Before Happily Ever After 5 Final Part

“So what did your dad call about? It kind of lasted a while” Eric asks me when I call him back. I sigh while I grab another handful of m and m’s. Chocolate always makes me feel better in times of stress. And this is most definitely a stressful time right now. Between constantly giving myself deep breathing exercises and stuffing my face with candy, I’m surprised I haven't bloated up like a blimp.

“You’ll never believe this Eric” He asks wanting to know. I sigh again.

“My day told me that my mom wants to buy my wedding dress for me. Like she wants to help pick it out and everything” I tell him about the information my dad had given me.

“Really? Why does she want to do that?” Eric asks me in wonder. Seriously. And why didn’t she just asks me instead of going to my dad? Wait, a second. How do they have each other’s numbers? The hell.

“Apparently, she wants to “make up” for lost time and contribute something to the wedding. I don't know. I’m just over this whole process. Everything is stressing me out. I’m not even enjoying doing my one of favorite things: shopping. In fact, I’m dreading it and that's coming from ME, Eric” I say as I start on my monologue. Anybody want tickets to my pity party show?
“I understand baby” Eric tells me but I hardly hear him as I continue on.

“And not to mention that my bridal shower is in two weeks and I had hoped to find a dress by then. You know everybody will be asking about it and what not” I say, imagining how the conversation will go. Cori, do you have your dress? No, I don't. You, of all people, DON'T have a wedding dress yet? Wow. I can just see their judgment in their eyes.

“Baby” Eric starts to say but I don't stop talking. It’s hard to stop my motor mouth at times. I can just keep going and going and going and you get the picture.

“They’re going to be judging me, Eric. wondering why I don't have a dress yet. Not to mention, I still haven't taken my graduation pictures yet either. So I need to do that so I can send out my announcements and…” I continue on.

“Cori” Eric tries to interrupt but it didn't work. Like I said, I’m a pink ball rolling down a hill headed for a fire pit of stress. I can't be stopped.

“And I also have to find two and three outfits for that. I have no motivation to do that. I have not motivation for anything. Honestly, elooping sounds better everyday. Also I can't-” I go on to say more but was finally stopped by Eric.

“Cori, stop! Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath, okay?” he tells me to do. In and out. In and out, Cori.

“Listen, baby girl. I know things aren't going your way right now and you're feeling like everything around you is falling apart. But I promise you will get through it. Take one thing at a time” Eric says. Easier said than done, babe.

“I know but nothing is going right; especially dress shopping. That's my number one priority. I feel like once I find it, I can breathe a little easier” I tell him, trying not to cry. My eyes are starting to water. Ugh. Stupid emotions. It's been so much easier for me to cry lately. The only time I used to cry is when my behind is getting torched.

“Then only worry about finding your dress and put the other stuff on hold for right now. You will find your dream dress and you will look beautiful in it. Okay?” he says calming me down. I smile and wipe the few tears that managed to fall.

“Okay” I say into the phone as I feel myself breathing easy again. Man, Eric really has a way with words. How does he do that? He’s like a wizard or something.

“And you don't have to go with your mom, sweetness. If you're not one hundred percent okay with the idea, then don't agree to it. Only do what you're comfortable with doing. Just take the next few days to think about it and decide. Alright?” Eric says about the parental issue. Ugh. I don’t even know what I want to do? Why must it be so HARD? I need more chocolate.

“Okay. how do you do that?” I ask him as I grab another handful of candy.

“Do what?” he asks me back.

“How is it that you always make everything seem okay?” I say in amazement. Maybe it goes back to that couples empathy ting. Like he knows just the right words to calm me down. Sort of like a mind connection or something like that.

“Because everything is going to be okay. I just help you look at the big picture, that’s all” Eric tells me with a slight laugh. No, I bet you it's our couple’s empathy. Its sounds a lot cooler. Heehee.

“If you say so” I say not convinced about everything being “okay”. I don't see a light at the end of this tunnel.

“It will baby. You’ll see. Why don't you take a few days off of any wedding planning and just relax for a bit?” he asks me. What! A few days off when there's so much left to do? Okay, so maybe there isn't that much since I’m kind of ahead of the game. But still, I can't just stop. I have to be on top of everything. I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my things.

“No, I’m fine Eric. I can handle it” I assure him. Well, I can hope, can't I?

