Grey turned to her. "Stall, Delia. I just need ten minutes with the bride."
"Oh, my God! You two are gonna kill me!" She looked at their faces and knew this wasn't a joke. "All right, all right…I'll think of something!"
She turned on her heel and scurried down the stairs.
"Ten minutes? I said five!"
"I know, but you always say I can't tell a story fast, so maybe ten is more realistic."
Carrie sat down on the bed. She looked at her watch then bit her cheek to keep from laughing.
"Four minutes and twenty seconds left."
Grey reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. His face was pale as his gaze sought hers.
"I know you love Pine Grove…love visiting my parents there. I also know their house is getting a little small. I mean, we're all getting married and soon having kids and stuff. Anyway, privacy is nonexistent there – for the most part."
"It's not that bad," Mary huffed.
"Mom, please." Grey turned toward his mother for a moment.
"Sorry."
"So? What's that got to do with Boston?"
"I was saving this for after the wedding because it's your wedding present."
He took Carrie's hand and dropped the set of keys in her palm. She closed her fingers around the cold brass then looked up at him.
"I don't get it."
"I bought the Davenport's house…for you. As a wedding present. All my trips to Boston were really to Pine Grove. I had to deal with Giselle and the estate lawyer. There were some negotiations, requests Giselle had to keep some stuff. Papers to sign and all that."
"You bought that big old Victorian…for me?"
"You said how much you liked it and with some TLC it could be great. And it's big, so there's room for us, kids and maybe even Colin."
"You bought a house for me?" Carrie repeated, still staring at him.
"Yup. And I spoke to Gavin, too. He's going to do the renovations. You'll love working with him, he's a master craftsman. You can do all those things you were telling me about when we made our condolence call to Giselle."
"Oh, my God!" Carrie looked at him, the tightness in her chest dissipated as tears of happiness gathered in the corners of her eyes.
"I wasn't seeing Giselle. There's no one for me but you. I've told you that a thousand times. I'd think you'd finally believe me." He frowned.
"You bought me that wonderful old house."
"You're repeating yourself. It's in your name, too. So you can kick me out any time and keep the house."
"Grey, I'm so sorry. I apologize. I never thought…I mean…wow. I should have trusted you." She wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead with a tissue.
"You did until Colin opened his big mouth." Grey shot his brother a dirty look.
Colin squirmed.
"That's the most thoughtful, wonderful gift…I'm…speechless." She kissed him.
"I suppose I'd be getting a more…uh…tangible show of your gratitude if there wasn't a crowd of people in here." Grey glared at the family members fidgeting on the sidelines.
"And if Delia weren't holding back the crowds who are waiting for us to get married." Carrie opened her hand and stared at the keys. "My own old Victorian…our old Victorian." She looked up at him, took his face in her hands and gave him a passionate kiss.
"I'm sorry I misjudged you. Welcome to the family, Grey." Janice stepped forward.
"Thanks." He gave her a hug.
"I think everyone has heard all they need to hear. Can we give them a moment of privacy before we put the finishing touches on the bride and get on with this wedding?" Mary held the door open and distributed stern looks to each spectator until everyone had cleared out. She closed the door when she left.
"I'm so, so sorry. I never should have doubted you." Carrie's gaze settled on the set of keys in her hand. "Can you forgive me?"
Grey took her by the shoulders, stood her up and pulled her into his embrace. His lips came down on hers gently. When she melted against him, his mouth took hers with passion.
"Does this mean the wedding is back on?"
She nodded, tears of joy caught in her throat.
"No more crying. Delia will have a fit if you look puffy in the pictures."
She laughed.
"I wanted it to be a surprise." He released her.
"It was!"
"I was so proud of you not listening to your mother, but then…" he began, his thumb caressing her cheek.
"When I heard Colin…I had to believe what I didn't want to believe."
"You never have to worry about me. I'll never stray from you, Carrie."
"I know, I know. I should have let you speak." Embarrassment colored her cheeks.
