Page 27 of The Engagement
It’ll be fine. It’s all in your head.
But your body fights the idea with everything it’s got.
I want to tell Mack I don’t want to go, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I don’t want to disappoint him. He seems so excited about the trip. He’s been showing me pictures of the hotel and the beaches and the crystal clear blue water. He’s been talking about all the cool things we’re going to do, like swim in the ocean and snorkel.
“Erin?”
I glance up at the odd expression on his face. “Hmm?”
“Honey, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
He glances pointedly at our joined hands, at my fingernails, which are digging into his flesh.
I immediately let go and wince at the sight of half-moon indentations in his flesh. “Oh, my God, Mack! I’m so sorry.”
“Hey, it’s okay. I’m just wondering what’s on your mind.”
I shake my head. “It’s nothing.”
“Erin,” he says, inthattone. The one that says he’s nearing the end of his rope and he expects an honest answer. “Out with it.”
“Okay, fine. I don’t want to go to Hawaii.”
He grins. “Is that what’s bothering you?”
I nod. “I’m sorry.”
He pulls me into his arms. “I want to bewith you, honey. I don’t care where we go. Is there someplace else you’d rather go?”
I look back at the house. “I want to be someplace where I can relax. Someplace where there’s nothing toremind me.” Meaning, no triggers. “If it’s okay with Shane, what would you say to honeymooning here?”
“Here?”
I can tell he’s mulling it over. “Yes. It’s quiet and private. There’s a pool and a movie theater. There’s plenty to do here, and we could stay in one of the suites in the family wing. The only people we’d see are Elly and George. It’s perfect.”
No hotel, no strangers, no bars.
Mack nods. “You’re sure?”
“Yes. It would be a staycation honeymoon.”
Smiling, he shakes his head. “Yes, if that’s what you want. I’m sure Shane won’t mind.”
I grab hold of his sleeve. “Are you sure you wouldn’t be disappointed? Were you looking forward to Hawaii? Because if you are, I—”
“No, honey.” He leans down to drop a quick kiss on my lips. “I just want to be with you. I don’t care where we go. We could honeymoon in a cheap roadside motel for all I care.”
“Then let’s go ask him.”
When we return to the house, half the guests are in the process of clearing away the tables and chairs. Lia is turning on a stereo sound system that will fill the great room with songs from my favorite playlist. Annie and Beth are feeding the toddlers some cake.
We spot Shane easily enough. He’s standing near the podium with Cooper, the two of them in conversation.
As we approach, Shane breaks off whatever it is he’s saying and smiles at us. “Ah, the happy couple. What can I do for you?”
“We have a request,” Mack says, getting straight to the point. “Would you mind if Erin and I spent our honeymoon here?”
