Page 62 of Richard

Lenny came over and took her arm, dragging her away from Richard. “I told him I wished I had seen you first.” Bending his head, he kissed her lavishly on the lips, earning a glower from his friend. “It’s still not too late. Why don’t you run away with me?”

“I am afraid it’s too late, and I would not want to ruin a friendship,” she told him laughingly. “Have you met my sister?”

“There is another one?” He grinned at her. “Point me in her direction.”

She led him over to where Janice was chatting with Rodney and made the introduction.

Richard came to claim her, and she left them chatting.

Instead of being overwhelmed, Collette enjoyed herself.

Her husband was very attentive, and his speech was flavored with humor and adoration for his new bride. They cut the cake, danced their first dance as a couple, and ate some of the sumptuous food provided.

She managed to get some time alone with Ruth and was effusive in her appreciation for what was done.

“It’s nothing, darling. I enjoyed the planning, and I want towelcome you again into the family. You have made my son very happy.”

“He has done the same for me.”

To her surprise, even when they were ready to leave, Lenny and her sister were still talking, their heads close together.

“Should I interrupt?” Collette asked her husband with a frown.

“Why?”

“I want to tell her that we are arranging a ride for her to get home.”

“I will take care of it.” He went over to his mother and whispered something to her, and she nodded.

“Ready?”

“Yes.”

They said their goodbyes and left.

“We are going on our honeymoon tomorrow. Tonight, I get to spend time with my bride in our home.”

“Are you going to tell me where we are going?” She was content to snuggle against him.

“No.” He kissed her on the head. “It’s a surprise, and you are going to love it.”

*****

Collette stood in front of the double mirrors inside the bathroom and stared at herself, her heart pounding. It was funny that she was so nervous. She had begged him for a few minutes in order to get ready for bed, and he had jokingly told her that he was giving her ten, and if she was not out by that time, he was coming to get her.

“I am impatient to get the honeymoon started. You left me all by myself last night, and I have to warn you that I am ravenous.”

The lingerie was skimpy and transparent. And it clung to every part of her body. The bodice plunged all the way to her navel and barely fitted over her breasts.

It was cut high on the thighs and was stingy on the front. In the back, there was practically nothing there, the thong style settling into the crease of her buttocks. It was a very daring outfit, and Monique had urged her to buy it. Her hair was shiny, and her teeth brushed.

Turning away from the mirror, she headed out and stood just inside the doorway.

He was about to take off his robe when he looked up and saw her standing there. He went still, his breath strangling inside his throat. Every nerve ending was screaming, and he felt the blood racing through his body and settling in one place.

The bathroom light delineated every single seductive curve. The material was so flimsy that he wondered if it did not melt under his hot gaze. The black was a sharp contrast to her caramel complexion, and frankly, he could not believe she was real.

And she was his. She was wearing his ring and had taken his name without the slightest hesitation. She was Collette McBride, his forever, as long as they both shall live.