Two Words I'd Never Say Again

by Remi Carrington

  “Ceremony at eleven. Lunch planned at noon.”

  As much as I loved him cuddled up behind me, I wanted to see his face. I rolled over, and we were nose to nose. “And after that?”

  “Don’t make plans.” The heat and desire in his gaze warmed my whole body.

  Bouquets were created so brides would have something to do with their hands. But I didn’t have one, and therefore, had no idea what to do with my hands. I waited just outside the small garden area as family and friends took their seats. Having my family and our closest friends here to watch us renew our vows was perfect.

  Mama whispered with Mateo, and I wondered if we’d be celebrating another marriage soon.

  Cami’s hands waved as she chatted with Eli, but he wasn’t doing any talking. She might be a little too much for that poor guy.

  When I heard footsteps, I turned toward the path. Hank and the minister walked toward me. For some reason, I’d expected someone younger. But this guy had grey near his temples and very kind eyes. There was warmth in his smile.

  My sweet husband had planned every last detail. Letting someone else do the planning wasn’t what I was good at. But he’d done such a great job. Today was so perfect, I felt spoiled.

  With his hand behind his back, Hank smiled. “Someone once told me that ladies like flowers, so these are for you.” He handed me a small bouquet of red Gerber daisies. “Reverend Miller, this is my wife Nacha.”

  The minister extended his hand. “Everyone calls me Mad Dog.”

  Snickering, I bit my lip. “And I thought today couldn’t get any better. I’m guessing Hank explained our situation.”

  Nodding slowly, Mad Dog slipped a Bible out of his pocket. “He did, and I feel privileged to be here to help you renew your vows. Would you like to be called Ignacia or Nacha?”

  “Nacha. Thank you so much.” I clasped Hank’s hand. “I think everyone is here and ready.”

  Mad Dog Miller, my new favorite minister, grinned. “I’ll let y’all have a minute. But only a minute. Don’t go sneaking off to your room.” He winked. “I’ll be up front.”

  Hank pulled me close. “One of the best things about today is I’m not nervous, only excited.”

  “I know.” I touched his face, wishing I had both hands free. “I’d promised myself I’d never say those two words again.”

  He pinched his lips together, controlling his emotions. Then twinkles danced in his eyes. “If you want to see the boxers . . .”

  I kissed him. “Don’t make me wait. Go up to the front.”

  “Love you.” He brushed my cheek, then stepped away.

  I waited until everyone was positioned in front. He hadn’t mentioned music, so I counted to five before stepping to the end of the small aisle.

  The wedding march started to play, and Cami giggled as she held up her phone. “Now you can go. But slowly.”

  With my gaze fixed on Hank, I walked to the front, probably not as slowly as Cami had planned. Haley grinned and took the bouquet.

  Hank clasped my hands.

  Mad Dog cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention. “Friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Hank and Nacha. If anyone has an objection to these two sharing their lives, forever hold your peace. That ship has sailed.”

  Laughter erupted, which only made the day better.

  Hank winked, and my every nerve ending tingled with anticipation of being alone with him.

  The ceremony continued with laughter and tears. Most of the tears were mine. But even Hank wiped away one or two.

  When we got to the iconic part, the part I thought I’d never say again, Hank lifted an eyebrow.

  Mad Dog smiled at me. “Do you, Nacha, take Hank as your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, respect, and comfort him, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health? To share your joys and sorrows, help him when he needs help and turn to him first when you need help, and forsaking all others, to be faithful to him alone?”

  Meeting Hank’s gaze, I squeezed his hands. “I do.”

  Without waiting for the right time, he leaned in and kissed me.

  The reverend chuckled. “Usually we do the rings next.”

  “Sorry.” Hank grinned.

  We exchanged rings. And I loved that under his wedding band was another ring that would always be with him.

  It had taken me a year of being unhappy to appreciate my happily ever after.

