Savior

Chapter 89

-xx-

"Thank you for the ride," Desiree said as she slid into the passenger seat of Cate's SUV. "I know we had the appointment with your aunt this morning – I could have met you guys there."

Cate waved her off as she started the truck. "No way," she replied. "The drill sergeant is there, so things are being taken care of."

The two laughed at Cate's description of her mother. She would agree that she'd be lost in the wedding planning without her mother, but sometimes Helena Johnson could not step far enough away.

"She means well," Desiree replied. "Collin's mother was the same way. At least you're able to get what you want."

Cate nodded. "Your entire wedding was stunning, Desi," Cate complimented as she pulled out of the airport parking lot. "I think sometimes they forget it's for us, so they want to take over."

"It doesn't help that Collin is an only child, either," Desi responded. "This was Mary Beth's one chance of an over-the-top event, and she went for it."

Cate chuckled as she pointed to the upcoming Starbucks. "Coffee?" she asked as she pulled into the lot.

"Yes, please," she replied excitedly. "It was a very early morning."

"I really appreciate you flying out directly from your honeymoon."

Desiree grinned. "Collin was going to stay a couple extra days for a business meeting, so I'd rather be home with family."

-xx-

"Look who finally showed up," Jackie called out with a laugh.

Cate shrugged. "We got here as soon as we could! Who knew Saturday morning traffic from the airport was so crazy."

The brunette placed her purse down on the couch and turned to see Sarah and Jackie in their bridesmaid dresses as Auntie Jeanne went to work on fitting Sarah's perfectly. "What do you think?" her aunt asked when she caught Cate's reflection in the mirror.

"I love them," she gushed.

The top was a rose gold bodice matched with the bottom of the dress in dark navy. They were not too tight, and so far Jackie and Sarah looked extremely comfortable in them.

"Ladies? Thoughts?"

"I'm in love," Sarah replied. "It's beautiful but not restricting."

Jackie nodded. "It's a winner, Cate," she mentioned before twirling in the gown.

Madison turned the corner from the mirror and beamed at her aunt. "I love it, Auntie," she exclaimed. She wore a shorter version of the same dress matched with navy ballet flats. "I feel like a princess!"

"Well, you are my princess," Cate answered as she crouched down in front of the petite blonde. She took her hand and spun her around, causing a belly laugh to escape the young girl's lips.

Desiree stepped out from behind the curtain and offered a thumbs up. "Gorgeous choice, Cate," she said softly.

Cate took a seat on the small sofa and watched her aunt go to work on the alterations for each of their dresses. Everything was slowly being pieced together and she was amazed that in just over a few weeks she was going to be married.

-xx-

"When is it going to be ready for move-in?" Desiree asked as the Morgan women walked through Cate and Derek's new house.

Cate grinned as she rested against the kitchen island. "Another two weeks," she answered. "But once the main floor is painted and ready we're going to start moving in a little at a time."

"Nothing like doing everything at one time," Sarah joked.

Cate shrugged. "Go big or go home, right?" The women laughed. "We put the house under contract and then I got the e-mail from Shelby. We didn't really want to wait for either, so we're doing both at the same time."

Fran found herself by the French doors that led to the back deck and yard. "I can't wait to see babies running through here in a few years."

Cate tried her best to paste a small smile on her face but she focused on the cell phone in her hand. "No need to rush them, mama," Sarah interjected, noting the look on Cate's face.

"When the time is right," Desiree agreed.

Fran nodded with pursed lips. "This house is gorgeous," Fran added. "I am so pleased for both of you."

Cate beamed as she ran her hands over the kitchen island. "We got lucky with this one." She watched Desiree and Sarah walk through the first floor. "That'll be my office," she said as Sarah pointed towards a room off of the front hallway.

"Ooh, that'll be perfect!" Sarah exclaimed. "I love the built-in shelving!"

Cate nodded. "Right? It's such classic work but totally functional."

Fran hung back in the kitchen taking in the entire house. She could not help her grin as she watched her three girls go over everything on the main floor.

-xx-