Bouquet Toss (23 page)

“Do you like cherries, sweetheart?” Tanner asks as we arrive at the first vineyard.

“I adore cherries.  They’re my favorite.  In fact, I
love
them.” I smile, squeezing Tanner’s hand gently as we walk into the winery.  He raises a suspicious eyebrow at me.  Does he already have me figured out?  He says nothing else as we stroll inside, holding the door open for me. His hand is gently placed on the small of my back as we walk to the counter.  A woman smiles broadly and hands us the wine menus for the tasting.  Tanner and I select our six wines for tasting and pass the selections back to our host.

“Excellent choices,” she says as she fills our glasses.  Despite the large salad that I ate for dinner, the wine is giving me a delightful buzz by the time we have finished the tasting. I playfully hold onto Tanner’s elbow as we walk back to his car.  Having not been affected by the wine himself, he is enjoying my tipsy behavior.  He carries our purchases to the car, places them in the trunk and opens my door.

“Wow, you’re such a gentleman this evening, huh?”  I tease him.  “I
love
that.”

“Oh you do, huh?” he laughs, giving me a satisfied grin, “You are really feeling the
love
tonight, aren’t you Miss Harper?”  He asks, swiftly pulling me into his arms.  He has literally taken my breath away. He stares deeply into my eyes. He then glances to my lips, my cheeks, my hair as if he is searching for something to say.  He strokes my cheek lightly with the pad of his thumb as he takes my chin into his hands.  He kisses me deeply and I respond instantly, pulling him to me with voracity and desire.  After a few moments, he pulls away, gasping for air, staring into my dumbfounded eyes. 

“What is it?”  Why did you stop?” I ask, leaning onto his chest for support without breaking eye contact.

“I just remembered that we’re in a parking lot.” He laughs.

“So what?” I ask, running my fingers down his neck.

“We’re in a parking lot and you, my dear, are tipsy.  And as much as I love when you are tipsy, I think we should probably go now.”  I give him an exaggerated pout, but cannot sustain it when he raises his eyebrows at me. 

“Alright, party pooper,” I say between giggles climbing into my seat, “Let’s go.”

We visit two more wineries, and despite my rapid consumption of the sweet crackers at each bar, I’m still enjoying a very healthy buzz.  I notice that Tanner is also showing a slight tipsiness to him.  Being the responsible man that he is, however, our final winery is across the street from the condominium complex.

“You think of everything, don’t you?” I ask as he carefully pulls his car into the parking lot.

“Most of the time.  Isn’t that something you
love
about me?” he asks, patting my leg after putting the gear shift into ‘park’. I take his hand in mine and stare at him intently.

“I love
everything
about you.” Tanner stares at me for a moment, then smiles deviously and grabs my face with both of his hands, pulling me toward him for another deep kiss.  His tongue tastes delicious, like strawberry wine.  His breath is hot on my neck as he pulls away and begins to shower me with kisses along my jaw.  I shudder and cry out softly as he flicks his tongue seductively on the fleshy portion of my ear.  I want him so badly. Craving the touch that only Tanner can give, I stroke his inner thigh, urging him on.

“Let’s go upstairs,” he murmurs.

“Will that be ok?” I hesitate, “I mean, with your family?”

“Yeah, we just need to be quiet. Can you do that?”  I stare, astonished at his question.

“I’m not sure,” I giggle.

“I promise it’ll be worth it,” Tanner smirks before kissing me roughly on the lips once again.  I have no choice but to nod in surrender. 

The next morning lying next to him, I feel elated but a touch paranoid.   I remember our movements and how our bodies fit together so perfectly.  I remember the smell of wine lingering as he stroked my hair and I breathed roughly into his chest.  The one thing I don’t remember is whether or not I was able to keep my voice restrained.  Eager to speak to Tanner, I stroke his shoulders, his biceps and his forearms lightly, hoping he’ll be able to reassure me.  Eventually he stirs.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” he says, smiling widely.

“Morning, Tanner.   Last night was absolutely blissful.” I say, stroking his cheek.

