“What size do you need?” she asks.
Size? I haven’t the slightest clue.
“Er, small?”
“This one is five and a quarter,” she says. “It’s a rather small size. It won’t fit on my hand.” She holds her hand out for me to see, and it’s definitely larger than Anna’s. I don’t want to mess this up, but I haven’t much choice. The look of it is perfect.
She shows me the men’s rings next and I gravitate to the thick black tribal designs. I point to the most wicked-looking one, the design etched into silver just like Anna’s.
“I’ll take them both.”
I scan the clear skies as I leave the shop with our rings. Our wedding rings.
I shake my head and drive for the airport.
Blake’s plane is killer, roomier than Father’s jet, with that new leather smell.
He welcomes me aboard with a grin and a salute.
“This is brilliant, mate.”
He crosses his arms, peering around. “Yeah, being the son of Envy has its advantages.”
“Bloody right,” I say, setting down my bag.
“Well, we’re all fueled up and ready to go when everyone gets here.”
My insides dip with a fluttery, falling sensation and I grip the top of the seat I’m standing near. Blake laughs.
“You nervous, man? Don’t puke on the upholstery.”
“I won’t,” I mutter, forcing myself to straighten. I’ve no reason to be feeling strange.
Except perhaps for the fact that I’m going to be a husband. This wasn’t exactly something I envisioned for myself. It was never in my nature to commit. Anna’s shown me it’s okay to hope for something more, to want something better. The things I was taught to think of as weaknesses I now recognize as strengths. I can’t explain why I’m so jittery when everything feels so right. I just don’t want to bung it up.
“So, what’s the plan?” Blake asks. “You thought about where I should take you guys afterward?”
“Yeah.” I tell him about the Grand Canyon. He fist-bumps me again before returning to the cockpit to ready the plane.
I sit at the open space in the back where I can rest my head in my hands and think for a minute. I want this to be perfect for Anna.
I’ve sat like that a long while, trying to get rid of these ridiculous nerves, when I hear feminine giggles coming up the jet steps. The twins burst through the doors, Marna chipper and Ginger looking exhausted. Behind them is Anna, and when I see her staring around the cabin in awe, I remember who I’m dealing with here. Anna is not your picky perfectionist. My girl finds beauty in the small things. Seeing her puts me at ease. I lean back and watch her, one hand behind my head.
She’s changed into a white, summery halter dress that makes me want to drool. It also makes me wish I’d at least changed my clothes. Blond layers lay across her shoulders. Her dress is open at the back, revealing tanned, smooth skin in stark contrast against the white. The silky material hugs her, flowing down to her ankles. She is a sight.
I’m going to strip that dress from her body tonight. Along with everything underneath it.
Behind Anna, Marna holds up a bag, pointing to it. I downloaded mood music! she signs.
I raise my eyebrows and give her an unenthusiastic thumbs-up. I hope she’s grown out of her love of boy bands.
Anna finally finds me, and her smile disappears as our eyes meet. My confidence returns, obliterating all traces of nerves. I’m going to take care of this girl in every possible way. Judging by how she nibbles her lip, she knows it.
I lift a hand to call her over. Moments later she’s standing before me, the dress accentuating her waist.
“Hey,” she says, a bit bashful.
“Hey, yourself. You’re stunning. I feel like a slob.”
She looks me over, taking me in. “You always look good.” Her shy smile melts me.
I ignore Gin’s gagging noises from where she’s sitting nearby, and I wrap my hands around Anna’s hips, leading her toward me. She sits beside me, lifting her hair, fanning herself with a shaking hand.
I take that hand and place a soft kiss in her palm.
Don’t be nervous, I sign to her with my other hand.
Her face still looks pinched with tension, so I pull her onto my lap and she lays her head on my shoulder.
“Are you sure about this?” Her whisper is warm against my neck.
“I am,” I assure her. “Are you?”
“Yes.”
Well, there you have it.
Blake ambles out of the cockpit and I circle a finger in the air as if to say, Let’s go. He nods his agreement. The sooner we’re in the air where the whisperers don’t venture, the better.
We all take our seats, and fifteen minutes later we’re lifting off smoothly. I’m rather impressed with Blake’s flying skills. Once we’ve reached our altitude, Blake puts the plane on autopilot and joins us, as the girls freak out about it. It’s quite humorous, and I can’t help chuckling, relieved to have all my closest mates by my side.
When we stand, I’m racked with nerves again, and I hope it doesn’t show.
“I didn’t prepare vows or anything,” Anna says. “I guess we’re just winging it?”
Vows? Was I supposed to do that?
Blake shakes out a piece of paper and my worry subsides. He’s printed out traditional vows, and he even got an official license to marry us, per Belial’s suggestion. But leave it to Blake not to be serious.