Mariah's POV
I stared down at the ring; happy tears rimming my eyes. "Tessa…" Words, Mariah! Use your words! "Yes." That's all it took. Tears started and wouldn't stop.
"Yes?" A shaky smile made its way to the musician's face.
"Definitely, yes!" Smiling, Tessa took the ring and placed it slowly on my finger. Cupping the woman's face, I pulled her up for a passionate kiss. Needing oxygen, I broke away. "How long have you planned this?"
"Since before Sharon's and Nick's wedding." Taking a seat, Tessa took my hand in hers.
"So, the bouquet…"
"Mmm, kind of planned. I asked Sharon for her blessing and she needed time to think about her answer. By her throwing you the bouquet, that was my sign of her approval."
"No offence to Sharon, but I would have married you regardless of her blessing."
Snorting a laugh, Tessa grinned. "Oh, everyone is quite aware." Looking down at the ring, I took it off to get a better view. Warmth filled my chest reading the inscription on the inside. My Mariah. My Love. "I know you have a thousand questions. Where would you like me to start?"
"Where did you get the ring? How are we going to pay for a wedding? Where are we going to have the wedding? When will it be?" Eventually, words started running together because my mouth couldn't keep up with my brain. "Okay…I'll stop now."
"No, you won't." Tessa smirked.
"Yeah, I won't."
"The ring, I've been saving up to buy for a long time. I got a credit line at Fenmore's. Our wedding is already being paid for." Before I could open my mouth, Tessa cut me off. "Nope. Don't argue. I did enough of it for the both of us." I have a feeling I know who's paying, and I'm sure while it's coming from a good place, his ego is getting a nice boost also. "By that look, you already know who it is. There is one, tiny, little detail…."
"What?" Here it comes.
"Kyle's going to be officiating our wedding." Tessa braced herself for any reaction I might have. Laughter wasn't what she expected. "You're laughing?"
"Tessa, Kyle of all people, is going to be the one to bind us together for the rest of our lives. You do realize how ironic, yet somehow fitting, that is?"
"Well…yeah. He's already ordained." Relaxing, the musician laid back on the bed. "So, you're okay with this?"
"Why not? He's been a great friend to us. It's fitting really. He pushed us together after all." Laying on my side, I draped my arm across Tessa's stomach.
"And it'll solidify him as our ship captain."
"Oh, God…" I couldn't help but smile. "This is really happening, right? I'm not dreaming this entire thing?"
"Nope. It's very real." Tessa captured my lips in another heated kiss. "I know it might be a long engagement but that doesn't matter to me. As long as I can call myself your wife one day, that's all that matters."
"We'll start to plan after the party this weekend. But, we need to get you a ring. Here," taking off my favorite band, I slid it on Tessa's finger. "This will have to work until I can get you one."
Dark brows knitted. "But…this is your favorite ring. You bought it with your first paycheck when you came to GC."
"I know. It's important to me and so are you."
"Thank you." Snuggling into me, Tessa sighed. "Should we tell people or just let them see the rings?" Shooting up, I raced for my phone. "Mariah?"
"I have to tell Kevin!"
"It's two in the morning…"
"He's my best friend. If I don't tell him first…" My eyes grew. "Lord help us both. I'll text him first to see if he's awake. He probably still is."
Hey, you awake? It's important. -M Thankfully, Kevin is addicted to his phone and messaged back immediately.
Yeah, what's up? -Kev
Clicking his picture, I put Kevin on speaker. "Here it comes…" Tessa joked.
"Hey, what's up?"
"Tessa proposed! I'm getting married!" It came out in a much higher pitch than I intended.
It took a moment for the information to sink in. "That's fantastic! I'm so happy for you guys. Let me know when the wedding is and we'll definitely be there."
"Well, you have to be there. I was hoping you'd be my best man."
"R-really?"
"Of course. You're my best friend. But we'll talk wedding stuff later. I know it's late."
"Call me later today and we'll discuss. Sorry I can't make it to the apartment warming."
"That's okay. You can make up for it later." After saying our goodbyes, I placed my phone on the nightstand and crawled onto the bed. "Hey." I'm grinning like an idiot. But so is she.
"Hey to you too." Tangling slender fingers in my hair, Tessa guided me down into a loving kiss.
xxx
As morning light peeked through the blinds, I groaned hearing my alarm buzz. Swiping it to snooze, I turned over and snuggled more into Tessa's embrace. It's so peaceful here. No one yelling for breakfast or to use the bathroom. No one rummaging for something in the kitchen. So quiet.
"Morning." Tessa's voice was groggy with sleep. Skilled fingers danced along my bare spine.
"Mmm. This is the best way to wake up. If only we didn't have to actually get up and go to work." Gently, I traced Tessa's jawline. She looks so beautiful.
