Undertow Read Free Page A

it.”
    “Yes. That is definitely in the plan,” he laughed.
    “You two don’t start,” I said.
    Lexy scooted in next to me and gave me a squeeze. How I loved my dear friend. “After next week, you will never hear me argue with Bill again.” She pushed a lock of my hair behind my ear. “I will have nothing but best wishes for you and your little family.”
    She must’ve felt me jump because Lexy was onto us in an instant. She’s pretty clever herself. “Okay, what’s going on?”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” But I was blushing.
    Her big dark eyes narrowed. “This sudden wedding couldn’t be because you’re expecting anything?”
    Billy looked uncomfortable.
    “You’ve got to swear not to tell anyone, Lexy,” I pleaded, holding her arm. “It’s only for a little while longer.”
    “You’re not.” But the annoyance in her voice had softened, and the light glistened on her now-misty eyes.
    I smiled huge at that. “I am!”
    We both screamed, and I threw my arms around her. Naturally, she had a million questions, but then Bryant and Donna walked up. I immediately changed the subject and welcomed them onboard.
    After cruising a good ways down the sound and around the peninsula into Terry Cove, Billy pulled out the surprise—a bottle of champagne he slipped out of the marina bar.
    “To us and our future,” he said, popping the cork.
    We all shared a glass, and I don’t think anyone noticed that I only took one tiny sip from mine. It was sad that Lexy was leaving, but it was going to be amazing watching Billy and Bryant conquer the coast.
     
    June 15, 19--
    As predicted, my wedding was the event of the season in South County. There must’ve been 300 people come out to Romar Beach to see us tie the knot. Both papers sent photographers to take pictures for the Tuesday edition.
    We were married on the future site of Phoenician I, and coming down the aisle, I took a mental picture of the scene. Dr. Gatts in the middle with my beautiful best friend to the left, long dark hair waving in the breeze, tulle skirt swishing around her like sea foam. My gorgeous husband to the right, loose white shirt fluttering in the wind, smiling in approval. I wore my hair wrapped in a tight French twist, and I could feel my veil streaming around me like a cloud.
    After the wedding, we danced and visited with our friends for hours until it was time to board Daddy’s yacht and head south. The reception was all catered by the best local caterer and the flowers were all native plants, magnolias and confederate roses, calla lilies, and hydrangeas.
    We’d ordered individual plates of shrimp and grits for everyone, but of course there were tables piled high with finger foods and desserts. The champagne fountain and fondue station were where most people hung out, and all our silly teenage-boy friends were busy dipping everything in the flowing chocolate.
    But I loved seeing people having a good time. And I loved knowing they’d just go on and on about our wedding for at least six months. Good luck to the next local girl attempting to top my gala event.
    For our honeymoon, Daddy gave us his fifty-foot yacht to cruise down to the islands. Even though Billy’s an experienced mariner, Daddy threw in a captain so we didn’t have to worry about navigation or making time.
    The cruise was as much a part of our honeymoon as the destination, and I planned for us to spend most of it in the master suite. I may be three months pregnant, but I’ll be damned if I miss out on my honeymoon nights with Billy. Everybody thinks I’m so innocent, but I’ve been doing my homework. I plan to knock his socks off. Literally. I’ve been studying some of those men’s magazines Daddy hides in the garage—as if nobody knows they’re there. Think again, Dad! I don’t quite get how the ladies manage some of those positions, but I think I can figure out a few. Just because I can’t hold Billy at home doesn’t mean I can’t keep