Page 66 of Seventeen Years Ago

“I most definitely do,” he replied.

“Then I pronounce you husband and wife,” Reesa said.

We looked at each other and then at Reesa. “We’re married?” I asked.

“Yes. Those were beautiful wedding vows. Better than anything I could’ve had you recite. But there is one last thing.”

“What is that?” Steven asked.

“The best part,” Grandma replied.

Reesa smiled. “You may now kiss your bride.”

Steven pulled me towards him and kissed me. My grandmother cheered from behind us. “Looks like I might need another stay at the hospital, Doctor O’Connor. Just in case these two newlyweds want to make me a great grandma anytime soon.”

Everyone in the room burst into laughter.Only you, grandma. Only you.

I couldn't believe it. I was a married woman. Just moments ago, I was afraid that Bennett would put handcuffs on Steven, and I’d never see him again. The universe was smiling down on me today and I couldn’t be happier.

“What do you say about taking Grandma out for dinner to celebrate?” Steven suggested.

Grandma said, “No. This is your day. You don’t need me to tag along.”

“We want you with us. We’re all family now,” Steven said.

Grandma smiled at him then to me. “I told you he was the one. I knew it the moment I met him.”

So did I grandma. It just took me longer to admit it to myself.

Our little celebratory dinner didn’t remain small for long. Not sure who spread the word, but the dinner for three at New Hope turned into a wedding reception. The entire large dining room was filled with people whom Steven and I had helped during the state of emergency. They said they came to show their appreciation for all we did to help them prepare for the storm. It really had been all Steven. I was just his translator when needed.

But now the guests had all left, we said goodbye to grandma before she went to spend the night at Reesa and Finn’s house, it was time for us to celebrate.

“It was nice of Caydan to get us the honeymoon suite. He said we could have it for the week,” Steven said, as he carried me over the threshold.

A week? I couldn’t think past tonight. I was excited to be with Steven, but part of me still had no idea what to expect.

“Yes, that was very nice of him,” I replied.

He carried me to the bedroom, but he didn’t put me down. “My love, tell me what’s wrong.”

Now he was reading me like I do him. “Steven, I’m...I don’t want to disappoint you. You know I’ve never...done this before,” I reminded him.

He kissed me gently. “You could never disappoint me. What we will share tonight is not sex, it’s making love. It will be beautiful, for me and for you. I promise.”

This was a promise that I didn’t mind. I smiled up at him and said, “If you’ll excuse me for a minute, I’d like to go and change.”

We were still both in the clothes that we wore to the meeting with Reesa. Not a wedding dress, not a tux. Neither had been necessary. But Allyson had given me a small bag at the reception and told me I could wear it tonight. I had no idea what was inside, but I was about to find out.

He kissed me and said, “I’ll be waiting right here for you with some champagne.”

I didn’t drink much, but a sip or two won’t hurt. Might even help with my nerves. Once inside the bathroom, I opened the bag and pulled out a white lace teddy with a pink ribbon holding it closed in the front.

I searched the bag for the matching panties but couldn’t find them.Hmm. Probably wouldn’t have been on long anyway.

I washed up quickly and slipped on the teddy. My hair which had been in a bun on top of my head, now hung past my shoulders, the way Steven said he liked it.

This is not sex. This is making love.

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