Holding You (Love Wanted in Texas 3)

“Hey back at you,” I whispered back as I walked up to him. Taking the suitcase from me, Colt leaned down and kissed me softly on the lips.

I wanted to deepen the kiss so bad, but not with my parents standing right there. For a few brief moments, Colt and I were lost in each other’s eyes. My father cleared his throat, causing us both to pull out of the trance.

“Colt and I were talking, Lauren. With both of you going to be working here, I thought it best that you stay with us when you get back. I’m going to have Aaron and Dewey look at getting the hunters cabin fixed up. Maybe add onto it and expand it some. I think it would make the perfect first home for the two of you.”

Spinning around and facing my father, I ran into his arms. “Oh, Daddy! It will be more than perfect!” Burying my face into his chest, I took in a long deep breath. I loved how my father smelled. Anytime I ever got upset or sad, I would either hug my father or sneak into his bathroom and spray his cologne on my arms. “Daddy, I love you so much.”

Holding me tighter, he kissed the top of my head. “I love you so much more princess. Now go on, you’ve been making poor Colt wait for what seems like forever I’m sure.”

Colt and I both chuckled as I turned and made my way to the front door. This was it. When I walked back through this door I would be married. Mrs. Colt Hunter Mathews. Oh holy shit. I’m going to Vegas. To get married. I’m going to puke.

Taking my hand in her hand I felt my mother’s breath against my ear. “Stop overthinking everything, Lauren Ashley.” Looking at her I whispered, “I’m getting married, Mom.”

Smiling, she pushed a piece of my blonde hair behind my ear and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Yes you are. Send pictures and keep us updated.”

Nodding my head, I whispered, “It’s a long drive but—”

Colt cleared his throat, “Oh, we’re not driving.”

Snapping my head over to look at Colt, I asked, “What?”

Giving me that melt my panties crooked smile of his, Colt gave me a quick wink. “I didn’t want Lauren to have to be in the car for that many hours, so I booked us tickets to fly there.” Peeking over to my father, he was standing up tall and proud as he shook his head. I knew Colt’s actions impressed the hell out of my father, but they touched my heart in more ways than I could ever begin to say.

“Oh my, this boy is good,” my mother whispered into my ear.

Grinning, I nodded my head as I watched Daddy and Colt walk up to Colt’s truck. “He is indeed. That’s why he is the pop to my cherry.”

Seeing my mother look at me, I realized I had just spoken those words out loud. “Lauren Ashley, that wasn’t even funny.”

Pursing my lips together to keep from laughing, I went on, digging myself deeper into the hole. “Um . . . the squirt to my bottle?”

Shaking her head she narrowed her eyes at me. “Not any better.”

“The salt to my nuts? The hair to my beaver?” I laughed as she rolled her eyes and then glared at me.

Opening the truck door, Colt kissed me gently on the cheek. “What’s so funny?” he asked as he helped me into the truck.

“Nothing, I’m giving my mother a hard time. I love you, Mom. Daddy, I love you, too.”

Both my parents gave me a kiss good-bye, and then my father shut the door to Colt’s truck. “Take care of my baby girl, Colt.”

Jumping into his truck, Colt smiled and said, “Yes sir! Thanks for everything.” Colt and my father exchanged a knowing look. Almost as if they knew something and I wasn’t privy to the information.

Colt put his truck into drive and we headed down the long driveway. “Are you ready to start our life together, sweetheart?”

Grinning, I reached for Colt’s hand and held it tightly. “So ready.”

Taking in a deep breath, I slowly let it out. Oh my glitter. I’m marrying, Colt.

THE TAXI PULLED up to the Venetian as the valet opened Lauren’s door and helped her out. I had been texting my parents and when I looked up, my mouth dropped open at the sight before me. Lauren spun around and smiled at me. “Colt! This place is amazing.”

Nodding, I finished my text to my father.

Me: Pulling up now. Thank you for planning all of this for me and kiss mom. By the way, Lauren loves it so far

My parents wanted to pay for our entire trip to Vegas. They said it was the least they could do since Lauren and I decided to elope. My father and mother made all of the plans while Lauren and I flew to Vegas. I was going to owe them big time since I’m sure they hadn’t even gone to bed yet. Between talking to them and Scott and Jessie, my head was spinning. I knew how much this meant to Lauren, so it would all be worth it in the end.

After checking in, we made it up to our room. We were staying in one of the Prima Suites on one of the higher levels of the hotel. I smiled as I watched Lauren skip out of the elevator and to our room. Turning, she leaned against the door and looked at me. “We haven’t been together in almost a month.” Licking her lips, her eyes widened. “I think we should wait until after we get married.”