Page 59 of The Light to My Darkness (The Light to My Darkness 1)

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"Baby," James whispered. "It's time to get going."

His scent was the only thing my mind seemed to register. I slowly opened my eyes and saw his smiling face. "But we only just got here."

He leaned forward and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You fell asleep."

"No I didn't. I just closed my eyes for a second..." my voice trailed off as I looked around the almost empty room. "Oh, I missed everything. The toasts. I was going to take pictures. How could you let me sleep through the whole thing?" The real question was how could I have slept through the whole thing. What was I, eighty years old?

"The photographer handled the pictures. And you've heard plenty of Mr. Caldwell's toasts. The real fun is tomorrow night anyway."

I sighed. "I guess. God, I can't believe you let me miss it though." I swatted his arm.

"I think you needed your rest. Especially since you're going to be staying up all night."

"Isn't that the truth," Jen said, butting into our conversation. She practically pushed James out of her way. "Time to go, sis."

"Give us a minute, Jen," James said without looking at her.

"You have exactly one minute. We're all waiting by the door, Penny."

"I'll be right there," I said.

James put his arm behind me on the chair. "I'm sure I can get us out of the shenanigans tonight if you want."

"I already missed the bachelorette party. And the rehearsal dinner. I can't miss tonight."

He frowned. "Until tomorrow then."

"Don't look so glum." I ran my fingers along the side of his jaw. "It'll just make our reunion that much better."

"I know, I'm just going to miss my girls." He put his hand on my stomach and leaned in to kiss me.

I didn't even care that he was back to his old ways of wishing for a girl. I was much too focused on his lips. And the fact that I really wanted to give in to spending the night with him instead.

He groaned into my mouth. "Don't kiss me like that when you have no intention of sealing the deal."

I laughed. "I love you."

"I love you too, Penny. Call me if you need anything tonight."

Chapter 21

Friday

"On a scale of one to ten, how terrified are you of tomorrow?" Jen asked.

"An eleven," Bee said and laughed.

"What? Why? It's not like Mason is going to not show up."

"Don't even joke about that." Bee sighed and leaned her head against the back of the couch.

"I've known him since he was born. If there was ever someone set in his decisions, it's Mason. He's showing up."

"I always forget that you knew the Caldwells growing up," I said. "You must have so many stories." I took a sip of my tea as Jen downed another shot.

"Not really," she said. "But Matt is great in bed."

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