Wounds to Bind Chapter 58 – "Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change." – Thomas Hardy
June 22 – APOV
Check in at the Bellagio is followed by dinner at the Hard Rock Café. Mia, Kate and I can't wait to get t-shirts. The music is loud, it rocks, and the food is fabulous. No one drinks. We're here to have fun not dull our senses. No one seems to recognize Christian. But I swear to god, hand on my heart…the waitress stopped breathing when she saw him. Every female in the place detoured by our booth on their way to or from the powder room. Taylor and Sawyer finally stood near the booth and began barring people from getting close to the table. We leave the Hard Rock and go to a comedy club. I swear my ribs hurt from laughing. Elliot and Kate want to go dancing, but tonight's not the night. We are scheduled for private gaming instruction from midnight to two, followed by sleep, breakfast and adventure.
June 23 – APOV
"Ladies, there was a reason we had you bring short skirts and stilettos," The female instructor informed us. "Welcome to Stiletto Spy Games. While channeling your inner Bond girl, you will be paired with one of our professional drivers. You will observe defensive driving tactics, be introduced to high-speed stunt driving, and have a chance to drive one of our exotic cars. Additionally, we conduct a modeling session with you and a real Ferrari race car. You will pick the pose you like the best for an 8x10 glamour shot to frame and hang in your home. We'll take the glamour shots while the men are driving. Then they will leave and you will have the track."
The male instructor called for their attention. "Gentlemen, we're giving you a five-star driving experience with some of the best and fastest exotic cars in the world. Drive one will be at top speeds with an experienced driver at the wheel and you as a passenger. Drive two will be high-speed stunt driving with an experienced driver at the wheel and you as a passenger. Drive three, you will learn defensive driving techniques with an experienced driver at the wheel and you as a passenger. Drive four will be you racing by yourself, and pitting your best times against your friends and family. We have a big trophy for the winner, and an 8x10 picture for your ego wall. We hope both groups enjoy this once in a lifetime exotic car racing experience."
XXX
When the pictures were done…the owner wants me to sign a photo release letting him use the picture for advertising bachelorette parties. I stare at her, but I don't know her…the wild child in the photo. Big hair frames her pale face. With her hands clasped behind her, her breasts arch forward. Her push–up bra shows cleavage through the open zipper of the driving jacket. She sits in classic damsel position on the hood of the Ferrari, black bow tie stilettos, short black pleated skirt which shows more of her legs than she knew she had. The blue and black driving jacket accents her large blue eyes. The makeup is flawless, the look in her eyes is positively carnal. Good thing Christian wasn't there during the photo shoot…this picture would give him a heart attack…well, before it gave him a hard-on, and he gave me a spanking.
"Sorry," I refuse. "No, nyet, huh uh, nix, nada, ne, non, aon…"
"Steele, it would be perfect!" Kate squealed.
"You're last name is Steel…like the metal?" The photographer asked. "What a perfect name for that shot."
"Unless you are dying to have her father shoot you…" Taylor cleared his throat. "I suggest you take no for an answer." He raised his eyebrows at me when he saw the picture. "We're playing golf followed by Top Gun Flights. After your driving experience, you are at the spa at Bellagio. We have dinner reservations at eight, show tickets at ten. You ladies have midnight tickets to Chippendales and the men have a helicopter tour of the Strip. Everyone meets at two a.m. at the Rio dance roof for a nightcap and dancing. Do not attempt to ditch your security." Taylor nodded and left.
XXX
"When did you learn to walk and dance in stilettos?" Christian murmurs when we are on the dance floor at the Rio.
"About the same time I learned not to fidget, apply my own makeup, shop for lingerie which fits and keep a secret. I'm a woman of many talents, Mr. Grey," I snarked.
"I noticed…but you haven't lost your smart mouth." Christian retorted.
"Yes…and I've noticed you haven't lost your desire to fuck it." I brush against his groin before I leave his arms at the end of the song. I need the powder room and I don't want company.
XXX
"Kate, stop it," I giggle on our way back to our table from the powder room. I'm intercepted by a guy who wants to dance. I tell him no politely, but he insists on offering to buy me a drink. After I give him another polite brush off, I turn to go back to the table and almost slam into Christian's chest.
He pulls me into a dance, one hand holding my left hand in the middle of my back and holding my right hand down at his thigh. He glares at the guy. "You are mine!" He snapped.
