Chapter 134
Dinner was over and the guys were getting ready to go to their dressing rooms. Dorothea had told Jesse that as soon as the guys went on stage they would be headed back to leaving for the evening so Jesse wasn't exactly happy.
Richie took her hand. "Come with me, Jess."
"Where are we going?" she asked as he pulled her away from the others.
"Someplace private.'
The couple left the group and went to the room where they guys had practiced. Alone, Richie took Jesse in his arms and held her close.
After several long minutes of listening to Richie's heartbeat, Jesse whispered, "I really don't want to leave you, especially since we're not going to be together tonight."
"I know, baby, but I promise, you'll have fun."
"Do you know what they have planned for me?"
"Yes, but I'm not going to tell you...just that you're going back to the hotel. You'll have fun, Jess, and there will be plenty more shows."
"It's not that, Rich."
Richie stroked her hair as he asked, "What is it then?"
"The time is coming that I won't be able to travel with you and I...."
"Shh," he quieted as he lifted her chin. Looking into her eyes, he smiled, "My beautiful angel, it's going to be okay. In...." he looked at his watch, "about eighteen hours, you're going to be walking down the aisle to me; to become my wife. Then, we're going to party with our friends before we head to the Caribbean for our honeymoon. Sandy beaches, making love as the waves wash over us, warm breezes at night caressing your skin at night, breakfast in bed, my undivided attention, tropical birds serenading us."
Jesse sighed, "You always know how to cheer me up."
"That's because I love you."
"So, what are you and the guys doing after the show for your bachelor party?"
"Whites Gentlemen's Club. Jon and the other rented the place for the night for the party."
"Aren't you guys too old for....." Jesse stopped herself when she saw Richie's smirk. "Okay! You're never too old for that kind of stuff, but really....why do men see a need to have bachelor parties at strip clubs?"
"Their last chance to see beautiful women strip before the ball and chain is attached," teased Richie.
Jesse frowned as she playfully slapped him. "NOT funny, Sambora!"
"Baby, you don't have anything to worry about. I'm perfectly content to look and not touch. I have ALL I need right here in my arms."
"Really? What about the ball and chain?"
"Will happily wear it," smirked Richie. "Come help me get ready for the show."
"I can't go into the dressing room with everyone getting ready," protested Jesse. "What about Ava?"
"She's staying with Heather until after the honeymoon," answered Richie as he started walking Jesse backwards towards the door. "Wait for me outside the door?"
"Of course! I have to say good-night and tell you one thing I love about you before I go," purred Jesse as she ran her hands across his chest.
Walking down the hall arm in arm, the couple talked more about their honeymoon.
