Only Her

“How?”

“Obsessed.” Before I can respond, I hear the familiar sound of Kennedy’s laughter. I look over to see her with her sister. Those two are always together. You can tell their bond is strong, and I wonder if Kennedy and I will ever have one. I shake off the thought.

Her eyes land on me before widening for a second. I bet she thought I’d left. A blush starts to spread across her angelic face. One that I now know goes all the way down her chest. She and her sister start to come our way. Before I know what I’m doing I’m moving too. It’s taking her too long to get to me. She already stayed in the dressing room for far too long.

“Kennedy.” I greet her as I slide my hands into my slacks’ pockets so I don’t try to grab her. She gives me a strange look for a moment, but it’s gone before I know it.

“Hi, Gerrit.” She pulls her gaze from me. I don’t like it.

“Did you get everything you needed?” I ask, pulling her gaze to me once again.

“I think so. They said they would deliver it to my house. I guess everything is really falling into place now.” Her eyebrows furrow together, and fear hits me hard in the chest. Is she changing her mind about all this? Is that even a possibility for her? I’m not sure how her father talked her into this or maybe it’s a family tradition. It seems as though it’s a way for her parents to keep some control.

“If anything falls through the cracks, I’m sure the wedding planner will help. I’m doubtful anything will happen with Emily double-checking everything.”

“We have a wedding planner and I’m keeping up on things. Isn't that enough?” Her eyes stay locked with mine. I want to reach up and pull at the collar of my shirt, which suddenly feels tight as frustration starts to gnaw at me. I can’t read her.

“Neither of you need to worry about that. You have Kinley and me here too. This wedding is going to go off without a hitch. I can promise you that.” Mom folds her arms over her chest in challenge.

“It’s fine. Really, I’m sorry.” She rubs her forehead. I break, grabbing her and pulling her into me. She doesn't fight me. Her small, lush form molds right against me like a perfect fit.

“Are you getting a headache?”

She shakes her head. “Think I need food and sleep.” As if on cue, her stomach growls.

“I’m going to give you some early wedding advice, soon-to-be brother-in-law.” Kinley smacks the side of my shoulder. “You think she’s all sweet and cute.” My angel isn’t cute. No, that’s not the word I’d used to describe her. She’s a fucking bombshell. She blew up my whole world in less than a second when I originally laid eyes on her. I’d agree with sweet though. I can still taste her on my lips. “Don’t let her get hungry. If you do you’ll meet Ken. All Ken does is stomp around complaining about everything.” Kennedy rolls her eyes at her sister. Mom starts to laugh. “It’s not funny. I’ve been putting up with it for years. Learn to keep snacks on you. This could save your life, Gerrit.”

My lips twitch.

“Are you done?” Kennedy glares at her sister.

“See. It’s happening,” she says in a hushed tone that isn't hushed at all.

Mom cuts in. “We were all supposed to go to lunch, but Kinley and I wanted to check on something.” Kinley gives my mom a funny look. “The thing.” She nods her head at her.

“Right. The thing with the things. Yeah, we totally gotta do that. Like right now.”

“What thing?” Kennedy asks.

“You need to eat.” I run my hand up her back. I don’t like that she's hungry. Did she not eat breakfast?

“Great,” Mom says quickly. “Gerrit will take you to lunch.” Mom kisses me and then Kennedy on the cheek before she and Kinley take off together.

“Wonder what they are doing.” She watches them go, her face scrunched in an adorable scowl. “If I wasn't so hungry we’d totally follow them.” I chuckle.

I honestly don't think they are going anywhere. Mom doesn't drop out in the middle of something without a real reason. Her reason today is because she wants us to spend time together. I’m sure she was relieved to see me here so early in the afternoon. She was probably happy knowing that it meant I left work early.

“Then let me feed you.” I alert my driver as we head out the door. Kennedy leans into me. That smell of strawberries fills my lungs. I want to bury my face in her hair.

I know one thing for certain. I’ve been lying to myself that I should walk away. I know deep down I’d never do it. I’m not even sure if I’m going to make it until the wedding. The urge to claim her and mark her as mine is almost too much to bear.