Staci shares some details about her life with Phil, including their first kiss

[NOTE: This chapter happens in parallel with Phil's story.]

After a while, the conversation naturally circled back to Staci and Phil. The bride-to-be was more than happy to indulge her friends' curiosity about her relationship, opening up in ways she never had before.

"So how did you two first realize you were in love?" Emily asked earnestly, propping herself up on her elbows.

A dreamy expression crossed Staci's face as she recalled those early days. "It was our third date. Phil took me on a moonlit picnic in this secluded cove. The way he looked at me, like I was the only woman in the world ... I just knew."

"Aww!" the others cooed in unison.

"What was your first kiss like?" Melanie wanted to know. "Don't spare any details. I want to know where you were, what he said, where he touched you, his fingers, his lips, his rugged and full beard ..."

The other women all stared at Melanie.

"What?" Melanie said, annoyed at their glare. "Come on, like you all don't want to just grab that beard and have your way with it."

Staci laughed. "You don't need to convince me, Mel. I love the beard."

Abbie leaned in closer, hanging on Staci's every word. "So tell us about that first kiss then."

Staci grinned, her eyes sparkling with the memory. "Well, like I said, we were on that moonlit picnic. The stars were so bright and the waves were crashing gently on the shore. Phil had his arm around me and I could feel the warmth of his body through his shirt."

She paused for dramatic effect, enjoying the rapt attention of her audience.

"He turned to face me and brushed a strand of hair from my face, his fingers lingering on my cheek. Then he cupped my face in his hands and pulled me in for the most amazing, passionate kiss. It was slow and deep and tender, like he was savoring every second. I swear I saw fireworks behind my eyelids."

"Damn girl, that's hot," Taylor said appreciatively.

"No kidding," Emily added. "I'm out of breath from the story alone."

Abbie grinned. She loved hearing the juicy details. "Those first kisses are amazing, aren't they?" she said softly, half to herself, thinking of Jake.

"Mm-hm," Staci answered. "The way he held me, his strong hands on my body ..." She closed her eyes to relive the memory. "I can still feel him holding me, touching me. His palm on the small of my back. His lips along my neck. His fingers across my body, gently caressing my breasts." She whimpered slightly as the memory of that first kiss with Phil send a shudder through her body.