“I agree.  I
loved
it.” He smirks.  Yep, he has me totally figured out.  Refusing to give in, at this point, I continue to play the game.

“Well, I’m so glad you
loved
it, darling.  But, I’m dreading seeing your folks.”

“Why?” he seems genuinely puzzled.

“Well, I don’t know if I was able to control myself.  I remember so many things about last night, but I can’t recall if I was quiet enough...you know, so that no one heard us.”

“You were practically silent, Daphne,” Tanner snickers.

“I don’t believe you!” I say, shoving him playfully in the chest.

“No, I swear, I swear,” he says, holding his hands up in defense.  “You were perfect, sweetheart.  I’m certain no one heard anything at all.”

I loosen up, knowing Tanner would never lie to me. And in that realization, I realize how incredibly happy I am with this man.  He is honest, he is kind, and he is outright sexy. 

“Hey, what are you thinking about?”

“Hmm, I was just realizing how lucky I am.”

“Hmm,” he says sarcastically, “What were you really thinking?”

“Well, if you must know.  I was thinking about you.  How wonderful you are, how sweet you are, that kind of stuff.”

“Keep going.  I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of this conversation,” he laughs.

“I’m sure you won’t,” I say, raising an eyebrow.

Tanner says, pulling me closer, pushing my bangs from my eyes.  “I’m glad you think you’re lucky.  But, I’m the lucky one.  You came into my life and have brightened it ever since.  You’re like sunshine.” He pauses and strokes the stray hair from my face. “Are you hungry?  I think I smell bacon and coffee downstairs.”

“Sure, let me take a quick shower and then I’ll be right down.” I say, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

“You know you look perfect.  Everyone else will be in their pajamas and robes.”

“But, I don’t know that I’m ready for your father to see me in my pajamas,” I admit, my cheeks turning scarlet.  Tanner places a tiny kiss on the tip of my nose.

“I understand, sweetheart.  I’ll see you downstairs.”

“Thanks,” I mumble, still feeling a bit uneasy.  Tanner puts on his pajamas and closes the door behind him.  Taking a deep breath, I head to the washroom to freshen myself up.  I can hear his parents asking him about our trip to the wineries. There is no weirdness or awkward tension and I feel so relieved. 

Quickly, I shower, get dressed and pretty myself up a bit before heading downstairs to join Tanner’s family for breakfast.  His sister Maggie is the first to greet me, crossing the room and giving me a hug.

“Good morning, Daphne!  It’s so good to see you again.”

I smile warmly at her, “Thanks, Maggie.  I’m happy to see you, too.”

“Come sit down.  Mom and I made breakfast for everyone.  What can I get you?  Eggs?  Bacon?  Fresh fruit?”  My stomach growls loudly.

“Oh wow.” I giggle, placing a hand on my abdomen, “Yes, yes and yes, please.”

Tanner grasps my hand in his under the table and gives me a chaste kiss on the cheek.  I shift towards him, thanking him for the sweet contact.

Everyone is excited for the wedding this evening.  Maggie convinces me to let her style my hair.  I oblige, mostly because I’m terrible at styling my own hair, but I’m also excited about the opportunity to bond with her.  I haven’t really spent much time with Maggie and would love her to approve of my relationship with Tanner. 

Lily and Paul are attentive hosts, making sure I’ve had enough to eat and that I slept well.  I feel so at home in their world and it’s encouraging.  I find myself getting excited about the upcoming wedding and reception.  Now that I feel accepted and welcomed into the Finley family, I’m ready to face the relatives.

That evening, Tanner and I are sitting in a small church waiting for his cousin, Victoria, to walk down the aisle.  His arm is set behind me while the other cups my hand in his.  He looks so satisfied to have me on his arm. It makes me swoon again knowing that he’s proud of my being here with his family.  I’m his one and only and the knowledge of this brings me immeasurable amounts of joy.

The Bridal Chorus begins and
Victoria
strolls down the aisle.  Her dark hair cascades down her back, and the lace of her dress matches the delicate veil atop her head.  She’s a sight to behold. 

