Running Away With You (Running #3) (62 page)

My heartbeat quickens.  I struggle to control my breathing. A sudden zing of electricity spurs my muscles to tighten around him.  My body quivers and my eyes flutter closed. His muscular back arches and his hips roll and push one more time, making me tremble and quake.

“Welcome to Hawaii,” he says softly, rolling the tip of his tongue up the length of my neck, tasting me before covering my lips with his again. I want to hug myself, I’m so happy.  I find myself grinning goofily at him, and when he glances down at me, his mouth draws into his famous half smile with full dimples.

My last coherent moment is Evan wrapping his huge body around mine and pulling me to him.  I am cocooned in Evan.  I fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.

I wake early the next day, tangled in Evan’s arms and legs, the sun shining through the shaded window, casting a warm orange glow onto our bed. The room he selected for us is bathed in soft, willowy fabrics that drape in a canopy over our bed, and golden tones of the wooden floors and furnishings.  Tropical flowers are all around, and a light ocean breeze floats in through the open windows.

I gaze at him while he still sleeps, looking so serene and beautiful. I don’t want to disturb him, but I can’t resist the temptation to place a gentle kiss on the tip of his nose. He doesn’t flinch at my touch, so I kiss him on the forehead this time, deciding to have him join me in consciousness. He stirs a little, his brow furrowing.

I stare at his sweet lips and choose them as my next target, letting them softly meet mine. This rouses him from slumber completely, like Snow White to Prince Charming, and he returns my kiss.

“I love waking up with you,” he says between kisses. He wraps his arms around me completely, pulling me closer to him as I nestle myself in his arm, soaking up the warmth of his body and the softness of his skin.

Holding him tight, returning his embrace I say, “Me too.  I wish we didn’t have to get out of bed.”

“Who says we have to?” Evan replies with a mischievous laugh.

“I'm serious,” I say.

“I know you are,” Evan mocks as his hands glide down my body. “I like the sound of that, actually.”

“You do?” I ask teasingly.  We kiss slowly, deeply.

“Oh, yeah.”

“It's nice to be like this.”

“Naked?” he asks.

“No, happy.”

Evan pulls me up to him so that our eyes meet.  “We are happy, aren't we?”

“I am.” I smile, and truly mean it.

“I am too.” He smiles.

“Good.”

“Good,” he repeats back to me.  “You have my undivided attention for the next forty-eight hours.  The draft isn’t for two more days, and the press won’t be here until then.  Is there anything special you want to do?”

I think for a moment and answer truthfully, “I don’t care what we do.  As long as I get to spend time with you, that’s all that matters.  As far as I’m concerned, we can stay locked up here in our suite for the next few days and order room service.”  Our oceanfront suite is resplendent, with a double garden terrace balcony with a whirlpool spa and direct views of the Pacific Ocean.  Why would I ever want to leave?

“Well, you may not want to leave, but I strongly suggest we get dressed.”  Evan walks over to the walk-in closet and opens the doors, revealing a full and complete wardrobe. 

Suddenly more aware of my surroundings, I take a closer look around the room and notice for the first time that the flowers that adorn our room are all similar yet different.  Each vase I see contains a variety of white flowers.  Some are small and delicate stars with bright yellow stamens.  Others have full double blooms with deep green leaves.  “Evan, are all these gardenias?” I ask.

He smiles.  “They are.”

Evan steps into the closet.  I can hear him moving around a few hangers, and when he emerges he’s carrying a large white dress bag.  Gently and with much care and reverence, he lays the bag on the bed at my feet.  “Is that my wedding dress?”

He smiles.  “It is.”

I can feel my heart beating wildly in my chest as he returns to the closet.  This time when he returns, he’s carrying a black garment bag, which he places on the chair beside our bed.  “Evan, what’s in that bag?”

He smiles.  “My tux.”

A million thoughts go racing through my mind, and I begin to ramble them off, mostly incoherently.  “Evan, I can’t get married here.  My mother. 
Your
mother.  Our family.  Our friends.  They’d be furious.  Auggie will never speak to me again.  Who will be our witnesses?  This is nuts.  You’re nuts.  What were you thinking?”