"I haven't misbehaved Mr. Grey," I looked up at him through my eyelashes. "Do you have any ideas how to change that?"
"Fuck yes!" He growled and kissed me thoroughly, over and over until my senses were scattered to the winds. "I want those stilettos wrapped around my ass," he growled at me.
"I want that too," I tease. "Turn off your phone, laptop, whatever…I'm not competing with work and everything else which intrudes on our lives."
"Come on then, you demanding little creature. Elliot, Ethan, Taylor, Sawyer, Bonner…we are leaving!" He yelled over his shoulder to a table of stunned people who watch as he half drags, half carries me toward the elevator.
June 24 – APOV
We've managed to stay apart from one another on the plane until Elliot, Kate, Mia and Ethan all nod off. He points toward the master bedroom with ensuite. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours…" Christian comments.
"Uhm…what are we talking about?" I'm at a loss. He'd better not be expecting sex at 30,000 feet, especially with his brother and sister in the next room… cabin… whatever. Not to mention I'm a bit sore from twice last night, and wake–up sex followed by very hot, very steamy shower sex.
"Pictures from the racetrack. Kate told Elliot the owner wants to buy your picture and use it for bachelorette party flyers and brochures." Christian growled.
"Uhm…mine is packed in my luggage," I bit my lip.
"Stop it…" Christian ordered.
"Stop what?" I frowned.
"You're biting your lip," Christian's eyes turn molten grey.
"No way…I paid good money to unlearn that habit," I protest.
"WAY," he argued. "Why are you so nervous about me seeing the picture?"
"You first…" I demand…shocked when he handed me the portfolio holder.
"Elliot wants me to leave my trophy in Mom and Dad's boathouse. I plan to torture him by keeping it in my home office."
I opened the portfolio and gasped. Holy Fuck, he's gorgeous. His copper curls are their usual just-been-fucked tousled look. His gold highlights accented by the gold trophy. His dove grey eyes glint knowingly. He has an almost smirk on his lips. The cognac and chocolate driving jacket makes his hair look …he's just…yummy. Mouthwateringly yummy. I let out a sigh…a desperate, breathy, fuck-me-to-tears, sigh.
"You like?" Christian cocked his head and smirked at me.
"Uhm…yes, very nice," I close and hand it back before I take it to the bathroom and …. BRAINS…where are your BRAINS? "Let me get mine," I ask Bonner for the portfolio out of my luggage. Her eyes widen briefly but she's off. Taylor must have ratted me out. In less than a minute she's back with it. She makes sure to close the door to the master bedroom behind her, in case Christian yells. She doesn't want him to wake the rest of the passengers.
I take a deep breath, plaster on a smile and hand him the portfolio.
Christian opens it…and his head jerks back… startled… staring at the picture. He's speechless. He stares at the picture for a very long minute. "Thank you."
"For what?" I laughed.
"For saying no when the racetrack manager wanted to use your picture for PR." Christian answered. "I want this picture… may I have it?"
"You can't put it anywhere someone might see it. Put it on your dresser in your closet or on your nightstand." I insist.
"Not a problem…I don't want any man seeing this picture anyway. Sweet Jesus, Ana…" Christian had to adjust himself. "Did you deliberately pick that pose?"
"Damsel…yes…practiced for a whopping two minutes before the picture was taken," I laughed. "My picture will cost you…"
"What…" he asked suspiciously.
"Your picture…autographed to me," I state my terms.
He signed his picture, To Anastasia with all my love, Christian. Your turn," he handed me the pen.
I signed my picture To Christian XOXOXO Anastasia. "BTW, I don't know my inner wild child." I handed him back the picture.
Christian sighed and closed the portfolio. "She's a magnificent creature. I'm glad she's been hidden and will remain hidden. I will kill anyone who eye fucks your picture."
I set his portfolio aside. I climbed into his lap, taking him by surprise. "She's all yours, Mr. Grey," I whispered in his ear. I was rewarded with a growl.
"Is she…is she all mine…" He kissed me hard over and over until I couldn't breathe and my lips were swollen and tender. "Stay with me, don't leave me, say yes to being mine."
I kissed him back and had no time for anything else, because the pilot announced we were there and needed to buckle up. We raced out of the cabin and took the first two available seats.
