Mariah's POV

Am I dreaming? Tessa really just said she thought about us possibly getting married one day, right? Should I tell her I thought the same thing? Either way, I need to say something. She looks terrified.

"Mariah?" Squeezing my hand, Tessa tried gaining my attention. "I didn't mean to upset you. It was just a thought. I got caught up in the moment and…"

"You didn't upset me." Bringing the musician's knuckles to my lips, I kissed them. "If I'm being completely honest, I thought the same thing."

"R-really?"

"Yes." Relief washed over us both. "I mean, neither of us will be dawning a white dress anytime soon. But, maybe one day."

"That sounds perfect." Tessa smiled as she leaned back, taking me with her. A slow kiss turned more passionate as my hand roamed the woman's toned stomach. "Mariah…"

"I'm ready if you are." When Tessa closed her eyes to take a steady breath, I began to panic. "Did I…misread something?"

"No. You misread nothing." Taking my hand out from under her shirt, Tessa entwined our fingers. "I want nothing more than to make love to you over and over and over again but, I want our first time to be special. As cheesy as it sounds, I want it to happen where all of this began."

"In San Francisco?"

"Devon may have paid for the hotel and plane, but I threw in a few extra romantic things for us. I want that night to be as perfect as possible. Mariah, you deserve the absolute best of everything. I know I can't always give that to you but I'll be damned if you won't have the best for those three days."

A single tear rolled down my cheek. "Tessa-"

Cupping my face, the woman I would eventually call my wife wiped the tear away. "I love you, Mariah. More than you will ever know."

"Damn it." I laughed. "Here come the tears." Clearing my throat, I snuggled into Tessa's embrace. "I love you too. So much."

xxx

The next morning, we were woken by multiple texts and missed calls from Sharon. "Mariah, please, answer the phone. She's called you three times and me twice."

Reaching for my phone, I scrolled through the virtual voicemails and shot up. "Oh, no."

"What's wrong?" When I didn't answer, Tessa looked over my shoulder to read the messages. "Oooohhh, shit." Groaning, I fell back onto my pillow. "I thought he was supposed to arrive after the festival."

"Earlier flight. He's at the cottage now." Ugh! I was not ready for Noah to be here yet. Now we have to deal with him earlier and right before we go on our romantic weekend. Lovely.

"Well, good news is: we have work sooo…we can dodge him for a while."

Looking up at Tessa, I smiled. "I thought I was the optimistic one in the morning."

"What can I say? Being with you has changed me." She paused, "a little. Still not a morning person."

"If you ever become a morning person, before coffee, we will have problems. You get in the shower and I'll make coffee." Leaning up, I kissed my girlfriend. "Good morning."

"Mmm, good morning to you too." As Tessa gathered her clothes, tension grew. "Hey, are you still okay with what we talked about last night? And what I said?"

"About wanting to wait and that we said our first "I love you's" to each other?" Tessa nodded slowly. "I'm definitely okay with how last night ended."

"Good. I'm glad. You have no clue how worried I was." Tossing clothes over her shoulder, Tessa got a fresh towel from the closet. "Could you bring me a cup of coffee after it's done?"

"Of course. Dark almond color and two pieces of ice?"

"Mmhmm. With my fancy creamer that you say you hate but secretly love." She grinned. "Thank you." Kissing me quickly on the cheek, Tessa entered the bathroom.

As I waited for the coffee to brew, I decided to call Sharon back. This is not a conversation I should be having before caffeine. "Hey, Mom. Sorry we didn't answer. How are you?"

"I'm well. You?"

"I'll be better after coffee. Is Noah awake?"

"Not yet. He got in pretty late last night."

"Where does he think I'm at?"

"Actually, he already knows the two of you are together."

"What?! How?!" Leaning against the counter, I pinched the bridge of my nose. A headache is coming on. I can feel it.

"He keeps up with GC news. The two of you have been in pictures together. Even before you decided to be a couple, you looked like one. Whoever took the pictures caught you and Tessa stealing glances and smiles at each other in the background. He seems okay with it. Overall, happy for you both."

