Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22496 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22496 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
It was the one thing I couldn’t predict entirely. Her parents’ reaction to what I was about to say. I took her hand in mine on top of the table and squeezed. She knew me well enough to look at me and all I did was wink at her. That’s our sign for everything is okay. If I just give her a wink and a smile no words are needed.
I turned my attention back to the others at the table and dove right in. “Mom, dad, did you invite the Claibornes to Thanksgiving dinner?”
“Of course son what kind of question is that.”
“Oh I was just making sure. By the way I’m thinking of going away for a few days before the holiday.”
“Oh? Where were you planning on going son?”
“I think the island.” I had to expand on that answer when dad raised his brow at me, “the one in the Seychelles.”
He nodded his head and smiled. “Oh that would be nice this time of year. When are you leaving?”
“I’m thinking the weekend before Thanksgiving and we’ll come back that Tuesday. I’m taking the whole gang with us.”
“I’ll call ahead and have things ready…”
“Thanks dad but I already took care of it.”
“That’s good then. The staff would be happy to see you, it’s been a while since you’ve been. Since any of us have come to think of it. Maybe we should take Veronica and Jackson down there for some fun Heather? After the kids have had their time of course.” He just saved himself a one-hour lecture.
“Sounds fun.” Her mom and dad were both onboard, which made the other half of my announcements a breeze. I thought for sure they may have objected but I had no plans on backing down and was afraid that might’ve caused some friction.
“Are you going to use the yacht while you’re down there?” Dad asked as he buttered a piece of bread for mom. She took it without even looking, as if she expected it. I want that. I want that same smooth seamlessness with my girl.
“Of course.”
“You gonna need the plane to stay down there with you?”
“I might.” Damn, how does he know me so well?
“You might decide to go to Kenya or South Africa, or even Asia while you’re there. And don’t forget India’s right there. You loved India when you were younger.” Yeah, he knows.
“Later I’ll let Sian look at some stuff and decide what she wants to do.” Now comes the kicker. “It can be our honeymoon.” Her hand flinched in mine and I squeezed again and held it beneath mine.
“Your…” Her mom looked from her to me and back. Her dad didn’t say a word but he was watching me like a hawk and Sian’s mouth was open. I took care of her first. Closing her lips with my finger.
“Yes. As to our wedding I don’t want to put it off any longer. I know it’s short notice...”
“Short? Jace Saunders are you telling me you want to get married in less than two weeks?”
“Sounds about right mom.”
Her mom started to say something but mine pulled her up from the table. “Don’t waste your breath love. I’ve been married to his replica for half my life and I’m here to tell you, arguing, reason, and logic do not work with those two. Lucky for us, I’ve already chosen the planner, the location and everything in between. The hard part is getting them to do it in two weeks instead of two years.”
“But it’s so close to the holidays….”
“Yeah, not to worry, as long as they get paid they won’t mind.” Mom reassured my mother in law who looked headed for full-blown panic.
“Speaking of which. Isn’t the father of the bride supposed to pay?” I released my breath at her dad’s casual question.
“I’m thinking you’re off the hook there Jackson. Since my son decided he wants to do this now, I’m sure the price is going to be double if not more. It’s on him.”
“But who’re we going to get at this late date?”
“Believe me Veronica, if he didn’t know we could do it, he wouldn’t even mention it. Blossom or Academy room Jace?”
“Which one’s the best?”
“I think the Academy but Sian might like the Blossom room better. But since there’s no time….”
“Then use one for the ceremony and one for the reception. Sian, flies.” I had to close her mouth again.