  After Mad Dog announced us to the crowd, Hank and I hurried back down the aisle and found a quiet, out-of-the-way spot while the rest of our family and friends went inside for lunch.

  He dropped kisses on my neck. “I’m not hungry.”

  “Neither am I, but we should at least make an appearance. A short one.”

  He trailed a finger down the zipper on the back of my dress. “Emphasis on the word short.”

  I grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the building.

  When we stepped inside, everyone exploded in a cheer.

  Most of my favorite people were in this room, and I’d never felt more at home.

  Aunt Joji handed Mad Dog a plate, insisting he go through the buffet line first.

  Hank kissed my cheek. “I’m going to go thank the minister.”

  “Please tell him how perfect it was.”

  Cami ran up. “I hope you don’t mind that I let your hottie rummage through your room.”

  “Not a bit. Thank you for helping him surprise me.”

  She stepped closer. “Speaking of hotties, that reverend—oh my!”

  “He said to call him Mad Dog. And don’t you think he’s a tad old for you?”

  Fanning herself, she glanced over her shoulder. “I’m just going to sit by him. There’s no harm in gawking.”

  “What about Eli?”

  She shook her head. “He’s adorable, but he looks at me like he doesn’t know what to do with me.”

  “I think he’s a bit shy.”

  “Shy isn’t really my type.” She laughed, then chewed her bottom lip. “I just wanted you to know that it means a ton that you included me today.”

  I wrapped her in a hug. She’d become almost a little sister. “It wouldn’t have been the same without you. I’m glad we’ve become friends.”

  “And I’ll find someplace else to live. Living with newlyweds would be weird. No, thank you.”

  “I’m moving in with Hank. We’ll be selling the house, but you can stay there until someone buys it.”

  She hugged me again. “Thank you.”

  “Go enjoy the food.”

  She strolled across the room and took a seat next to Mad Dog. Cami really needed to meet someone well-matched to her energy level. Despite Harper’s insistence that Haley and I avoid setting him up, I wanted him to meet Cami. Figuring out how to make that happen would have to wait for another day.

  I made my way around the room, hugging people and thanking them for being in on my surprise. Then I joined Hank near the door. “I’m ready.”

  He waved to our guests. “Enjoy lunch.” He scooped me up as everyone laughed. “It’s kind of a treat getting to carry you when you aren’t drenched from taking a dip in the pool.”

  He carried me out of the building and down the pebbled path.

  With my arms around his neck, I brushed my lips on his ear. “Are you wearing the boxers right now?”

  “Want me to model them for you?” He pushed open the door to the cabin and carried me to the bed.

  I wanted that and so much more. Reaching for his buttons, I trailed kisses along his jaw. “I do.”

  Epilogue

  Harper

  Being invited to Hank and Nacha’s pool party had me on high alert. Nacha didn’t seem the type to set people up, but she was in business with Haley. Hopefully, I wasn’t about to attend my own blind date. Because the only thing worse than actually going on a blind date was being set up in front of an audience.

  I was done with blind dates. Dating i
n general wasn’t going all that well. I’d even met someone cute, but she ran off before I could get her name. That mystery blonde had taken up residence in my thoughts, and just maybe she’d made a brief appearance in a dream or two. Sadly, I’d probably never see her again.

  Returning my thoughts to the party, I glanced at the few cars parked on the street. It wasn’t like I didn’t know Hank and Nacha at all. I did have a hand in getting him his dream job. Maybe that was why I’d been invited. I crossed my fingers and walked to the door.

  Hank yanked it open before I knocked. “Hey there. Come on in. Everyone else is out back.”

  “I wasn’t sure what to bring. Because believe me, you don’t want anything I cooked or baked.” I held up two jugs of sweet tea. “So I brought this.”

  “Perfect! Cami was just asking if we had any. I’m sure when you get out there, Nacha and Haley will introduce you.” Hank chuckled.