I don't trust it. This seems far too easy. "Okay…" Hearing the coffee pot beep, I poured us each a cup. "Hey, I gotta go. Coffee is ready. I guess I'll see you tonight for a family dinner?"

"You and Tessa, yes."

"You know, Hilary might need us to-"

"Mariah." Sharon warned in the most mother-like voice I had ever heard. "You will be there. Both of you."

Giving in, I sighed. "See you tonight." Ending the call, I took a cup to the bathroom. Tapping lightly, I waited.

"Hold on." A moment later, Tessa opened the door wearing the fluffy black robe I got her for her birthday. "Thank. What's that look?"

"Drink at least half of that first. Then I'll tell you." I waited patiently as the musician gulped down most of the cup. "You good?" Tessa gave a simple nod. "Noah knows."

The same nauseous expression covered Tessa's features. "H-how?"

"GC Buzz pictures. Thank you, Jeff for outing me to my brother." I paused, letting the information sink in. "When he took pictures for the events, he caught us in the background looking very couple-like. Noah just assumed we were together. Mom says he seems happy for us."

"Anything else?"

"We have a family dinner tonight that we cannot get out of."

"Is it too early to spike this with whiskey?"

"Yes."

Xxx

Tessa and I sat outside the main gate, trying to work up the courage to face Noah. "Faith will be here so he won't make too big of a scene, right?"

"I can only hope." Taking Tessa's hand, I squeezed. "We got this, right?"

"We do." She paused. "No matter what happens, we can always move your bed to my place."

Snorting, I laughed. "You just want my bed because it's more comfortable than the futon."

"And I want what comes with said bed." The musician grinned hoping to ease my nerves.

Taking a steady breath, I drove onto the ranch. Parking, neither of us moved. "Why are we so nervous?"

"Probably because we still have some guilt. Especially because we're happy together and about to leave for San Fran tomorrow."

"To the place I consider the most magical." I can't help but be cheesy sometimes.

"The most magical place, huh?" That familiar goofy grin made its way to Tessa's face. "I wonder why that is."

"It may or may not have something to do with a certain dark-haired musician I kissed."

"Hmm. I hope you plan to kiss her more. In this magical place."

Grinning, I purred. "Oh, I plan to do so much more than kiss her this weekend."

Green eyes darkened as they swept over me. "Such a tease."

"But just imagine how much fun it'll be this weekend." Kissing Tessa quickly, I climbed out of the car. My heart pounded as we walked up to the door. Before I could reach the doorknob, Sharon opened it. "Mom, hi."

"I wondered how long it was going to take you to come in. Everything will be fine." Entering the house with caution, I listened for Noah.

"There's my wonderful sister and her equally as wonderful girlfriend." Hugging us both, Noah smiled. "Congrats, guys."

Is he being sarcastic or has he had too much whiskey? "Thanks… Uh, how was your trip?"

"It was good. I'm glad to be back in GC and working with Dad. Now that I'm back, we'll have to catch up. Do some sibling stuff like we used to." His attention turned towards Tessa. "It's good to see you again, Tessa."

"Y-you too?"

"Dinner is almost ready. I was about to help Dad put the leaf in the table." With that, Noah left to help Nick.

Leaning closer, Tessa whispered. "Is he…okay? Noah seems…overly accepting of us."

"I don't trust it. I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Wine?"

"Wine." Racing towards the kitchen, I almost ran into Sharon.

"Two glasses are already on the counter with your emergency red chilled and breathing."

"You're a life saver."

"Give your brother a chance."

Over dinner, Noah told us all about his adventures in Mumbai. How he enjoyed working for Newman but he missed home and his family. "I had a good time. Met some interesting people but it's good to be back. I mean, I can't have Faith and Christian forgetting me."

"I'd never forget my brother." Faith smiled. "I'm really glad to have my whole family back. Including my aunt Tessa." I spewed wine back into my glass while Tessa choked on hers.

"Aunt Tessa?" Noah questioned.

"It's not…we're not…" Tessa tried clearing her throat.

