~~~
“We wouldn’t be late right now if you’d kept your hands to yourself.” Jenny stomped the floorboard on the passenger side as the car in front of them stopped short.
“You may not have noticed, Angel, but there’s no brake pedal over there.” Zach shot her one of the half grins that always made her heart melt. “And I didn’t hear you complaining at the time.”
“Shut up, you big oaf.” She stuck her tongue out at her husband of only twenty-four hours.
“Oooh, stop! You’re giving me ideas.” His mouth curled in a lecherous smile. “If you want to get to the hotel anytime today, I suggest you keep that talented little tongue in your mouth.”
“Pervert. I hope you realize you’ve allowed my mother time to give your dad a ration of grief.”
“For what? She doesn’t even know him.”
“How about for siring a son who dared to elope with her precious daughter.”
“Relax. I’m a divorce lawyer. Mediating disputes is my specialty. It’s just as well if our parents have a chance to let off a little steam with each other before we get there.”
“So what’re you saying? Your father’s upset about missing our wedding, too?”
She couldn’t blame him. At least her mother should understand how painful it would have been for Jenny to have a formal wedding without her dad there to walk her down the aisle and dance with her the way he had with Jenny’s older sister when Ashley got married.
“Not exactly. You don’t want to know what my dad thinks.”
“Tell me anyway.”
“He just believes we should’ve waited a while longer.”
“Maybe we should have. We’ve only dated a little over two months.”
He squeezed her hand. “And weren’t they the best two months of your life? I know they were for me.”
In truth, she’d never been happier. Zach had been a lifesaver, making her laugh again after the loss of her father—more than she ever had before.
“They have been. But we really don’t know that much about each other,” she pointed out. “Unless, of course, we count you knowing how to push my ON button.” No other guy had ever been able to get her motor racing let alone send her over the finish line.
“Exactly. I know all the important stuff about you. I didn’t want you learning all my faults before I set my hook and reeled you in.”
“I just love being equated with a flopping trout.” She chuckled.
“In any case, now you’re stuck with me.” He reached over and caressed her cheek. “For better or worse.”
“Just remember, Counselor, that better-or-worse policy goes two ways.” She tickled his rib while his arm was still raised, causing him to swerve on the road.
“Behave yourself!” he scolded, correcting his steering. “Do you want me to have an accident?
“Sorry. I really would like to arrive at dinner in one piece. Wrecking the car will only delay us from facing the inevitable music.” Or more accurately—the harping.
“My dad just doesn’t understand.” Zach shrugged one shoulder. “I know he loved my mom, but I don’t think he’s ever been totally hooked on a woman the way I am on you.”
“I know what you mean.” Jenny sighed, remembering the warm, comfortable relationship her parents had enjoyed. “My mom and dad were never very passionate with each other, either. Do you think we’ll ever lose that excitement?”
Zach smiled sideways at her and wiggled his eyebrows. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”