Chapter 28

Evelyn

My face is framed by flowers in the mirror. There are roses everywhere, just everywhere—only a few red, the rest in pale pink, peach, and white. The scent is heavenly.

My skin has taken on the glow of the petals. I’m so happy I can feel it radiating out of my skin. I give myself a grin, touching up my lipstick for the millionth time. I had a friend do my eyes and cheekbones earlier with light touches.

The ceremony will start soon. I’m not even in my dress yet. I’ll probably need help to get the back done up. I’m not in a rush. I want to savor every moment of this. The anticipation and excitement are killing me, but it’s a good hurt.

I’m wearing gorgeous white silk stockings with soft bands of lace that circle my thighs. A fancy, lacy push up bra that fits perfectly under my dress holds my breasts to attention. The tiny lace thong is barely even enough fabric to call itself underwear.

I turn my head from side to side, admiring the piles of curls in a graceful updo. They fall beautifully around my face and neck, showing off my glittering dangly earrings.

Behind me, I hear the door click as someone walks in.

“Oh, hi.” I call out as I start to turn around, “I’m glad you’re here I need help with—”

I feel arms going around me before I can finish. From the soft yet thrilling touch and the tangy deep scent, I know its Shawn.

“What are you doing here?” I whisper furiously as he drapes his arms around me, falling on to my neck and bare shoulders with soft kisses. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding!”

Shawn places his hands lightly on my shoulders and starts kissing a path along my skin from one side to the other.

“Its bad luck…” Kiss. “To see the bride…” Kiss. “Before the wedding…” Kiss. “In her dress…” Kiss. “Besides, I’m told we’re married already.”

He stands up straight, grinning. We meet eyes in the mirror.

“You aren’t wearing your dress.” He smiles. I grin back, leaning into him to look up and meet his eyes as he gazes down at me. He just stares in wonder for a second, stroking my face lightly.

“How’s Tanner? Is he all ready?”

Shawn nods. “Yes, he’s very excited. He’s all pressed into his little tux and is taking his role very seriously.”

“It was a great idea to make him ring bearer.” I lean back into Shawn, letting my eyes fall half-closed as I start to drift away on Shawn’s scent. His closeness is intoxicating.

Shawn draws his hands down my arms, crouching so he can kiss my neck some more. I watch him in the mirror as his arms wrap around my waist, and his lips run across my bare shoulders.

I can feel myself getting warm, tingles in my belly that spread quickly to my thighs and start up an ache deep inside me.

“We shouldn’t be doing this now,” I whisper, not even thinking as my head falls back against Shawn’s shoulder. His arms come up from my waist and stroke the stiff fabric of my bra, where the nipples are hiding. They push against the fabric instantly, my breasts feeling hot and full like they want to pop out of the bra.

“I don’t think they can start without us,” Shawn mumbles against my neck.

His comment doesn’t make sense because I’m completely lost. My eyes have fallen closed and all I’m aware of is Shawn’s hands and scent. His fingers move across my belly and breasts while he kisses along my shoulders and neck.

I start to slide back, opening my legs and inviting him further down. One hand slips down my side and lingers, warm, over the waistband of my panties. Throbbing now I open up further, throwing my head back against his shoulder.

Shawn laughs, pulling back, quickly moving his hands to my shoulders. I blink a few times, coming back to myself. I look into the mirror and Shawn is watching me with a smile. I smile back.

Two people meeting in a mirror always feels odd to me. We aren’t actually looking at each other, after all. It’s somehow unreal. I reach up with one hand and Shawn takes it.

“I can’t wait till after the wedding.” He winks and squeezes my hand.

“We’ll never get there at all if someone doesn’t help me get into my dress.”

“I’ll help.”

“But it’s supposed to be bad luck.”

He gives me a face, kind of wry, not quite joking. “You really believe all that? After what we’ve been through? And the fact we’re married?”

I feel my face break into a real smile. “I guess not.”

I get up, stepping around the small stool. Shawn moves closer and hugs me. I stretch up, putting my arms around his shoulders. He holds me tight, pressing our bodies together. For a few moments, we breathe each other in.

“It’s not like I’m in a hurry.” Shawn whispers. “But there are a few people waiting.”

“Oh?” I pull back and give him a smile. “I thought you said they can’t start without us.”

“It’s still true.”

I love the smile on his face. It’s like we’re kids again, just so happy to be in the moment that the future doesn’t matter, and the past doesn’t exist. I point at my dress, hanging from a nearby hook.

“I’ll get into it, and you can do me up, okay?”

He gives that boyish grin again. “Never thought I would be so excited to help you put your clothes on.” He laughs, stroking my arm.

I slip the dress carefully off the hanger, unzipping it and stepping into it slowly. It’s a beautiful, ivory silk sheath, very simple. A straight, low neckline with falls of silk wrapping around the shoulders and a fit design. On the right, there’s a neat, thigh-high split to show off the gorgeous white stockings and reveal a tiny peek of the lace top where it caresses my leg.

As I settle the silk around my shoulders, Shawn steps up. The dress hugs me tight as the zipper buzzes from bottom to top. It clings, wrapping perfectly around my hips and fitting around the bra without an inch to spare.

I slip on the shoes, off-white high heels with scrolls of lace that match my stockings. I step away from Shawn to face the full-length mirror, turning a few times to make sure everything is right.

When I turn back to look at Shawn, he’s sitting at my dressing table, looking handsome and nervous in his dark tux. I smile at his expression.

“You okay?”

“I’m just—wow. Overwhelmed. You look so beautiful.” He shakes his head and swallows hard.

I waft towards him, pulling myself up straight and tall. Taking small, swinging steps, I get closer, the silk whispering against my legs. He looks up as I stop in front of him. I put my hands on his face, looking deeply into his eyes.

The force of the moment is extreme. It’s just us—our love and our grief and our hope. All there in his eyes, in the tremor in his voice.

“I love you.” He whispers.

“I love you, too.” I feel my eyes prickle, but I blink them back, no way am I going to cry and ruin this makeup.

“It’s like a dream, some incredible dream. I was in a nightmare for so long… I can’t believe I made it back.” He shakes his head, bringing his eyes back up to mine.

I kiss him gently, drawing him into me. He kisses me hesitantly at first, then gives in, opening his mouth and letting my tongue fall into his. I feel his hands stroke my hips, lightly stroking the dress as he runs his hands up my sides.

I pull out of the kiss, locking my eyes on his as I stroke his face.

“I thought you were gone. And now you’re here, in my arms again. What more could I ask for?” As I whisper the words, it’s like an apology to the universe. I’ve cursed fate and chance. Now I see they were on my side the whole time.

He pulls me down and with a bit of a slip against him, I fall comfortably onto his lap. One arm goes around his shoulders as he supports me around the waist.

Our spare hands reach out, searching, and come together. Our fingers link. We both look at our clasped hands, heads together—thoughts drifting far away.

He uses one finger to stroke the edge of my ring. “I’m so happy, I don’t think I want to move.” His voice is a soft whisper against my chest. I giggle, so light and happy I think I could handle it if the roof fell in.

“I think we have somewhere we need to be going, but I’m pretty comfortable, too.”

He looks up at me and we swim in each other’s eyes again. I stroke his face, exploring him with awe.

I kiss him again, brushing my lips across his cheek so I can whisper in his ear.

“Come on, lover. Let’s get the formalities out of the way. Then you can get me back out of this dress again.”

I step back, bringing him forward with my hands. He stands up, holding me tightly. We look at each other and then at the door.

I couldn’t be readier than I am.