Page 30 of Crazy Rich Cajuns

“And unless you’re going to propose to Kennedy and have the wedding ceremony in the backyard this evening, then you will not be sharing a room as far as your grandmother knows,” Maria said.She dropped her hand.Then she narrowed her eyes.“And so help me, Bennett, if you propose to her and tell me to throw together a wedding in the backyard tonight, I will disown you.”

“You already have the tents set up and caterers and music coming,” Bennett said.

Kennedy elbowed him for that.This was getting unfunny.

“For the friends and family cocktail party for your father’s retirement,” Maria said.

“I’m happy to share.Dad can make his speech first and all of his friends can do their toasts.I’ll hit my knee after everyone’s gone through the buffet, how’s that?”

“Oh, please do that,” Kennedy said.“I’d love to say hell no to marrying you in front of a big crowd.”She turned to Maria.“Will the party tomorrow night be even bigger?Can we wait until then?I’ll sleep on the couch tonight.”

Bennett laughed.“There will be atonof stuffed mushrooms tonight though,” he said.“By the time I ask you, you’ll be well fed and happy.”

“Not even stuffed mushrooms can make methathappy,” Kennedy said.

“How about the champagne?”he asked.

“Nope.”

“How about a chocolate fountain?”

“N—” She stopped and frowned.“There will be a chocolate fountain?”

“Yep.With strawberries to dip in it.And marshmallows.”

“What about shortbread cookies?”She’d been to a wedding in New Orleans that had had a chocolate fountain at the reception.She’d wanted to take a bath in it.

“I will personally guarantee shortbread cookies if needed,” Bennett said, looking into her eyes.

Kennedy took a deep breath.“Dammit,” she said softly.She also made a quick note that this whole thing was a little romantic.He’d pay for that.She looked over at Maria.“Sorry.I’m going to be powerless at that point.It will be a definite yes.”

Maria rolled her eyes.“Wonderful.You found a smart-ass just like you,” she said to Bennett.

Kennedy considered that a compliment.She grinned up at him as she felt him squeeze her butt.

“Oh no,” he told his mother.“She’s awaybigger smart-ass than I am.”

Maria sighed.“I suppose Kennedy can take the room next to yours.”

Damn right she could.Kennedy felt stupidly triumphant at that.

“That’s probably the best choice,” Bennett said with a nod.

“And, of course, exactly how you expected this to turn out,” Maria said.

“Pretty much.”

“I’ll, of course, have some gowns sent over for you,” Maria said, looking at Kennedy.

“Oh, that’s not necessary,” Bennett said.“Kennedy is fine.”

Kennedy frowned up at him.She most certainly was not fine.

“You never once said the word ‘gown’ to me, Baxter,” Kennedy told him.“I’m not fine.”

“You don’t have to wear a gown,” Bennett said.“For God’s sake, the party is in the garden.”

“Well, tonight’s gown is more of a dress,” Maria conceded.“But tomorrow the party is in the ballroom.”

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