The Seven Stages of Happily Ever After

Eight

The next weekend, I wake to Matt throwing open my bedroom door, clapping his hands loudly. I groan in annoyance, rolling over and throwing a pillow over my head. "Go away annoying morning person!" I shout, my voice muffled under the pillow, comforter and sheets.

"No," I hear the smile in his voice and want to smack it off. I've had a horrible week. Mr. Thomas was in a terrible mood because everything was going wrong with the planning of the biggest autumn wedding we have, and of course, he felt the need to take it out on me. I've never been screamed at so much. One night, I went to Luke's apartment and the moment I saw him I burst into tears, telling him I was just stressed. He took me downtown and we stopped by Laura's for fudge, which did wonders for my mood. Until the next morning, when I had to face Mr. Thomas again. Matt better have a good reason for waking me up on the only morning I get to sleep in.

"Today's the day, Em." Matt calls, throwing the pillow off of my head. "You promised to help me."

I peel open one eye, glaring up at him. "What?"

Matt sighs, his gaze going to the door for a moment, before he looks back down at me, hands on hips. "It's Saturday. I'm doing a thing involving Rachel, and your planning." He trails off. My eyes widen, and I throw off the blankets, looking up at him agape.

"The proposal!" I exclaim in excitement. A familiar laugh fills my ears, and I turn, finding my boyfriend leaning against the doorway, grinning at me. Oh no. I have bed head, and bad breath.

"Get moving, Emma Marie!" Matt claps his hands again, motioning for me to go to the bathroom, before walking past Luke. "By the way, she's the worst when she first wakes up." He fills the brunette in, winking at me before disappearing.

"We've been dating a week, it's custom not to see me looking like this until at least six months." I ramble, my cheeks hot from what I probably look like.

"Technically we've been dating for four months." He points out.

I think about that for a moment, before shrugging. "It's still not six."

Luke grins, walking into my room and laying down next to me. He places his arm under my head, and I throw a hand over my mouth. "I have morning breath." I state, guarding my mouth as though it's fort knox. I scramble out of bed, running into the bathroom and checking the mirror. My hair's tangled, but my cheeks are glowing. I settle for my losses and make quick work of brushing my hair and teeth before heading back to my room and reclaiming my spot next to Luke.

"Better?" He asks, eyes shut in relaxation, a lazy smile on his face.

"Tell me," I breathe, leaning up and giving him a sweet kiss. He pulls me on top of him, caging me in with his arms and smiling against my lips.

"I should come by every morning when you wake up."

"No," I laugh, resting my head on his chest. I wish I could stay here all day. "I'm a bear when I wake up."

Luke chuckles, the action vibrating against my cheek. "You're a cute bear."

"Such a flatterer." I joke, grabbing his free hand and winding our fingers. I watch, a small smile forming on my face. This is so nice.

"You two better be up and ready to help me propose to my girlfriend!" Matt calls from downstairs, making Luke and I glance at each other, a conspirator grin passing between us.

"Coming!" I call, giving Luke one last kiss before hopping up so I can get ready. Luke places his hands behind his head, watching me as I flit around my room to get ready.

"You could leave the makeup today," He suggests.

I pause, raising a brow. "Tempting, but if there are pictures I want to look good."