"We haven't discussed how to make this work," I slap his hands when he checks I'm buckled in.
"You move into Escala permanently and we'll take it day by day," Christian suggested. "We have final fittings for the tuxes tomorrow night. We won't finish until late."
"I need to clear my desk tomorrow anyway. I'll be working late. I need to practice my speech. You did write your speech? You didn't hand it off to someone to write it for you?" Suspicious Ana rears her head.
"I wrote most of it, but now there's something I want to add to it." Christian commented. "Are you done with yours?"
"Done, critiqued by my life coach, practiced. PowerPoint ready." I assured him.
"PowerPoint?" Christian frowned.
"Pictures of Kate…which Elliot has to see…you know for complete disclosure." I laughed.
"Tuesday, we'll practice them together. Quiet dinner at Escala Tuesday and Wednesday?" Christian proposed.
"Sounds like a plan. Rehearsal at St. James and rehearsal dinner at your parents on Thursday. I'm at Kate's parents' house on Friday night. Spa day on Saturday and I'm at the Kavanaghs' Saturday night. The wedding is Sunday. Monday morning, we'll figure out the rest of it." The plane is getting ready to land.
"Tuesday, dinner, dancing, practicing speeches," Christian made a note in his smart phone. "Monday after the wedding, I'd like to take the solar-powered helicopter out to an open area and fly it for a while."
"Sounds like fun," I agree. "How's the wedding gift coming?"
"Delivered to Mia's office on Monday. She will wrap and messenger our gift to Kate's parents' house. A dozen Waterford red wine glasses, a dozen Waterford white wine glasses, and just for giggles for you, a dozen Waterford coupe glasses." Christian announced. "You need to stop tomorrow in Mia's office to sign the card."
"Come over tonight, we'll have some lasagna, and we'll start packing me." I invite him.
Christian kissed me on the cheek. "See you at seven. I'll bring the wine."
I make Bonner stop at DeLaurenti so I can get bread, olive oil, prepared butters, a prepared antipasti plate, Faro salad for two, tiramisu for two, and some candles and fresh flowers. I pick up a lemon and a liter of bottled water. We head to the condo. I refrigerate everything and pull four portions of lasagna from the freezer to thaw.
Oh bloody hell. Good dishes or everyday dishes? He saw the good dishes before. Casual – Laura's quilted placemats. Across the table from each other or side by side? Across the table. Candles and flowers in the middle of the table to not get in the way of seeing and talking to one another. I set the dining room table, flowers in the vase.
I race to the shower, the girly things were done at the spa at Bellagio so I don't fret. Crap…what to wear? Grey halter dress, shoes, silver bracelet and hoop earrings – too dressy. The butterfly sundress…wedges… ponytail… minimal makeup…pop of lip gloss and the really cool mini cloisonné butterfly earrings I found when shopping with Kate. Just right casual – in case Christian wears just jeans and a white shirt. I check the time and I have time for a 30 minute nap. I lay down but my mind races with lists of tasks.
Lasagna in the oven to warm. Plate the salads, refrigerate. Pitcher the water with lemon slices, refrigerate. Plate the dessert, refrigerate. Light candles, take antipasti plate to living room, with wine glasses and plates and napkins. Corkscrew, ice bucket on coffee table. Wait, soft music first – there was a reason you bought a three rack CD player. Play what? The CD of the London Symphony Orchestra. Draw the drapes? Or look out at the skyline? I choose skyline.
Apartment clean, smells nice, cell phone turned off when Christian gets here, dinner, pack some stuff to move to Escala. We're both scheduled to work tomorrow. Breathe.
After antipasti and wine, basket the bread and put olive oil and butters on the table, serve salads. OH DAMN! I forgot veggies. Salad will have to do. Warm and serve the lasagna. Scrape dishes, and put in dishwasher. Serve dessert…will Christian want coffee? I don't think I have any. Christ, should I have Prescott run to the nearest Starbucks and get a thermos of Italian roast?
The alarm goes off…and I'm up, like a shot, and racing around. I run to the door, throw it open, and hand Prescott a thermos and twenty bucks. "I'll stay locked in, but I need coffee from Starbucks. I'm desperate, Italian roast, black, don't argue with me. And DON'T tell Christian you left me alone for fifteen minutes!" I slam and lock the door and race to the bedroom. Straighten the bed. Modest underwear… dress…hair… shoes…makeup… my mind races with things to do.