“Are you sure? Because if you can't, then I’ll have to handle it” Eric tells me seriously. Gulp. My butt cheeks clench at his ominous threat.

“No, I can handle it. I’ll even take tomorrow off to make you happy” I tell Eric. So he can't say that I didn't relax. Ha!

“Alright. I just don't want you to overwhelm yourself angel. Bad things tend to happen…” he reminds me. I roll my eyes. So I may or may not have acted out when I get too stressed. But this isn't one of those times, I swear.

“I know, but nothing is going to happen” I try to assure him again. Have just a tiny bit of faith in me Eric. I don't mess up ALL of the time; just SOMETIMES.

“I hope not” Eric says. Yeah, me too. Quick, change the subject.

“Do you want to see what I’m planning on wearing to the bridal shower? Because I do actually have an outfit for that” I ask him with a sigh. Yes, I know I still sound pitiful. And no, I don't care.

“I’d love to, my sad little angel. Face time me?” he asks me.

“Okay! Let me get changed” I say hopping off of my bed with a grin on my face. What can I say? Nothing makes me happier than trying on clothes AND talking to Eric.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“I can’t believe you're going dress shopping without me?” Lily tells me disappointed. I finished putting my mascara on before taking one last look at myself in the mirror. I look good, if I do say so myself.

“I know, girl. But I honestly don't think I will actually find a dress. I’m just doing it once to please my mom. It's a one time thing, remember?” I say while picking up my purse. So as you can see, I decided to go with my mom to pick a dress out. A day after my dad called me, she calls to ask me herself if she could join me one time to shop for a dress. She was really nervous about it and rambled on about how she knows she doesn't deserve to do something so special with me but she would hate herself if she didn't try to reach out to me about it. I could actually hear honestly to what she told me. unless my mom was lying. In which case, I need to ask for some pointers since we all know how well I lie. If there was a program to help people to lie better, I would be all over it. Like take my money and help me out of getting my ass spanked, please. I can dream, can't I? Anyways, I guess I have a bit of a heart since the ice queen agreed to go dressing shopping with her, but only once. Just to see how it goes the first time. I'm still not sure how it will go because I’m still guarded around my mom for obvious reasons.

“Well a part of me hopes you don't so I can be there with you when you do. After all I am the maid of honor. But on the other hand, I hope you do since you’ll be done with it and can move on” lily says from her bed. She stills a little miffed that she’ll miss out but she understands why I said yes to my mom. We have that BFF empathy thing going on. Oh, you thought that was only with couples. nah, I’ve come to figure out that it works with friends too. We seem to know where the best sales are, what we are craving to eat, or when our plans get seriously screwed up. the last example is a big indicator for it…

“Same, but I promise to send you pictures of everything that I like so you are still in the look” I say to please her. plus, I love any excuse to take pictures of myself. The camera loves me. Heehee.

“So what type of dresses do you have in mind?” Amy, the bridal attendant who will be helping me today asks.

“I'm honestly open to trying anything on but since I'm pear shaped I want to stick with dresses that are flattering to my figure” I tell her in the sitting area of the boutique that we are in. my thunder thighs are a blessing and a curse.

“Okay, they’re are a ton of dresses that you can choose from. I’ll pick a few styles to get you started and then we can go from there. While I’m picking some out from the back, feel free to look around the front and chose any you would like to try on” Amy says with a smile before going to the back. Well here it goes. The start to what is hopefully a life-changing event. I need to find my dress!! Sorry, for the dramatics. I’m sure you're tired of hearing about it.

“Let's look around” I tell my mom, Veronica, as I also stand up. The bridal shop that we’re in actually has a good selection. Let's hope they match my taste in clothing. You know, I’m picky. We start to shift through some the dress on display. Taffeta? No. crepe? Ugh. faille? Hell no!

“Oh Cori! Look at this one. I’d think you’d look beautiful in it?” Veronica says pulling a dress off the rack. I go over to her to see what it looks like. It’s a mermaid dress with a sweetheart neckline. The bottom of it is feathery with a long train. I don't not like it, so I guess that’s a plus.

“Okay, I’ll try it on” I tell her with a smile. I go back to looking when a new voice chimes in.

“How about this one, darling?” I’d think you would look better in this than that one” a deep voice says behind me. What the…? What is my DAD doing here?

“Dad! What are you doing here?” I asked shocked. I notice my mom has a cold look on her face now as we both look at our new guest. Oh great.