“Slow down,” Evan tells me as he sits beside me on the bed.  “They’re all here, and unless you want my mother to walk in and find you buck naked, I suggest you put some clothes on.”

“Wait, who’s here?  Your mother’s here?  She’s staying with us?  I don’t understand.”

“They’re all here.  I put them up in the hotel next door,” he explains patiently.  Evan moves an errant lock of hair behind my ear and grins wickedly at me.  “Today is our wedding day.  Everything is taken care of.  The girls will be up shortly for your spa day.  The boys and I are going golfing.  The next time you see me, I’ll be waiting for you at the altar.  Are you ready to become my wife, Juliette?”

“Are you sure about this?” I ask.

“Juliette, when I tell you I love you, it’s more than just words to me.  I say it to remind you that you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.  If I could turn back time and start all over again, I’d still choose you – every single time.  I’d weather any storm, suffer any terrain, so long as it brings me right back here with you.” 

I wrap my arms around him and press myself tightly against his chest.  Through bleary eyes and with a shaky voice, I tell him, “There’s still a part of me today that can’t believe that I’m the one who gets to marry you.”

“Well then, what are we waiting for?  Let’s get hitched,” he teases.

I’m rummaging through the dresses hanging in the closet when there’s a persistent knocking on our door.  Evan kisses me sweetly and answers the door, calling out to me, “It’s for you!”

I slip on a simple pink sundress and a pair of sandals, then hurry to see who’s arrived.  I stop dead in my tracks when I see him. “Auggie!”  More joyful tears spring free as I run to him, nearly tackling him to the ground.  “What are you doing here?  Why aren’t you in L.A.?”

“Yeah, that was little bit of a fib.  Lucas and I flew out here with your mom and Jill a few days ago to plan your big day.  Lucas was offered the part without a screen test.”  He takes me by the hand and leads me to the lanai.  I take a seat, and for the first time drink in the beauty and splendor of Honolulu. 

Waiting for us there are two glasses of orange juice and a bottle of Champagne.  “Mimosa?” Auggie asks.  I nod and he tops off our glasses.

After we toast to new beginnings, I ask for an explanation.  “So I feel like I’ve arrived late to my own party.  Care to fill me in on the exact details of my wedding day?”

“Nope.  Sorry, Jette, my pet, but you’re going to have to trust me.” 

I take a sip of my drink and think about what he’s telling me.  “So you won’t tell me anything?  Nothing at all?”

“Nada.  It really doesn’t matter – it’s too late to change anything.  The guests are on their way, the caterers are getting ready, and the flowers have been ordered.  This way, there’s no chance of you becoming a bridezilla.”

I gasp.  “Seriously, Auggie?  Do you really think I’d do that?”

“Micromanage everything?  Worry about every small detail?  Agonize over every choice and option?  Nah – not
you
!  Never,” he teases.

“Point taken.  So what’s first on today’s agenda?”

Before Auggie can answer, there’s a knock on the door, followed by a loud, high-pitched commotion.  “I believe that would be your wedding party now.”

In a flow of chaos, in sweep Emmy, Reese, Camilla, and Callie, all carrying large dress bags and totes of all different sizes and shapes.  Some carry shoes, others carry makeup and accessories.  Everything is placed in the second bedroom, the place where we’ll all get dressed for the ceremony. 

It’s finally explained to me that for the remainder of the day, the girls and I will spend the day at the spa.  Evan has reserved the bridal spa just for us.  “Auggie, what about you?  Aren’t you joining us?”

“Not this time, Jepetto.  The boys and I will be taking in a round of golf at the Turtle Bay Palmer Golf Course.”

“Come on, Jette, let’s go,” Emmy demands.  “Massages first, and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait.  They have a special pregnancy table and I’ve had a backache for a month straight.”

I kiss Evan goodbye and join my girls.  The five of us make the short trek to the spa, which is in another building across the property. 

Upon arrival, we are ushered into the Hoonanea Bridal Suite, where relaxation begins the moment we step in the door. Crossing the threshold, we are immediately transported to a tropical oasis. Crisp and clean hues of white cover the walls and floors. Scattered throughout the spa are large-leafed tropical plants, delicate orchids, and earthy bamboo sticks in tall jade vases. 