  “Dang it. I was hoping the invitation was just an invitation.” I followed him to the back door.

  “Thanks to you, I’m working my dream job and living here in Stadtburg. I didn’t think that was possible.” He patted my shoulder. “You’re my friend, Harper. You’ll always be welcome at our house.”

  “Thanks.” I inhaled as he reached for the door handle. “I think I’m ready. Is she at least cute?”

  “I’m not saying a word.” Hank was not making this easy.

  I stepped onto the porch and nearly dropped both gallons of tea. My mystery blonde sat on the side of the pool, splashing water with her feet.

  Lady luck was smiling on me.

  I nudged Hank without tearing my gaze from my dream come to life. “Is that Cami?”

  “The one and only. If she likes you, you’ll know it.”

  Before any of the ladies noticed me, I slipped back inside. “I’ll leave this tea in here.” I found the red plastic cups and filled two with tea before sticking the jugs in the fridge.

  I walked back out and headed right toward Cami. “Did someone order a sweet tea?”

  She glanced over her shoulder, and her entire face lit up. Scrambling to her feet, she giggled.

  This was the type of hello I’d dreamed about.

  “My superhero!” Before I could respond, she threw her arms around my neck, sending both cups flying.

  That mess could be cleaned up later. I’d just found my mystery woman and she’d called me her superhero. This was the best party ever.

  I picked her up and spun her around. “It’s good to see you too. You look a bit different today.” After a quick, polite glance at her swimsuit, my gaze snapped back to her face. I’d say that was her best feature, but she was like a window display—every inch was perfect.

  She pressed a finger to my lips. “We are not talking about what I was wearing last time. Never ever.”

  Nacha slipped her arms around Hank’s waist. “Be careful saying never. Life doesn’t always work that way.”

  “Thankfully.” Hank kissed the top of her head. “Everyone swim. That’s why I had them put in the pool. We go to Zach’s for Cornhole and my house for the swimming hole.”

  Nacha looked up at him. “Your house?”

  “Our house.” He scooped her up. “Think we should get in?”

  She nodded and gripped his neck. “But just in the shallow end.”

  Cami spun to face the pool but tilted her head back and whispered to me. “Nacha has issues with water.”

  “Then why is she getting in the pool?”

  “Hank.” Cami turned back to face me. “I just cannot believe you are here. This is like the best day ever.”

  “I’m really glad you think so.”

  Nacha clung to Hank’s back as he walked around the shallow end.

  One by one, the other party goers climbed or jumped into the pool.

  I unbuttoned my shirt. “Go ahead and get in. I’ll join you as soon as I clean up the cups.”

  Cami stared at my chest. “I think I’ll just watch you work.”

  Haley splashed water at Cami. “Are you just going to stand there staring at the poor man?”

  Cami grinned and pointed at me as she looked over her shoulder. “He’s a total hottie.”

  Haley shook her head. “I think as a fireman, he probably hears that a lot.”

  “You’re a fireman?” Cami sighed, her eyes twinkling with—was that admiration?

  “In the flesh.”

  She patted my chest. “Most definitely.”

  I threw the cups in the trash, and she splashed water on the area where the tea landed. “It was my fault they fell, and I don’t want the patio to get sticky.”

  “Good idea.”

  With her head cocked, she eyed me. “If I accidentally swallow water in the pool, will you rescue me?”

  There wasn’t a shy bone in her body, which made her amazing in my book.

  “Absolutely.”

  “How long would I need to hold my breath before you gave me mouth-to-mouth?” She grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the pool, then stopped. “I’m kidding. Sort of. You know what! I don’t even know your name.”

  “Ethan Harper. But everyone calls me Harper.”

  She giggled. “Harper the hero.”

  My dating life had definitely taken a turn for the better.

  Thank you for reading Two Words I’d Never Say Again! I hope you loved seeing Hank and Nacha find love again. Excited about Cami and Harper’s story? With those two characters, the story will be fun! One reviewer said that everyone needs a Harper in their life.

