Page 41 of Big Booze Boss

She asks, "Does the pool freeze?"

"No." I smile at her. "It stays a warm temperature year-round."

"Nice!" She says.

"Let's go back to the cabin to eat and shower before the final rush."

We sit outside on the porch overlooking the view of the ceremony. She is unusually quiet, and I ask. "Cat got your tongue because you tense about the lift? Worried about Jenny? Or ….?"

She looks at me, then says, "None of the above. I'm just happy to be alive in this moment with you."

Of all the things I thought she would say, that wasn't one of them. I lean over and cup her face with my palm and rub my thumb over her lips. "You have the most kissable lips."

She puckers up, and I place a soft butterfly kiss on them.

Then she says, "I fly home tomorrow afternoon."

That thought takes my breath away as I stare into her eyes. Then I ask, "Why?"

She chuckles, "Because I booked a round-trip ticket, and I have to get back to my job."

"Why?" I ask again, staring her down. "Stay with me."

"No, Blaze. This has been magical. Don't get me wrong. But it's the kind of magic fairytales are made of."

She looks away as she lifts my arm and snuggles under it. "Shush, don't spoil it for me. Let me have my fairytale."

I hold her for a few minutes contemplating what I should do. I know what my heart says. I know what her eyes say. I know everything I need to know. So, I push her over, crawl on top, and stare into her eyes. "Breezy, let me give you a happily ever after ending."

She smiles, that lazy, content smile and says, "I would like that, Blaze Malone."

Summer

A little after three, the servers from the bar arrive with the food and the booze. I tease Blaze that they are out of uniform when they are all dressed in proper black pants and white shirts.

He laughs, "Yes, they are."

I admire the relationship he has with the staff. He treats them all with the same respect as if they are all his buddies. When they are finished setting up, they sit under the tent and wait. Blaze says, "Let's go have those two shots of Blazing Fire you asked for earlier and get dressed.

"Yep. It's time."

Back in the cabin, he takes the bottle from the freezer and pours us both a double. "Here's to the future, Mr. and Mrs. Malone."

"Here, here." I toss it back and shake my head as the fire lights in my gut.

He puts it back with, "For later." Then walks to the clothesline and pushes his tuxedo aside. "I unpacked your dress for you."

"Yes, I saw it hanging there. Thank you."

"You're welcome." He stands holding it, grinning.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he says. "I'm ready to see you in it, is all."

I look closer at it, and cold panic fills my veins. My eyes widen, and I stutter. "Th… Th… That is NOT what I'm supposed to wear. OH. MY. GOD! This is a disaster."

"I don't think so. It may be a mistake. But not a disaster."

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