Page 44 of Consumed By Fire
"Yes, ma'am,” he says, putting himself to attention, making us laugh.
"So funny, Marine. Do I have to remind you that you’ll be spending your whole life with me?"
"Uh-oh, better not make her angry, Dylan. Believe me,” says Dad.
"I'm not in danger, Paul," he replies, hugging me. "And then all our life won't be enough love," he whispers before placing a kiss on my neck.
“Great strategy, but it doesn't work. Go, I have work to do.”
"I'll stay here in case you need a hand," Grace says and Annais confirms the same. Well, the more, the merrier.
We say goodbye to our men. As Blaire takes care of the guests and the confirmations for the party, we finish the last things. I have to say, it's fun working with the two of them. We’re a really good team. We’re so into the decorations that we don’t realize that soon we have to welcome the guests.
I retreat to my room to get ready and see several messages from Dylan, which makes me smile.
I feel nervous. Every event I organize is unique, and I know that another couple is getting engaged tonight, which is fantastic. I’m so excited for them.
I choose a red dress, not too short, with bare shoulders and fluttering sleeves, and my favorite Louboutins. I hope to please Dylan. It’s the first time he’ll see me dressed in such a formal way.
When I arrive in the living room, I notice that Dad is getting Annais to fix his tie, and I smile. He has never been able to tie his ties, some things never change. Dylan has his back to me. He’s talking to Grace, who smiles as soon as she sees me.
When Dylan turns around, I can see the amazement in his eyes. His outfit makes him look really sexy.
"You're gorgeous. I'm afraid to let the others see you. They might fall in love with you,” he says, touching my lips.
“Mmm, my heart is yours, love. But thanks for the compliment.”
We go to the ballroom and I notice that everyone is there. Leroy and his wife come to greet us, as does Dylan's team. Aide and Jake are talking with my father and there's also Lacey and her boyfriend, who is talking to Kennedy and Nate. I'm so happy they're here, too.
The DJ puts on salsa music and Dylan smiles, dragging me onto the dance floor, away from my friends. David and Grace are dancing too.
The Valentine's Day party goes smoothly. At the end of the evening, I can say that it was a success as every year. Everyone enjoyed it. And this year, I can say that cupid worked his magic with me, too.
26
DYLAN
Saying she’s beautiful is an understatement. I can't take my eyes off her all evening. It’s hard to focus on chatting, and Aide and Liam tease me all night. Fuckers!
The party was great. Seeing Aiden so nervous makes me chuckle and I can definitely tease him a lot. His proposal is emotional, and Blaire says yes. Everyone has a great time, but I'm glad it's over. I help Charlie fix the last few things after the cleaning guys leave.
"Shall we go home?" I ask.
She smiles as she takes off her shoes. "I'm exhausted. Can we stay here tonight?"
"Of course, love,” I say, picking her up in my arms and carrying her toward the private area of the B&B.
I make her sit on the bed while I turn off the lights. Upon my return to the room, Charlie is coming out of the bathroom with her hair down and my shirt on. "You can't even imagine how sexy you are!" I say, undressing as she lies down on the bed.
I take her in my arms, and she puts one leg between mine with her head resting on my chest: her favorite position for falling asleep.
27
CHARLOTTE
I love waking up in the morning before he does. Though I know for a fact that he's actually awake but pretending to be asleep, waiting to see what I'll do. Ours is a ritual now.
The months pass as if in a gust of wind. I’m happy, I feel alive and loved. By now, everyone knows that Dylan and I are engaged. It's a small town and the news spreads quickly.