Page 27 of Desire

Laughter rings out in the room as Rayne nods. “You speak the truth, man.”

“Are we done? Can we go get something to eat?” Billie asks. “Because I’ve got a date with the princess later on and we all know she hates when we’re late.”

“Let’s hit the Mexican place. I need my queso,” I state.

Chapter Fourteen

Justine

“Can you stop humming that?”Billie grouses as she buttons the back of my dress. “It’s bad enough that you decided to get married on Christmas Eve, but hearing you humIt’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmason a constant replay is giving me a headache.”

“We were going to get married sooner but that venue was booked, remember?” I reply. Inside, I’m giddy about the fact that my wedding is happening during my favorite holiday of all time. Sebastian went all out with the outside decorations at our house and inside it’s like Santa threw up. Each and every room exudes the holiday spirit, but my favorite is our bedroom. He found a gorgeous potted live tree, so the scent of pine is ever-present. The one in the family room is also a live tree, but the others are artificial. We’ve found special ornaments to commemorate us, and my mother delivered all of my ornaments that used to grace the family tree.

Billie touches my shoulder and softly says, “Seriously, I am happy for you two. And knowing I’ll have another niece or nephew to spoil in a few months is pretty cool too.” I nod but don’t reply. Billie didn’t used to be like she is now, all hard exterior and bravado, but her stalker really did a number on her. The only time she even remotely resembles who she was before is when she’s with Hadley. I send up a silent prayer that someday, someone will come along that changes that for her because she’s got so much love to give it would be a shame to keep it locked away just because some fuckwad messed with her head.

“You look beautiful,” Sibley says, walking into the room. “You’re glowing too, but that’s probably the baby.” I grin at her and pat my belly. Dash, bless his over-dramatic heart, bitched and complained when he had to rework the skirt area to cover my growing baby bump, but I’m thrilled with the redesign and feel like a princess.

“Thank you. It’s been a good year, hasn’t it?” I ask my sisters as we all finish getting ready. This venue is perfect as there are several rooms available for the bride and groom to prepare themselves in without being seen.

“It really has. I can’t believe how wellDesireis doing,” Billie admits, sipping her mimosa.

“I know! Not only that, but Jacey getting us booked the way we want for next year will be awesome since we’ll have the baby by then,” I reply, sipping my water.

“Is Sebastian really getting y’all your own RV?” Sibley asks as she applies more mascara.

“Yeah,” I say, giggling. “He says we need that privacy, plus we’re bringing the dogs.”

“I suspect Hadley will want to be in yours instead of the band’s bus then,” Billie advises. “She loves those damn dogs. I’m glad they finally found a rescue group and were able to get her one for Christmas.”

“She’s going to be so excited,” Sibley exclaims. “Mom and Dad have her at the hotel right now and will bring her over in the morning.”

I nod. We’re not being completely conventional since most couples leave right away for their honeymoon. Instead, we’re going to celebrate with our family tonight and spend Christmas Day at my parents’ house before we take off the following day for Gatlinburg. Sebastian found us a cabin nestled in the mountains and we plan to see all the sights possible, although I hope we spend an equal amount of time in bed together. “Thanks again for keeping the boys for us while we’re gone. They really enjoy it when you’re around.”

“That’s because she gives them extra treats,” Billie states. I shoot Sibley a mock glare and watch her shrug.

“Carrots, Billie. I give them extracarrots,” Sibley says, throwing a cookie at her.

I hear a knock at the door then Jacey calls out that it’s just her and Hadley. The door opens and I watch Hadley, clutching Annabelle, run through. “Look at me, Auntie Justine! Don’t I look bee-you-tiful?” she asks, twirling around.

“Is that you, Princess Hadley?” I inquire. “You look so elegant today. And my oh my, Annabelle is quite the fashionista as well.”

“Her dress is just like mine,” Hadley says.

“Hadley, sit still please,” Jacey demands. “I need to fix your hair.”

“Mommy, it looks perfect.”

I glance at Jacey and smile. “Actually, Princess Hadley, you’re missing something.” Standing, I go over to the bag I brought and reach in for the tiara I got for her.

“A tiara,” Hadley whispers, her little eyes wide. “Auntie Justine, I’m going to look like a real-life princess!”

Her enthusiasm has us all laughing as Jacey gets it settled in place. I feel my butterflies growing when I notice that it’s almost time. Another knock at the door has my parents stepping in and I watch tears form in my mom’s eyes when she sees me. “Oh, honey, you look beautiful,” she says, coming over to hug me.

“Daddy?” I ask. He hasn’t said anything, he just keeps staring at me.

“Are you sure you want to go through with this?” he inquires. “I’ve got a full tank of gas and can get you out of here without anyone seeing.”

“Daddy!” I admonish. “I love Sebastian with everything in me. I’m not running.”

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