"Got that right!" He chuckled. "Are we okay now? Do you like the house?
"Better than okay. I love the house! I'm so excited. It'll be so great to visit any time we want, not bother your parents but have our own place."
"Your place."
"Our place. While you were meeting with Giselle, did you ever find out why she stopped talking to you for a year?"
Grey blushed. "Yeah. I made a pass at her on our first date and it freaked her out. She thought I was a mover so she stayed out of my way. Says she wasn't ready for sex in high school, I scared her."
"Guess she had you pegged all right."
"Funny thing is I didn't know what to do. I was a virgin when I did that. I did it because I thought I was supposed to do it. Thought girls expected you to make a pass at them. But look where I am now, about to marry the smartest, most beautiful woman in the world. I couldn't be happier. Giselle did me a favor."
He grinned at Carrie. His love glowed through his hazel eyes. Carrie threw her arms around his neck then kissed him hard.
"I love you so much, Grey."
"I love you, too, honey. But I'd better get out of here before Delia kills me. We have a wedding…"
Grey kissed her before he stole out of the room. Delia, Mary and Janice came in as soon as he left.
"Let's put this girl back together. My gorgeous daughter, you'll make the most beautiful bride ever."
Chapter Seventeen
Delia and Leah hugged Carrie then left to take their places down the aisle. Carrie took one more look in the mirror. The soft white satin bodice fit her snugly but not too tight. The full tulle skirt was plain, simple and elegant. A white sash with a white satin bow in the back added interest. She wore her mother's pearls around her neck and Delia's pearl earrings. A pearl bracelet Grey had given her for her birthday graced her slender wrist. A simple white headpiece with tiny pearls and flowers spanned the width of Carrie's head. Hidden beneath her skirt was a blue garter.
The veil fell gracefully over her face. Her thick blonde-streaked hair was pulled back in front and tied with simple white grosgrain ribbon, allowing it to flow down her back to her shoulders. Leah had applied light makeup perfectly. Carrie was delighted with the results. She paced, awaiting the arrival of her father. Harvey stuck his head in her room.
"You still speaking to me?"
She stopped walking and turned to face him.
He walked tentatively into the room. "Am I still giving you away?"
"Do I have any other father?"
"I suppose John Andrews would pinch-hit for me, if you wanted him to."
"You're turn at bat, Dad."
"You look…breathtaking, Bunny. The most beautiful bride ever. Grey is such a lucky man. I hope he knows that."
Carrie chuckled.
"I think he does.
"Are you ready?" Harvey offered her his arm.
He helped her down the stairs. Delia and Leah stood on one side of the aisle in their lovely raspberry silk dresses. Colin, John and Grey, all looking dashing in their tuxes with raspberry cummerbunds, stood on the other side. Grey took a step toward her until John put out his arm to stop his son.
"Let her come to you, son," he whispered loud enough for all to hear.
A murm
ur of laughter and giggles filled the air. Everyone stood up when they saw Carrie.
The string quartet stuck up Vivaldi's Four Seasons as the bride started down the aisle. Harvey pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket to dab his eyes. Carrie smiled and tightened her grip on his arm.
They took their time strolling up the aisle. Carrie smiled at everyone. As soon as she took one step, all her nerves disappeared. She glanced up at Grey whose encouraging smile gave her strength. She knew marrying him was the right thing to do, peace settled into her heart. Calmly she smiled back at him and at the people who came to see them wed. She spied her mother blotting tears and Delia, too.
Before she knew it, Grey was offering her his hand. Her father lifted her veil and kissed her before he handed her over to Grey.
Carrie whispered to her father, "I love you, Daddy."
He hugged her before turning her over to the groom. Losing her hand in Grey's large, warm, dry one was comforting. As usual, Grey's presence soothed Carrie. They laced their fingers before moving away from her father, stepping up to the judge to recite their vows. When Grey slipped the ring on her finger, a tingle shot up her spine. Now she was his. She chuckled at the smile of satisfaction on his face. He's finally getting what he's wanted. I belong to him.
