“Surprise!” The room erupts when I walk in the front door of my parents’ house. A soft gasp escapes me when my breath catches in my lungs. Jamie’s arm wraps around my waist pulling me closely to his side.

He leans down and whispers in my ear, “Surprise, baby.”

I bury my face against the corded muscles of his chest. The shock of the surprise hits me full force. My cheeks burn in embarrassment.

“Babe.” I’m startled by Jamie’s voice. He tips my chin up to meet his gaze with tenderness in his expression.

“You can let go, Tink. The party is for you.”

His eyes fill with fierce, sparkling love. “Today is all about you.”

On tiptoes I lean in, “You knew about this, Mr. Banks?”

Jamie’s breath is hot against my ear, “Of course, I did. It was my job to get you here.” He brushes a gentle kiss on my forehead.

My mom appears in the foyer and laughs when she sees me clinging to Jamie's shirt.

"Come on, sweetheart," she says and takes my hand pulling me away from Jamie.

Morgan stands, straightens her shoulders and clears her throat. “Do you plan on standing there all day? You have gifts to be opened.”

I nod and chuckle at her. “I’ll be right there.” Morgan spins and walks away.

Jamie laughs. "Go have fun, I'll be in the den with the guys."

"You're staying?" I ask.

He nods. "Yeah, our moms decided to make it co-ed. We'll be scarce though, so don't worry about me. We're just going to watch the Mets."

My mom pulls me into the living room filled with people and presents. The room is decorated elegantly in silver and black. Linens on her tables and balloons lining the ceiling with a few streamers.

The table is decorated beautifully with black and silver linens and sparkly ribbons are woven intricately throughout the jars and vases. An assortment of jars line the table on the far wall forming a candy buffet. Each one is filled with different bulk candies. Jelly beans, M&M’s, Swedish fish, sugar peach rings, just to name a few. All of my favorites fill the jars.

White chocolate taffies and chocolate-covered fruits are on black serving trays. My mouth waters seeing the assortment of delicacies I get to choose from. Guests get to fill a box that resembles a Chinese take-out carton that has a C&J in black and silver calligraphy lettering on the side panels. It’s almost like I’m looking at my very own Pinterest board that has come to life with all of the details that have been put into this party and I’m in love with everything.

The details are really perfect since I am addicted to candy. While traveling for work, candy is my lifesaver. Jamie usually hides a snack bag in my luggage when I have to travel. Every time, the candy is different. He claims it’s a way for me to think of him while I am away. As if I wouldn’t. The man is always on my mind.

My eyes bounce around the room seeing all of our family and friends and I pause, lost in thought.

Seeing everyone gathered in one place, talking, laughing, my heart hurts knowing that two people are missing. My grandmother would have loved to be here to see me marry Jamie. God took her too soon from us. She died when I was young after losing her battle to breast cancer. Shortly after that, my grandfather passed from a heart attack. My mom always told Christian and me that he died from a broken heart. I think she was right.

“What are you thinking about, sweetheart?” My mom asks when she appears at my side.

I turn to look at her with unshed tears in my eyes. “I was just wish Nana and Papa were here today. They would have loved to be part of this. To see the life Jamie and I are building together.”

“They are here, honey.” My mom reaches out and takes my hand in hers and flattens it over my heart. “They’re with you every day. You may not see them, you may not hear them. But they’re right here,” she says and pats her hand over my heart.

I squeeze my mom closer to me, “I love you.” I step back to look at her face. “Thank you for all of this, it’s beautiful.”

“Your father and I have dreamt of the day that we would be able to give you the shower of your dreams. Michelle, was thrilled that I asked her to be part of it, rather than just throwing it by myself. You’re marrying her son, I had to include her in the planning.”

“Thank you. The two of you did an amazing job.”

I stroll through the room, making my rounds to greet my guests. Our neighbor, Mrs. Rupert, talks excitedly about her granddaughter’s upcoming wedding this fall, and we are both engaged in a comparison of the flowers, cake flavors, and venues chosen for each of the respective weddings. I don’t realize how much time has passed, so I politely excuse myself from my conversation with Mrs. Rupert and I walk over to where my mom is standing with Michelle.

