Page 139 of With Stars in Her Eyes

I shrugged, barely able to think with the neckline on Thea’s gown at my eye level. “That was Marshall’s job. But he said you would want them here because you had spent so much time celebrating all their milestones and you deserved to be in the spotlight with them. Your mom’s kind of a trip, but I think she was excited.”

With an arched eyebrow, Thea watched my fingers explore the lace, ties, and buttons, but her voice remained defiantly casual. “Thank you. This was all so perfect. Everything about it was perfect.”

“Even your mom deciding it was her chance to live out her dreams of dressing up as Josephine to your father’s Napoleon? Even though her vibe is definitely more Mrs. Bennet. You nailed that.” I located a particularly useful hook and flicked it open.

Thea shook with laughter. “I can’t believe Dad went for it to be honest. I don’t know how he manages to still look like a dignified lawyer while wearing French provincial silk.” Suddenly, Thea’s eyes were wet. “They all came. Even my brother and my nieces and nephews. And you’re here too. And…” Her gaze drifted to her left hand. “And we’re going to get married.”

“We are.” I touched the flushed apple of Thea’s cheek before returning to what I was doing. “So is this what you actually wanted when you made up the story that we needed to look for more seltzers in the kitchen because I’m pretty sure there were plenty out underneath the…” My speech faltered as Thea pushed my fumbling hands away and unbuttoned some magical clasp I hadn’t been able to find. “Underneath the…”

“Underneath the what, baby?” Thea pulled the top of her dress down to reveal the best breasts I had ever seen.

“Underneath the…shit.” My eyes seemed to glaze over.

Thea scooted herself to the edge of the counter. “Oops. I forgot something.” She lifted her skirts high enough to make it very obvious she had skipped wearing part of the costume. Her smile held all the wicked challenge and preemptive victory of a dueler who knows they’re going to win before swords are even drawn.

I glanced at the door.

Thea had already locked it behind us.

I stood in front of her with her bare thighs on either side of my hips. “I guess a historical romance–themed engagement party wouldn’t be complete without someone being ravished.”

“God, you just get me.” Thea laughed and laughed until I made her make a sound that was definitely and absolutelynota scream.