Cleaned and refreshed after a short nap, he took Kansas to the store to do some shopping. The thought of her sleeping on anything he’d shared with Lis made his spine itch. A bed, comforter set, and clothing later they were back at the house, preparing to leave for dinner at his parents.
“How do I look?” She spun in a circle.
The knee length, soft pink dress, nipped in at the waist before it belled out, turned her skin into a tempting shade of milk-chocolate. Her hair was swept to the side, baring a long, graceful, neck. The only thing missing was a ring.
“Absolutely stunning.”
“Thank you. I’m ready.”
“Let’s head out.” Hooking an arm around her waist they walked down the stairs from the bedroom and out the door to his black truck. He studied her in his peripheral vision as he drove. Highlighted by the fading rays of the sun she was a vision. Shifting in his seat as unease spread through his body, he rolled over a rapidly forming concept in his head. Every day that passed without a wedding made him more nervous. She was a skittish colt ready to take off if she was spooked. The love in her eyes told him she was ready, and his heart said it was right. I need to make this happen before something frightens her into changing her mind. Hell, her mother getting her alone would be enough to do that. It should be criminal to come at your child with a verbal battering ram and go to town.
“The sky here is amazing! It’s true! Everything is bigger in Texas!” The childlike glee in her voice made him chuckle.
“I thought you realized that the first time you saw me naked.”
“Oh, Sweetie, careful. Your head won’t fit inside the cab if you keep that up.”
How could I have thought anyone other than this woman was meant for me?
“You’re amazing, Kansas.”
He glanced over. The surprised look on her face angered him. For someone this incredible to not know their worth was unthinkable. I might not be able to hit a lady, but I’m sure Sky wouldn’t mind.
“Thanks?”
“I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.”
“You know I already agreed to marry you, right?”
“Exactly why you know I’m sincere.”
A hush fell over the car, and she shifted in her seat. Time to change the subject.
“How are you feeling?”
“Pretty good, not too much morning sickness today, I can only hope it’ll last.”
Reaching out he squeezed her knee.
Ten minutes later he pulled up onto the street he grew up on. The driveway was full, so he parked on the street.
“How many people are here?” Kansas asked.
“Mom, Dad, Scott, Sky, her husband Randy, and their two kids, Sandy and Brett.”
“That’s a lot of people.”
“Don’t be nervous. They don’t bite unless it’s warranted.”
“Not as reassuring as I think you meant it to be.”
“I’m telling you, they’ll love you.” Getting out of the car, he walked around and helped her out. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”
His reassurance went in one ear and out the other as she remained stiff. He walked her around the side of the house to the back yard where everyone was situated.
“Hey guys, we’re here.”
“Jett!” The friendly chorus made him grin.