“Are you ready to open your gifts?” my mom asks.

I nod and approach the chair designated for the bride and sit down.

Morgan sits next to me on the floor. "Make sure you give me the ribbons and bows from the gifts."

"Are you really going to make me wear one of those ridiculous hats?"

She scoffs. "As if. Do you not know your best friend at all?"

I laugh. “I know you too well.”

"I would never make you pose for a picture with a preposterous hat on your head.”

I rise a brow. “Really?”

“I'm making a bouquet for you to carry at the wedding rehearsal. You can keep it as a keepsake when you're done."

My eyes fill with tears. "Morgan."

"Don't you start crying. Do you hear me?" She points her manicured finger at me.

A little over two hours later, I’m finally finished with gifts.

My legs are stiff and beginning to cramp from sitting so long. I go to stand up to stretch my legs when Morgan speaks. “Where are you going? We’re not done yet.”

I stretch my arms above my head and bend over to touch my toes. My back is killing me from sitting.

“Yes, we are. I just handed you the last of the gifts.”

“Oh, no. Us girls got you a few more special gifts.”

“Special gifts?” I ask curiously.

“Yup, sit back down,” Morgan dictates with a huge smirk on her face.

Slowly, I lower myself back into the chair. It’s hot in here all of a sudden. My hands are clammy, almost in anticipation of what I know is coming. Morgan thrusts a gift at me.

“Open it. What are you waiting for?”

“I swear. I will strangle you with my bare hands.” I grumble under my breath, so only she can hear.

She shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly. “As if they don’t know what you two do when you are behind closed doors,” she says, raising a dark brow. “Let’s see what’s in the box?” Morgan says loudly so everyone can hear.

“Make sure to hold it up so we can all see,” Lindsey adds from across the room.

I glare at Lindsey, my eyes speaking a million and one things.

I will kill all of you.

Shut your mouths.

This is so embarrassing.

Why are we friends?

I pull the strand of ribbon and tear the paper off the beautifully wrapped box. “Ribbon, please.” Morgan smiles and sticks her hand out, wiggling her fingers. I grab the ribbon and toss it at her. She snickers.

“I am going to kill you. Why are you my maid of honor?” I murmur under my breath.

She puffs out her chest. “Because you love me,” she says as she stretches the word love out.

“I’m going to have to rethink this whole friendship thing.”

“Whatever, just open it.” She points at the box on my lap.

I place the lid by my feet and shift the neatly folded tissue paper aside. A gasp leaves my throat. The garment that sits inside is beautiful. I meet Morgan’s eyes that are filled with unshed tears.

Morgan lowers her voice, being purposefully mysterious. “That’s for your wedding day to wear under your dress. Or the wedding night.”

Inside the box lays a white corset with a beautiful floral tapestry design topped off with a pretty frill and white bow. It’s absolutely beautiful, elegant yet oh-so-sexy.

“I hope you love it,” Morgan says.

“It’s stunning.” I stand up and pull her in for a hug. “I love it. Thank you.”

Morgan squeezes me and whispers. “Jamie can thank me later.” She pulls back and wiggles her brows at me and smiles.

“Let me see, sweetie. Pass it over here.” I recognize the raspy voice before I even look up. Jamie’s Aunt Cyndi says something to Michelle causing her to laugh.

“That boy isn’t going to know what to do with himself,” Aunt Cyndi says.

Michelle nudges her, “You are talking about my son, I bet he knows exactly what to do with himself…and with her wearing that, too.”

I’m dying inside. My future mother-in-law and Jamie’s Aunt are talking about us having sex.

Morgan takes the box and hands it to my mom, so the corset can be passed around for everyone to see.

I sit back down and Morgan hands me another box that is wrapped in silver paper with a big black frilly bow on it.

“That’s from me.” Lindsey raises her hand in the air.

A few of my aunts turn around to see who the gift is from.

I untie the ribbon and tear the paper off quickly. When I lift the lid, my eyes go wide. Oh, my God. I can’t show everyone this. My eyes seek a laughing Lindsey out.

