Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 19640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
When we reach the end of the boardwalk, with tears streaming in my eyes, Jane places a quick kiss on the apple of my cheek and I step onto the aisle that will lead me down to the water's edge. The piano plays in time to the chords as I lock eyes with my forever.
He is stunning. His dark hair is pushed back smartly, a crisp black tux from head to toe, and one sexy flash of turquoise blue in his pocket. I want to run to him, kiss him like no one is watching, and thank him for loving me. For saving me. My eyes cast over to my uncles, the two men at his side. They look handsome as ever, and I think how lucky I am to have them in my life. I smile brightly, seeing them standing there, representing all of the love my life can hold on this special day.
Not a single other person on the planet matters to me more than the three men right here with me today.
Tears climb up my throat and threaten to overflow when I'm within a final few steps and my eyes lock with Shane's. My future husband reaches his arm out then, and with that simple touch, I connect myself to him for an eternity.
"Finally," Shane whispers when I'm close enough to hear, his lips placing a delicate kiss on my neck as my happiness consumes me, my smile so big it might crack my cheeks, my heart so full I can't think of anything else but our future together.
There is so much more to come for us, and life with Shane is about to get bigger, and so much better.
Shane
With the ceremony and photography session over and my brothers filtering back to the house to celebrate with wine and hors d'oeuvres, I snag my baby girl by the hand and walk her to the shoreline. "Okay, baby?" I need a moment with her. There may be one million more in my future, but I need this one.
I'm so much more than okay," she hums. "I didn't think I could be this happy. Thank you for giving me such a magical day." Her eyes finally turn and the water hovering at her eyelids nearly undoes me on the spot. I have so much love for this woman, it can't be expressed with words.
"You are so beautiful, my love. You're as beautiful and pure as the crystal waves of the ocean. My life was meaningless before you."
My wife. How did I ever get so lucky? I thought I'd have to lock her in a tower to keep her safe, but here is where we were always meant to be. "You changed everything. You're the wild card I didn't see coming. My life is so much fuller with you in it, and if another man ever tries to come between us his blood will be on my hands." I think back on the man whose life I ended the day before we arrived here, the day she was attacked near the market and defended herself so ruthlessly. Just like I taught her to do. "Thank you for putting up with me, and thank you for being mine."
"Mmm..." She hums against my lips as my palms trail down to her waist, imagining the vibrant tiny heartbeat I know lives there.
"So when are we going to tell them?" I ask, referring to Gio and Rafe back in the house.
"An announcement during the toast would be fun," she answers as light reflects off of her dark blonde curls. She looks so damn happy today. Positively radiant.
"Maybe I'm not ready to share you just yet." I smooth a palm over her belly, my baby hidden beneath layers of the most expensive lace and satin. We were both late to spot the symptoms, chalking much of it up to stress on her system after the move. And then I came back from my makeshift island office to a positive pregnancy test perched on top of my pillow.
I nearly tackled her with joy then. There will be no shortage of love in our home.
"Maybe once we find out if it's a girl or boy," Shelby continues as she places her palms over my own, encircling her abdomen and our baby.
"Definitely a boy." I bend my head to place a proud kiss there.
"There are enough boys around here, I want pigtails and princesses!" She laughs as her fingertips dust across the nape of my neck and send my system into overdrive. I grit my teeth, thinking I only have a few more hours of playing pretend before I can bring her to our bed and unwrap her like my own priceless gift.
I grunt and then take her lips in a more promising kiss. "I've got plans for you tonight." I drag my teeth across the plump flesh of her bottom lip. "I can't wait to get inside you."