Sweet Temptation (The Sweet Trilogy #4)(95)

I do an internet search for Grand Canyon honeymoon destinations. Of course the best places have no vacancies tonight. I get on the phone with the owner of a set of luxury cabins.

“I’m so sorry, but we’re all booked.”

I put on my most polite English voice. “Yes, but I’m wondering if you can point me in the direction of anyone who might have a place. I know it’s late notice. I’ll literally pay any price they ask for one night. It’s my wedding night, you see. Sort of an impromptu wedding because we’re facing some rather worrisome issues.” I clear my throat and shut my eyes.

“Oh, dear.” The woman is quiet. “Well . . . there’s our personal vacation cabin. . . .”

My eyes snap open. “I’d hate to put you out, miss.”

“We don’t usually rent it out, but you sound like a nice young man. I suppose one night would be okay.”

I exhale a giant sigh and grin. “You are an angel. Thank you. I mean it. We’ll take good care of it.”

She sounds happy. “Let me make some calls and I’ll give you the lock code.”

I finish talking to the Grand Canyon angel, hoping her cabin is as beautiful as the ones posted online.

Next I scan through local jewelers on my mobile and head to the closest shop. As I browse at the counter, looking around for whisperers all the while, one thing becomes quickly apparent: I cannot buy Anna a diamond. They scream of matrimony. Every one of these sparklies would attract attention, even if she wore it on a different finger or hand. And the men’s bands are quite obvious as well.

This could take a while. I call Marna to help with some other things I won’t have time for.

“What can I do for you, darling?” she asks.

“I need clothes for tomorrow. I didn’t pack enough and I’m running low on time. Can you manage?”

“Absolutely. Anything else?”

“Food, perhaps.” I give her my sizes and get back to ring shopping.

In my search I happen upon a funky shop with artistic, handmade pieces. The prices are astronomical, but I don’t care. In fact, I’m glad to spend a lot on something to commemorate this day.

I consult the almighty Google to learn of Anna’s May birthstone, the emerald. Almost immediately my eye is drawn to a small ring with Celtic vines knotted around a circular emerald. The shop woman takes it out for me.

“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.