Best Dating Rules, Tamie Dearen [literature books to read txt] 📗

but Anne suspected she’d already broken his heart. He’d become a true friend to Spencer and Emily, but no amount of discouragement seemed to be effective in quelling his focus on Charlie. She worried about her youngest who seemed to be so afraid to admit she needed anyone’s help or advice. Perhaps she was also frightened to acknowledge she needed love.

The garter flew out and hit the floor, as no young man seemed bold enough to reach for it. But somehow it ended up in Brad’s hands, and he was pushed forward to have his picture taken with Grace.

Although she was having a great time visiting with friends and hated to see the celebration end, the long day was taking a toll on Anne’s body. She’d developed a terrible backache, and longed to soak in a hot tub of water. Steven noticed her pained expression.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, but my back is hurting. And my feet are awfully swollen. My toes look like little sausages.”

“Well, the kids are ready to leave. Here comes Emily to tell you goodbye.”

Anne hugged her eldest, letting her tears fall freely. “Mom, I’m surprised you aren’t totally dehydrated. You’ve cried buckets.”

“I can’t help it,” she sniffed. “My daughter got married, and my hormones are all messed up. It’s a terrible combination. I’m so happy. Y’all have a wonderful trip.”

“We will. But call us if the babies come early. Steven said that’s why he’s sending us on his jet—so we could fly home anytime we need to. I don’t want Charlie to see them before me.”

“If they come quickly, I’ll still get to see them first,” declared Charlie. “It takes a while to fly back from Europe.”

“I’m not due for another four weeks, so it won’t be a problem.” She made a face and bent forward with her hands on her back. “But I’ve got to get home and soak in a hot tub. My back is killing me.”

Josh, who was chatting with Spencer, overheard her statement. “Uhmm, excuse me. Mrs. Gherring? Is your back hurting regularly? Could it be contractions?”

“Oh, I don’t think so. It’s too early, and it didn’t feel like this with Emily or Charlie.”

“Okay, but I’m sure your doctor told you they might come early.”

“Maybe we’ll stop by the hospital on the way home, just to be sure,” said Steven.

“Let’s get the kids on their way. I’ll cross my legs until the limousine’s gone.”

Spencer was ready to go. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the wedding part or the reception part, but he was ready for the part that came next. Especially after the last four-and-a-half months of sheer torture. It seemed once Emily agreed to marry him, she became incredibly interested in kissing. But like a good accountant, she stuck firmly to the rules. They’d kissed while alone in their apartments, but only standing up. After almost falling to the ground multiple times, she’d finally agreed to let them lean against the wall. He’d argued successfully the wall was only supplying balance, not support, so it wasn’t unsupported kissing in private. In the end, he was incredibly happy he didn’t have to wait a year or more as he’d originally claimed he was willing.

He was also ready to have the first night behind him, so Josh and Brad would quit teasing him. At least he hoped they’d stop. It seems his forced confession was a source of constant amusement for them, even after four months.

“Haven’t you got anything more interesting to talk about?” he’d asked them.

“Hmmm, I don’t know. Brad, can you think of anything more interesting? Maybe someone who had a heart attack or got a leg cut off or something?”

“Uhmm, yeah. Well, I had this guy who got an ice pick in his eyeball.”

“Nahh. That’s boring. Let’s talk about when Spencer confessed to Emily he wasn’t the world’s greatest lover.”

“Yeah, that does sound more fascinating.”

“I’m so glad I’m here to provide a constant source of entertainment,” Spencer had quipped.

But his torture and teasing were about to end. And his new life was beginning... With Emily. That is, if he could find her. Where is she? It’s time to go.

Emily hugged her mom one last time before turning to find Spencer and head for the limousine. Everyone was smiling at her and waving and blowing bubbles. She grabbed Spencer’s hand and started outside. Charlie gave her a hug and a kiss. Steven embraced her and kissed the top of her head. Brad and Grace were blowing bubbles and yelling. And Josh was... frowning. Who was he looking at? Was it Charlie? She followed his eyes. He was frowning at... her mom. Her mom, who suddenly didn’t look very happy at all.

“Mr. Gherring!” Josh called, “Anne needs you. I think you might need to go.”

Steven was at her side in an instant. “Is this it?”

Anne nodded her assent.

Emily tugged on Spencer’s hand. “Sorry Spencer. Looks like we may have a slight delay.”

His face was that of a man who’d been sentenced to death. Josh approached the couple, obviously amused. “Hey. You guys are staying in town, right? Just go. We’ll call you when it’s time.”

“But we can’t just leave,” Emily objected.

“Emily, your mom doesn’t want you to spend your wedding night at the hospital. Go. We’ll call.” Josh pushed them toward the car.

“But I’ll be worried about Mom.”

Spencer dragged her into the waiting limo. “Let’s go. I promise I’ll distract you.”

The door closed and the car started moving. “I don’t know. I’m worried.” She squealed as he pulled her into his lap. “What are you doing?”

He lifted her chin with his hand and captured her lips with his, sending a familiar tingle down her spine. “I’m distracting you,” he said, with his hand trailing down her neck and feathering across her chest, tracing the sweetheart neckline of her dress.

“And guess what?” He wore an impish grin on his face as he kissed her neck and stole her breath.

“What?” she whispered, feeling slightly dizzy.

“No rules!”*****

Six hours later, Charlie sat in the waiting room