The Boss of Her
Page 26
“This’ll be quick.” Luca laughed.
“At Last” by Etta James started playing. Incredibly clichéd, but no less romantic. Stephanie held Luca tighter. The DJ let the song play for thirty seconds before he started the elimination. “Any couples together for less than one month, please leave the floor. Marriage cancels out dating, so let’s have the newlyweds step off the dance floor.” He waved as Catherine and Imogene stepped aside, all smiles, and everyone continued to dance. His six-month announcement knocked a few more couples from the floor.
Stephanie stared into Luca’s eyes as she swayed to the music. “You didn’t tell me what you’re thinking.” She played with the fine hairs at the nape of Luca’s neck.
“Every couple that has been together for a year or less, please step aside.”
“That’s our cue.” Luca pulled Stephanie off to the perimeter of the dance floor.
They stood together silently, Stephanie standing with her back resting against Luca’s front. Luca’s arms were loosely around her waist. Stephanie felt safe and loved, two things she never thought she’d grow used to or become dependent on. She closed her eyes and let her head fall back onto Luca’s shoulder. The five-, ten-, and twenty-year-old relationships joined them as Stephanie lost herself in the moment. Luca’s lips grazed her ear and a chill crept along Stephanie’s skin.
“I was thinking about how I’d like to marry you one day.” Luca’s whisper was raspy and low, just as it always was during their most intimate moments.
Stephanie stiffened briefly at the unexpected confession. They had spoken of their relationship and the future of their coupling, but this was the first time marriage was mentioned. She turned to face Luca as the crowd celebrated the final couple that danced in the middle of the floor. She searched Luca’s face and found nothing but adoration and sincerity. “You would?”
Luca nodded and brushed a piece of Stephanie’s hair behind her ear. “Of course we have a little ways to go before then, but I see a forever with you. A stubborn, hectic forever,” Luca said with a high-pitched laugh. Stephanie knew she was nervous talking about this; her chest was splotchy and voice louder than usual. “But a forever I know I’d be happy in.”
Stephanie wanted to say so much, but the music had died and she knew there were better times than that moment to discuss her daydreams with Luca. She kept her reply simple. “I see the same forever as you.”
“Come on.” Alice rushed up to them and grabbed their wrists. “Time for the bouquet toss, and you’re both unmarried women.” Her grin was alarming, as was the crazy and amused look in her eyes.
Stephanie stood beside Luca as all the eligible women gathered for the bouquet toss. Stephanie always considered the tradition to be silly, but if Luca was lining up, so was she. Everyone counted in time as Imogene stood in front of them, her infectious laughter filling the room. On three, the bouquet of bluebonnets and wildflowers went up into the air. Stephanie’s mind flashed with images of a life lived alongside Luca, and as her hands filled with the soft petals of the bouquet, her heart filled with love and an understanding that Luca was right all along. Working together had truly been the opportunity of a lifetime.
About the Authors
Julie Cannon (JulieCannon.com) divides her time by being a corporate suit, a wife, mom, sister, friend, and writer. Julie and her wife have lived in at least a half a dozen states, traveled around the world, and have an unending supply of dedicated friends. And of course, the most important people in their lives are their three kids, #1, Dude, and the Divine Miss Em.
Julie’s novel I Remember won the Golden Crown Literary Society’s Best Lesbian Romance in 2014.
Aurora Rey grew up in a small town in south Louisiana, daydreaming about New England. She keeps a special place in her heart for the South, especially the food and the ways women are raised to be strong, even if they’re taught not to show it. After a brief dalliance with biochemistry, she completed both a BA and an MA in English.
When she’s not writing or at her day job in higher education, she loves to cook and putter around the house. She’s slightly addicted to Pinterest, has big plans for the garden, and would love to get some goats.
She lives in Ithaca, New York, with her partner, two dogs, and whatever wild animals have taken up residence at the pond.
M. Ullrich has always called New Jersey home and currently resides by the beach with her wife and boisterous feline children. After many years of regarding her writing as just a hobby, the gentle yet persistent words of encouragement from her wife pushed M. Ullrich to take a leap into the world of publishing. Much to her delight and amazement, that world embraced her back.
Although M. Ullrich may work full-time in the optical field, her favorite hours are the ones she spends writing and eating ridiculously large portions of breakfast foods for every meal. When her pen isn’t furiously trying to capture her imagination (a rare occasion), she enjoys being a complete entertainer. Whether she’s telling an elaborate story or a joke, or getting up in front of a crowd to sing and dance her way through her latest karaoke selection, M. Ullrich will do just about anything to make others smile. She also happens to be fluent in three languages: English, sarcasm, and TV/movie quotes.
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