Hoonanea is the epitome of luxury and indulgence.  Lounge chairs surround a sunken spa tub, while white silk fabrics divide the spacious area into smaller, intimate stations.  Overlooking a large floor-to-ceiling window is a dining room table set for a feast of fresh fruit, homemade breads, and all sorts of juice.

Once we’ve been shown around the facilities, the receptionist helps us to coordinate our services.  Wanting my skin to glow on my wedding day, the first thing I ask for is a facial.  “Oh, no.  That’s out of the question.  Facials can leave your face red for at least a week.  I suggest a visit to the sauna to sweat out all those nasty toxins and cleanse your skin.  Speaking of which, did you bring your makeup today?”

“Um, no, I ... ”

“Yes, it’s right here,” Camilla interrupts, handing over a small bag.  She notices my confusion and explains,  “Trying new products on your face today is a no-no.  You could have an allergic reaction, it could dry your skin, or even make it too oily.  We can’t let that happen.”

I had no idea.

One by one, each of us selects a variety of treatments – everything from hot stone massages to seawater body treatments, manicures, pedicures, hair and makeup.  Reese avails herself of the spa menu and orders lunch for everyone.

Emmy and I are sitting in the pedicure station when a hotel employee brings me a large sealed manila envelope.  It says,
Read Immediately
.  Hurriedly, I pull apart the clasp and pull out a copy of a local newspaper.  There is a Post-it note with two words printed beside an article. It reads,
It’s over
. 

Body Of Missing Colorado Man Found

According to the article, David Jorgenson’s body was found floating in the White River with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.  Police suspect the murder was an organized crime hit tied to gambling debts.

Oh my God.  David is dead.  He is no longer alive.  I should be ecstatic to know that he can’t harass and intimidate me anymore.  But all I feel for the boy I once knew and cared about is pity for him and sympathy for his family.

I refuse to give one ounce of my happiness away to that man.  He has taken too much from me already.  This is good news.  I can move forward with Evan without fear of what may be waiting for us when we return home.  It’s the best wedding gift I could have asked for.

After the pedicure, Reese and I are escorted to the sauna while the others are taken for massages and body treatments.  As we walk in, I breathe in and feel the dry heat inside my nose, and the heat washes over me like the ocean.  At first we sit quietly and listen to the singeing of the rocks as they expand and contract with the heat, and enjoy the smell of warm wood and sage crackling on the rocks.

“Reese, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, Jette, anything.  Today’s your day.  Let her rip.”

I try to take in a deep breath before I explain, but the dry heat fills my lungs, making it difficult.  “Do you think we’re going to make it?  So many couples end up divorced.  Look at my mother.  She can’t stand to even hear my father’s name spoken out loud.”

Reese looks at me like I’ve grown another head.  “First of all, you are not your mother. You and Evan have already survived some serious bumps in the road.  He’s seen you when you were sick, when you were in the hospital and didn’t shower for days.  He’s seen you at your very worst and at your lowest point.  And he wants to marry you anyway.”

“Ha, ha, ha, very funny!”  She might be joking with me, but she’s right.  If anyone can beat the odds, it’s Evan and me. 

“It’s funny because it’s true,” she tells me.  The buzzer goes off, signaling the end of our sauna treatment.  Reese and I immediately head to the warm yet refreshing water of the Jacuzzi, where a lovely attendant brings us each a bottle of spring water.

Slowly my core body temperature begins to normalize, and I begin to relax just as the masseuse comes in. “Hello, Juliette.  Are you ready?” Not quite. But I’m getting there. 

“O
nly clear liquids.  No alcohol.  No caffeine.  And make sure you eat.  The last thing we need is for the bride to pass out from low blood sugar.  Got it?”  I nod my head as Callie runs through her pre-wedding checklist for me.  I look out the window at the subtle beauty of softly changing colors of twilight.  Soon the sun will set, painting the sky with an amazing color palette of inspiring warm and vibrant colors.  It is under this backdrop that I will declare my love and exchange vows with the man who will become my husband.