Page 103 of The Wedding Toast
She loved the way his eyes twinkled when he said, “Sweet talker.”
“Don’t give me that – usually you tell me I speak too plainly.You can’t have it both ways.”
She laughed when he spun her around and clung to his shoulders when he pulled her back in close.
He pressed a kiss to her lips.“I love you, Darl.”
“Aww.I love you, Chuck.”
He nodded.“Our wedding was a long time ago now.But I reckon we’ve done well at keeping our promises.”
“We have.We haven’t made it to forever yet, but I hope it takes a lot more years before we get there.”
She laughed again when he picked up the pace, twirling her around the floor.“We’ve got years and years left in us yet – we’ve only just begun.”
~ ~ ~
Callie herded all the single girls together, ready for the bouquet toss.Becca had wanted to do it out front before they got into the car, and Jacob had looked so panicked that it was almost funny.That man had engineered everything in advance so perfectly that today looked like he was just going with the flow.She’d taken pity on him, not wanting his big surprise to be ruined at the last minute.So, she’d taken Becca’s arm and told her it was best to throw the bouquet back here.Then they could wait while everyone else gathered on the front steps to wave them off.She’d even said something about the photographer liking the light better back here to catch all the single ladies in a scrimmage – and Becca was so loved up that she’d happily agreed.
She just wanted to head off to the hotel with Jacob now – and Callie didn’t blame her.
Hannah winked at her and held up her camera.“I’m not going to get into a wrestling match with Willow and Chelsea over the bouquet – I value my life more than that, and those two are getting impatient.And besides, you were spot on about the lighting back here.”
Willow came to stand beside Callie.“You’re not after the bouquet, are you?”
Callie laughed.“Err, no thanks.If it comes my way, I’ll bat it toward you.”
“I knew I liked you,” Willow said with a grin.
“That’s not fair,” said Delaney, elbowing her way through to join them.“You have Slade, and you have an engagement ring – all you need is to set a date.”She looked over Callie’s shoulder and then edged past her, reappearing a few moments later, towing a stunned-looking Alara with her.“Some of us need this bouquet more than you do, Willow.”
Tori laughed as she came to join them.“I’m just here for the fun of it.”
Willow grinned at her.“Then you’re on my team – I want that bouquet!”
Callie had to laugh.“We’re catching flowers, ladies, not playing rugby.”
Delaney nudged her with her elbow.“I think Becca’s ready.”
Callie was about to go stand with Becca, thinking it’d be safer to direct her from over there than from the middle of this bouquet-hungry crowd.But before she could leave, Delaney grabbed hold of her arm and shouted, “They’re ready, Becca, time to throw those flowers!Five – four –”
Callie glowered at her, but before she could say anything the other girls had all joined in the countdown, chanting, “Three, two, one!”
Callie turned back just as Becca threw the bouquet over her shoulder.Everyone hustled around her.She was determined to just watch where it landed – but it was heading straight for her head.She had no choice.Her hand reached up automatically before it hit her in the face.
And then there she was – holding the bouquet!
She looked around, feeling dumb.
Willow shrugged happily.“I’m glad it’s you – although I should warn you that I feel kind of invested now in making sure you put that bouquet to good use.”
Callie just laughed, but Delaney nudged her again and jerked her chin toward where Ollie was standing.
Callie inhaled sharply when he smiled at her and nodded.She looked away quickly, hoping no one else had noticed, but Tori exclaimed, “Oh!You and Ollie?”
“No.There’s nothing I …”
Willow laughed.“If there isn’t anything yet, there will be.Did you see the way he’s looking at you, girl?He may not be interested in what that bouquet might mean, but he’s definitely interested in something!”