The service is beautiful and the joy of the newly married couple radiates throughout the chapel.  Tanner leans in closer as the bride and groom exit the church.

“Hope that wasn’t too painful,” he smiles.

“Are you kidding?  It was gorgeous.  I’m a sucker for a beautiful church wedding.”  I take his hand and we follow the crowd out to the parking lot. 

“Really?  I pegged you as a get-married-on-the-beach type of girl.”

“Nah, I guess I’m more traditional than you know, Mr. Finley.  I’ve always dreamed of a small chapel like this, my father walking me down the aisle, all that good stuff.  What about you?”  I tilt my head to the side with a small smirk on my face as Tanner opens my car door for me and holds it open, staring me deeply in the eyes.

“Honestly, I’ve never given the actual service much thought.  I’ve always thought more about the woman I’d marry.”  He then plants a strong kiss on me before strolling around the SUV to the driver’s side.  I’m left stunned and realize that I’m still standing outside of the vehicle as Tanner starts the engine.

“Daphne,” he laughs, “Want to get in the car, sweetheart?”

“Right,” I say, shaking off my bewildered expression.

We spend the next few minutes in complete silence.  I’m too afraid to speak, my emotions are too strong.  I’m afraid I’ll confess my love right here in the car.  No, Daphne, you must wait for the right time.

“Are you alright?”  Tanner asks, breaking my chain of thought.

“Did I freak you out back there?”  He looks perplexed and nervous.  He thinks I didn’t like what he was hinting at, but he is so wrong. 

I look at him confidently and say, matter-of-factly, “Absolutely not, Tanner.  It’s just the opposite.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” he sighs.  I’m so eager to tell him how I feel. I want to ease his fears and my own. But, first, I must confess my hidden talents that will surely be revealed at
Victoria
’s reception.

“So, there’s something I really should share with you,” I say nervously.

“Go ahead,” he says, focusing on the road.  He looks tense.

“I sort of have this talent.  It’s an odd one to have, I admit…but, well, I catch every bouquet at every wedding I attend even though I don’t want to.  There, I said it.  It’s off my chest. Phew.” I exhale deeply and push my head back into the seat. 

“Seriously,” Tanner grins.  “Every time, huh?”  I nod.

“How many weddings?” he asks.

“I’m starting to lose count, to tell you the truth.  Nine?  Maybe ten?”

“I’m not gonna lie, that’s a little odd.  But, maybe the universe is speaking to you.”  I sit up with a start.

“That’s what I’ve always wondered!  But, honestly, it’s been going on for so long now, who the heck knows anymore. I don’t want you to be freaked out if I catch it tonight.”

“If you catch it?”

“Ok, when I catch it.” I roll my eyes playfully.

“It won’t freak me out.”

“Really, are you sure?” I ask, giving him my best attempt at a sexy smile.

“I am absolutely certain.  I promise it won’t freak me out.”  He is so calm and self-assured, as he speaks these words.  A strong wave of calm spreads through me as he pulls his SUV into an empty parking space.  He shifts the car into park and gives me a small kiss on the lips.

“Come on, I’m starving.  Let’s go eat!”

Several hours later, it’s time for the bouquet toss. My heart begins to race.  Normally, I would be thrilled to catch the bouquet.  I’m in a committed relationship with a wonderful man; a man with whom I can imagine planning a future.  I can picture myself walking down the aisle, walking towards Tanner, a huge smile on his face.  I can envision him as my husband.  However, I’m growing tired of my curse.  Part of me wants nothing more than to see some other young woman catch that bundle of flowers.  But, would Tanner be disappointed?

Slowly, I make my way to the dance floor.  Several of Tanner’s young cousins are on the dance floor, giggling and ready for the main event. My lungs expand, breathing in the warm air of the reception hall.  Glancing back at Tanner, I position myself amongst the cousins.

Sure enough, the bride tosses it behind her and it lands perfectly in my hands.  My breath escapes me.  I’ve never been so happy catching the bouquet before.  My cheeks, my ears, my neck all burn hot with pure elation.  This time, I truly want to be the next one in line for marriage.  I want a future with Tanner.  And I need to tell him so.