“That is for your honeymoon,” Lindsey declares, rubbing her hands together.

I put the lid back on and go to shift the box off of my lap when Morgan stops me. “Oh, no you don’t. Hold it up and show everyone.”

“I can’t. Just give me the next package.”

“You are not getting off that easy,” Karsen chimes in.

Lindsey lifts an eyebrow and her features become more animated. Satisfaction purses her mouth. “I’m not sure who will love this present more. You or Jamie.”

“We’re all adults here. We know what happens on honeymoons,” Morgan says.

“I understand that, but my aunts, my mother, and my future mother-in-law do not need to know what I will be wearing on my honeymoon.” I growl at Morgan, my voice almost unrecognizable.

“Lighten up, sweetheart. Most of us have had our own bridal showers. We know what types of gifts you get besides the household appliances, silverware, and flatware. Humor us old folks, will ya,” my mom says.

“This is so embarrassing,” I mutter and lift the lid off the box again. Inside sits a lingerie set which includes a gartered skirt, G-string, and lacy bra. The set is a gorgeous pink with contrasting black trim, lace print, and bow accents. Lindsey also included a sheer black pair of thigh highs.

“That’s what I’m talking about. Jamie is going to love that on you!” Lindsey hollers.

Laughter erupts in the room. You would think I was at my bachelorette party with how much fun everyone is having. Their laughter is at my expense, but at least they are having a good time.

“Jamie’s always liked you in pink,” Michelle says with a hint of laughter in her voice.

All eyes land on me after my future mother-in-law’s comment. My face heats under everyone’s scrutiny. “Can the ground just open up and swallow me now,” I mutter under my breath.

“One more gift and you are off the hook,” Karsen states enthusiastically.

“Please, don’t tell me you got me something, too?” I ask.

Karsen laughs. “Of course, I did. Did you think I was going to let everyone else have all the fun?”

Morgan hands me Karsen’s box which is rather large and quite heavy. She didn’t bother to wrap it with paper, rather she just put a huge bow on top.

I lift the lid off and hand it to Morgan, who takes the bow off, hoarding all the satiny décor that has been removed from the packages. Inside the box is a feminine, raspberry-colored, lace garter chemise and thong set that is sophisticated and equally as sexy as the previous gift.

“Hold it up so we can see,” Karsen exclaims.

Leisurely, I lift the lace chemise in the air for everyone to see, silently admiring this beautiful gift. It’s very pretty and the texture of the material is silky and smooth. It will fit me like a glove and cling to the little curves that I have.

When I raise the lingerie up, I notice there are other gifts in the box.

My eyes narrow at Karsen. “You didn’t.”

She smirks. “I did.”

Morgan leans over to peek in the box. “This is going to be fun. Are you going to share what else is in the box with everyone?” she asks happily.

“No,” I say through gritted teeth.

Under the lingerie, there is a set of furry black handcuffs, a blindfold, a rather large, pink vibrator, and a set of balls. God only knows what I’m supposed to do with those. There is some circle thing attached to a cord and a controller. I’m assuming that is for Jamie. A bottle of lube and a variety of oils are in a clear zipper case. The labels on the lubricants make me chuckle. Whipped Berry Crème Brûlée, Just Lick Me Cherry, and Hot Buttered Rum lubricant. On the bottle of butter rum, the tag line reads ‘the more you lick, the hotter it gets’.

Karsen laughs. “That, my friend, is for when you are on your honeymoon and need to spice things up.”

A few of the guests double over in laughter at her comment.

“Or when you decide to have a little fun making a baby. I’m ready to be an aunt. Just sayin’,” Karsen declares.

An unwelcome blush creeps across my cheeks. Tingling sweeps up the back of my neck and across my face. I squeeze my eyes shut and cover my face with my hands.

“Don’t be embarrassed, Cami. We all have some of that stuff stashed in our nightstands,” Lindsey calls out.

A fake smile appears on my face. “Ah… thanks.”

Laughter spews in the room.

