exiting my room. I expect to find Poppy already waiting for me, but I should’ve guessed she’d be having problems with the dress. I walk down the hall and knock on her door. “Poppy, you about ready?”
“Can you zip me up?” she asks from the other side.
I open the door and step inside, finding her spinning in circles like a dog chasing its tail. I laugh as I step up to her and she stops spinning. I place my hand on the zipper at her lower back and pull it up. The dress zips up perfectly and smoothly, just like I knew it would.
“I do have an eye for dress sizes,” I say, leaning in and kissing her neck.
She blushes. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
I let my eyes rake up and down her body, taking her in. It’s a black dress that hugs her body and curves to perfection. It’s sleeveless and has a plunging neckline. The back is open, sexy.
“Looking at you now, I’d say it’s a good thing,” I reply, holding out my elbow. She takes it and I lead her out of the room and to the door. “I’ve hired a limo for us tonight. I thought it would be appropriate for the occasion.”
“A limo? That sounds pretty fancy.”
“Well, where we’re going is fancy, hence the formal dress,” I remind her.
We make it downstairs and outside to where the limo is waiting. The driver sees us coming and opens the back door. I allow her to slide in first, then climb in behind her. The door is shut and we’re surrounded in darkness, only lit by the soft running lights along the top.
“Would you like some champagne?”
“I’d love some. Thank you,” she replies. I pop the bottle and pour some into both glasses.
I hand her glass over and she takes the tiniest of sips. She’s still not big on drinking, but in my world, alcohol is everywhere—at every dinner, every party. So she’s come around to the taste and she can hold a glass or two.
“This is amazing,” she says, looking around.
“First time in a limo?”
“Yes and no. It’s my first time in this type of limo. A bunch of friends rented a stretch Hummer once to drive us from bar to bar. It was cool, but this is elegant and fancy.” She looks over at me and I see the darkness in her eyes. I lean in and kiss her, and she isn’t greedy. She gives me everything in this kiss.
“I should rent us a limo more often,” I say, more to myself.
She giggles but lets the subject drop as we enjoy our champagne and get closer to the venue.
“Where are we going anyway?”
“Chez Wedding Venue,” I reply. “Very upscale and fancy. The more I think about it, the happier I am that you chose the island for our wedding.”
She smiles. “I think it’s perfect for us.”
“I agree.”
Soon we’re standing in a massive all-white room that’s decorated beautifully. There’s a big staircase with glass railings and flowers along every step. Tables are set up with white tablecloths, big bouquets in the center, and hundreds of little lights hanging everywhere. Everything is beautiful, fancy, and rich.
“Would you like to get something to eat?” I ask as we’re walking by the buffet-style dinner table.
“I’m fine for now, thank you,” she replies, walking alongside me.
I introduce her to a few family friends and everything is fine. But then we notice my father, and I can feel her back stiffen beside me. He sees us as he’s talking with a group of friends, and he says something I can’t hear given how far away we are, but then he heads in our direction.
“He’s coming over here,” she whispers.
“Just brace yourself. He won’t say anything out of line tonight.”
We stand, waiting for my father to approach. He finally does as he offers me a handshake. “Matthew, how have you been?” he asks very formally.
“I’m well. And yourself?”
He nods curtly. “Very well. I’m glad to see you could make it. The Rich family means a lot to me and the family.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.” I look around. “I’m surprised Gran isn’t here.”
“Oh, well, you know how she is. She’s avoiding me and everything I may attend.” He tips up his glass and takes a swig. “Anyway, carry on.” He walks off and I feel Poppy let out a long breath she must have been holding.
“Let’s dance,” I say, pulling her to the dance floor.
I