“Well, I just thought I would pop in and make sure everything was running smoothly” my dad, Nate, says with a sly grin. Oh, so he is trying to act innocent, huh? I see what he is doing here. Now I see where my amazing acting ability comes from. Thanks a lot dad. Hmph.

“Everything is going smoothly, dad. So you can leave now” I tell him with a pointed stare. Three’s a crowd and he needs to find the nearest exit.

“Yes, we don't need your presence here” Veronica adds through pointed eyes. There’s a bit of an awkward pause as they stare each other down. This is so awkward right now. More awkward than the time I thought I was waving at Eric but it wasn't him. You know how excited I get to see him so you can probably imagine the look that I got from the stranger. Probably thought I was crazy or something.

“I can see that but since I’m here I think I might stay awhile” Nate says beginning to look at the dresses himself. Ugh. this is not what I want right now. I march over to my dad in a huff.

“Dad, seriously just GO. this time is supposed to be just me and mom” I say quietly to not attract looks from the other store visitors.

“Darling, I just want to make sure that your mother doesn't try anything with you. Now to mention you have high tastes. Lets not forget, I just want you to have your dream dress and not have to scale back” he tells me while walking away from me. I roll my eyes at his digs toward Veronica. So it's obvious that my parents hate each other’s guts.

“You won't even notice that I’m here other than to tell you how nice you look in everything” Nate says picking a puffy ball gown. Yeah, this is sooo not going to go well at all. And the fact that I can see that says a lot.

Well, I can say with total confidence for one that I was RIGHT. A shocker, I know. This bridal visit is a total shit show. I feel bad for Amy for having to put up with my parents.

“I really love the top of this one but I’m not liking the bottom. I think it's overwhelming” I say looking at myself in a ball gown in the full-length mirror. I wish I can take parts of different dresses and put it all together to create one but there isn't enough time to do that. Sigh. procrastination wins again.

“I agree. Maybe one a little less poufy. It's a no for this one. But that's not surprising” Nate says the last part under his breath. My mom glares at him from her chair since she was the one who picked this dress. This is what I’m talking about. If my mom picks a dress, my dad  hates it. If my dad chooses one, mom hates. They are constantly throwing shade at the dresses and each other. Its sooo embarrassing; especially since they’re getting more personal about it. Where’s a counselor when you need one?

“It's a lot better than the ones you chose. At least she looks good in the dresses that I pick” Veronica sneers at Nate.

“Please. I think I know my daughter better than you do” Nate retorts. I sigh. I step down from the post and head back into the room to change out of my dress. This was a total waste of my time. And my time is valuable. I could be sleeping or shopping or getting my nails done; they seriously need it. Anything other than this.

“Sorry about my parents. This wasn't supposed to happen” I say to Amy as she helps me out of the dress. She gives me a sympathetic smile.

“It’s okay. I've learned weddings tend to bring out the worst in people” she tells me. Ain't that the truth. I could never be in the wedding business. The drama isn't worth it and I LOVE me some good drama; but no thanks.

“You know how to ruin a good day. It was fine until you showed up” I heard mom says as I leave the room in my normal clothes. They’re still arguing? Jeeze.

“Let's not act like I didn't have a reasons to come up here. I don't want Cori to get hurt again” Nate tells her angrily. See how personal it is getting?
“She won't. I've changed and I am trying, Nate. Back off” Veronica tells me him just as angry. Alright then, I’ve had enough.

“Stop” I say loudly to get their attention but they’re too involved in their argument. I take my nude high heel off and throw it at my dad to finally get my parents to shut up. The look on Amy’s face indicates she hasn't seen any wedding drama quite like this.

“Just stop it! Will you two think about someone other than yourselves? You ruined everything; especially you dad. You guys are the worst parents ever” I tell them angrily before I stomp out of the bridal boutique. It's kind of hard to stomp though when you're missing a heel but they better have gotten the point. I threw my favorite nude heel. Ugh.

“Cori, wait” Veronica calls to me but I ignore her and get in my car. I’m done with everyone. Done with my parents. Done with dress shopping. Done with this wedding. Okay, I’m not done but it sure feels like it at the moment. I drive off to clear my head and get something with chocolate in it.

