Abby watched Jesse saunter away, heading back to the men’s department. She walked around, avoiding all the sedate styles Earl had insisted she dress in for the last five years. Touching everything, she searched for something feminine to wear when she made her commitment to Jesse. Finally she spied the perfect dress tucked at the back of the last rack. It was butter-yellow with ivory lace. The neck was high enough to hide the bruises. The slightly fitted bodice would show her curves without making her look obscene and the skirt flared just enough to conceal the size of her hips.
Abby turned in the dressing room, viewing her image from all angles. Earl would hate the way she looked. He always maintained that she should stick to dark colors and shapeless styles. He thought she was shamelessly flaunting her whorish figure when she wore anything even slightly tailored. And that was before she let herself get heavy. Struggling to push Earl from her mind, she switched her thoughts to all Jesse had said to reassure her about her body. His was the opinion she needed to replay, not Earl’s.
Jesse was waiting exactly as he said he would be. “All set?” he asked, reaching for the bag that concealed her wedding dress.
“Um, almost.” She was about to protest that she could carry it but stopped herself. “If it’s okay, I need some shoes too.”
“That’s fine,” he stated gently, sensing her unease, guessing that Earl had little patience for such tasks. “Tell you what. I’m going to go sit on a bench right out front of this store. You go ahead and find whatever else you need. Shoes, lacy lingerie, a barely there negligee to torment me with later. I can call and arrange our appointment at city hall. I’ll try for something late but I’ll come find you if we need to hurry. I’d rather we didn’t rush through any of today but I’d rather rush than wait.”
He looked so eager that Abby had to laugh. “Me too. You’re sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all. Just because we’re doing this the way we are doesn’t mean it can’t be special.”
“Maybe we should wait. I mean, your family…”
“My family,” he interrupted, “Will be so thrilled I finally found you. They won’t question the fact that I couldn’t wait to tie you to me. They’re more likely to wonder if we don’t eventually admit that I married you before I introduced you to them.”
“But…”
“Shh.” He kissed away her doubts. “When we’re ready, we’ll tell them about today. Until then, they’ll get to know you as the woman I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with and can’t imagine being separated from. They’re a bit wacky but they really are nice people. They’re going to adore you. Hell, Frank, Shelby and Wyatt already do. And while the rest of them get to know you, you’re going to get to know them so you can see how right I am about this. Now,” he said and kissed her again, “get going and let me make that call.”
Half an hour later, Abby was standing in the lingerie department, debating between several items.
“Can I help you find something,” a friendly voice inquired.
“I don’t know.” Abby turned to the woman. “I can’t seem to make up my mind.”
“Is it a special occasion? Perhaps if you told me, I could make some suggestions.”
“Well,” Abby shifted nervously, “I’m, um, I’m getting married later.”
“How wonderful!”
“Yes.” Abby smiled timidly. This woman seemed genuinely pleased for her. “But, I, uh, I thought I’d get something, um…”
“For tonight?”
“To wear under my dress. I never had anything like this before. I don’t want to look ridiculous since I’m so fat but I thought—”
“Oh dear.” The woman patted her arm. “You shouldn’t say things like that. And every bride should wear something special under her dress. A man likes to unveil his wife, even if they have been intimate before the wedding.”
“We haven’t!” Abby exclaimed before she thought.
“Good for you.” The clerk took Abby’s possibilities and studied them. “Not that my opinion would differ if you’d just confided that you had been living together for years. Your wedding night is special, no matter what happened before it.”
“Thank you.” Abby was stunned to be having such a conversation.
“You’re welcome, dear. Hmm.” She held up one of Abby’s choices. “I wouldn’t recommend this.”
“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t know…”
“Come with me.” She linked her arm through Abby’s and led her to a nearby display. “I think your man might find something like this very enticing.” She held up a lined camisole. “Yes if your dress has sleeves, this could do quite nicely. It’ll give you support without making you feel confined. He’ll be more aware of your natural charms than he would be if you wore a bra like the one you were considering.”
“You don’t think I’m too big for this?”
“My goodness, no. Even though you haven’t indulged yet, I’m sure your man has noticed you. I’d say it’s safe to assume that he’s full of anticipation at the thought of undressing you. If you’re wearing this, you’ll be much sexier than a bra that distorts your shape. And these matching tap pants with their loose legs will give him the opportunity to explore before he unwraps you. It’s all about seduction, my dear. In this, you’ll be covered yet clearly accessible. It’ll be like you’re extending an invitation for him to touch you even before you’re undressed.”
“I never thought of it that way.”
“Most young people don’t. They’re in too much of a hurry to bother making it a special event.”
“You sound like Jesse,” Abby stated with a smile.
“Ah.” The woman grinned in return. “So this Jesse of yours is a romantic. How nice for you. They’re a disappearing bunch, dear. I bet he’ll make you very happy.”
“He already does. I guess I need some of those stocking that stay up by themselves too.”
“Absolutely. You don’t want to ruin the image with a garter belt and pantyhose are out of the question.”
