Leia! It’s so good to hear from you. How are you, hon?”

“I’m fine, Mom. Guess what? I’m getting married.”

“Married? Goodness, I didn’t even know you were dating anyone.”

“You’ll love him.”

“Well, what’s his name? What does he do? Where did you meet?”

“Slow down, Mom,” Leia said. “His name is Rohan. He’s Lakota. And he dances for a living.”

“Dances?” her mother asked dubiously. “Like onDancing With the Stars?”

“No,” Leia said, laughing. “He’s a professional Native American dancer. That’s how I met him. He performs under the name Shadow Dancer.”

“I think I’ve heard of him,” her mother said. “Yes. Yes, I have. I saw an ad for that show in the newspaper just the other day. I’ve been trying to convince your Dad to take me to see it, but he’s dragging his feet. You know how he is. If it doesn’t have guns or monster trucks, he’s not interested. So, you’re getting married. When’s the big day?”

“Hopefully in two or three weeks, if I can get all my ducks in a row. I’ll let you know.”

“Why the rush? You’re not … ”

“No, Mom, I’m not pregnant. Just anxious. I don’t like big weddings, you know, so it’s just going to be a small affair, with our family, Janae, and maybe a few friends from school. I don’t suppose there’s any way Luke could make it home,” she said, with a sigh. “So, what’s a good day for us to come by so you and Dad can meet Rohan?”

“What about this Thursday, for dinner?”

Leia frowned. Dinner really wasn’t a good idea. “How about this?” Leia said. “Why don’t you and Dad come to the show Thursday night? That way you can meet Rohan and see him perform. We can go out for drinks afterward. I know it’s a long drive … ”

“That’s a wonderful idea!” her mother exclaimed. “Your dad and I can make a day of it. A nice drive. Dinner by the ocean. The chance to meet our future son-in-law. Your Dad can’t say no to all that.”

“All right, it’s a date then. I’ll arrange for tickets. Say hi to Dad for me.”

“Will do. Love you, honey.”

“Love you, too, Mom. Show starts at eight. Get there a little early.” Meeting after the show had been a stroke of genius, Leia mused as she ended the call. She wouldn’t have to explain why Rohan didn’t eat.

Leia spent the next half hour calling churches in the area and finally found one that was available on a Sunday night in two weeks.

Her next call was to Janae. She hesitated a moment before she clicked on Janae’s name, certain Janae wouldn’t approve.

“Hey, girlfriend,” Janae said cheerfully. “What’s new and exciting?”

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