Eric’s POV:

I'm currently walking towards my car after ending my shift at work. It was along but at least I have the weekend to spend with my baby. Speaking of her, I wonder how dress shopping went with her mom. Cori was worried about how it would go and finding a dress. I know she wants to find something perfect but I hope she’ll realize that she will look perfect in any dress that she picks. Hopefully, she will find one sooner rather than later so she won't stress about it anymore. I should probably turn my phone off silent and see if Cori messaged me with good or bad news. However, when I look at my phone I see that I have several missed messages from Nate and Veronica. Oh jeez… I call Nate back and he picks up after the first ring.

“Eric! Do you know where Cori is? Is she with you?” he asks in a panic.

“No, she’s not. I just got off work so I haven't heard from her” I tell him starting to get worried myself.

“Will you try calling her? She won't answer any of my calls. Maybe she will answer yours” Nate says. Oh she better answer.

“Yeah, I’ll call her but what happened?” I ask trying to find out what in the world happened. I've learned that it could be anything with Cori.

“Well, things didn't go quite as planned today while shopping” Nate tells me, obviously hiding something.
“Wait, you were there? I thought it was just going to be just her and her mom?” I ask next, beginning  to see why today didn't go as “planned.”

“I decided to drop by and help out but that was a mistake. I was just trying to protect her but I didn't help. Her mother and I do not get along and never will. It was a very unpleasant experience and Cori was very angry. So angry that she threw her shoe at me” Nate tells me. That sounds like a total disaster and something that Cori did not need to experience.

“She threw a shoe at you? In the store?” I ask in disbelief. I shouldn't be so surprised. This is Cori we’re talking about here.

“Yup, one of her heels. I honestly don't blame her though. I deserved it” he says with a bit of guilt in his voice. As much as he probably did deserve it, it's still no excuse for Cori.

“Well, I’ll get in touch with her and have her call you back” I tell him.

“Please do. She hasn't answered my calls or messages and neither for her mother. It's been hours since she walked out on us. I’m getting worried” Nate tells me anxiously. Hours? Where the hell is she? I hope she isn't hurt or something. All I know is that her ass is toast when I finally get a hold of her.

Cori’s POV

Have you ever been to the movies and a restaurant by yourself? It’s pretty awesome. I would know since I just did it myself. After I stormed off, I decided to have a me day and do whatever I wanted. I drove to an outlet mall near by and walked around. I got my nails done, did some retail therapy, and decided to catch a movie. I just had to get my mind off of my stupid parents and wedding dresses. My poor head needed a break. I turned my phone on silent and then turned it off for the movie, so no one could get in touch with me. Was that the smartest thing to do? Probably not, but I care at the time? Heck no! I couldn't handle it anymore. Since its getting dark out, I guess it's time to face my doom. My butt is going to hurt so bad when Eric is finished with it. I won't be able to sit for weeks. I turn my phone on and I am instantly bombarded with missed calls and messages from my dad, mom, Lily, a few other friends, and of course Eric. Did I say my butt would hurt? I meant to say that it will be dead. I’ll be lucky to have one after all of this. Why me? I decided to call Eric and get that conversation over with. Sigh. well here it goes.

“Cori! Where the hell have you been? Are you okay?” Eric practically yells at me. His voice is full of panic, worry, and anger. My bottom clenches at his tone.

“I’m okay Eric. I’ve been out and about” I tell him, not wanting him to know that I’ve been shopping and catching a movie.

“Out and about? Doing what exactly? And why does any of that involve a turned off phone?” he fires questions out. Think fast, Cori. save your butt some pain, at least.

“It died, Eric. and I just now got to my care where my charger is” I say coming up with an excuse. I think that might work.

“Just now? You still haven't answered wherever been, Cori. do you know how many people have been wondering where you have been” you could have been dead for all we know” Eric says pissed. Well, that lie obviously didn't work. Nice try, Cori.

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean to make anyone worry. I just needed some time away. Things went horribly while dress shopping. My dad came and-” I start to tell him what happened but he cut me off.

“Your dad came, made everything worse, you threw your shoe at him, and walked out” Eric says, summing up what happened today. He already knows what happened? Great, now I can't change the story better. You know, leave out a few minor details in my favor. Although it hardly ever works for me. But I’m desperate so sue me.

“Oh, so he told you what happened?” I ask him.