“I’m ready to be a grandma,” Michelle states loudly.

Laughing, I say, “I’ll be sure to let your son know that.”

I get up to stretch my legs. My mom walks over and pulls me in for a hug.

She leans back to look at me, "Are you happy with everything you got?"

I nod. "My shower was beautiful. You and Michelle did an amazing job today."

“Jamie had his hands in it, too.”

“He did?”

“Of course, he did, sweetie, we included him in the details. Who do you think was responsible for selecting the candy?”

My eyes well up, overcome with emotion with all of the days’ activity centered around me. “That doesn’t surprise me.”

"Your father and I would like to speak to you and Jamie before you leave today."

"Is everything okay?" I ask.

My mom cups my cheeks in her hands. "Everything is perfect. We'd like to speak to the two of you in private."

My brows draw together.

"Everything is fine. Relax. Go enjoy yourself, talk to your guests."

She taps my nose with her finger. "Now go."

With that, she walks off. I wonder what my parents need to speak to Jamie and me about. Pushing that thought to the back of my mind, I go mingle before our guests leave.

The aroma coming from the dining room makes my mouth water, my stomach growls. In each corner of the room, there are stations set up, each with a different type of food. Italian, American, even a sushi station with fried rice. Following my nose, I head over to the sushi station and interrupt Karsen and Morgan.

Karsen bumps my hip with hers. “Figured you’d hit this one up first.”

“You know it. How could I resist?” Morgan places a few pieces of a California roll on my plate. I reach for the tongs and take a helping of edamame to add to my plate.

“There is so much to pick from. How am I going to fit into my dress?”

Morgan laughs. “I’m sure it will fit perfectly.”

“I’ll meet you in the dining room, I’m going to head over to the carving station and see what else I can add. Did you give me the receipts for that lingerie because I’m sure I won’t fit into it after this party?”

A quiet laugh escapes me when I see who is standing behind it with a white chef hat on and a red apron that says ‘I'm not old, just well-seasoned' in bold white embroidered stitching across his chest.

"Hey, sweetheart, would you like ham or prime rib?" my dad asks.

I point to the small piece of ham. "Give me that, and just a small piece of the beef."

My dad cuts the meat, placing it on a smaller plate near the basket of rolls and salad. "Here, sweetie. This way the meat doesn't mix with the sushi. I can't imagine it would taste good."

I laugh, taking the plate from his hand. "Good idea. Thanks."

By the time I make my way around the food, my plate is filled with a little from each station.

“Here, sit over here,” Lindsey says and points to the empty chair next to Karsen.

“The food is incredible, and I can’t wait to fill my take-out box with candy,” Lindsey says.

“Everything is perfect.” My eyes bounce around the room, seeing everyone enjoying themselves.

“Have you seen the desserts on the island in the kitchen. I am definitely getting some of that to go,” Karsen says as she rubs her belly. She leans in close to me. “You know, your mom and Michelle wouldn’t let us help with anything to do with the shower. Morgan somehow managed to get them to let us handle the favors.”

“I didn’t get a chance to see the favors. What are they?”

“Morgan found this cute bath shop in Chelsea. We each picked out a different bath bomb.”

“That’s a great idea. Something everyone can use, rather than the traditional type of favors. I love the idea,” I reply.

“Did you give it to her yet?” Morgan asks when she appears at the table.

“Give me what?” I ask.

“No, I was waiting on you,” Lindsey says as she reaches under the table and pulls a box out.

“Here, this is from us. It’s our bridal party gift to you.”

“You guys didn’t have to get me anything.”

“We know we didn’t, but we wanted to,” Karsen replies.

I scoot back my chair and place the box on my lap. The box is wrapped in sparkly silver paper with black swirly designs. When I lift the lid up, a red bikini, a black bikini, and a beach towel are folded neatly inside.

“You know Jamie and I aren’t going to get much beach time in on our honeymoon after he sees those lingerie sets.” We look at each other and smile in earnest.

“They should fit. You borrow mine, so you should be good,” Morgan says when I lift the bikinis out of the box. Underneath is an envelope with my name on it. “What’s this?”