A few minutes later, the clerk handed Abby a bag that held all the items they’d selected. “You’ll be lovely. Now, when the time comes, don’t be shy. Stand proud and let your Jesse look his fill. I hope you don’t mind my saying this but you seem a little concerned about your figure. Don’t be. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes and there’s a man out there to love each and every one of them. If you let yourself feel like the beautiful woman you are, he will see you that way too.”
“Thank you.” Abby sniffled. “You’ve been so kind to help to me like this.”
The woman waved away Abby’s thanks. “I enjoy this so don’t mention it. You just go and have a wonderful day. Chin up. Smile. Make it special so you both remember it as a beautiful start to your lives.”
She was still smiling when she joined Jesse. “If shoes make you look that happy, I can’t wait until we find a house,” he declared, clearly wondering at her expression.
“I just met the most remarkable woman,” she explained. “But I can’t tell you why until later.”
“Okay.” He was even more curious. “We have an appointment at four forty-five. It’s the last one. I thought we could head right to Harry’s after the ceremony because we may never get there if we go back to the hotel first.”
“That sounds fine.” Her words were cut off by Jesse’s phone.
“Hi, Andie.” Jesse captured Abby to his side when she would have shifted away.
“Hi yourself,” Andie responded. “Is Henderson up to the same old tricks again?”
“Don’t know. Had a change of plans so he’s Frank’s problem this time.”
“What happened? Where are you?”
“I’m still here. But I met someone yesterday due to a little mix-up at the airport.”
“What! Why didn’t you call us? Who is she? When do we get to meet her?”
“Slow down. Her name is Abby. I didn’t call you because I was preoccupied and I didn’t realize I had to report in to you. And I don’t know
when you get to meet her because I’m not ready to share.”
“But, Jesse, you have to bring her with you. I called to invite you to a surprise party. I’ve decided I’m ready to get married and I want all of you there when I tell Brett. He thinks Dee and Sally are having a thank-you gathering for everyone who helped with the diner. But it’s really going to be all of you who helped us get together. You have to come.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Is Abby with you? Can I talk to her? Please.”
“It’s Andie,” Jesse supplied even though he was sure Abby heard him say her name already. “She wants to speak with you.”
Jesse gave her no choice as he pushed the phone into her hand. “H-hello?”
“Hi, Abby. I’m Andie. Has Jesse mentioned any of us to you yet?”
“A little, yes.”
“Good. Then you already know he helped bring me and Brett together a few months ago. In fact he was the one who did the most for us.”
“Uh, I heard Brett when he called Jordan’s show. I was glad when Jesse said you two worked it out.”
“Thanks. Then you’ll understand how important it is that he is with us on Sunday night. Judging by the sound of his voice, I can tell he won’t come alone and I’d love to meet you, so please convince him that you want to come to our party. When Brett and I decided to be together, he asked me to marry him. I told him I would but not right away. I said I needed to know what it felt like to be half of a couple first.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“I know, I know. I don’t know what I was thinking but it seemed right at the time. He made me promise to let him know when I was ready for him to ask again. Well, I’m ready. And I want it to be a celebration. I want all the people who got us through the bad part to be with us for the good part.”
“I shouldn’t be there for something like that.”
“Why not? Jesse obviously thinks you’re someone special or Frank wouldn’t be there installing that security system. Has he explained about the big plan yet?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m sure he already thinks you’re the one who’s meant to be with him. Abby, Jesse may have started out as Brett’s friend but he’s become very special to me too. If you really are his destiny, then we’ll be spending a lot of time together over the years. It’ll be perfect for him to introduce you at this party. It’ll help you see that you’re one of us. If you do wind up together, you’ll be getting his family and the rest of us too. Please say you’ll come. I’ll talk to Jordan and make sure you two have the gatehouse to yourselves. We’ll all promise not to intrude unless you specifically invite us to visit. Listen to me. I’ve already got you taking time off from work so you can stay for a few days and you haven’t even agreed to come yet.”
“I, um, I’m not exactly working at the moment.” Abby was overwhelmed.
“Ooh, that’s even better. I’m simply going to insist that you come. And stay. I’m guessing you already met Frank. His wife, Shelby, and Jesse’s cousins will be here too. You can come and meet them without being entirely the center of attention. What do you say? Will you come? If not, I’ll have to put off telling Brett and he’s been such a sweetheart, not pushing even though I know how ready he is to get married. I don’t want to make him wait anymore but I will if you and Jesse aren’t here. Please?”
“I guess so.” Abby gave in to make her head stop spinning. Jesse hadn’t mentioned how persuasive Andie was when he had described her.
“Wonderful! I can’t wait to meet you.”
“You too. Um, here’s Jesse.”
“I take it we’ll be there.” Jesse grinned at the way Abby thrust the phone back at him.
“Yes, thank goodness. I was going to postpone this if Abby had refused. I can’t tell Brett I’m ready without you here.”
“You are going to restrain yourself though, aren’t you? Abby’s a little shy and I don’t want you to scare her off.”
“I guess I did come on a bit strong. I’m just so surprised. I knew you’d find her sooner or later but I wasn’t expecting it today. I was all ready to be sympathetic while you told me what kind of nonsense you were dealing with. I’m right, aren’t I? She is going to be sticking around?”