Pale lips curved upwards. "You know, it is customary to kiss your fiancée' good morning."
"Is that so? Well, who am I to break custom?" Tangling my hand in short, messy hair, I kissed my future wife. "Good morning."
Before Tessa could deepen the kiss, my alarm sounded. "I'll be so glad on weekends when that won't be on." Pecking my cheek, the musician rolled out of bed and pulled on my baggy shirt. "I'll make coffee while you shower."
Xxx
Tessa's POV
Entering Crimson Lights, Sharon's expression was somewhere between confused and horrified. "Someone is perky this morning."
"I am indeed." Mariah beamed. "The normal order, please." Placing her hands on the counter, she waited for the older woman to notice.
"Oh my gosh!" The entire coffee shop stopped to look at Sharon.
"Mom!" I couldn't stiffen the laugh that escaped at my fiancée's expression. Heat rushing to her cheeks. Swatting my arm, Mariah glared. "You're not helping."
"I'm sorry…" Composing myself, I tried easing Mariah's nerves by turning the attention on me. "Everyone," gaining their attention, I continued. "I shower naked."
"Tessa!" Grabbing the coffees, Mariah paid. "Come on." Laughing, the redhead laced her arm through mine to tug me along. "I'll tell you everything later. Bye, Mom."
Entering HWG, we tried turning down the heart eyes and flirting but I couldn't help myself. Hilary noticed right away that something was different. "What have you done now?"
"Nothing." Taking a seat at the table, Mariah pulled out her laptop. "Nothing at all."
"Tessa?" Dark eyes turned on me.
"I'm not saying a word." Sorting the files, I started preparing Devon's meetings for the day. I can feel Hilary's eyes burning into me. Knowing her, it won't take long before she sees Mariah's ring.
Prowling around the table like a panther waiting to pounce, Hilary stopped. "That's a nice ring you have there."
"Yes, it is." Mariah kept her cool.
Now it was my turn. "And you're wearing Mariah's favorite ring."
"I am, yes."
"Morning, everyone." Devon walked in and stopped when he noticed the tension. "What's going on?"
"It seems these two are not only new home renters, they're newly engaged as well."
Devon's attention moved from Hilary to us. "Is this true?" We smiled, holding up our left hands. "Congratulations."
"Thanks." Mariah smiled. "We were going to announce it at the party Saturday."
"Seven, correct?" We both nodded. "I might be half an hour late but I'll be there. The dinner meeting might run late. Mr. Grayson likes to talk."
"Yes, he does." I agreed remembering the thirty-minute conversation about getting his watch fixed.
Xxx
Saturday afternoon, Nick and Sharon came early with so many groceries and toiletries we weren't sure they'd all fit in the small kitchen and bathroom. "Mom, I know you're happy for us but…I don't think we can fit anything else in the fridge." Tossing a dishtowel over her shoulder, the redhead started rearranging. Again.
"They're just trying to help. They mean well." Taking the last bag, I started unloading it. What the hell is this? I can't even pronounce it.
Smirking, Mariah leaned against the counter, arms folded across her chest. "Mmhmm. I know that look. You have no idea what that is." Unable to think of a snarky comeback, I just snickered. "Yeah, okay then."
Why is she so sexy when she's sassy? Ugh! Who am I kidding? She's always sexy. I may not have a comeback, but I have something just as good. I waited until Nick and Sharon were looking around the apartment to strike. "Mariah?"
"Yeah?" She turned away from the sink to meet my gaze.
Grinning, I ran the tip of my tongue over my teeth as my eyes slowly moved along Mariah's body. This simple action causing a flush to creep up the redhead's neck to burn her cheeks. Stepping forward, placing my hands firmly on Mariah's hips to trap her between myself and the sink, I leaned close to whisper. "Payback." Quickly, I kissed her cheek and turned before the parental units returned and noticed our shenanigans.
"The apartment is very cute, guys." Nick was oblivious but Sharon wasn't. We both grinned when she gave us "The Look.""
Wrapping an arm around Mariah's shoulders, I pulled her close. "We've only had the place a few days and she's already figured out how to decorate everything."
"That's Mariah for you." Nick laughed. "Sharon and I will go pick up the food for tonight's party. Everyone pitched in and it's being catered by the club."
"You guys really didn't need to-" Mariah started but gave up. "Fine. Hopefully, there won't be leftovers. We have no room for them."
"We'll be back." Sharon hugged us before she and Nick left.
Collapsing on the couch, I pulled Mariah into my arms. "They're happy for us."
"I'm happy for us." Straddling my lap, Mariah captured my lips in a searing kiss.
"They're going to be back soon." I whimpered feeling soft lips making their way down my neck.
