Page 52 of Collide

We are stars, colliding. Together.

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Naked and satiated, we stare at one another, holding hands between us as we lie on our sides. My thumb plays with the ring on her finger.

“Is it too soon to talk about a wedding?”

Ivy shakes head and speaks.

“I always thought I’d get married at the penthouse in Hawaii. I guess because it holds good memories of my mother, and it was her favorite place. I want to get married there so I can feel like she’s present.”

“Then that’s where it will be, but I’m gonna be honest, gorgeous, I want us married like yesterday, so when can this happen for us? Do you want to wait?” I’m hoping this isn’t her answer. “Or can it be before the baby is born?” I’m selfish in wanting us married and together on paper before the baby is born. No questions asked.

“Do you think we could get married this week?”

I pull back to look down at her, surprised by the hesitancy in her voice but noting it’s only because she thinks I’ll reject her. Doesn’t she see I won’t deny her anything—other than sex until we’re married?

“Is the penthouse available?”

“Probably not, with this being spring break time of year.” Her lips purse.

“Let me handle this, okay?” I have an idea. There’s no doubt the boys will stand up with me, but who will be there for Ivy?

“What about a bridesmaid?” I ask. It’s strange that Ivy doesn’t really have any girlfriends, but she explained to me her trouble with relationships. Girls were either jealous of her or wanted to be her friend only to get into parties and clubs. She got lucky in college as her roommate was a musical prodigy and had her own success with the violin. Ivy and Loo got along because they weren’t in competition with each other, and their opposing schedules worked for them. We were good roommates but not best friends, she said.

“I don’t need a bridesmaid. Just us.” Each time she makes a suggestion, she hesitates as if the romantic notion might be too little or too much. I love the idea of only us standing up together. With family and friends watching on, it’s plenty of a wedding for me. I only want the girl, the ring on her finger, and the license. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in life, and I don’t think I ever knew the final touch to my happiness would be Ivy. And the baby. It’s unconventional and happening quickly, but I wouldn’t change a thing. As I told her before, I want her. All of her.

“How many days do you need to get ready then?” She’ll need a pretty dress.

Ivy looks down at her belly and rubs. “I guess I won’t really pass as the blushing bride.”

“You’re going to pass as the most beautiful bride ever because you’re my bride.” I cup her face, leaning forward for a brief kiss. “I want this day to be special for both of us. You’re gorgeous, and I don’t care if you marry me in a T-shirt. I want you to be comfortable, and I want you to be happy. I want you to feel like a princess, so if we need to wait, I can wait.”

Her lip curls, and she teases me. “But you won’t have sex with me until we’re married?”

“Not a chance,” I say with laughter although the night at the Ritz might be better than any sex we’ll ever have.

Her voice softens, and her tone becomes serious. “I don’t want to wait any longer to be yours.”

I like the sound of that and kiss her to tell her my thoughts.

23

IVY

Within three days, we are back in Hawaii. We can’t rent the penthouse, but Gage assures me he’s made some arrangements. He has a room for us after the ceremony, but I stay with Tommy the night before our special day.

I should be happy, and I am, but I’m also confused. Did I rush things? Am I overreacting? Am I making a mistake? I stand in front of the full-length mirror in Tommy’s hotel room and stare at myself. The dress is three-quarter-length sleeves in lace with a lace covering over the strapless bodice. The remainder of the dress flows straight to the floor, accentuating my stomach. From the back, I look normal, but the front visual leaves no mistaking that I’m almost eight months pregnant. I told Gage I didn’t care what he wore, but a tux wasn’t necessary. He told me I must have a dress that makes me feel pretty. My blonde hair flaunts loose curls with pins pulling back the front.

I hope Gage likes it. I hope he loves me someday.

Tommy comes up behind me. “Darlin’, you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

I rub my stomach. “Even with baby?”

“Especially because of baby.” He reaches over my head and straps a set of pearls around my neck. I meet his eyes in the mirror once he’s fastened the clasp. “You know your mother and I didn’t have much contact with our mother after we both left. But her mother, my grandmother, is named Magnolia, and she always tried to keep in contact with us. When she heard Kit was pregnant with you, she sent these pearls to your mother for her wedding, and your mother held on to these for you. I know she was waiting for this occasion to hand them over to you.”

I stroke the white beads. I’ve never met Magnolia and haven’t heard much about any extended family over the years, but it makes me warm inside to know I have something of my mother’s from a family member who cared about her.