CHAPTER 15
Ginny cradled the cell on one shoulder after she tried and failed at folding laundry one handed. “Mom, this shower you’re planning is getting a little crazy.”
“Virginia, we’re doing everything you wanted for the wedding, no matter how ridiculous it was. But Molly and I are doing what we want for your shower.”
“But—”
“Stop. Thom isn’t involved in the bridal shower. Only you are. And you’re here so we don’t have to worry about cancellation policies, do we?”
“No.” Ginny couldn’t argue that point.
“And I’m paying for the shower so you can’t complain about the cost.”
“But I don’t want you to spend all your money just for a party for me.”
“I want to spend my money on a party for you. You’re my only daughter and hopefully, unlike Thom, you’ll only be getting married once in your life. Right?”
Ginny drew in a breath at that loaded question. “Yes.”
“Then let me do this for you.”
“Okay. Thank you.” She stifled a sigh and tried to be grateful.
“So, I met with the manager at The Venetian and we went over the menu for the shower. He can definitely do a chocolate fountain—”
As her mother rambled on about the menu, Ginny’s mind wandered. Maybe The Venetian Hall wouldn’t be as bad on the inside as it was on the outside. She could only hope, because the outside was pretty gaudy. Gold lions sat high on columns flanking the drive, which was through the tall golden filigree gates.
Didn’t it figure they had availability last minute for her shower? But her mother was right. She was getting the wedding she wanted. Small. Simple. And at the house so, God forbid, it would be easy to cancel if she needed to.
The constant worry weighing on her about whether Thom would get home in time had become so much of a part of her life, she had gotten used to it. But he had assured her—as much as he could given nothing was certain—that he’d be back in time. She had to trust him.
Maybe she shouldn’t have chosen the full moon right after he left. She should have picked one later in the year.
Second guessing herself didn’t help. It was too late now. The invitations had already gone out. She’d arranged for the tables and chairs. Ordered the flowers for her bouquet from the florist and the food from the gourmet shop.
Now all she needed was the groom.
A knock on the door had her abandoning the laundry basket of clean clothes as her mother continued to list menu items. Ginny moved to the door and peered through the peephole . . . and nearly dropped the cell phone at what she saw.
It took both hands to get the locks undone and the door opened but she managed it, flinging the door wide.
She jumped him, throwing her arms around Thom’s neck and kissing him as all of the pent up worry flooded out of her.
When she finally moved back to let him in, he frowned, looking at her hand. “Are you on the phone?”
Ginny widened her eyes and smothered a curse. Pressing the forgotten cell in her hand to her ear she said, “Mom. Mom.” It took Ginny twice to get her mother to hear her while she continued to talk. “Can I call you back?”
“Um, okay.”
“Thom just got here.” Ginny nearly bubbled over with the news.
“Oh, thank God.”
For once, Ginny couldn’t agree with her mother more. She blew out a breath as her heart pounded. “I know.”
“Okay I’ll let you go. And I’ll call Molly and tell her.”
“Yes, please. Thank you. Call you later.” Ginny disconnected the call and went back to looking at the vision before her. “Oh, my God. I was so worried. Why didn’t you call me or text?”
“I did. I texted the minute we hit the tarmac that I was home safe.”
“What time?” she asked.
“Like about one.”
“In the morning?”
“Yes, in the morning. See?” He lifted one brow high. “I know you hate military time but this is why it’s easier. If I’d said zero-one-hundred versus thirteen-hundred you wouldn’t have to ask to know if I meant morning or afternoon.”
“Easier for you maybe.” She didn’t want to debate the merits of the twenty-four hour clock. They had too much lost time to make up for. “Anyway, I didn’t get the text.”
“I was wondering why you didn’t reply. Sorry, baby. Sometimes reception is spotty at the airfield. I should have sent another.”
“It’s okay. I can’t believe you’re really back.”
“I know. I keep feeling like I need to knock wood so I don’t jinx it. In fact . . . ” Thom reached out and knocked on the wooden table near the door.
Ginny did the same, suddenly superstitious when she never used to be.
“So, I’ve got two weeks leave and nothing to do. Got any suggestions?” His voice dropped low and sexy as he edged closer.
She smiled. “Maybe one.”
He leaned in and kissed her, his facial hair tickling her lips.
Pulling back, she ran her hands over his beard, soft beneath her fingers. “I’m not used to so much of this.”
When Thom wasn’t clean shaven, he usually had a short cropped beard.
“I know. Sorry. We’ve been deploying so much I’ve let it grow in. It helps us blend with the locals. You should see some of the rest of the guys. Rocky’s beard could probably win a contest at this point.”
She lifted a brow. “Oh.”
He laughed at her reaction. “I’ll clean up in time for the wedding. Don’t worry.” Thom moved in for another kiss and then paused. “Unless you want me to shave now?”
As he held her close, with two large warm hands on her hips, she pressed against the very tantalizing outline of his need for her. That only increased her own ever growing desire to have him. Now. Naked, over her, in her bed.
“No. Leave it.” She wasn’t going to break this spell by letting him take the time to shave. They had days before the ceremony. He had time.
His mouth was temptingly close already. She reached up and pulled him closer, until another thought hit her.
“Oh, my God.” Her eyes widened. “I just thought of something. How are the kids going to get here for the wedding? Are you driving back to Virginia and getting them?”
That would take him away from her again. She didn’t like that idea.
Thom pulled back and pressed his lips together. He drew in a breath and finally met her gaze. “No. Debbie isn’t going to let them come.”
“What? Why not?”
He shrugged. “Why does she do anything she does? Who knows?”
Ginny frowned. “Did you ask her?”
“Of course, I asked her. I got back late last night and stopped over there this morning before I left for here. I saw the kids. I knew she wasn’t going to want them to be away for two weeks, but still, I was hoping she’d—” He shook his head. “Never mind. It just gets me pissed talking about it. Anyway, I was so upset I just got back in the car and drove straight here.”
Ginny hated seeing him upset.
What if he’d been so upset he’d forgotten what he’d need for the wedding?
“Um, did you happen to remember to bring your dress uniform with you for the ceremony?”
His mouth crooked up with a small smile. “Yes, my little worrier. I had my SUV packed with everything I’d need before I even left the country. Just in case we got back late and I had to rush to make it up here.”
“So organized,” she teased. “Like a boy scout.”
He drew his brows low. “No. Like a SEAL. Now come here and welcome me back properly.”
“Gladly.” She moved closer even as her mind spun with ideas. She was going to find a way to get those kids there for the wedding—for Thom—if it was the last thing she did.