"We've got twenty minutes before people start getting here." Mariah's voice was husky with desire as her hand made their way under my shirt.
"Mariah…" I moaned, back arching when warm hands cupped my chest. Oh, to Hell with it. Surprising the redhead, I stood and carried her towards the bedroom. "Seventeen minutes?"
"Let's make it twelve just to be safe."
"Deal." Laying my fiancée' on the bed, I kissed my way up her stomach causing her to squirm.
Turning the tables, Mariah flipped us, pinning my wrists above my head. "I plan to get payback for the kitchen." A hungry fire burned in the woman's green eyes.
Where did that fire come from? "Oh, please do." Pulling her down, I moaned shamelessly as Mariah unbuckled my belt. My hips bucked feeling deft fingers between my thighs. "Fuuuuaaahhh."
Xxx
Mariah stood and raised her glass of champagne, gaining everyone's attention. "Thank you for coming tonight. Each of you have helped make this place a home. Over the past few years, you have accepted me into GC even with my sorted past. It means a lot." She paused, looking down to me. "And, you have accepted Tessa as well. Tonight, we have another announcement. Most of you have figured it out because we've not really hid it."
"Or Sharon told you." I added quickly.
"I'm a proud mother. I can't help it."
"Tessa and I are engaged. She proposed the night we moved in. We're starting a whole new chapter of our lives together. Obviously, all of you are invited to wedding."
Devon raised his glass. "To Mariah and Tessa."
"To Mariah and Tessa." Everyone repeated before applauding us on our good news. Throughout the party, each guest gave us a home warming gift. Anything from cash or gift card to a washer and dryer set.
"Were you surprised?" Kyle stood tall as he refilled our glasses.
"I was." Mariah beamed in my direction. "Tessa also informed me that you're paying for the entire wedding."
"As long as I can officiate, yes."
"I had forgotten you were ordained."
"What can I say? I'm full of surprises. So, are you in? Can I wed the two love birds I helped bring together?" Kyle's crooked grin oozed triumph.
Smirking, Mariah shot me a look. "I told you he'd get a huge ego boost from this."
"Yeah, but an all-expenses paid wedding? How can we turn that down?" I shrugged. "He is our captain. Might as well let him."
"True. And we'll make him pay…" A sinister grin tugged at the redhead's lips.
Taking a step back, Kyle held up his empty hand in surrender. "Within reason, ladies. Please. I'm only one man."
Seeing Kyle sweat is entertaining. "Easy now, Mariah. We can't both be dripping in diamonds."
"Oh, no. I was thinking rubies and other precious stones. He is paying after all."
Swallowing hard, Kyle looked between us. "Uh…It's very unsettling when I can't tell if you're kidding or not."
Wrapping my arms around Mariah, I let my chin rest on her shoulder. "Don't worry. We won't go too crazy."
"Good. I'll await the bill."
The party went on for another hour before everyone started leaving one by one. By night's end, we had everything we needed to make this apartment ours. Tomorrow would be packed with online shopping and a very welcome free two-day shipping discount from being an Amazon Prime member. Ushering out the last few guests, Mariah closed and locked the door.
Throwing away the last of the to-go containers, I smiled seeing the redhead walking towards me. "You look exhausted."
"I am." Leaning against the counter, Mariah pulled her hair into a messy bun. "Much better."
She looks pale. Wait, what day is it? "Can I get you anything? You look a little ghostly. Even for you."
"Really?" A perfectly sculpted brow rose. "You're one to talk, Miss. SPF seventy-five." Hopping up on the counter, Mariah continued. "Nah. Just a little beat."
Stepping between her legs, I placed my hands on the woman's thighs. "Let's go to bed." Upon closer inspection, I knew exactly what was wrong. "Have you checked the app lately?"
Mariah's brow furrowed. "Wha-oh, no." Groaning, Mariah threw her head back. "Nooooo. Why? Why am I being punished?" She whined.
"With the hustle and bustle of everything the past week, both of us forgot. That would explain why you've jumped me a lot lately. Not that I'm complaining. At least we have supplies and we're off tomorrow."
"Thank God." Sliding off the counter, Mariah made her way towards the bathroom.
"I'll turn everything off and join you in a few." My poor baby. So glad we have plenty of wine, chocolate, and junk food in stock.
"Okay…" Mumbled cursing followed the redhead across the apartment.
Before going to bed, I placed two bottles of red wine in the fridge and made sure the coffee pot was preset for ten the next morning. I'll need all the help I can possibly get the next few days. Lord help me.
Xxx
Mariah's POV
I groaned when the sun hit my eyes. Turning over, I snuggled into Tessa. She was right. I feel like I'm dying. Everything hurts. Ugggghhhh!
