Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

The next morning I wake up early, extremely excited to work on wedding plans. Liam is sound asleep beside me. I slip out of bed to make coffee. I sit for a moment, enjoying my coffee and going over my list for the day.
When I go back in the bedroom to get dressed. I look over at Liam, it still amazes me how sweet and handsome he looks when he’s sleeping. I give him a kiss on his cheek. He smiles adorably in his sleep, but doesn’t wake up.
I get ready, then try to wake him one more time. He’s still sound asleep. I can understand why, we were quite adventurous last night. I leave a note letting him know where I’ll be.
I meet Antonio and Rosa out at the gazebo. “Did you walk, Liz? We would have given you a ride.” Rosa tells me.
I smile. “That’s ok, I needed the exercise. I ate a lot of cannoli last night.”
“It turned out good?” She asks.
I grin. “It was amazing!”
We are looking at the gazebo and surrounding area, trying to figure out the best layout for the wedding. Antonio is discussing an idea he has with me when I just feel a….a warmth. I turn around to see Liam, watching me, with the most loving look on his face. I excuse myself to Antonio, making my way to Liam.
I put my arms around his waist. “Good Morning, Handsome.”
He rubs my back. “Good Morning, Beautiful. I’m sorry I didn’t wake up this morning.”
I smirk. “That’s ok, I know you used a lot of energy last night.”
He laughs, moving down to kiss me. Sweet, perfect, exciting kisses. After, he lays his forehead against mine. “I love you so much, Liz.” Pulling back to meet my eyes he tells me. “Seeing you in the gazebo had me picturing you on our wedding day. I can’t wait for you to me by wife.”
“I can’t wait either, Liam. I love you so much.”
I lead him over to the gazebo and tell him all about Antonio’s idea, which I love. The guest will be seated in front of the gazebo. Behind the gazebo is the lake, which will be a beautiful backdrop. To the rear of the guest seating is a park like setting. I will be walking out from there.
“That sounds amazing, babe.” Liam gets that adorable crinkle by his eyes as he smiles.
“Your wedding party will be staying at the villa, yes?” Antonio asks me.
I frown. “Yes that makes the most sense.”
Liam touches my arm. “What’s wrong, love?”
I look down at the ground. “I feel horrible. I’m being very selfish. I just don’t like the idea of sharing our special place with anyone else. Especially on our wedding night.”
Liam smiles. “Liz, you do not have one selfish bone in your body. I understand completely. This place has been very special to us and it always will be. Even if we share it with others.”
I look up at Liam, my voice of reason, and smile. “You are right, baby.” I get on my tiptoes to give him a kiss.
Antonio speaks up. “You could spend your wedding night at the cottage.”
Liam and I look at each other. Wondering if the other knows what Antonio is talking about. It wouldn’t appear so. “What cottage?” I ask.
Now it’s Antonio and Rosa’s turn to look at each other surprised. “You’ve never been to the beautiful cottage on the property? Your property.”
Liam and I answer together. “No!”
“Well hop in the car. We’ll take you.” Antonio insists.
We pull up in front of the most adorable cottage I’ve ever seen. It reminds me of something from a Thomas Kinkade painting. The most colorful trees and plants surround it. I look at Liam. “It’s beautiful.” He wraps his arm around me, pulling me in close. “It really is. I can’t believe on all our walks, we never found this.”
“It is a bit off the normal path. There’s a reason for that. Legend says the original owner built it as a romantic get away for he and his wife. They would leave the children at the main villa with the nanny. Then he and his wife would sneak away here to the cottage.” Antonio replies.
“What a romantic story.” I say as we walk inside.
The inside is as beautiful as the outside. The living room is full of overstuffed comfortable furniture. It has a double sided fireplace that goes through to the kitchen. The kitchen is small and simple. Which is fine because I don’t imagine a lot of cooking going on here. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. One bathroom having a large tub, perfect for two. The second has a large shower. Again, perfect for two. The smaller bedroom is actually set up as a den. It has a large wooden desk. The walls are lined with shelves full of books.
The master bedroom is the largest room in the cottage. A huge four poster bed complete with canopy, centers the room. It gives the room a very old fashioned, romantic vibe. There is a large window seat with a view to the forest just beyond. Looking at it, you almost expect Little Red Riding Hood to come skipping out. There’s also a large couch and overstuffed chair in the room. I imagine these come in handy.
“Do you like it?” Rosa asks.
I look up at Liam. We nod, together saying. “We love it.”
Rosa grins. “Perfect. So while your guests are at the villa, you two can spend your wedding night here, before leaving for your honeymoon.”
I smile. “Yes, it’s the perfect solution. We can share this beautiful place with everyone, yet still have our private time.”
Rosa walks over to me smiling. “And perhaps someday, Antonio and I will stay with you and Liam’s children at the villa, while you two sneak away down here to the cottage.“
I smile, then look at Liam. There’s nothing I want more than to have his children.

Notes