Undertow Read Free

And we’ll smile and pat each others’ hands and reminisce about how hard we had to struggle and how happy we are together.
    It also helps that Billy’s daddy owns a good-sized horse ranch in Midlind, so even if my future husband’s master plan doesn’t pan out, we’ll still land on our feet.
    Lexy’s coming over to try on her maid of honor dress in a few hours, and I can’t wait. Miss Sensory Ocean-Mystic “You shouldn’t be getting married so young” is going to flip when she sees it—dark maroon strapless bodice with a white tulle skirt. She’ll look amazing next to me in my all-white, strapless dress with matching tulle skirt.
    I went with all-white even though I’ve got a secret that only Billy and I know. I’m expecting little Will before Christmas.
    We’ll tell everyone just as soon as the honeymoon’s over. And after that, we’ll be on our way to living happily ever after.
     
    June 10, 19--
    Of course Lexy loved her bridesmaid’s dress. My wedding is going to be perfect, and it’s only five days away. I’m having trouble eating, sleeping, concentrating on anything. I’m so excited. A cruise this evening was the perfect idea. Billy’s so clever.
    Going out on Billy’s boat is one of my all-time favorite things in the world. It’s so perfectly Gulf Coast. We load up in the marina at East End Beach and set out to feel the breeze on our faces and watch the sun set. Speaking of watching, watching my future husband batten the hatches and tighten the lines as he puts us out to sea is almost as exhilarating as the sunset. He’s typically shirtless, and Billy has a perfect physique. I expect all of our sons to inherit their daddy’s good looks. Of course, the girls will all look just like me. The model family.
    Lexy arrived just a few minutes after us. She drives a funny Jeep-like vehicle, a sidekick or something. I’m pretty sure it was recalled by the manufacturer a few years ago, which is the only way she could buy it. Miss Stella is good to her orphans, but she can’t afford many luxuries. Lexy was able to use her painting money to lift this heap off some old-timer. God, how I love our group. How I hate that we’ll all be separated soon.
    Bryant is bringing Donna Albriton with him. She’s a nice girl. A little thick around the ankles, but she has a sweet face. And anyone who can put up with Bryant’s boisterous personality deserves a medal. He’s as loud as a yard hand. I’m just glad my beautiful, artistic friend agreed to join us. Donna’s sweet, but she can be dreadfully dull.
    “Lexy! Over here!” I called. I was so excited when I saw her on the pier. “Billy’s getting the boat, so we can hop on in just a minute.”
    “I guess it’s a good evening for sailing,” she said frowning. Lexy hates boats. “Where we headed?”
    “The boys want to inspect some land around Terry Cove. Near Hammond Island.”
    “Planning their future homes?”
    We giggled and hugged each other. Lexy knows the guys as well as I do. Bryant isn’t quite as ambitious as Billy, but he’ll go with him as far as Billy’s dreams will take them. I’m just happy my future’s settled.
    “Hey, Lex.” Billy was back with his shirt unbuttoned, maneuvering the small craft for us to climb aboard.
    I took his hand, and as he gently helped me across (Baby on board!), he gave me a kiss. He’s terribly sexy. Next he helped Lexy across, and she pretended not to notice him. I rolled my eyes.
    If only she didn’t try so hard to hate him, they might actually be good friends. I know Billy’s willing to give her a chance, but she’s so determined I’m making a mistake getting married now.
    “Bill,” Lexy said, very formal. “I see you’re at least willing to enjoy the beauty of our hometown even though you’re bent on destroying it.”
    “I’m not planning to destroy the beauty of our hometown, Lex,” he said patiently. “I just want to share it with others.”
    “And get filthy rich while you’re at