“Boring, but doable. Should’ve known you’d say no to anything that put you in the spotlight.”
“I’m happy to know that you know me so well.”
“Whatever. Can we at least go pick out a dress?”
“Yes. A simple one and it’ll only be you and my mother. That’s all.”
“OK. Fine.”
“I’m not playing, Lyric. Simple. Just us and a pastor.”
“Can we at least have cake?”
“Yes, one that I plan to make.”
“You can hardly lift an arm.”
“I’ll be able to in less than two weeks.”
“Well, you’re right about that.”
“You ready?” Luca walked in and asked.
“Yeah.”
“Hey, Luca!” Lyric yelled. “Congratulations!”
“He can’t hear you but I’ll tell him.”
“Okay, call me tomorrow.”
“I will.”
I ended the call and extended my arms for Luca’s embrace. He obliterated the space between us, pulling me into his arms gently. He’d killed two birds with one stone, helping me from the bed while covering me with his love. Going the extra mile, Luca lifted me into his arms and carried me into the bathroom.
“Can we take a bath tonight?” I couldn’t remember the last time we’d relaxed in the tub together. I needed that time with him, and my body needed to soak. The aches and pains would be less brutal if I could.
“Dinner is waiting.”
“I don’t care.”
“Me either,” he told me with a shrug.
“Sit down while I start the water.”
I watched from afar as he worked his way around the bathroom to grant my request. As much as I liked to shower with him, I loved our baths together. The intimacy that it supplied was the greatest. Physical touch was unavoidable and the main reason I enjoyed the moments so much.
“You ready?” Luca asked once he’d gotten everything situated and ready for us.
“I’m ready.”
TWENTY-THREE
1:33a.m.
Sniffles woke me from my sleep. It had only been thirty-five minutes since I’d dozed off. I vividly recalled watching the clock as it approached the one o’clock hour before succumbing to sleep.
“Ever?”
