One Autumn with Darcy
Page 49
The garter toss had an entirely different feeling to it. Will’s eyes never left hers as his hand slipped under her dress and seemed to travel far too high for where she had placed the garter, directly above her knee. His look conveyed the promise that they would be leaving very soon. As he tossed it over his shoulder, Elizabeth was struck with the awkwardness of her husband throwing her garments at other men. Strangely, the only one who seemed interested in it was her father’s junior partner, Bill Collins, who she always found rather creepy. He lunged and tripped over Rich’s feet. The garter hit Ric in the chest, and he caught it by reflex.
During the obligatory subsequent dance, Will whispered in Elizabeth’s ear, “Anne has been in love with Rich forever. I was sworn to secrecy. I hope she doesn’t read more into this than he means.”
Elizabeth looked at the dancing couple. “I don’t know. Rich seems to be enjoying himself. Didn’t you say earlier that we have to let others live their lives?”
“I did. Will you choose now to learn of my infinite wisdom?”
“If you’re so wise, then why do you keep our honeymoon destination a secret from me?”
“For the surprise, darling.”
She would argue more, but she loved it when he called her darling. The next song came on, which was to be the final one, but instead of the DJ’s voice, they heard Mary’s over the microphone. “We’re closing out tonight with what I call ‘Ode to Mainstream Mix.’”
Elizabeth groaned as Lydia’s favorite dance came on, and she began twerking with George. Elizabeth truly thought she might be nauseous, but then she saw Aunt Cathy attempting it and began to laugh. The entire crowd danced in tandem to other overdone songs, such as the “Macarena” and the “Electric Boogie,” before finishing it up with the “Chicken Dance.”
Finally, Will was pulling her to the door. His red, convertible Mustang was just outside. Their family surged forward for hugs and kisses; they would be gone for a month. And then it was just the two of them, driving into the night.
“Will you tell me where we’re going now?” Lizzy asked while she unpinned her hair and shook it free, letting it whip in the wind.
“No, because it’s up to you.”
“What?”
“Look in the glove box.”
She opened it up and found information for Italy and Hawaii. “Oh, Will! How am I going to choose?”
“Well, I thought we’d do one for our honeymoon and then go away before school starts again for you.”
“It seems like too much!”
“Making you happy is never too much.” He pulled off the road and into a hotel lot. “But for tonight, we will be staying here, and I plan to make you very, very happy several times.”
“Will,” she scolded and blushed, but it secretly thrilled her when he talked that way.
He checked them in and led them up to their room. In the elevator, he pulled her close. The kiss started with her hand. He turned it over, kissed her palm, and then lingered on her wrist, making her pulse race. His lips had just met hers when the door opened. Without breaking the kiss, he led them to their room. When his head fell down to her neck while still in the doorway, she pulled away just enough to shut the door.
Elizabeth awoke the next morning to her husband kissing her awake. Raining kisses over her face, he started with her eyelids, which fluttered open to see his beaming smile, and ended with her ear. It was a good thing their flight time was so flexible…
The End
About the Author
Rose Fairbanks hears book characters talk in her head. They whisper to her of a time when the sun never set on the British Empire. More than having a love story for the ages, these characters face struggles inspired by historical events such as market crashes, Napoleon, embargoes, Luddites, the Year Without a Summer and more. Merging historical research with the timelessness of Jane Austen, Rose currently has ten Pride and Prejudice variations published with several releases planned for 2016 as well as an original Regency Romance series in the works.
Rose proudly admits her Darcy obsession and addictions to reading, chocolate, and sweet tea. Always in the mood for a healthy debate, she also dearly loves to laugh. Having completed a BA in history in 2008, she plans to complete her master’s studies...someday. At the moment, having a career combining her life-long interest in history and research with her love for Jane Austen and the Regency Era consumes all of her professional time. When not writing or reading, Rose runs after her two young children, ignores housework, and profusely thanks her husband for doing all the dishes and laundry.
You can connect with Rose on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and her blog: http://rosefairbanks.com
Also by Rose Fairbanks
Renewed Hope (When Loves Blooms 2)
Sufficient Encouragement (When Love Blooms 1)
Compromising Mr. Darcy
No Cause to Repine
A Sense of Obligation
Once Upon a December
The Secrets of Netherfield Abbey (The Witches of Austen 2)
Sisters Bewitched (The Witches of Austen 1)