"There's Ibuprofen and a bottle of water on the table. Take it and then go back to sleep. Nothing has to get done today." Groaning, I refused to move. "Mariah," Tessa warned. "Do it. It'll make you feel better." Grumbling, I did as she instructed. Cuddling back into the musician's arms, she held me tight. "You'll feel better soon. Coffee will be ready by the time you wake up again, wine will be chilled for later, and we have plenty of chocolate."
"Good." Relaxing into Tessa, I sighed. "The test of true love: period, day one."
"Mmhmm. If I have learned anything in the past year and a half it's to always be prepared for your period." I groaned at Tessa's amusement. "I remember the first time I saw you day one when we lived at Sharon's. You nearly took my head off for saying good morning."
"Yeah and the next morning you thought it'd be cute to throw chocolate at me."
"It was funny! Besides, I had a cup of coffee waiting for you downstairs."
"That was your one saving grace."
"Hey, Mariah?" Tessa tapped on my door. "You up yet? Coffee is downstairs."
"Yeah. I'm up." It came out more of a growl than I intended.
"Can I come in?"
Not wanting to be rude, I pulled on my robe. "Yeah, sure."
Pushing open the door, Tessa smiled sheepishly. "Catch." Not being awake yet, I couldn't dodge the chocolate bar that hit my arm. Before I realized what happened, the musician had already raced down the stairs.
Entering the kitchen, I was out for blood. "Tessa, did you really just throw chocolate at me?" Only to be greeted by a soft smile and cup of coffee waiting in the taller woman's hands.
"Peace offering? Chocolate and caffeine. I would say wine but it's not even eight yet."
"At least now, normally, we can tell when the other is going to start." I laughed remembering the first time I noticed Tessa on her cycle.
Knowing how early it was, I was surprised to hear the upstairs shower running. Tapping lightly, I waited. "What?" Tessa growled. "Sorry. Who is it?"
"You okay?"
"Not, not really. Uh…can you come in here so I don't have to announce it to the entire house?"
"Sure." Making sure to look anywhere except towards the shower, I entered the steamy bathroom. Oh, gah. She's naked behind that curtain. "What's wrong?"
"Can I have a few pads or tampons? I totally spaced and forgot to get them at the store. I'll replace them once I restock."
"Yeah, yeah. They're under the sink." Grabbing a few, I placed them on the counter. "They're by the soap. Can I get you anything else?" A nervous tension filled the bathroom. "Tessa?"
"I'm really sorry for this awkwardness. If it's too much, you can totally say no."
"Tessa, we've all been there. What is it?"
"Could you grab me a pair of underwear? I normally just put a robe on over my towel to go down the hall…"
"Yeah. Be right back." Exiting the bathroom, I made my way towards the guest room. Okay…that's more awkward than I expected.
Entering Tessa's room, I quickly looked through the dresser until I found her sock and underwear drawer. Damn. She's got sexier underwear than I do. My heart started pounding when I saw the red and black lace. Oh, God. I bet she looks amazing in these. What am I thinking? Shaking my head, I grabbed a pair of regular underwear. Not paying full attention, I slammed my finger in the drawer as I closed it. "Damn it!"
"I wondered what was off with you that day." Tessa laughed, kissing my head. "I figured it was just the awkwardness of you having to get me underwear and we had only been friends for like half a year."
"It wasn't awkward getting you underwear. It was the fact that I saw the sexy underwear you had. I was already dealing with the emotions of kissing you at the festival and with how I felt about you. Then it was coupled with the fact that I was irrationally jealous of my brother."
"Well, if it helps any, I got rid of all the underwear I wore with Noah. I couldn't imagine wearing that with you." Nuzzling my hair, Tessa continued. "Besides, what I wear now is only for your eyes."
"The odd things women do between partners." Yawning, I rolled onto my back.
"Oh, yes." Getting comfortable, Tessa laid her head on my chest. "Is this okay?"
Taking her arm, I draped it over my pelvis to apply just enough pressure to help ease the pain. "Now it is."
Kissing my collar bone, Tessa chuckled. "I should be offended. I'm being used. Do you want the heating pad?"
"Not now. After we get up I'll get it. I'm so glad we can order almost everything online."
"The marvels of modern day technology."
It was nearly eleven when we rolled out of bed. I went for the couch as Tessa poured us coffee. Opening a blank notepad on my tablet, I started a list of everything we needed to order and what we had to get in person.
"Here we go." Placing two cups on the makeshift coffee table, Tessa grabbed her notebook and a pen. "While you do that, I'll start the list of "Thank You" cards."
"Thanks." Inhaling the strong aroma, I sighed contently. "The only things we really have to go out to get are towels. I mean, we can just re-order the same set of bedsheets to have a second set."
"I'm happy with anything really." I paused, "within reason. No pink or extremely wild colors."
"That's a given."