“Open it,” Karsen says as she bounces in her seat excitedly.

Inside the manila envelope is a brochure to The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana with four airline tickets sticking out of the top.

“Oh, my God,” I screech. “Are you kidding me?”

“We’re heading to Punta Cana. Five days, four nights of lounging by the pool, relaxing in the sun, plenty of drinks with umbrellas, and dancing the night away,” Morgan announces.

“How did you do this?” I ask.

“We have our ways,” Karsen proclaims.

“Don’t worry about work, we cleared it with your assistant. All you need to do is pack and show up at the airport.” Lindsey’s smile radiates off her face.

“This is awesome. I cannot believe you did this.”

Morgan leans in and whispers, “The crazy mothers wouldn’t let us pay anything toward the shower, so we thought,” Morgan taps her finger against her chin, “we would pay for a little girls’ trip for your bachelorette party.”

Tearing up, I can’t even put words to the emotions I’m feeling. Looking around at my best friends who surround me at the table, I say, “You all went above and beyond. You really didn’t need to do this. You know that, right?”

Karsen puts her arm around my shoulder and pulls me close to her. “We know we didn’t have to. Look at it as more of a girls’ trip for all of us to get a break from stress and work… and celebrating you, too.”

I lean in and place a kiss on Karsen’s cheek. “Did I ever tell each of you that I have the best girlfriends a girl could ever ask for?”

Morgan laughs. “I’m not sure. But feel free to tell us again.”

“You girls are the best,” I exclaim happily.

After finishing my food and discussing all of the details of our trip, I mingle with the remaining guests.

"Alright, ladies," Morgan hollers from the living room. "Can I have your attention for a second?" She claps her hands in an attempt to silence everyone. The room grows quiet as all eyes fall on my best friend. "Before you leave today, there is a basket by the front door where your favors are. Can you please take a wooden block and write a memory you have with Camryn and Jamie? On the bottom of the block, please put your first name. When you've done so, put it in the glass jar next to it. The girls and I thought this would be a great thing for the soon-to-be bride and groom to save as a keepsake. The blocks are from the game Jenga.” Everyone nods in agreement and I hear rumblings of comments about ‘what a fabulous idea’ and ‘oh, let’s use that for so and so’s wedding’. I just love my best friends, they’ve made this entire day so incredibly special.

My eyes zero in on the person I am looking for. I come up behind him, my arms locking around his waist. “This is amazing. I heard you helped with everything.”

Jamie circles around in my hold. His arms envelop me, one hand on the small of my back. Lowering his mouth to mine, he gazes into my eyes. “You deserve this, Tink.”

The touch of his hand was suddenly almost unbearable in its tenderness. I lean toward him, inhaling his scent.

One brow goes up, along with the corners of his lips. “I saw those little outfits the girls got ya. I heard Morgan’s big mouth and snuck a peek in just in time to see you hold them up for everyone to see. I hope you don’t plan on saving those for the honeymoon, right.”

“You did, did you?” I stare with longing at him. My wide-eyed innocence was merely a smoke screen.

Jamie’s eyes glow with a savage inner fire. His lips leave mine toward my ear.

“I did. I like the black lacy one the best.” His voice is low and smooth. “Think of all the fun we can have tonight.” He nips my earlobe. “You sprawled out in the middle of the bed...”

Jamie looks at me and the double meaning of his gaze is very obvious. He’s turned on, his hardened arousal pressing against my stomach only confirms it. My insides ripple with excitement.

“You can’t do this here. People are watching us.” Fortunately, no one notices the tremor in my voice. His gaze meets mine, my heart turns over in response.

Jamie’s eyes only flame further as they rake over me seductively. His gaze drops from my eyes, to my shoulders, then to my breasts.

“Let them watch. I’m simply having a conversation with my fiancée about all the ways I plan to pleasure her, while wearing the lingerie she just got.” He pauses. “I think we should make sure they fit.” The underlying sensuality of his words captivate me. Jamie claims my lips. The kiss is slow and thoughtful. His tongue traces the soft fullness of my lips sending shivers of desire racing up my spine.