“Yes, he told me. Along with your mom when they both called me multiple times to see if I’ve heard from you. They were worried sick. So please tell me, where have you been MIA at?” Eric ask me with a you better tell me or else voice.

“I've been at an outlet mall” I mumble. I did mention that my ass is dead, right?
“So let me get this straight, you went off the grid… to go shopping?” he asks making sure he had heard me right.

“Yes sir” I say cringing down in the seat of my car. Do you think I would be able to find a ticket for a one-way trip out of the country right about now?

“Just get yourself to my place so we can finish this conversation, please” Eric tells me. By conversation, he means y butt getting soundly spanked. Seriously, where is the nearest airport?

When I close the door to Eric’s apartment, I have a strong sense of dread. But who could blame me really. No one would want to be in my place right now. I turn around and come face to face with Eric’s intense gaze. His eyes could burn through my skull with ease.

“Um hi” I say hoping that I won't sunburn from his eyes. They are that intense, guys.

“Do you know how much trouble your in?” he asks as he pulls me into the living room. I cover my behind in an attempt to save it from Eric’s wrath.

“A lot, but I’m sorry” I tell him as he sits down on the couch and pulls me between his legs. Eric pulls my jeans and panties down before pulling me over his lap.

“Not as sorry as you're going to be, young lady” He tells me while lifting his hand and brings it down hard on my left cheek.

Smack smack smack smack

Eric begins a pace of landing hard smacks to my sit spots and thighs. My poor butt is already crying and he just got started.

“Oww Eric ow please ahh” I cry out. Okay, I really pissed him off this time; like a lot, a lot. Usually, he has some sort of lecture, but it was straight to the chopping block this time.

Smack smack smack smack

“Ahh Eric I’m sorry!! Owww let me explain ah” I say with tears streaming down my face. His hands continues to make my upturned butt seriously burn. I always manage to forget how hard his hand HURTS.

“Explain what exactly? How you turned your phone off and didn't think your parents would try to call you. Or me or Lily wouldn't do the same. We were worried sick about you, Cori. We had no idea where you were. Did you once think about someone other than yourself?” Eric asks without stopping his fast pace. I start to sob from the pain and his words. I feel like the biggest jerk on the planet; maybe the whole entire universe. I know how worried Eric gets about me sometimes and I probably scared him and my parents, and my friends. I sooo deserve this spanking and I never think that mid spanking.

Smack smack smack smack smack

“I’m sorry!!” I sob to him as he focuses his attention to my upper thighs. Jesus, is he really going to town on my ass. I know I deserve it but damn.

“Are you going to ignore people like you did today, Cori?” Eric asks me, spanking my sit spots at a slower pace. Is the end near?

“No sir, I won't” I cry into the couch cushion.

Smack smack

Eric gives me two hard spanks before stopping completely. I hardly notice that he has stopped except that he is gently rubbing my scorched bottom. I continue to cry it out over Eric’s lap. Wait, why isn't he letting me up and where is my cuddle time? Grrr. I’m soon left sniffling.

“You okay?” he asks while patting my butt. Other than my butt, yes. I nod my head.

“Can I get up now?” I ask, hoping that he’d hold me now.

“You can but you're not finished yet” Eric says while finally pulling me up. He puts his hand on my hips and guide me to the kitchen. Its kinds of hard to talk with my jeans around my ankles, after all. Anyways, he sits me down on one of the kitchen chairs firmly. Did I forget to mention that the chairs are wooden; aka: hard as a rock. My bottom practically shudders with contact.

“Here. Call your mom and dad and tell them that you're fine. I already told them that you were okay after you called me, but I’m sure they want to hear it from you instead. So call them right now and send Lily a text as well” Eric tells me as he hands me my phone and kisses the top of my head. I have to talk to them so soon? I still have my spanking voice. The voice I get after I’m spanked and have been crying and everything. I do what Eric says though and call my parents. Mom was just relieved that I was okay and apologized for how she acted with my dad. I told her I was sorry and wished it didn't end like it did. Now my dad, on the other hand, was a whole other story. Long story short, he was sooo mad when I called; just like Eric was. He yelled, cussed, and yelled some more. I barely managed to apologize for disappearing since he was talking so much. Sheesh. Although, my dad apologized himself once he calmed down. I guess I’ll accept it even though it was kinda his fault that everything happened the way it did. I’ll keep that thought to myself since I’m still on lockdown with Eric. I sent Lily a quick text letting her know that I’ll call her tomorrow.
“Eric, I did it” I say to him. He had given me some privacy to talk to everyone. He comes back into the kitchen and grabs my hand to stand me up. He sits down with me on his lap this time. Cuddle time yet?