Putting the ring on Grey's finger made the experience real to her. He would be her husband forever, for better or worse. The thought was thrilling and reassuring at the same time. Within a few minutes, Grey's mouth was capturing hers while the crowd of family and friends cheered. He tucked her arm into his and led them back down the aisle as a married couple. She had never seen his smile beam as brightly. It warmed her heart.
Time seemed to stand still and to fly by at the same time. Her face hurt from smiling so broadly on the receiving line. Colin shoved champagne glasses at them. Leah brought a plate of hors d'oeuvres for them to share. Grey held the plate while Carrie picked up a stuffed mushroom and held it to his lips. Desire reflected in his eyes as she fed him. His lips locked on her finger, sucking it part way into his mouth where his tongue caressed it.
Carrie colored. "Grey! People are watching," she whispered.
"I don't care. If I had a magic wand, I'd make them all go away."
She chuckled. "Then I'd have you all to myself."
Before he could continue his verbal seduction of his new wife, the string quartet played more Vivaldi. The smell of delectable hot food wafted over to the couple. Delia bustled over to them.
"You must be the first in line for food. Then the first dance. Come, come…time for all that stuff later, Grey." Delia gave him a hard look.
He shrugged.
"Guess I have a lifetime to seduce my wife." He drew out the last two words.
"You do. Come." Delia grabbed Grey's arm, pulling him along to the long table covered by a pink tablecloth. There were platters of cold shrimp, cold lobster, fresh crabmeat salad accompanied by dishes of spicy cocktail sauce and Russian dressing. A huge bowl of choice mixed greens was surrounded by smaller bowls with fixings, like artichoke hearts, bacon bits, cucumbers, raw mushrooms and a variety of dressings from vinaigrette to blue cheese, fresh cole slaw and finishing the fantastic array of dishes was a platter of fresh sliced tomatoes with gorgonzola dressing. Chafing dishes filled with lobster Newburg, wild rice, sliced filet mignon, fingerling potatoes au gratin, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower in cheese sauce and grilled vegetables took up the last half of the table.
"The only thing I have an appetite for is you…" he whispered over his shoulder.
"Are you kidding? Look at all this! Eat, Grey. You'll need your strength…trust me."
He stopped to turn his head, shooting her a questioning glance.
"I have plans for you…conserve your energy, husband." Carrie shot him a wicked grin.
He laughed. "Can I help you, sir?"
One of the servers drew Grey's attention to the chafing dish with rice on one side and Lobster Newburg on the other. Carrie's stomach rumbled at the smell of the rich dish.
Grey handed his plate to the server. Next he piled on green salad and artichoke hearts. Then a smattering of vegetables from each offering. At the cold food stations, he took a dab of lump crabmeat salad, fresh coleslaw, and two tomatoes. He topped off his plate with a freshly baked brioche and butter. Carrie followed behind him with a plate not quite as full as his.
"Taking me seriously, I see," she said, eyeing his plate.
"I always take my…uh…wife seriously when she talks about bedroom activities." He grinned at her.
They sat down. After only one forkful of the lobster dish, they were forced to dance the first dance. Colin zipped by while they were dancing to refresh the champagne in their glasses.
Grey pulled Carrie close. While resting her chin on his shoulder, she inhaled his masculine scent mixed with piney aftershave and fresh soap. The familiar scent warmed her. A smile lifted the corners of her mouth when she saw people laughing, talking, eating…everyone appeared to be having a good time.
"I'm glad we didn't run away to Las Vegas. Everyone is having fun," she whispered into his ear.
"Delia and your mom can throw a great bash when they bury the hatchet."
Contentment settled in her heart, a sense of wellbeing and happiness washed over her as Grey tightened his arms around her.
"Are you happy, honey?"
"Deliriously so. Never been so happy in my life. You?"
"Same. Didn't know getting married could be this good."
