“It’s okay. How’s the shoulder?”
Jared grinned at me for a moment and then intertwined his fingers in mine. “Did something happen to my shoulder?”
“Is that like the tree fal ing in the woods making a sound question?” I asked, watching the large diamond glitter on my finger.
Jared’s bel owing laughter fil ed the room. “Yeah, something like that. Claire wil be here soon with Mom. They’re bringing over some magazines, catalogs, things like that.”
I smiled and ran my fingers through his wet hair. “You keep me fairly entertained.”
“They’re bringing wedding stuff. Lil ian has resorted to harassment to get me to let her come here. I made her wait until you were a little stronger before she ascended the loft with swaths and centerpiece options. I’m afraid it’s just given her time to col ect more supplies.”
“You didn’t tel them about the island, did you?” I accused.
Jared squint one eye. “I think I’m going to need back up for that.”
“You’re letting them come over here thinking we’re planning a big wedding? Jared!”
He cringed at my reaction. “It’s okay! We’l explain it together.”
I rol ed my eyes and nervously twisted my engagement ring around my finger. “If I can tel Cynthia I’m getting married before I graduate col ege, you can tel your mom we’re going simple.”
Jared looked down and smiled. “You used to do that with Jack’s ring. It’s funny to think this time last year I would smile when I’d see you fidgeting with the Peridot. Now you’re twisting your engagement ring around when you’re nervous. It’s very….surreal,” he mused.
“Tel me about it,” I grumbled.
Jared nodded once. “Cranky when planning weddings...check.”
I pressed my lips together, trying not to smile.
Jared pul ed my hand to his lips and kissed my fingers tenderly. “It wil be fine. I promise.”
The sheer white curtains swayed lazily back and forth with the summer breeze. The wal s of the loft were now in beiges and whites, and when the sun filtered through the windows, everything seemed to glow. Light seemed to engulf Jared, and I smiled at the halo it created around him. His eyes were a soft blue-grey, cloud free since he’d brought me home from the hospital.
Seconds later there was a knock at the door. Claire, Lil ian and Bex walked through, arms ful of sacks and thick catalogs.
Jared smiled at the sight of his family, and then laughed when he turned to see my overwhelmed expression.
“Be brave, sweetheart. Show no fear,” he whispered into my ear before affectionately greeting his mother.
“Nina!” Lil ian gushed. “You look so much better, honey. You had us so worried!”
Claire set white sacks on top of a hot pink duffle bag while Lil ian straightened a stack of bridal magazines on the coffee table.
Lil ian smiled as she looked around the room. “Oh…Oh! I just love what you’ve done in here! It’s so light and peaceful! I’ve been tel ing Jared for years to brighten this place up and you manage to talk him into it within weeks!” She winked. “That a girl, Nina.”
“He practical y forced me to choose a new color palette and shop for new décor. He was sure I didn’t like it before.” I smiled warmly at Jared who watched me with a soft expression.
“New color palette and décor?” Bex snorted.
Jared lunged at him and wrestled him to the floor, putting him in a headlock and rubbing his knuckles against Bex’s head.
“You’l understand one of these days, punk,” Jared said, laughing.
Laughter fil ed the loft as we watched them wrestle on the floor. Bex made an impressive effort, but he was unsuccessful in escaping Jared’s grip.
Jared final y stood up, bringing Bex with him by the col ar. Jared hooked Bex’s neck with the crook of his arm and squeezed, and Bex threw his arm up and over his big brother’s shoulder.
“Have you seen this one, Nina?” Lil ian asked, grabbing a magazine from the top of the stack. She licked her thumb and flipped to an earmarked page.
The picture was of a woman standing on a beach, the bright blue sky and azure waters behind her, looking quite bored and desperately in need of a meal. She wore a bright white v-neck dress, clinging to the edges of her shoulders. The bodice was gathered from shoulder to the silver beaded empire waist. The chiffon and silk dropped straight down into a flowing a-line skirt.
“It’s perfect,” I said, sighing over its beauty.
Jared peered over from the end of the couch and Claire covered his eyes with her hand. “You can’t look!”