Chapter 6: Eighteen Romance Guides

I sat cross-legged, laying out the guides one by one on the wedding quilt.

When I heard footsteps outside, I quickly covered them and sat up straight with my veil on.

Colton didn’t let anyone come in for wedding games; after sending them away—(which, honestly, is more of a tradition in other cultures, but in our town, it just means the rowdy friends are gone)—

he came in and closed the door.

I waited a while, but he still didn’t come over.

I was so anxious I wanted to lift the veil myself.

“Hey! Don’t move! I have to lift it.”

He must have been doing it on purpose.

He held a ruler, slowly lifting a corner, then stopped. (I guess it was his idea of a dramatic reveal. Who knows?)

I hadn’t eaten all day, and my stomach growled at the worst moment.

Right after, I heard Colton stifle a laugh.

“What’s the rush?”

“On the wedding night, every step of the tradition has to be followed. We can’t skip anything.”

I held back.

Finally, the veil embroidered with gold thread was lifted.

It was the first time I saw Colton in a tuxedo and red tie.

That color, unexpectedly, suited him very well.

Colton was probably tipsy, his face tinged with red.

Those blue eyes glistened with tears.

At first glance, he was truly stunning.

Colton stared at me, dazed for a moment. When he came to, he covered his mouth and said:

“Ahem, Savannah, you look so tacky in red.”

Whatever little amazement I had in my eyes turned into a roll of my eyes.

Next was the unity toast.

This time, I didn’t wait for him to dawdle.

I poured two glasses myself.

I tilted my head to drink, but Colton stopped me.

“Hey! Do you know the rules? Do you know how to drink this?”

I looked at him coldly.

Colton’s fingers were long and slender. When he held the glass, the lines of his hand were beautiful.

He really did have a good-looking face.

Too bad he wasn’t mute.

As soon as he opened his mouth, the romantic mood was ruined.

“You don’t know anything, so dumb! Just follow my lead.”

Stepmom told me to be gentle.

I remembered.

I endured.

By the warm light, Colton hooked my arm, leaning in close.

Maybe he was nervous; I could even see his eyelashes trembling.

After drinking, Colton opened his eyes.

For a moment there was joy on his face, then it froze.

“Savannah, why didn’t you drink?”

“You have to drink with me!”

“Ugh, you really don’t know anything! Again, again, last time doesn’t count.”