“Tell me what happened today baby?” Eric asks me giving my cheek a kiss. Oh, so now he asks me to explain? A little late Eric. Hmph.

“I don't know. I just cracked, I guess. My parents were arguing with each other and I wasn't going anywhere with finding a dress. It just got too much to handle. I wanted everything to stop. So that's why I had to get a way and breathe. I know it was wrong to disappear without telling anyone. I didn't mean to cause anyone to worry; especially you” I tell him as I play with his hands around my waist. Weddings can really take their toll on people. I never crack under pressure; for the most part anyways.

“I know that you’ve been extremely overwhelmed lately and what happened with your parents didn't help any. That's why I wanted you to take a break from everything for a week or two and focus on yourself and school. I'm glad you got a way for a bit today but the way you went about it was completely wrong, angel” Eric says to me. Yeah, I crash and burn super hard. Like a crash landing or a plane or something like that. It isn't pretty as you all today.

“I know” I say since what he’s saying is right. Why is my fiancé so logical all of the time? He makes me feel so stupid sometimes.

“I hope you do because I don't want to have to go through this again with you after I’m finished spanking you” he tells me. Record scratch. Wait, what? I lean back and look into his green eyes.

“You're going to spank me again? But I thought it was over” I say. I don't think my poor behind can take anymore. It’s past the point of no return.

“No, I spanked you earlier for making everyone worry and not answering your phone. I'm now going to spank you with my belt to reinforce it and for how you acted while shopping. You know better than to act like that in public; especially throwing a shoe at your dad. You can't take your frustrations out on people. We’ve talked about that before; many times in fact” Eric says while standing me up and then doing the same. You mean he’s going to use Mr. Meanie Belt? I haven't felt that thing in FOREVER. Eric must mean business today. Ugh. he takes me hand and pulls me toward the side of the couch.

“You know how much I love you, right baby girl?” he asks me looking into my eyes. I see the love and care that he has for m through his gaze. I give him a small smile up at him and kiss his cheek.

“I know and I'm really sorry about today and all” I apologized again. Maybe he will go easy if he sees how sorry I am. Eric smiles back and kisses my forehead. He helps me over the rounded part of the end of the couch and since my pants are already off he can get right to it. Lets just get this over with so I can get my after care that I so rightly deserve. I feel the cool leather of the belt before Eric raise it and brings it down on the middle of my bottom.

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK

Dang, Mr. Meanie Belt is not playing today. Well, he never does but you get what I mean. I start to cry right away since my butt is already sore from before

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK

Eric is swiftly giving me well-placed lashes at a fast rhythm. I guess he wants to get this over with too.

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK

“I’m sorry ah oww Eric please ah” I sob to him hoping he’d stop but it falls on deaf ears. What else is new?

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK

Eric spanks my sit spots with five lashes with the belt before letting it fall to the ground. My body is limp over the couch and I don't even notice that the spanking has stopped.

“Come here, baby girl. It’s over” Eric tells me as he lifts me up and pulls me into a tight embrace over his lap. He moves my hips to the side so that I’m not directly sitting on my sore cheeks.

“Shhh its okay shhh let it out angel shhhh I’ve got you shhhh you did really good baby. I’m proud of you shhhh” Eric whispers while rocking me back and forth in his strong arms. I calm down after a while since I was letting out all of my emotions. It was like a dam that just broke. All I know is that I feel so refreshed. Who would have thought that a spanking could be so… calming? Maybe I need to get spanked more often. Hahaha, I’m just kidding. As if I would think that.

“Are you okay, Angel?” he asks, wiping my wet face. I nod my head against him.

“I’m forgiven?” I ask him, already knowing the answer.

“All forgiven. As always?” He asks me back, kissing my nose.

“As always” I say back with a content smile.

“I’m sorry I had to spank you so hard, baby girl. But you earned and needed it” Eric says, tightening his hold of me. Happy sigh. I might have deserved it but I definitely didn't like it. I probably won't be able to sit for days now.

“Now are you ready to spend the weekend with me? Not worrying about anything. Just you and me?” He asks me. More than ready. I’m Eric deprived.