"But you're going away for the weekend and you've been staying in the same-"

"Faith!" Sharon cut in. "The only people getting married are Nick and I."

"You're going away for the weekend? To the music festival?" Noah looked between us, his expression unreadable.

Taking a deep breath, I sighed. "Here it goes. Yes, to the music festival. Yes, Tessa and I are together. Yes, I am still sorry for not being honest with you but I'm not sorry for being happy with her. If you have something to say, say it now. Because I will not put up with passive-aggressive bull-" think of a better word. Faith is here. "Crap, later down the road." Tension was high around the table as I stared down my brother. I wasn't going to let him be an asshole to my Tessa.

"Okay." Noah set his napkin on the table and pushed up his sleeves. "You're right. I was angry when I found out you and Tessa were dating. I felt betrayed all over again. I was happy and you ruined that by kissing her. And dug the knife deeper when you both lied about it. As far as I know, neither of you were going to say anything. Yeah, you wanted to protect me but, Mariah, I probably would have been upset but less if you would have told me how you felt about Tessa. When I left, I had a lot of time to think about things. Once I stepped away, it was clear that Tessa was into you more than me. And you were into her more than Devon. Take Halloween for example, when Tessa dressed up like a vampire and said that line about the world opening up, there was a, uh," realizing Faith was still at the table, Noah searched for words.

"A certain tension?" I offered.

"Yeah, we'll go with that. Radiating off of you. Same thing with Tessa. She couldn't keep her eyes off of you. When Devon and I talked about her playing more at The Underground, Tessa was drawn towards you." Sighing in defeat, Noah shrugged. "My ego was hurt. Here's this amazing, gorgeous, talented woman who actually liked me and then she ended up falling for my sister. Who was already dating a billionaire at the time."

Silence fell across the table. It was more comfortable than tension filled. "I'm sorry for not telling you. Please understand, I'm not good with emotions."

"I know. But, I'm good now. I want you and Tessa to be happy. Truly. I mean, Mariah, you're my sister. And Tessa, you're my sister's girlfriend. You're family. I still care about you. Not, not like that. Please, don't throw anything at me. I'm not going to anger a redhead."

"You've learned well."

"So, is everyone good now?" Sharon spoke carefully. Trying to read the room.

Looking between Noah and Tessa, I smiled. "Yeah, I think we are."

"Great! Who wants cheesecake?"

"Uh, everyone." Faith smiled. "It's cheesecake, Mom."

Xxx

Tessa's POV

Ever since the discussion at the diner table, I couldn't stop thinking about Halloween. Leaning against Mariah's door, I watched as the redhead packed. She did look amazing in my leather jacket. And she did look aroused after I made that comment. I wonder where those fangs went. The warm buzzing sensation I felt left remembering what else happened that night. She told me how she felt and I lied to her. I made the woman I love cry. I never want to see that pain in her eyes again.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Coming to stand before me, Mariah let her hands rest on my hips. "You've been quiet since dinner. Which, I can understand after how quickly it escalated."

"It just got me thinking about a lot of things. I should have done so many things differently that night. Before you showed up at Crimson Lights, I was actually staring at a picture I snapped when you weren't looking. You looked…bonkers."

"In a good way?" Mariah grinned.

"In a really, really good way." Dipping my head, I captured my girlfriend's lips in a tender kiss. Walking us towards the bed, Mariah guided me to straddle her lap. I moaned softly feeling nails gently rake down my back. Unable to stop myself, I tangled my fingers in silky locks. Tugging gently caused Mariah to moan, giving me access to a very willing tongue. I can't wait to hear that sound again. Taking the woman's bottom lip between my teeth, I pulled back letting it go with a pop. "You need to finish packing." And I need a very cold shower.

Catching her breath, Mariah kissed down my neck and across my collar bone. "I know. But I'm a little preoccupied."

