Two more chapters…maybe…might be only one.
The journey has been great!
CHAPTER 35
Allie and Karlie were stepping into the carriage when Karlie had an epiphany, "Allie, this is New Years Day…there are no dress shops open today…let alone it being Sunday."
Allie regarded Karlie with a backward smirk and then gave a chuckle, "Karlie hon, ya need not worry that purdie li'l head of yurs," she said with a wink, "We are goin' ta ma personal dress maker, she will be mo' than happy to assist us!"
Karlie giggled at Allie's persistence, "You don't have to do this, you know." Karlie stated, "I have nice dresses I can wear."
Allie put her hand to her chest in shock, and shook her curls, "Karlie, I will not see ma best friend marry the man of her dreams in a dress that is old as the…well, as old as she is!" Allie teased.
Karlie gave Allie a playful shove and a grin. "My dresses aren't that old!"
Allie did not even answer that, deeming it unworthy of her attention; she justified it with a roll of her eyes. The carriage pulled to a stop in front of Demi's house.
"Stay put, Karlie…don't want you comin' down out of the carriage and pullin' somethin' yur gonna be needin' later!" Allie said with a raised brow and a wicked grin.
Karlie had the decency to turn beet red.
After a few minutes; Allie, Demi, Audrey, and Meg emerged into the carriage and they headed down the road street toward Allie's dressmaker.
Three hours later…
"I love this one!" Karlie stated, "It has the straight sleeves, tight waist, flared skirt, and semi-low neckline."
The other women stood back about ten feet assessing the gown and how it looked on Karlie. It was perfect, in every sense of the word. Audrey and Meg both agreed that it accentuated every part of her that needed to be emphasized. Erik would have a hard time focusing on his vows…that was exactly the reaction Karlie was going for.
Allie was being unusually quiet; her eyes looking rather misty every time Karlie glanced at her.
Karlie noticed, of course, and walked up to her, "Allie…what's wrong?"
Allie brushed it off as nerves, but Karlie knew that something was bothering her. "You can either tell me now, or down at police headquarters." Karlie jested.
Allie smiled at that and shrugged her shoulders, "I am just reflecting on all the good times we've had Karlie." Allie whispered, "I don't want them to end."
Karlie pulled her friend into her warm embrace, "Erik and I aren't going anywhere, Allie…you and Beau…" Allie raised her head and her brow, but Karlie would not yield, "…yes! You and Beau are welcome at our house anytime, and we can play cards or billiards…Erik has many interests."
Allie smiled impishly at that statement, "I don't need to know. Hon…just keep some thin's to yourself."
They bought shoes and a garter, a new camisole and gloves. "Girl, you are gonna look like a million dollars!" Allie exclaimed, "Ya should…ya almost spent a million dollars!"
They all laughed and helped Karlie pick out a deep purple, silk bodice with lacings in the front and a lacey pair of panties with spikes heel, black shoes and fishnet stockings.
Everyone was exhausted but smiling, as they headed back to Beau's flat. Demi went on back to be with Michael, and Audrey and Meg came with Allie and Karlie. They walked into the house, and no men were to be found.
They heard bellowing voices and laughter coming from down the hall. They reached a huge, maple door with carvings that was open just enough to allow the women to hear the male voices coming from inside.
"I can so!" Erik exclaimed; a grin in his voice.
There was a brief moment of confident laughter from Erik and chuckles from Beau, "I'll bet you can't do it." Beau asked. "I'll bet everything I have on the line…I'll have to see it to believe it!"
It was about that time, that the ladies came through the door, not knowing what the conversation was about, but interested in the content.
Both men turned their heads from the billiard table and watched as four women approached the table. They took a moment to admire the loves of their lives and then continued where they left off.
"I want to see it Erik…do it." Beau challenged, once again.
Erik handed Beau the eight ball off the billiard table, went and stood over by Karlie, putting his arm around her and drawing her into him for a sweet embrace of love. He stood back up and his mouth moved slightly, but Karlie barely heard what he said.
Beau, on the hand, was staring in disbelief at the billiard ball in his hands. He could have sworn he had just heard the ball talking to him. He put the ball up to his ear, "I told you I could do it." He heard the ball say.
"I have never, in all ma life, seen such a thang as that!" Beau laughed, "That was wonderful!"
Erik grinned, "I have many other; equally as useless, but ever so amusing, talents."
Beau came over and slapped him on the back, "How do you feel about children, Erik?" He asked.
Erik thought for a moment, "I'd love to have children, Beau…but you're not my type." He jested, winking at Karlie.
"I figured ya'd say somethin' like that." Beau admitted with a smile, "I mean, how would you like to put on a magic show for the children at the orphanage some time?"
Erik grinned, "I'd love to."
OOOOOOOOOO
Erik was giving Karlie, Audrey, and Meg a ride back to the opera house. Audrey and Meg were going to spend the rest of their stay in rooms at the opera house.
Erik stood at the door of Karlie's room, holding her tightly in his arms. His mouth descended on hers, claiming her with fierce passion. He pushed her up against the wall, pinning her beneath him as he tenderly ravaged her mouth with his tongue. He beckoned her to answer his mating call and she responded in equal fashion.
His hands cupped her face while he swept his full lips over her mouth. He pulled up and gave feathery kisses on each side of her mouth before putting more distance between them.
"Demi is coming by to pick you up and bring you to the chapel tomorrow at 6 pm." He reminded her. He leaned in and cradled her face, "Tomorrow night," He teased, "I won't have to leave." Then he turned from her and left.
To be continued…