It was wonderful.
"I don't feel pressured," she repeated. "I feel touched. And honored. I'd love to get married here. My friends will have no problem traveling to New England." She smiled, thinking about the WVNY gang. "They'll probably all pile into a few big minivans and drive up. And my family's small—only my parents, and aunt and uncle. They love traveling, for business and pleasure. In fact, my aunt owns a travel agency and tries out vacation spots all over the world. So Vermont will be a hop, skip, and a jump for them."
"What about the date—is June too soon?" Lisa asked.
"Not for me." Taylor glanced up at Reed, gave him a questioning look. "How about you? Your firm's
just taking off. Can Paul handle things on his own? Or is it too soon for you to break away?"
"Not on your life." He shook his head emphatically. "That's why I started the firm—so I could have a
life and live it the way I wanted. Paul will be fine." Reed rose, seizing Taylor's hand and urging her to
her feet. "Will you all excuse us for a minute? I want to talk to Taylor alone."
"Right. Talk," Rob responded dryly. "Just keep it clean. There are kids in and around the house."
"I'll try to restrain myself," Reed shot back. He led Taylor through the hallway and out the backdoor.
In the garden, he turned her around to face him. "Is this really what you want? Because a wedding's
a once-in-a-lifetime event. At least in our case, it will be. I want this day to be everything you want
it to be."
"It will be. It already is," she assured him. "I'm even more excited now than I was before. Your
family's enthusiasm is contagious. They're wonderful—all you said and more."
"They're about to become your family, too."
"I know. And I feel incredibly lucky."
"So do I." Reed tilted Taylor's chin up and kissed her gently—in a way that was totally acceptable for
the crowd of kids assembling to witness their display. "I love you," he said quietly. "Never forget that."
"How could I, after all you've done?" She gazed up at him, tears still glistening in her eyes. "I love you, too. I also trust you. Totally and without reservation. And I rely on you. You've taught me I can do that and still be strong and independent. Thank you for that. So, no more walls. No more self-protection.
Not when it comes to us." She smiled through her tears. "It seems you've tackled your hardest case to date and won, Counselor."
Reed's knuckles caressed her cheek, and she could feel the emotion in his touch. "Hey, I told you I was good."
"Oh, you are. Very, very good."
A slow grin curved his lips. "So, do I get a victory celebration?"
"Am I invited?"
"You're my one and only guest."
"I thought I was the hostess."
"You're that, too."
Taylor's eyes glinted with laughter. "Where and when?"
He pursed his lips thoughtfully. "Let's see. We're leaving my parents' place after dinner. It's just over
a four-hour drive to Manhattan. It'll probably take us five, given the holiday traffic. That puts us in Manhattan at about one a.m."
"Sounds right."
"How tired will you be?"
"Wide-awake."
"Okay, then," he concluded, his thumb brushing her lips. "It's settled. My bed. Tonight. One-thirty a.m."
"Dress code?"
"Bare skin."
"Can I bring anything?"
"Nope. Just yourself. And no serving required. Not food, anyway. This is going to be a no-frills, go-for-the-gold celebration. Just you, me, a very big bed, and a very long night. You did say that
Dellinger was closed tomorrow?"
"I did," she confirmed.
"Good. Then the celebration can run on into tomorrow."
"Wow. It sounds like quite an event."
"Oh, it will be. You have my word."
"Just your word?" she asked with mock innocence. "Is that all I have?"
"No." His eyes darkened. "You, my love, have all of me. And tonight, you can help yourself to any
part you like."
"Can I go back for seconds?"
"Seconds, thirds—whatever you crave."
Taylor's smile was pure seduction. "In that case, I'll be there."
Andrea Kane, I'll Be Watching You
(Series: # )
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