OHHH…leave an opened book on the chaise in the bedroom. I make it look like I was unconcerned with his visit and reading. So then if I'm racing around to get dinner on the table, it's because I read too long. I race and pull Hardy's Mayor of Casterbridge of the shelf. I flip it to mid-book, scan a couple pages to refresh my memory and lay it on the chaise, with a bookmark hanging out of it. I hit the music, turn it low, and put it on repeat. Flowers, candles set, light them later. Run…run…run.
6:45! He's early – well, not so early.
June 25 – CPOV
"No Ros, I'm just feeling a little under the weather from the weekend. There's nothing serious on my schedule today. I'm hanging out, resting, recuperating, and starting again tomorrow. Yeah, I'll check with the rest of the wedding party. We had a really good weekend." I listened. "Yeah, email me with anything you think I need to know. Let Andrea know."
"Taylor, I need breakfast for two, lunch for two, and clean casual clothes delivered to Ana's condo. I need my laptop. I need my briefcase." I called him while watching her sleep. I wore her out last night, and this morning. I intend to wear her out some more, but not until I feed her and bathe her.
XXX
"Mom, I'm not sick. Ana's not sick. We're just hanging out together, today. We've cancelled the day for lack of interest." I laughed. "Love you Mom. I'll be at Escala at six for tuxedo fittings. No, Ana won't be there until after everyone leaves so she doesn't embarrass easily. The wedding party, the dads and grandfathers, the ushers, and my security staff are getting final fittings. I'm having the tuxedos delivered to Grey Manor by Friday afternoon. I'll remind the men we're having brunch at Grey Manor and getting dressed on Sunday." I listened. "I'll get us to work on time tomorrow. We're having dinner Tuesday and Wednesday at Escala because we have work to clear before the weekend. I'll make sure we're at rehearsal at St. James at five. Dinner at your house at six-thirty. I know, dress casually and stay the entire evening, no matter how much work I need to do. We'll have Taylor and Prescott with us. Sawyer will be with Mia. Anders will be with Elliot and Kate. Ana and I are back at Escala Thursday night. I'll drop her at Kate's condo Friday night when I pick up Elliot. Sailing in the morning, golf in the afternoon, Saturday night dinner at your house. Elliot, Ethan and I are sleeping at your house Saturday night. Yeah, Eamon threatened Elliot if he doesn't stay away."
XXX – APOV
"Hannah, it's Ana. I need to take the day off. I must have eaten something weird in Las Vegas over the weekend. My stomach is wrecked today." I listen for her expressions of sympathy and feel guilty for lying. "I've worked to clear my schedule this week because of the wedding. I'll do my best to be in tomorrow, but I'm out early on Thursday because of the wedding rehearsal and Friday afternoon for wedding prep." I listen. "Thanks for the offer to bring me anything, but it's just tea, toast and time out."
XXX
"Well," I watched Christian's face. "What do you think?"
"I told you, I'm Mr. Supportive. I'm not making suggestions or fixing anything." Christian declared. "You just tell me what you need me to do."
"But what do you think about my plan? I'll offer my white wicker furniture to Taylor for Sophie and what he doesn't want can go to your mom's charity. The deadline is past for donating my furniture to Montesano for the VFW rummage sale for after the Fourth of July. My good china and stuff goes to Escala with my books and personal things, including finance paperwork. I will set up my home office in your library. José can move in here – I'll leave the living room and dining room furnishings, kitchen stuff, etc. José doesn't need to look for a place, and this place is central to Grey Construction and partially furnished for him."
"Work it out with Elliot and José," Christian shrugged. "I understand you insist on packing your personal stuff, lingerie and important papers. The rest of your things can be packed by someone Taylor vets. We've ordered the vintage oak office décor for you. Elliot is sending a crew to paint the library for you. If you trust Gail, she can arrange your home office. If we can work this out the night of the wedding rehearsal – then Elliot and Kate can get married, and go on their honeymoon. You move in with me before July Fourth, José moves in here. Everyone is settled and happy."
"I keep Prescott, Bonner and Rhodes. I won't give them up. You have no firing rights…now or in the future. If you want to hire them at Grey Security, you work it out with them, and Ros and Heaton."
"Agreed. Once they are part of Grey Security, they report to Taylor and Welch." Christian countered.
