Page 41 of Craig

Both women exchanged knowing glances. "This is going to be very interesting," Kelly murmured as the announcement was made about the cutting of the cake.

Regina smiled for the cameras and did all the usual ritual. She was sure the cake was delicious; people commented on the texture and the taste, but she couldn't have described any of it.

It all rushed by in a daze, which she supposed was a very good thing, because her shoulders were tensed and her face hurt from the false smiles and the advice given by the two older couples who were friends of the family.

Then it was time to throw the bouquet, another necessary part of the charade. She just wanted it over and done with.

Her stomach was cramping. Her brother, Leesa, and Kelly were right.

It was starting to feel a little too real, and she didn't like it.

Marriage was not something she ever wanted to enter into, and here she was, smiling and accepting the congratulations. She wanted to scream.

As if sensing that she was at her breaking point, Craig whispered to her that it was time to leave. "Why don't you go on up and change into something more comfortable?" he suggested.

"I'll hold down the fort."

"Thank you," she told him sincerely, before wending her way through the flower beds, towards the house. She needed a few minutes alone, just a few minutes to regain her composure.

Chapter 7

She changed into something casual, yet chic, one of her own design. A stunning orange and red crocheted top that showed her navel with its piercing.

She teamed it with a long navy blue skirt and strappy sandals. After hanging up the dress carefully, she sat on the side of the bed and looked around the mostly masculine room.

The décor was on the tame side, tan, deep browns, and some russet that appealed to her sense of boldness. He had suggested she make changes, but other than putting her stuff on available counters and surfaces and hanging her clothes in the huge closet, she had left everything untouched.

She would remove the tan cushions and add some colors, deep blues, sea-greens, and a touch of ruby. The bathroom was a dream with its claw-foot tub, the shower that could easily fit six people, and the double sink.

There was a separate space for the toilet that gave a person some privacy when they were doing their business. She liked that.

Linking her hands together, she stared at herself in the mirror across the room. She looked... stressed or harried.

He had kissed her again and she had sunk into it, forgetting where they were.

She had tried to forget her reaction, but who the hell was she kidding? She had enjoyed it enough to want it to continue.

She was about to get up and get the suitcase he had packed when a knock sounded on the door.

Why on earth was he knocking? she asked herself irritably. It was his room after all.

Marching over to the door, she yanked it open, blinking in surprise to see Cecil leaning on his cane.

“Er- hi. Uhm, if you’re looking for Craig, I believe he’s still at the reception.”

“I know that. I have eyes, don’t I?”

Pushing past her, he walked in, eagle eyes scanning the room.

“You should put your stamp on the place. It needs some color.”

She smiled at that and wondered if she should tell him she was thinking the same thing.

“Sit.”

“I’m not a dog girl. I can stand.”

“You look like you’re about to keel over. I don’t want you ruining my day by having to call the paramedics.”