“We just met. Don’t you think I should let her get to know me a little bit first?”
“Blah, blah, blah,” Andie teased. “How about if I pretend I didn’t notice the way you just said she needs to get to know you and not that you need to get to know her? I do get it. I’ll behave. I won’t even make a big deal out of you bringing her with you. Not that they’re not all going to reach the same conclusion anyway.”
“Appreciate it. I’ll let you know when we get there.”
“Fine. I can take a hint. I’ll let you get back to whatever it was you were doing before I interrupted you with what I thought would at least interest you, if not make you happy for us.”
“I am happy for you. I’m honored you’re including me and that you invited Abby to share this with you. I’m sure you, of all people, can understand why I’m distracted at the moment.”
“Yeah, I can. And I was just teasing. I know you’re excited for us. Tell Abby not to worry. I’ll calm down as soon as I see the look on Brett’s face. I’m kind of wound up at the thought of it.”
“I’m sure Abby already figured that out. See you, Andie.”
“Figured what out?” Abby asked after Jesse ended the call.
“That she’s a bit hyper right now. Brett’s going to be just as bad when she tells him. Once he realized how much he needed Andie, he wanted to get married as soon as possible. He understands why she wanted to wait and would never pressure her but I know the anticipation is killing him. Thanks for not putting me through that. Not that I’d object if you change your mind and decide that we should do the whole dating thing first.”
“Stop, Jesse. You’re not forcing me into anything. I’m doing this because I want to. And because I believe you want to too.”
“You’re so right.” He paused. “I’ve been thinking and I need to ask you something. About Earl.”
Abby shuddered. “Go on.”
“Did he ever use any endearments with you? Call you sweetheart or dear? Something else like that?”
“Not really. Well, maybe. He usually called me Gail. Abigail when he was mad. Darling in front of his friends at the beginning but he stopped that once he had them convinced I was an idiot.”
“Then I promise to never call you darling. I was afraid I’d stir up bad memories if I used the same thing that he had.”
“I doubt if you could ever put the same sneer into your voice he did. I’d never confuse the two of you even if you did call me darling. You’ve used precious.”
“Yes but I was sure he hadn’t since he obviously failed to notice what an accurate description that is for you.”
“Oh.”
Jesse hugged her. “I can see I’m making you uncomfortable again with my honesty so I’ll change the subject. Want some lunch?”
“I don’t think so. I think I’m too nervous to eat right now. But I can sit with you if you want something.”
“I’m fine. I just thought I should offer, in case you were afraid to say something. If you don’t need anything else, I suggest we go back to the hotel. We can relax for a while before I leave you to get dressed. I thought I’d use Frank’s room so you have some privacy.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know I don’t have to. Call me selfish again but I think I’d like to wait until you’re completely ready before I see what you picked out.”
“Oh. All right,” Abby agreed. “You’re a romantic, aren’t you?”
“Runs in the family but don’t tell my dad and Uncle Nick I admitted it. I get harassed enough for my cosmic plan. If you tell them I’m as bad as Frank is, I’ll never hear the end of it.” Jesse had Abby laughing as they walked through the parking lot.
Chapter Seventeen
Jesse waited by
the elevators. He’d always wondered why they had a mini-lobby on each floor. Now he decided it was for moments like this. Or perhaps he was the only man who had ever forced himself to leave the room he shared with the woman he was about to marry so she could dress in private. Was it ridiculous that he wanted to see what she chose to wear for the event as a complete package instead of helping her dress? Was he wrong for preferring to anticipate her lingerie instead of watching her take the tags off it?
If Abby’s smile when she met him in front of the store was any indication, he knew her purchases would fan the fire that already simmered in his blood. Hell, who was he kidding? He already wanted her so badly he was in pain. The thought of her in some silky garment only added to it. So what if he had touched every inch of her flesh that morning? Tonight she would be his wife and that little fact changed everything. Earlier, he’d pleasured her to shut the door on her past. Tonight, they’d pleasure each other as the start of their future.
Abby took one last look at herself in the mirror. She drew in a deep breath and decided she was as ready as she would ever be. Part of her felt as if it were all a dream. She was dressed for her wedding ceremony. Okay, it was just a few simple words at city hall but the result would be the same as if it were a full-blown fancy affair in the biggest church around. She was about to become the wife of an incredibly good man who honestly believed they were destined to be together. She would have a husband and an extended family who he insisted would welcome her as their own.
She was terrified she’d wake up one day and Jesse would tell her how she had ruined his life. What if he changed his mind and already went home? What if he came to his senses and called Earl to tell him where she was? What if she called Jesse to tell him she was ready as he’d asked her to and found Earl waiting instead?
But Jesse said he loved her. He said he wanted her enough to wait until after they were married to make love, so their first time would be even more special. He unselfishly coaxed her body to multiple orgasms that morning and then denied his own release because he was banishing all thoughts of Earl’s treatment from her mind. She told her doubts to shush. Jesse was as decent as he seemed, probably even more so, and that was the end of it.
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