“Yes! Can we order pizza?” I ask looking up at him with puppy dog eyes. He’s so going to say yes. He may be immune to these eyes for a spanking but he isn't strong when it comes to other things. Heehee. My secret weapon at times. Plus, I’m seriously craving cinnamon sticks.

“Yes, my sweet little angel. We can order pizza and let's get cinna sticks too” Eric agrees. Whoa, it's like he just read my mind.

“Eric, you literally read my mind. See, couples empathy does exist” I say with an I-told-you-so look.

“sure , it does baby. Now go get changed into something comfy and I’ll order the pizza” he says with an amused smile and stands me up. Fine. Don’t believe what is right in front of your face Eric.

“You know you love me” I say while sticking my tongue out at him. I hurry to his room but not before Eric sends me off with a light smack to my butt. I guess today didn't end so badly after all.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This is it, Cori. It's now or never. I gotta find a dress today or I’m just going to walk down the aisle naked for all I care. Although I don't think our guests would appreciate that. I think my dad would have a stroke. Heehee. I don't even want to think about what Eric would do. I’m currently at a new bridal shop hoping to pick a wedding dress out. It’s different than the one I want to with my parents. Yeah, I don't think I can show my face there ever again. I wouldn't be surprised if I was banned. It wouldn't be the first time.

“I’m going to pick a few for you to try. Why don't you pick some that you would like to try on as well” Brenda, the consultant who was helping me, says. I smile and agree to what she said. I continue to shift through some racks. I’m shopping by myself today. Not even Lily is here to help me. I felt like I needed to do this without any distractions or opinions. A few of the dresses have caught my eye, but one instantly gets my attention. I pull it out and I instantly want to try it on. I have to see what it looks like on before I can decide if I like it or not. Sometimes clothes don't look good on which is a total let down.

“I really, really want to try this one on” I tell Brenda. She smiles and leads me to a changing room. When I put the dress on, I’m officially in LOVE. the dress is a mermaid style with a mesh lace material. Its is off the shoulder with lace long sleeves and the train is beautiful due to the pattern of the material of the dress. Honestly it's perfect. Just perfect!! I look like a freaking goddess or someone that people have to bow down to. I look that good, but I still need a second opinion. I ask Brenda to hand me my phone so I can call Lily.

“Lily, you need to get down here. I found my dress!” I tell her excitedly after she answers. I have a feeling she's’ going to be a bit mad that I went shopping without her. She’ll get over it once she sees me.

“What! So that’s where you went and you didn't take me?” Lily says loudly. Told you so.

“I know but I’ll explain why later. You're still the first to see it and I need your opinion on it. So hurry, I’m wearing it right now and I love it” I say, still looking at myself. I hear Lily fall to the ground and say ow. She probably fell off her bed in a hurry. And she says I’m the klutz. Yeah right!

“Okay, I’m coming as fast as I can” Lily says. I tell her the address and tell her to hurry up. Not that I’m complaining. I could wear this dress forever

Well, I bought the dress. Lily absolutely loved it and kept taking picture at all angles. Best friends are the best photographers. The weight has been lifted and I don't feel so stressed about finding a dress now. I still have someone special to share the new with.  

“Eric, guess what? Guess what? Guess what?” I say happily, over the phone. I hear him laugh slightly.

“What? What? What?” He asks me back.

“I FINALLY found my dress” I tell him grinning hard.

“Finally baby” He says with another laugh.

“I know. I feel like I can breath again and I love my dress Eric. I think you’ll really like it” I say. I can't wait for him to seem in it. He better think I'm the prettiest person he has laid his eyes on because if not he needs to get his eyes checked.

“You know I will. I know you're going to be the most beautiful bride ever, angel” Eric tells me. Well, duh!

“Well I just wanted to tell you the news. I got to call my mom and send her a picture of my dress. I think she will want to see it. So, I’ll let you go” I say ending our conversation. Since my mom wasn't there to buy one with me, she should be one of the first people to see it. I’ll probably take her to my final fitting to see it in person before the wedding too. See, I really do have a heart.

“Alright, sounds good baby. I love you” he says.

“Love you too. Oh and before I forget. What would happen if I hadn't had found a dress and decided to walk down the aisle naked?” I ask him, half serious and half joking. Let's just say, Eric wasn't amused with my question. He has no sense of humor sometimes, I swear!