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He took my hand. Then my phone rang. I grabbed it, as it was next to my shoes. “My sister’s calling.”
He kissed my forehead. “Talk to her. I’ll get cleaned and dressed, and then we’ll leave.”
He headed to the bathroom. I followed and grabbed my makeup bag as I said, “Abby, hi.”
I used cream foundation to smooth my face as she asked, “How did it go with his parents?”
I laughed and grabbed the eye brushes. I chose a nice pink to match my dress. “They were happy, just like he said they would be.”
“Good. Did they see that ring of yours?”
I held it up and stared at the three-carat diamond that was impractical if I wanted to wash dishes. “Yes, I’m wearing it.”
“Well, I’m taking a walk to breathe fresh air for an hour. But I wanted to check in with you first.”
I put all my brushes down. “I was so sad leaving you, but I’m glad you’re doing great.”
“Have fun.”
Kir finished with the shower and towel dried as I hung up with my sister. I patted on the last of my makeup and put it away. When I glanced over. He was fully dressed.
He winked at me and kissed my cheek. “Don’t worry about me.”
Abby’s care was secure, and I was happy. My body pulsated as I ached to be his and stay home. However, I’d avoided direct questions in phone calls, texts, and emails for weeks. I needed to tell everyone the news. So we hopped into the limo, which drove us to a bar two blocks away.
He held my hand, and we walked in. My friends and some of his brothers were sitting at a round table. Britney was first to spot us and waved. “There you two are.”
I stood over everyone who was sitting. This was my family too. I said to my friends, “We’re back.”
As we took our seats, Isabel asked, “How was your sister?”
Kelly nudged her. “Never mind that. Look at her hand.”
Britney reached over and whistled.
I laughed and showed her the ring. “So, Kir and I have news.”
Kelly narrowed her eyes at me. “Yeah?”
My heart grew warmer. No one was judging me. “We eloped in Vegas, but we’re having an official spring wedding to celebrate with all of you.”
Britney said, “Amazing. Wow. Kir, you have good taste.”
He laughed and toasted with his brothers across the table. I had no idea where the champagne had come from, and I didn’t ask when he handed me a flute and said, “I like to think so.”
Hope squealed. “We’re going to be partners and sisters.”
Partners. I couldn’t fathom the idea when Kir had first mentioned it, but working with my friends and new family would be a recipe for success.
Hope said, “I’m so happy for you.”
“Me too,” I said, though the whole concept of being in charge of anything struck me as strange.
Xerses tapped the table. “So, cheers to the happy couple.”
We all sipped, and then Kir asked, “This weekend, the trip to Mexico is still on for everyone?”
Britney shrugged. “Well, I guess you two rescheduled for a good reason.”
