Declan had told Brent, Mari, and Kyle about this last week at the bar and they joined us with their families. There in a small parking lot on the Vanderbilt University campus, we celebrated.
Chapter 54
Dream Come True
“You know we have a list a mile long we need to start tackling tomorrow.” I tell Declan as we get out of the shower.
“Like what?”
“Well, I’ve made the arrangements for someone to check on the house each week and set us up for all our bills to be online. But we still need to pack.”
“Okay, packing is easy. Give me the list, and I’ll start.”
“Packing may be simple for you, but I’ve never had to plan for fourteen weeks away before. And now I’m going to be living on a bus with four guys fifty percent of the time. I’ve completely had to buy a new pajama wardrobe. Not to mention, I’m nervous as hell about taking over. Since Jay’s not only representing you, he’s taking on new clients. What happens if I need him?”
“Calm down. He’s only a phone call away, and he’s coming to seven of the shows. I’ve seen the files, folders, and spreadsheets you’ve made. I’ve also heard you on the phone with God knows who this week demanding schedule times, ticket numbers, and travel arrangements. You’ve set up hotspots on all our phones and computers and even ordered food for the bus. It’s safe to say, you are doing fine. The only thing we need to do is meet with the lawyer before we leave.”
“What are we meeting him for again?”
“He’s your family attorney and he’s going to take us on. We need to discuss Christie and MCE. He’s also going to recommend someone for Sayge’s business interests. You’ll need to be on most of the paperwork.”
“It’s so official.” I tease.
“Yeah, babe.”
I press my body to h
is with only towels separating us.
“Baby, we have to be in Franklin in less than two hours. Don’t tempt me.”
“But I want to tempt you.”
“I guess you could thank me again for your graduation present.”
“Declan, I could hardly move for two days. But I must admit; it was fantastic.” My body responds, thinking about how I attacked him after he told me he is taking me to Napa Valley for two weeks, after the tour is over.
“I’m not going to be the reason we’re late. This is your parents’ big night.”
He’s right so I reluctantly pull away and start the process of getting ready for what will inevitably be a wild night. I smile to myself thinking about the eclectic mix of people coming to celebrate our marriage.
When I join him in the living room, we both stare at each other for a few seconds. He looks amazing in black slacks and a white oxford button down. He asked me if he should remove his lip ring for the night, but I told him no. He looks like sex on a stick, and my knees go weak. He comes over and wraps his arms around my waist.
“Jesus Christ, you’re gorgeous. I thought you were only supposed to wear a wedding dress when you actually got married.”
“This isn’t a wedding dress, it’s just white.” I refer to my slip dress with lace overlay. “I’m more surprised you haven’t noticed the shoes.”
“Oh, I noticed and you know my thoughts about sexy heels, especially red ones. Lucky for me I get to see you in nothing but those heels when we get home. Now we need to go before we have an incident like Thanksgiving on that kitchen counter.”
The farm is already full of people when we arrive. My mom gives me an evil look, but I check my watch, and we are not late.
“Raven, I swear, you could have been a little early for your own party.” She scolds me while hugging Declan. My dad rolls his eyes. We both know not to argue with her.
She leads us around, and I’m in awe at the transformation of this beautiful property. The main area has a video playing in the corner that is a montage of pictures from the wedding weekend. Bars and appetizer stations are set up around the room. Every table surface is covered with seasonal flower arrangements. Even though we didn’t want gifts, there is a table already filled with wrapped boxes. Tents are set up outside for dinner and dancing.
It takes several minutes for me to soak it all in and when I do my eyes fill with tears. “Mama, it’s perfect. Everything is exactly what I wanted. Thank you.”
Her face softens, and she hugs me tight. My dad and Declan have horrified expressions on their faces.