“Then go find your car and follow me.”
Chapter Six
Six Months Later…
“They look so happy together.”
“They are.” Wes offered Lanie a quick smile then returned his focus to the couple dancing alone in the center of the floor. Evan’s arms were wrapped tightly around Morgan’s waist as they slowly swayed to the music, their gazes locked, both wearing smug little smiles.
The smiles of a couple who were just joined together in happily wedded bliss.
“Her gown is beautiful,” Lanie said on a sigh for about the tenth time.
Not that Wes could blame her for continually saying it. Morgan’s dress was definitely beautiful. The entire wedding was a gorgeous affair, one Wes soon wouldn’t forget especially because he had participated as best man.
It was also going to be a special night in his personal life, if he could get over his nerves and do what he’d been planning for the last month.
Slipping his hand into his tuxedo jacket, he curled his fingers around the black velvet box nestled within. His palms were sweaty, and his heart raced.
God, what if she said no…
The music stopped and everyone applauded the bride and groom, startling Wes from his thoughts. Smiling down at Lanie, he let her lead him onto the dance floor along with the dozen or so other swarming couples who all turned to each other and began swaying to the music.
“You look very handsome.” She brushed delicate fingers across his lapel, admiration tingeing her voice. “You should wear a tux every day.”
“I’d get too much attention at work,” he joked.
She frowned. “Maybe that’s not such a good idea.”
“I could come up with another reason for wearing a tux again.” He purposely kept his voice light, but inside he was so nervous he wasn’t sure he’d be able to get the words out right.
“Oh, really? Maybe you could keep the bowtie somehow.” She smiled and leaned in close. She wore heels, which put her right on level with his ear and she took advantage of her newfound height. “And wear just the tie and nothing else to bed,” she whispered in his ear.
Ah, shit. He needed to focus. Not get distracted by her vivid imagination. “Great idea but I had something else in mind.”
“Like what?” She dropped a light kiss on his ear before she shifted so their gazes met.
“Like maybe we could have our own wedding ceremony.” Reaching into his jacket pocket, he withdrew the little box and held it in front of her.
Lanie stopped moving as did he, her eyes wide, her lips parted. “What is that?” She flicked her gaze up to his.
“Open it and find out.” His throat was tight,
clogged with emotion as he watched her grab the box and pop it open with shaking fingers.
“Oh.” She stared at the sparkling diamond engagement ring nestled within the black velvet box. He’d kept the ring simple, a round solitaire set on a platinum band.
When she looked up at him once more, her eyes were filled with unshed tears. “It’s beautiful.”
“I want you to be my wife, Lanie.” He plucked the ring from the box and reached for her left hand, giving it a squeeze. “Will you marry me?” She nodded, a tiny sob escaping her. “Yes. Yes, of course I’ll marry you.” With a shaky smile he slipped the ring on her finger then drew her in close, holding her so tight he was afraid he’d crush her. She squeezed him just as hard, her face pressed against his shirtfront. Her tears dampened his shirt and he drew her away from him, reaching out to wipe away the tears that slid down her cheeks with the pad of his thumb.
“Don’t cry, baby. This is a good thing.” It killed him to see her cry. His heart literally hurt, thinking he made her sad.
She smiled and laughed, the tears still flowing. “It’s a good cry, trust me.” He tipped up her chin with his index finger, and then pressed a gentle kiss to her parted lips. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She released a trembling breath and kissed him again. “I need to call my folks.”
“They already know.”