Adore Me (Austin Singles 3)

Morgan stopped talking when she walked into the bedroom. There was a large set of windows behind me, showcasing yet another view.

“Wow. Look at that sunset! Look at those colors!”

I smiled and walked up to her. “Will you close your eyes for me?”

She did as I asked.

“Another surprise?” she asked, a slight giggle slipping through.

“Yes,” I replied, guiding her over to stand in front of the dress.

Leaning down, I placed my mouth at her ear and whispered, “Open your eyes, princess.”

The moment she did, she leaned back against me, her hands coming up to her mouth.

“Will you do me the honor of marrying me again this evening?”

Morgan stood there, staring at the dress. Then her body started to shake, and I knew she was crying. Turning her to face me, I gently pulled her hands away from her mouth.

“Happy tears?”

Her chin trembled as she said, “Blake, that’s your mother’s gown.”

Shock hit me as I took a step back. “How did you know that?”

“You have their wedding picture on your mantel. I’ve looked at a million times. I know that dress.”

I looked past her to the dress, and I smiled before focusing back on Morgan.

“Well, aren’t you a perceptive little thing?”

She shook her head. “I never even thought you might want me to wear her dress for our wedding. I’m so sorry.”

“What? God, no, Morgan. The day we got married I told Nash I was already looking at possibly coming here during the holidays to get married. I hadn’t mentioned it to you yet. I know how much you love Christmastime, and in my mind, I imagined you getting married surrounded by snow-covered mountains, with lights and tress everywhere.”

“Oh Blake,” Morgan said.

Shit. I wasn’t making this any better.

“I loved our wedding, Morgan. I loved that you did that for me, in a place that had meaning behind it. Now I want to do the same for you. I want to give you the wedding you dreamed about when you were a little girl.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “How do you know?”

Smiling, I pulled her to me. “Kaelynn told me that when you were little, you dreamed of getting married with snow falling all around you and Christmas trees everywhere. You selfishly gave up your wedding for me, so now I’m giving it back to you. It was my father’s idea to have you wear Mom’s dress.”

Another tear slipped free. Lifting my hand, I wiped it away with my thumb.

“So, will you do me the honor?”

She laughed and let out a sob at the same time. “Yes! I’d marry you a hundred times if you asked me to.”

Kissing her softly on the lips, I took a step back. “I have a wedding present for you.”

“What? Blake, you’ve already—”

I placed my finger to her lips and shook my head. “Let’s get dressed, and then I’ll give it to you.”

Morgan turned and looked at the dress. “I’ll need help.”