  Buy ONE CHOICE I’D NEVER MAKE now >

  Keep reading for a BONUS epilogue.

  Bonus Epilogue

  Hank

  As much as I adored spending time in the pool with Nacha, I wasn’t looking forward to this afternoon. I liked being married to and sharing a bed with Nacha—and all that went with that. Teaching her to swim could have ill effects on our relationship.

  But she’d insisted. Tomorrow, we embarked on our trip to Madrid, and she wanted to learn at least a little before we left.

  I’d never taught anyone to swim, so I’d been watching videos, getting ideas for what to teach.

  As it was now, when we were in the water, she clung to me. I didn’t mind that a bit . . . especially when she wore that teeny red bikini.

  I splashed water on my face, trying to get my thoughts back on track.

  She stepped out onto the patio. Instead of wearing a coverup, she wore my shirt. Slowly my clothes were moving to her side of the closet, but I didn’t care.

  Without shorts on, Nacha had legs a mile long. And I drank in every inch.

  I crossed my arms on the edge of the pool and rested my chin on them. She had a whole routine. After stepping outside, she’d lay the towels in the sun, kick off her shoes, and then take off that t-shirt.

  I loved watching.

  And she knew it.

  Instead of yanking it off, she’d tease a little.

  Today, she went through the same routine. She turned, giving me her back, then glanced back over her shoulder. Clutching the hem, she lifted slowly.

  The shirt hadn’t made it up very far, and I knew pool time would be all about swimming. She was wearing what I liked to call her company suit—the one piece that covered lots of skin. She always wore that one when we had company. I preferred the red bikini, but when she wore that one, we never actually got around to lessons.

  She tossed the shirt aside and strolled to the edge of the pool. “Hi.”

  “Before you climb in, I just want to remind you that you promised to love me for better or for worse.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I’ve been in the pool with you, Hank.”

  “But you’ve never been in the pool without hanging onto me for dear life. To swim, you will have to let go of me.”

  “I know.” She stepped into the water after taking a deep breath. “And I know I will have to put my face in the water.”

  “That’s where we’ll start.” I moved closer and s
tretched out my hand.

  Lips pinched together, she gripped my fingers. Her fear was obvious, but so was her courage.

  I pulled her close. “I think that’s the first time you’ve stepped into this pool without turning my hand white in the process. You’ve made progress.”

  “I’m really trying.”

  “I’ll never be far away.”

  She nodded.

  “Pull in a deep breath, as deep as you can. Then put your face in the water.” I squeezed her hand. “You don’t have to let go of my hand right now. We’ll work up to that.”

  After filling her lungs, she bobbed her face into the water. Sucking in air before she was completely out of the water, she choked.

  “You okay?” I hadn’t realized how hard it would be to watch her do this.

  Squeezing my hand, she inhaled again, then put her face in the water.

  I held onto her hand. “One. Two. Three.”

  Grinning, she popped up and wiped her face. “That wasn’t so bad.”

  “Can you do it again and keep your face in the water until I count to five?”

  “I think so.” She glanced at her hand in mine. “You’ve got me?”

  “Always.”

  With her face fully under the water, I counted to five.

  Her smile was even brighter. “What’s next?”

  “Let’s do that one more time, then you can try it without holding my hand.”

  She made it look easy.

  When she came up out of the water, I kissed her. “Great job.”

  “I wouldn’t trust anyone else to teach me.” She trailed a finger down my chest. “Let’s do a little more.”

  “Since you asked nicely. This is what I’m going to have you do next.” I stretched out and floated on my belly. “I’ll hold your hand the first time.”

  She licked her lips, determination in her dark eyes. “I think I can do it without holding your hand. Five count?”

  “If you can.”

  With her arms spread wide, she floated while I counted, then got back on her feet. “Now I know what to do if I ever fall in the water.”