Page 72 of Rescuing Erin

I welcomed the change of subject. On our walk back to the house I told him about everything we’d arranged. My mom had a women’s luncheon this weekend, which she’d offered to cancel, but I told her not to. Both, Colin and I wanted to get married as soon as possible but this weekend was seriously pushing it. We decided to do it in three weeks. That gave everyone enough time.

“You’re sure you’re all right with a small wedding and it being in the residence?” I asked as we approached the back deck.

“Absolutely. It’s perfect.”

“I was thinking, if they can, I’d like your parents to come before the wedding. I’d like all of us to meet and get to know each other before we walk down the aisle.”

“They’d like that. My mom’s already tried to get on a plane multiple times.”

“She has? Why didn’t she come?”

“I wanted you to get settled first. My mom can be, overwhelming.”

He was protecting me again. Just like he always did.

“Don’t be silly. Tell her to come. She can go with us to pick out my dress. Though, it’s going to be like a covert CIA operation trying to keep the media vultures from finding out.”

“Are you sure?” Colin’s face brightened.

I stepped closer and put my arms around his waist, careful not to hurt him. “I’m positive. I’m nervous, I want them to like me. And I’m bummed Keira can’t come. But we’ll send her the pictures. Hey! Maybe we can live stream it to her. Would she be able to watch from the ship?”

He didn’t say anything for a long while. But when he did, my heart was full. “Thank you for wanting to include my parents. My mom is going to love you, and I know it will mean a lot to her to go with you to find a dress. My dad is an old Irish man who is a sucker for a pretty lass. He’ll be wrapped around your finger in two seconds.”

“Does he have an accent? Will he call me lass?”

“He doesn’t have one, unless he’s trying to sweet-talk my mom. Growing up, we knew to leave the room when Dad broke out the Gaelic.”

“That’s sweet.”

“Sure, if they’re not your parents.”

“Tell me more about them,” I requested.

“I’d rather tell you about other stuff.”

I liked the sparkle in Colin’s eyes.

“Other stuff? What kind of other stuff?”

“The kind of stuff I can only whisper in your ear when I have you naked in bed.”

My core twitched, and I really hoped this was going where I thought it was.

“Hmm, I didn’t know there were such things one could whisper only while naked. Guess I need to get to the room and undress so I can hear them.”

I heard Colin’s chuckle behind me as I sprinted for the door. I liked the playful side of him. I also like the strong, protector side, too. And I hated to admit it, but even the brooding, irritated side of Colin—it was hot, too.

I was yanking my shirt over my head when I caught sight of Colin standing in the entrance of our bedroom. I tossed the bunched up fabric in his direction, but it fell short.

“Are you going to join me?”

“In a minute.”

“What are you waiting for?” I asked as I pulled off my slacks.

“Nothing.”

“Then why aren’t you undressing?”