“Is that what you think?” I ask in a silky voice. My lips still warm and wet from his kiss.

A throat clears behind us. Looking over my shoulder, my brother leans against the counter with his arms crossed across his chest.

"Really, dude?" We're in my parents' kitchen." Christian glares at Jamie. He swallows hard, lifting his chin and boldly meets my gaze.

"What?" Jamie raises a brow at my brother.

"Don't ‘what’ me." Christian growls, shoving his plate away from him on the counter. He wipes his mouth with a napkin, tossing it on the plate still piled with food.

"I don't need to hear what you plan to do to my sister later tonight. And I sure as hell don't want the visual," Christian says.

“Well if you weren’t eavesdropping on a private conversation, you wouldn’t have had to hear what Jamie plans to do to me in the sexy little outfits,” I reply, taunting my brother.

Jamie laughs. "You do know what married couples do, right?"

"No shit, asshole. I know they have sex, I just don't need to know that the two of you have sex. You got me?" Christian responds sharply.

Jamie’s hands move to my hips. His lips brush against my temple. My assumption is he’s trying to get a rise out of my brother.

“Oh, dear brother, if you only knew what your best friend was capable of,” I say with easy defiance.

“I don’t know who’s worse between the two of you,” Christian grumbles and turns on his heel striding out of the kitchen.

I bite my lip to stifle my laugh.

“Some things never change.” Jamie leans down capturing my lips for another kiss.

* * *

A few hours later after cleaning up, I flop down onto the couch as my knees buckle with a grateful sigh. Jamie settles into the deep cushion next to me, his arms spread expansively.

I rest my head on his shoulder and close my eyes. “Today was perfect.”

“You deserve perfect, babe.” He leans down and places a soft kiss on the tip of my nose.

My mom’s voice fills the room. I open my eyes and she holds out an envelope toward me. “This is for the two of you,” she says.

“What is this?” I ask.

“Open it,” she instructs me.

My father sits on the couch in the den next to me and Jamie. In that moment, I’d forgotten all about my mom saying she wanted to talk with us privately.

With shaky hands, I take the envelope from my mom. Immediately, I recognize the writing on the front. My name is written in bold, black cursive letters. Brushing away tears to see, I tear it open. My hands continue to tremble as I slide the folded stationery out. I take a deep breath through the river of tears that are threatening to fall.

Tears blind my eyes and choke my voice. “It’s from Nana and Papa.”

Jamie pulls me against his chest, embracing me tightly. His hand rubs up and down my back, consoling me.

I gulp hard, hot tears slipping down my cheeks.

“We were told to give this to you if both Nana and Papa weren’t here. Your brother used a good portion of his money when he and Jamie opened the studio,” my mom declares.

My dad clears his throat. “Your mother and I paid for Christian’s college education. We didn’t want him withdrawing from his inheritance. Your mother and I opted not to tell him about the money until he approached us with regards to starting the business with Jamie.”

He leans forward, placing his elbows on his knees. “As you know, you went to Stanford on your athletic scholarship. So, the money we spent on your brother’s education, we added that to the money your grandparents set aside for you. It was only fair.”

“We’re paying for your wedding, so you don’t have to worry about that. The two of you are to use this money to buy a house or a condo in the city. Whatever you wish. There is enough there to pay for it in full,” my mom elaborates.

This is unreal. Jamie and I have enough money to buy the home of our dreams. A home that we can raise a family in. A stab of guilt lays in my throat that my Nana and Papa aren’t here to experience this with us, but I know they are with me. Just like the letter says.

With shaky hands, I hand Jamie the tear-stained letter to read.

After a few moments, he hands the letter back to me. His own eyes bordering with tears.

“I’m sorry that your grandparents aren’t here,” Jamie whispers in my ear.

I nod. “They are, babe.” I place my hand over my heart. “They’re right here.”

Swallowing the despair in my throat, I lean back to look at the man I love. The man who holds my heart.

“So, where do you want to live?” I ask with a huge smile on my face. “Nana and Papa just bought us a house.”