Max’s words shot pleasurable shivers through me. Satisfied with his answer, I gave him a big smile. Max held my hand and led me out the bedroom door. Thank goodness my parents were in their room. I wondered if they wondered what was taking Max and me so long?

Chapter 29

Becky

“I’m coming,” I said out loud, hearing the doorbell ring. It was funny to hear that sound. It sounded like I was home.

“Hello, beautiful,” Matthew said all flirty, leaning against the door hinge with his hands in his pants pocket. I was short of breath, admiring this beauty in front of me. He wore a striped blue and white dress shirt and dark navy pants. He scanned my body with his eyes, making it obvious that he was. “Maybe we should be late to dinner. It’s not like we’re the reason why people are here.” Matthew imprisoned me with his arms, walking backwards, away from the door.

“Yes. But we are in the wedding party. I’m sure someone will miss us,” I replied, feeling Matthew’s soft kisses on my face. “Why didn’t you just use your keys to come in? I saw that you had unpacked already while I was out and about with Jenna and her mom.”

“What would be the fun in that?” he murmured against my lips. “We had an appointment with the wedding coordinator. The reason why I didn’t let you know. We just finished.”

“We really should get going.”

“I guess you’re right.” Matthew pouted, then he became serious. “How are you feeling?”

“You don’t have to ask me that every time you see me. Don’t worry. I’ll let you know,” I said cautiously. I didn’t want him to think that I was ungrateful.

“Okay,” he replied, sounding defeated.

I felt terrible, so I tried to lighten the mood. “So, are we going to have a big wedding?”

“Babe, you can have whatever wedding you want.”

“We better get going. Nicole and Kate already texted me twice. I was just about headed to get Jenna and her parents.”

“No need. Max is their escort.”

“And you are mine?”

“I’m always yours.” Matthew winked.

Matthew always had a way of saying the sweetest things. “That you are. Come hither.” Hooking my index finger through the loop of his pants, I reeled him out of our villa.

“Here we are.” I traced the 3D white wooden letters with my eyes. Addison, it read. “Pretty name for a restaurant.”

“I like it,” Matthew agreed. “My grandmother’s name was Addison. They named this restaurant after her.”

“Really?” I squealed excitedly. How amazing it was to have a restaurant named after you.

“Just kidding.”

“Matthew!” I lightly pushed his chest. It didn’t matter that I did; he didn’t even budge.

“No, but seriously. My grandmother’s name was Addison.”

Our friends cut off our conversation and stopped us in place. “Becky!” Kate bellowed, followed by Craig.

“Matthew!” Nicole said out loud. She shook Matthew’s hand and gave me a hug.

“Have you been here before?” Craig asked.

“When we get a chance to get away,” Matthew answered. “Is this your first time here?”

“Yes, but it won’t be our last.”

“So...what do you need to tell us?” Kate asked, changing our conversation.

I swung my arm out, making sure they had a clear vision of the diamond ring. I didn’t know why I suddenly felt shy about it.

“Awww,” Nicole said smiling. “Congratulations.”

“It’s beautiful,” Kate gushed.

“We should get going. We’re already late. I’ll tell you all about it during dinner...or maybe after.” Mathew and I headed inside hand in hand, where a room full of people greeted us.

I was introduced to Matthew’s cousins, aunts, and uncles. I could tell by the gestures how much they loved and cared for one another. Jenna caught my eyes from across the room. She had the brightest, happiest smile. As I continued to smile and gaze at her, I couldn’t help the sadness I felt in my heart. No matter how genuinely happy I was for her, even knowing I would see her soon, she was no longer my roommate. I was going to miss her terribly.

After dinner, most of the elder couples headed to bed while the young ones ordered drinks and went to a hangout close to the bar.

“Did you set your wedding date yet?” Nicole asked. With her legs crossed, she snuggled to Keith on the sofa.

When I turned to Matthew, I almost kissed him. His body was pressed against mine. It’s like he needed to touch all of me. If he could, he would be on top of me. I had to laugh at that. “We’re going to wait until next year.” Nicole and Kate had no idea that I was pregnant. I planned to tell them when we got home. I wouldn’t be able to hide it soon.

Suddenly, Max and Jenna stood up. “We’re going to bed.”

“So soon? The wedding isn’t until late afternoon,” Kate said, giving Jenna and Max a hug.

“I don’t know if I can sleep, so I’m going to try to get much rest as possible.”

“Oh...I understand. I didn’t sleep at all on the night of my wedding.”

“Really, hun? I slept like a baby,” Keith snorted.

“Guys don’t understand. All that work you do, you want everything to be perfect. We understand, Jenna. You want to be refreshed and look your best on the most important day of your life.”