As she snuggled into his shoulder, he stopped. His three best buddies from college stood there, ready to cut in. They called themselves "The Four Horsemen" and were inseparable during their school days.
"You didn't think we were going to let you monopolize this beautiful woman, did you?" Bobby asked.
Grey grinned at his pals. "I should have known."
"And when Bobby's finished, it's my turn," Will chimed in.
"And you don't get her back until I'm done," Spence said.
Grey stepped back, allowing Spence to take Carrie in his arms.
"No funny stuff," Grey wagged his finger at the men.
"Don't you trust us?" Spence asked.
"Not for a second," Grey replied.
The men snickered.
Grey sat back down at his table and tucked into his plate of food. Delia stopped by.
"This is amazing, Delia. Thank you," Grey reached up to plant a kiss on her cheek.
She blushed. "The least I could do."
"You're sending me the bill, as we agreed, right?"
"Actually, Harvey insisted on paying. It's his daughter's wedding after all."
"How about that? They came through in the end. Good enough."
Grey danced with Delia, Janice and the wives of the other three Horsemen. He almost didn't have time to eat. Carrie was shepherded from man to man, ending up with her father.
"Weren't we supposed to be second?" He asked her.
"Grey's friends can be a little…pushy?"
"I have you now."
"Thank you for everything, Dad."
"Nothing's too good for my little girl."
"I forgive you…for your infidelity."
"Thank you, Bunny. I broke your mother's heart. I don't think she ever recovered. I regret it every day of my life. Your mother has been a devoted and loving wife to me. Better than I deserved."
"Don't say that."
"It's true. I know she's been difficult with you. It seems like you're leaving before we've had a chance to reconnect."
"I'll be here. You know where to find me."
"We'll be back for a visit, too, if Grey can forgive your mom."
"He's not a grudge holder."
"I think you've found a wonderful man, Carrie. I couldn't turn you over to anyone less."
"Thanks, dad." Tears pricked her eyes.
****
Trying to keep busy was easy with so much to do. Leah helped with Carrie's dress, did her makeup then stood in as Delia's a
ssistant. If I don't sit down, I won't have to think about leaving. Standing with a plate of food, she shoveled forkfuls into her mouth, not even tasting what she was eating but thinking about what she had to do next. A hand closed over her shoulder.
"May I have this dance?" Colin asked.
"I have so much to…"
Before she could finish the sentence, Colin took her plate and placed it on the table then led her onto the dance floor. As his arms closed around her, she shut her eyes, melting into his embrace. His fresh scent seduced her senses. He smells so good. Her arms closed around his neck as he pulled her in closer to his chest. He feels so good. Leah sighed. They moved slowly around the dance floor.
"We fit so well together," he said.
She giggled. "Vertically and horizontally."
A laugh rumbled in his chest, the vibration tickling her breasts.
"The wedding is perfect. You did a great job," he said.
"I was only a small part of it."
"Stop being self-effacing and take some credit. God, you smell good."
His lips on her neck made her shiver. "So do you."
The music stopped. Colin took her hand.
"Let's go for a walk. No one will miss us."
She followed along as he led her down a gravel path, over a little bridge at the end of the property that spanned a stream and into the woods. A large almost flat rock outcropping provided a perfect place to perch, away from prying eyes.
Colin sank down and pulled Leah into his lap for a passionate kiss. His hand covered her breast, starting a familiar fire inside her. His tongue slid along the crease of her lips, parting them. Her hands gripped his shoulders as she arched her back, pressing her breasts toward his chest. A groan escaped his throat. His lips moved to her neck on their way south. She pushed away from him and stood up.
"We can't do this." She pushed to her feet and turned away from him.
"Who will know?" He followed her.
"What if someone comes looking for us?"
"Can't blame a guy for wanting to make love to his girl one last time before she leaves…forever." Colin frowned, turning his gaze to his shoes.
"Didn't we do that last night?" She faced him.
The Dating List Page 20