Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
She straightens, tips her face back, and gives him her award-winning smile. “Call me Margo. And it’s nice to finally meet you, Major.”
“Jesus,” he sputters, his eyes zipping between us.
Mom’s smile falls. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s like looking in a mirror. You two could be twins. And not to freak you out, Margo, but your daughter is the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.”
Her smile is back, this time with a sheen of moisture in her eyes. I have to swallow the lump in my throat at that sentiment.
“Major, if you make my mom cry, we’re breaking up.”
He shoots me a lazy smile, leaning back to brush his lips across my temple. “Try it and see what happens.”
“Harley!” I shout, needing her to intervene fast.
“Coming! I’m here.” She rushes down the steps and takes Mom from our arms.
Mom fusses over her to the point she doesn’t register Harley leading her up the stairs and into the house.
“Hello, ladies,” Major addresses the trio.
They smile approvingly and follow Harley into the house.
“Quite a greeting. Your sense of flattery will go a long way.”
“Babe, I didn’t lie. Your mom could be your sister.”
“Does that mean you have the hots for Mama?”
His eyes dance with humor. “It means I have a glimpse into my life with you. Fighting men off constantly.”
My heart pitches before taking flight. I’m ready to blurt how much I love this man when a loud call breaks my thoughts.
“Major, let that lady go and leave us to our party.”
I peek over his shoulder to see Cindy tapping her foot impatiently.
“I’m not technically a hostess today, but I am the maid of honor. It’s expected I attend and do all the wonderful things a MOH does. May be frowned upon if I jump you in the driveway for sweetness overload.”
“Rain check?”
“Definitely rain check. You bring your sweet. I’ll reward you.”
“I’ll be over at Ace’s installing a fence. You find time to sneak away, call me.”
“Ooohhhh, booty call in the middle of a bridal shower. Scandalous.”
“Since that first night in my room in Chicago, you’ve been my obsession. I knew I’d never get enough. You give me the green light for a booty call, I’m there.”
“See what I can do, but these women aren’t dumb. The terror trio is ruthless.”
“I get you naked in my room and they try to interrupt, you’ll see ruthless.”
This time, there’s no stopping my heart, and the words come pouring out. “I really love you, Major Powers.”
His body jerks and eyes transform into a molten, smoldering sapphire. I’m captivated by the change that takes over the air between us.
“Mom, go inside and give us some privacy,” he calls out, his voice steely.
I expect her to argue, but she replies with a chirpy, “Okay, honey.”
“Major—” My words die when he threads his fingers through the hair at my temple, tilting my head to his.
“You finally say the words I’ve been waiting to hear, and we’re standing in the middle of my driveway with thirty nosey women looking through windows.”
“My timing may be off.”
“You telling me you love me, the timing is never off. But expect the consequences.”
“Consequences?” I squeak as a ripple of anticipation travels through me.
“I’m going to kiss you, baby, and it will not be sweet. After that, I’ll carry you into the party.”
“You’ll send me into the lion’s den alone after this display of affection?”
“You can handle it.”
He’s right, I can. I’m completely head over heels in love and don’t care what flack anyone throws my way.
“Major? Are you going to kiss me, or stare at me until my panties combust and we’re arrested for public indecency?”
“Fuck, I love you, wildcat.”
He lowers his mouth to mine, and I swear I hear a chorus of sighs from behind.
“The backyard will be completely transformed. Tents will line the perimeter of the grounds, forming a u-shape of the dance floor and podium for the bands. Bars will be set up along the patio, but waiters will serve as well.” Harley and Amanda babble on, showing everyone the sketches of the wedding set-up.
“Did you say bands?” Mom asks, and Harley snaps her mouth shut, her eyes filling with panic.
“Oh, shit! I didn’t mean to say that.”
“Cat’s outta that bag now, chica.” Charlie snorts. “You are the worst. People say I’m bad at keeping secrets.”
“I can keep secrets!” Harley shoots her an evil glare.
“It’s okay to be excited.” I fill her glass with champagne. “But you have lost your touch.”
“Fine! I’m too excited to keep it in. I have a surprise guest singing our first song.”
All eyes swing to Raven, who’s sipping her own flute. “Don’t look at me, it’s not Sayge.”
“So who is it?” Shayla’s puzzled. “This is news to me.”
“Everyone will be surprised,” Harley sing-songs, then points to the plot of land on the other side of the property that currently backs up to the only spot that allows you to see the neighboring street. “This is where we will hold the ceremony.” Her voice cracks at the ‘oohs and ahs’ as the women understand. In the background is the slimmest glimpse into their new home.