"I will travel with you when I can…but there will be times I can't travel with you. I don't want to feel guilty about it." I insist.
"Understood, but there are things I need to negotiate also." Christian countered.
I sigh and cuddle into his arms…happily ever after? I hope so. I know we'll have some rough patches in the future, but as long as we keep talking to one another, I have faith.
June 28 – APOV
He deepened the kiss, crushing me against his chest with his muscular arms, his tongue invaded my mouth.
Mmmm, the rehearsal dinner was delicious, but he was the best thing I tasted all day.
One hand grasped my hair, tilting my head back. His other hand slid down my spine, flattening my body against his. The heat of his body created a flash of heat in my pelvis. When he broke the kiss, he held me, kissing my nose and forehead gently. "What are you going to do about that, Anastasia?"
"I'm going to go take off these high heels, take a hot shower, and sleep."
"You think we're going to sleep…" His grin was loopy, infectious. 'I think we need an undress rehearsal…"
June 30 – APOV
"Now – the bride and groom dance. Elliot please escort your bride to the floor." The DJ intoned. Elliot stood and held out his hand to Kate, escorting her to the edge of the dance floor. The D.J. played Gimme All Your Lovin by ZZ Top. Elliot abandoned Kate, to her surprise. During the music intro, Elliot was joined by Eamon and Ethan, then Carrick, Theo and Christian, then Taylor and Sawyer. They checked out haircuts, fingernails, close shaves, cufflinks, ties…shared breath mints…
Then the lyrics began, and the men danced in unison with one another, showing off struts, fancy footwork, spins, dips, hip rolls, etc. At the end of the song, they gathered in a line up and did a set of fancy footwork, and bowed when the music ended. This dance was obviously choreographed for this special day. Every person in the place taped it on their cell phones. The dance will go viral, and Christian didn't care.
The D.J. segued into Come Away with Me by Norah Jones for the bride and groom. He cued a parents' dance My Baby Cares for Me by Nina Simone followed by the parents, grandparents and godparents dance, to Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. The bridal party danced to I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith. The father-daughter dance was My Girl by the Temptations, followed by the mother-son dance which was Mama by Boyz II Men.
The family dance has twelve of Kate's girl cousins lining up on the dance floor, trying to cut in on Grace's dance with Christian. She gently let all the cutters down by telling them Christian would only dance with the bridal party, the mothers and the grandmothers so all the other single men attending the wedding had the opportunity to dance. None of them, not even bitch Allison, attempted to argue with her.
XXX – CPOV
I nod at Taylor when it is time for my best man speech. He takes Ana the gym bag. She grins at me. We're all set.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, family and friends. I am Christian Grey, the groom's younger brother. I'm thrilled and honored to be my brother's best man. I turned off my smart phone and threatened to fire my second-in-command if I'm interrupted. Seriously … Elliot and Kate's merger is more important than anything else possibly be scheduled for today…and definitely more interesting than the end of the fiscal year. Thank you Mia, Mom and Dad, Celeste, Eamon and Ethan, and Anastasia for all your hard work to make this a special day for Kate and Elliot. Kate, in case Elliot forgets to use his words today, you look beautiful. Ditto, Ana, Mia, Mom, Celeste, Grandma Frannie, Kate's Grandma Cantrell and Grandma Kavanagh…happiness looks beautiful on all of you."
"Being Elliot's younger brother has been exhausting! I had to take kick boxing lessons just to even the odds! But, I have finally bested him at something…and I have the trophy to show for it. Please admire the lovely Maid of Honor, Anastasia Steele, as she shows off my driving trophy. Of course, since Elliott gave me most of my driving lessons, part of it belongs to him…along with an equal share of the blame for running over Grandma Frannie's flower beds and destroying Grandpa Theo's garage door. I'm not delving any further into our shared history because there are things Elliot will take to his grave…Right, Elliot?"
"Mom and Dad need never know Grandpa Theo taught us how to smoke cigars. Or that Grandpa Theo thought Grandma Frannie was a lush the summer you were 16 and I was 14. I think we owe her about six cases of wine coolers. We're too old to be grounded, right Elliot? Seriously, I will never reveal anything sordid about your past, and especially not what happened three years, twelve months and 365 days ago."
