“Jace?” Grandma whipped around. “You invited him to the wedding?”
“Fair is fair,” Kacey nodded. “I mean, we want to even out the odds with all the couples, right?”
Grandma glared and then began wringing her hands together.
Char scooted closer to Jake. “I think we’re missing something.”
“Don’t look at me! I’m as clueless as you.”
At that, Grandma snorted. “Yes, he is. Tell me, did you get any wedding preparation done today?”
Jake coughed and looked away.
“Two days!” Grandma held up two fingers. “And Char, don’t forget to request those extra days off with your boss. We don’t want you getting fired.” She winked at Jake.
“Very funny,” he grumbled.
“I think we’re ready!” Travis announced from a few feet behind them.
“Me first!” Grandma charged toward him with her one match and lit it. After a few seconds the firework shot into the sky and cracked.
Fireworks, and they were all for her.
Char giggled and tried to get comfortable in the sand. She felt fingertips graze her shoulder and then Jake was pulling her into his arms. She leaned back against him and sighed as he whispered in her hair. “Happy Birthday, Cinderella.”
“Thanks, Charming.”
“Can I take off your shoes now?”
“Not a chance.”
He tensed behind her.
“But you can hold my hand.”
“Even better.” His hands engulfed hers from behind as he held them in the safety of his embrace.
It was the perfect moment.
Until they heard sirens.
“Uh, Grandma?” Travis scratched his head. “You did get a license from the fire department to set off fireworks on the beach, right?”
Grandma’s silence was answer enough.
Everyone jumped to their feet and made a run for it. All the while Grandma yelled, “I’m not going back to the slammer!”
Luckily they made it safely into the house just as the fire truck and cops showed up on the beach. They turned off all the lights and locked the door.
“On that note,” Grandma sighed happily, “Shall we all go to bed?”
“Yes.” Travis growled, pulling Kacey against him.
Kacey pulled away. “Not until the wedding, hot shot… enjoy the couch.” She slapped his stomach and winked, but Travis wasn’t having any of it. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly, pushing her against the wall.
“Close your eyes,” Jake whispered in Char’s ear. “Last time I kept them open too long I saw tongue—haven’t been the same ever since.”
He let out a grunt when Char smacked him on the stomach and made her way to the bedroom.