"I can see that." Turning the tables, I pushed Mariah's shoulder gently, telling her to lay back. Getting comfortable, I covered the woman's neck and chest with open mouthed kisses. Each one causing Mariah to whimper quietly. "You know, I may have those fangs somewhere in my apartment. One bite and the whole world will open up before you." Nipping the shorter woman's earlobe caused her back to arch with a silent plea. Realizing how close I was to throwing away my plans, I rolled off Mariah and put as much distance between us as possible. "We need to stop. Save all of this for the weekend." Pressing myself against the door, I let the cool surface calm the ache deep inside my stomach.

Pushing herself up on her elbows, Mariah agreed. Letting her head fall back, she laughed. "I swear, I've never felt like this before."

"I'm not coming over there. I know that look. I know you will try to jump me and I would probably let you."

Sitting up fully, a laugh bubbled up Mariah's throat. "Yeah, I'd stay over there for a few minutes. I never thought I could feel like this before. So safe and excited, comfortable and cherished at the same time."

"I'm so glad I make you feel that way. I do cherish you." I want to hold her so bad. But I think I need to wait a little longer. Her eyes are still so dark. "You made me trust again. To let people in again. I had lost that until I met you."

"You've made me into a different person too. It was easier to be a smart ass than connect with people. Every moment with you, good and bad, have been so real. But with you, I didn't have a choice. I had to feel. And I am so, so glad you came into my life. You may have turned it upside down, multiple times, but everything is clear now."

"And what's that?" Crawling onto the bed, I sat in front of Mariah, giving her my full attention.

"That I don't care what anyone else says about me, you, or us as a couple. The only thing that matters is that we're happy."

"That's all that matters. Now, let's finished getting you packed so we can get me packed."

xxx

Arriving at the hotel, Mariah and I went to check-in. "Reservation for Porter."

"Ah, yes, Miss. Porter. We've been expecting you. Your room is suit B on the tenth floor." Placing two keycards on the counter, Johnathan continued typing. "Since you called ahead, everything has been set up as requested."

"Excellent." Mariah's going to love this.

"If you need anything, please let us know."

"Thank you, Sir." Holding out my arm, I let Mariah take it. "You ready?"

"For an amazing weekend? Of course."

Stepping off the elevator, we took a right to the door of our suite. "Close your eyes." Doing as asked, Mariah allowed me to guide her inside. Closing the door, I angled her to best see the entire main room. "Okay, you can open them."

A soft gasp escaped the shorter woman as she looked around the spacious living area and kitchen. "This is amazing."

"It only gets better." Taking our bags into the bedroom, Mariah's jaw slacked seeing the rose pedal covered bed. "I know the "M&T" is cheesy. I said this is going to be the best weekend you've ever had. Cheesy romance and all."

Wrapping her arms around my neck, Mariah beamed. "Is that why there's wine and chocolate covered strawberries?"

"And so many other things." Right before Mariah could steal a kiss, I pulled back. "Let's go see the bathroom. I'm pretty sure there's a surprise in there also."

"What else could there possibly be?" Entering the bathroom, Mariah saw what I mentioned. "Is that? It is! A clawfoot tub by the window."

"Mmhmm. You said once that you always wanted to take a bath in one. Soooo, I tracked down the only hotel close to the festival that had them. You can soak in the tub and enjoy the view at the same time. It's a one-way window. You can see out but no one can see in."

"You really did plan everything perfectly, didn't you?"

Wrapping my arms around the redhead's waist, I let my chin rest on Mariah's shoulder. "Of course, I did. I wanted the best for my Mariah." My words instantly dawned on me. "I am so cheesy." Burring my face in curly hair, I laughed. "I am such a dork."

"But you're my dork."

Sweeping hair away, I kissed Mariah's neck just below her ear. "That I am."

"You know, that tub is big enough for two…"

"Someone's got some pretty big plans. Remember, we do have to leave the suite during the day."

"True," turning, Mariah wrapped her arms back around my neck. "But after and before that, we can stay here and clothing is optional."

"You are such temptress." Oh, but what I have planned for you is just as sinister.

"You can handle it." Lacing her fingers in my hair, Mariah caught me in a deep kiss.

"As much as I enjoy this, room service will be up soon to bring dinner. I figured we could rest and work out a game plan for what bands to see tonight, so tomorrow will go smoothly."

"Good idea."