"The reality is…I have known the true Elliot for a year. The brother I grew up with was funny, adventurous and sometimes a right royal pain in the ass. The brother I have today, the grownup version, is still funny, still adventurous and still a pain in the ass…but he's brilliant, dedicated and talented. He is kind, loving, loyal and hardworking. Elliot shares his time, his energy and his love of life freely with his family and friends. I know he will share his sterling qualities with you, Kate. Just be sure to carry health insurance for those bruised knees, twisted ankles, stressed tendons and pulled muscles from trying to keep up with him. Keep Mom on speed dial, kick off your stilettos, and be prepared for the adventure of your life. Seriously, my family and I are forever grateful to you, Kate, for making Elliot the happiest we've ever seen him. We're looking forward to sharing Elliot and his adventures with you for decades to come."
"Everyone, please raise your glass…to Elliot and Kate…our sincerest wishes for a long and happy love-filled marriage."
XXX – APOV
I'm prepared when it is time to give my Maid of Honor speech. "Thank you, Kate and Elliot for inviting me to be a part of your special day. Thank you, Eamon and Celeste as well as Carrick and Grace for these two wonderful people who are like a sister and brother to me. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Ana, and I'm the Maid of Honor."
"Kate and I may not have been childhood friends. We never played dress up, or suffered through piano recitals together. We didn't go to middle school together and never suffered through braces together. We never bought prom dresses together or celebrated all those special high school moments. Our memories and friendship began the first day of our freshman year in college. We met while standing in line, trying to register. Someone ahead of us had a meltdown over eight a.m. classes. Kate muttered 'drama queen' and I could not stop laughing. Our friendship was forged at that moment. I've known Kate for almost five years, and I was her roommate for most of the time."
"We know more about each other than most stalkers do. We've laughed together, cried together, planned together, studied together, and laughed until we've cried together. We are the only two who think our inside jokes are funny. We've been there for each other through some tough times. We've shared some of the best times of our lives, so far. I am honored to call this overwhelming, amazing, smart, strong, energetic, wonderful woman my best friend and my sister from another mother."
"Elliot, I have seven words to say about the previous men in Kate's life. Kate's worried…she thinks I'm naming names…" Christian turns on the PowerPoint presentation. The first seven screens flash in time to my words. "These are my seven words: neon, pink, demented, killer, bunny, flannel pajamas. Kate…my lips are sealed…but the evidence speaks for itself. I believe in full disclosure." The PowerPoint segues with over a dozen pictures of Kate in the hideous pink pajamas. The crowd roared with laughter at the pictures of not-so-pretty Kate in those awful pajamas. The last slide has four pictures of Ethan and me burning those pajamas.
"Elliot, my brother from another mother, if I didn't have a dozen reasons for appreciating you…never seeing those pajamas is reason enough. You're tall, you're good looking, you're physically fit, you have decent manners, you have an infectious laugh, you are smart, you are kind, and you have the sexiest brother! OPPS I mean nicest mother! Kate is more since she met you…happy, laughing, dancing, speechless… You are Kate's happily ever after. Today is a celebration of your love…and the start of your lives together. Everyone, please raise your glass and join me to toast Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Grey. Congratulations."
I turn off the microphone and go to hug Kate and Elliot. Kate and I blot one another's tears of joy and Elliot brings us more champagne. Then…hand to God…Elliot kisses Kate, Christian kisses me and Ethan kisses Mia. I can't wait to see that picture.
XXX – 3PPOV
"Well, well, well," Laura sighed.
"What," Ray was busy watching her.
"Don't watch me, Mr. Steele. You should be watching your daughter," Laura scolded.
Ray quit watching how Laura's lashes brushed against her cheek. He looked over to see Annie in the arms of Christian Grey…again. "The boy's in love," he announced.
"Well, just in case you missed it, Ana is in love also," Laura chided softly. "You'll have a conversation about life and love pretty soon if I'm not mistaken."
"Want to bet on it," Ray teased.
"I'd bet tonight, but I think they will be too busy. I'll bet you we're invited to breakfast, at his place, with his parents."
"Not tomorrow. Maybe he'll come to Montesano with her on July Fourth." Ray predicted.
"You think there will be fireworks in more ways than one?" Laura smiled.
"I'm betting on it," he whispered his prize in her ear if he won.
"In that case…" she whispered back at him.
"Game on…" he shook her hand. "Let's go dance."
