Acquiring Trouble

water tower —e veryone in the county knows!” Miles laughed as he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before getting out o f the car and opening her door.
    The front door to the house was thrown open and members of the Davies family poured out. Marcy pushed her way past them and hurried down the stairs to envelope Morgan in a hug. Paige, Kate lyn , and Annie had to pry Marcy away to be able to welcome her to the family.
    Miles was similarly surrounded by his father and brothers slapping him on the back and shaking hands . Bill danced around on his hind legs barkin g at the excitement in the air.
    “Well,” Marcy clapped her hands, “everyone get ins ide. We have a wed ding to plan!” Marcy put Bill to shame as she used her dishtowe l to herd the family inside.
    “I can’t believe you painted over my state champion ship!” Cade teased his brother.
    “Attention, I have an engagement gift to present!” Marshall called out as he entered the room. “To Morgan and Miles. I wish you many years of happiness,” Marshall handed his brother a large can of white paint with a red bow on it. “I’d hate to arrest you for vandalism,” Marshall said with a big grin leading Morgan to think he would actually enjoy it a little.
    “Well, as long as he’s out in time for the bachelor party I get to plan!” Peirce rubbed his hands together and smirked. There was no doubt in Morgan’s mind that she was going to hate her brother-in-la w for whatever he was planning.
    “I was thinking of something low key,” Miles said, trying to reign in his little brother.
    “Nope. You already agreed at Marshall’s lame - ass party that I’d be in charge of yours when you got married. It’ll be perfect! I’ve been planning it for the last month. Don’t look at me like th at,” Pierce said to Miles when he had simply raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “ Anyone could tell you two w ere going to get married. ”
    “So, which strip club will we be attending ?” Cade asked sarcastically but truthfully .
    “Come on. Give me some credit will you? As soon as you all pick a wedding date, I’ll pick a da te for the party down at Dale Ho llow Lake. We’ll rent some cabins and some jet skis and cook out at night. I was going to invite all your Army buddies, so make sure to give me a list.”
    “Who are you?” Miles asked in disbelief.
    “The brother that’s going to throw you a kick - ass bachelor party, that’s who.”
    “ So, h ave you all set a date?” Katelyn asked.
    “The sooner the better,” Miles told them as he pulled Morgan close to his side.
    “Well! We’d better get to work then . Ladies , t o the dining room!” Marcy commanded. It was very clear to Morga n where Miles had inherited it.
    “But, Ma! What about dinner?” Pierce called out.
    “I daresay you boys know where the kitchen is.” Marcy stopped and then turned to the living room full of hungry men. Cole was holding his baby son and Miles was already bounc ing Sophie on his knee, “Oh, and make sure to make enough for us. We’ll be ready for dinner by the time you have it ready. Wedding planning is hard work!”
     
    Morgan stepped out of her shoes and unpinned her hair . They had planned the night away. Their wedding was to be in six weeks. The mid-June weather would be beautiful. Father James would marry them in the church and the reception would be held at the Davies farm. Pam had been called in and the wom e n had sat around the large table doing more planning tha n Morgan ever thought possible.
    Miles came up behind her wrapping his strong arms around her as he watched her in the mirror over the dresser. “ I hated tonight , ” Miles pouted.
    “Why?”
    “Because those evil women kept me away from you when all I wanted to do was run my hands over your body and kiss every inch , ” Miles m urmured as he kissed her neck.
    “Miles?” Morgan asked hesitantly.
    “Yes, sweetheart?”
    “Do you really want me to be your wife?” She felt silly asking, but she just couldn’t believe her dream was coming true.
    “I can’t wait to make you my wife, my love. If I could , I’d marry you tomorrow , ” Miles said as he slipped her shirt off her shoulder and kissed her newly exposed skin.
    “If that’s what you want, why don’t we do that?”
    His head shot up and caught her eye in the mirror. “Because I’m scared of what my mother would do!”
    “A big tough man like you is afraid of his mother?” Morgan teased.
    “Hell yes. She seems