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“That was the intention,” I grumble.
She shuts the door then turns to me. “Have I ever told you I love how protective and possessive you are?”
My mouth instantly curves into a smile. “You haven’t.”
“It makes my ovaries combust.”
Letting out a chuckle, I pull her closer. “I know something else that makes your ovaries combust.”
Chapter 32
JJ
“It’s so good to see you!” I hold Mom and Clive tight before letting them go so they can hug Lindsay. They’ve driven from Miami to meet O’Brien and Chief Archer.
Taking hold of O’Brien’s arm, I smile proudly when I say, “Mom, this is Daniel.”
She gives him a motherly smile, then tugs him down for a hug. “I’ve only heard good things about you, Daniel.”
“He is the best, Mom,” Lindsay says. “You’ll see.”
We all move out onto the patio, where Chief Archer gets up from his chair to meet Mom and Clive.
When we’re all seated, Mom asks the chief, “How are you related to Daniel?”
He lets out a chuckle. “I was best friends with his father.” Turning his eyes to O’Brien, he adds, “Kinda feels like I adopted him, though.”
“You’re not married?” Mom asks.
“My wife passed.”
“I’m sorry,” Mom murmurs, then she smiles again. “Gosh, Daniel, you have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you, Ma’am.”
“Call me Olivia. We’re practically family.”
O’Brien reaches for my hand, and placing it on his leg, he brushes his thumb over the engagement ring, then he asks, “How was the drive from Miami?”
“Good,” Clive answers. “We like taking road trips.”
The conversation stays on safe topics, everyone slowly getting to know each other until the men join O’Brien by the BBQ.
Mom leans over, and taking hold of my left hand, she looks at the ring again. “Really gorgeous.”
“It was his mother’s ring,” I say, then smile down at the diamond. “I love it.”
Mom pulls a folder from her handbag that could fit half a kitchen, and opening it, she mutters, “Let’s do this. We have nine months to plan the perfect wedding.”
“I’m not wearing any shade of pink or purple or orange,” Lindsay immediately jumps in.
“You’re wearing midnight blue,” I state, my tone clearly saying it is non-negotiable. “I want an evening wedding under the stars. Dozens and dozens of fairy lights.”
Mom writes fast to get all the details down, her head bobbing as she agrees.
“My dress must shimmer, and I’m going barefoot.”
Her hand pauses, then she frowns at me.
“I’m not spending my wedding day in pain. Barefoot, Mom.” I tap on the page. “Write it down.”
“Fine,” she huffs.
O’Brien comes to press a kiss on my hair, then asks, “What are you up to?”
I grin up at him. “Planning the wedding.”
Grinning, he leans down lower, giving me a happy kiss. “Plan away. I’m starting the steaks. Will you keep an eye on the garlic bread?”
“Yeah, sure.”
As soon as he’s out of hearing distance, Mom says, “I have ten thousand saved for the wedding. Did you manage to save anything?”
“Daniel’s paying for everything, Mom. There’s no limit.”
Her eyes widen. “I want to contribute.”
“You can pay for the wedding dress,” I say, knowing it will mean a lot to her.
“Good.” She smiles, clearly relieved. “What kind of dress?”
“I want my fairy tale dress, Mom. All chiffon and satin.”
Her face starts to crumble with emotion. “We’ll get you your fairy tale dress, sweetheart.”
Spending the afternoon with Lindsay and Mom while planning the perfect wedding, I couldn’t be happier.
O’Brien
With our families here, the mood is relaxing.
Uncle Carl and Clive hit it off. JJ, Lindsay, and Olivia are planning the wedding.
Life is perfect.
My eyes are glued to JJ, her beauty still catching me off guard at times. Mostly, the way her eyes shine like a million stars… God, thank you.
“Aww,” Olivia croons. “Just look at the way Daniel’s staring at JJ. Now, if that’s not true love, I don’t know what is.”
JJ’s eyes meet mine, and I can almost taste her happiness.
“Daniel, who will be your best men, and how many?” Olivia asks.
The corner of my mouth lifts higher as I turn my attention to Uncle Carl. “Will you be my best man?”
His eyes crinkle at the sides. “Of course.”
“Just my uncle,” I say to Olivia.
“Any other family?” she asks, not even looking up as she makes notes.
“Rossi and her husband, Finch and his wife. Eric and his girlfriend,” I list our family.
“They’re our team,” JJ mentions to her mother.
“From my side, there will also be James Geary and his wife,” I quickly add.
Olivia scrunches her nose, then looks at JJ. “Are we inviting the whole family?”
“God no,” JJ chuckles. “I want our wedding to be intimate. Make sure the invites state they have to wear dark colors. Black. Dark blue.”
Our wedding.
The planning happens well into the night, and by the time I shut the door behind our guests, I’m ready for bed.
I check all the locks then meet JJ at the foot of the stairs. Taking hold of her hand, we slowly head up.
