Chapter Seventeen – Epilogue
“Christmas in Paradise.” Amy stepped into the short-sleeve dress she’d set on the bed. “I can’t believe we’re finally going to meet everyone.”
Ray slid his toiletry case out from his carry-on. “From the stories I’ve heard this is going to be a couple of weeks for the record books.”
Sliding an arm into the sleeve of her dress and pulling the fabric over her shoulder, Amy dared a glance at her husband. “Doug has always told me how special the holidays are for the Everretts, having us all together for the first time is going to make it even more special.”
Ray reached for her zipper. “Here, let me help you with that.”
“Absolutely not.” Giggling, Amy took a step forward. This morning Ray had offered to help her dress, and, instead, they wound up back in bed and they’d almost missed their flight.
Her husband leaned back against the wall, crossed his arms, and smiled. “Then I’ll just watch.”
“Men,” she huffed, rolling her eyes and holding back laughter.
So much had happened since the wedding in Honolulu; she’d finished her masters and got a fantastic job with plenty of time off for the holidays, Ray was teaching and coaching and enjoying life in San Francisco, and so far, married life had been pretty darn sweet.
Arm behind her back, she tugged the zipper up the last few inches and scurried into the bathroom to finish getting ready.
“Spoil sport,” Ray called to her back.
In front of the bathroom mirror, Amy added a touch of mascara and continued talking to her husband.
“So hard to believe just over a year ago I’d never been to Hawaii and now, we’re in Kona.
” Through the crack in the door she could see Ray tucking in his shirt.
The sight of the man still gave her goose bumps.
“Okay. I’m ready.” Ray retrieved his wallet from the dresser and placed it into his back pocket. His appreciative grin spread at the sight of Amy fully dressed. “You are so very beautiful.”
Feeling the heat of his gaze all the way to her toes, she couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll give you the rest of our lives to stop saying that.”
“Deal.” He squeezed her hand and, leaning in, gave her a restrained kiss on the lips, then, pulling back and resting his forehead against hers, he blinked. “Do you think you think your brother would notice if we’re late?”
When John Maplewood kissed his wife soundly on the lips, Bradley took a sudden interest in his shoes. He knew his friend was happily married now, and kissing his wife in public was technically acceptable, but somehow he felt like he was intruding on a private moment.
“Are they at it again?” Doug chuckled at his brother-in-law’s friend. “You’ll get used to it.”
Holding her husband’s hand, Emily kissed Doug on the cheek before turning to face Bradley. “We’re a very affectionate family.”
“Apparently,” Bradley smiled. “I thought your sister and her husband were joining us?”
“They are.” Doug pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. “I know the newlywed stage is supposed to last about a year but I don’t think anyone told them.”
From where he stood, John could see the couple slowly strolling down the walk, stopping every few minutes to kiss or just stare at each other.
Maybe it was something in the water? Hawaii is known as Paradise, but all these happily married people were a bit much.
Nice to see, but just in case, he was going to have to stay away from the water.
So glad you could join Ray and Amy on their adventure in the Aloha Romance Series. Turn the page for an excerpt from Flirting with Paradise or click here now or buy direct from Chris at a discount.
You can find more on Chris’ upcoming books and other series, including autographed paperbacks, audiobooks, discounted ebooks and other fun happenings on her website.
Join Chris’ newsletter! Enjoy inside peeks and photographs from Chris’ world and stories. Some times she’ll thank her subscribers with a free copy of a new 99 cent flirt.
For more on what she’s up to from day to day, you can follow her Monday Blog at her website or follow her on Facebook!