Miles nuzzled my neck, making me rethink picking up the kids right at that moment. “There has been a change of plans. The children are spending the night with your parents.”
I tipped my head back, so he didn’t miss any spots on my neck. “What will we do with our time alone?” My tone suggested what his answer should be.
“I’m glad you asked. I have some research I need you to help me with.”
That was not what my tone indicated. I leaned back with a crinkled brow. He had to be joking. “You just finished the book and we’ve hardly seen each other because you’ve been so busy writing.”
“I know, my love, but I feel like it needs an epilogue and I need your help.”
“It’s perfect the way it is.” I pulled him to me. My lips played above his, begging to be kissed.
“You are tempting, darling, but this important.” He pushed off the couch and stood.
I stared up at him in shock. He was serious.
He held out his hand to me. “I promise I will make it up to you.” A bemused smile played on his lips.
I placed my hand and my trust in his. “Okay. Where are we going so late?”
“The Ranch, so dress warmly.”
I still couldn’t believe we were spending our first night alone in the last few weeks doing book research—for a book that was done, mind you. But there was something cozy about being bundled up in the car listening to Christmas music and staring at my handsome boyfriend. Boyfriend was weird for me to say. I mean, I was a mother of an almost teen, and Miles was forty. Boyfriend seemed juvenile and didn’t adequately describe what I felt Miles and I shared. Our connection ran so deep that at times we spoke each other’s thoughts before either one of us could express them.
“You’re still planning on speaking at career day next week, right?” Chloe had asked him instead of me, because let’s be honest, his job was way cooler than mine. Though the perks of mine were hard to beat. Cute kid that adored me and a dashing boss whose kisses made not only my toes curl but my entire body zing.
Miles reached over and rested his hand on my thigh. “I’ll be there. My publisher is having some books from their middle grade line shipped for the occasion.”
“Chloe will be excited about that.”
“Have yours and Chloe’s passports arrived yet?”
“Did I forget to tell you? They came yesterday. I can’t believe we will be spending Christmas in London.”
Miles caressed my thigh. “I’m anxious to return and to have you and Chloe with Henry and me. Oscar and Molly have requested we spend Christmas day with them.”
“I would love that. What about Penelope?” I hesitated to ask. Last time I saw her was after Miles and I decided to give this a go. She threw a better temper tantrum than Henry and flew out the door saying it would never last. I was going to do my best to prove her wrong.
Miles cleared his throat. “She will conveniently be on holiday in Rome.”
That was music to my ears. “What a shame.”
Miles laughed. “You will not go entirely unscathed. My father and my siblings are hoping to meet you.” Miles tried to keep the edge out of his tone.
I rubbed Miles’s hand. “I would be happy to meet any of your family.”
“You say that now, darling. You may rethink our entire relationship after you meet the motley crew.”
I took Miles’s hand between my own. “I’m sorry, but you’re stuck with me. We signed a contract remember?”
He glanced over at me. “That I do, my love.”
“So, what are your plans for the epilogue?”
“You’ll see.” He wagged his brows.
“Why so mysterious?”
“I’m just trying to keep the magic alive in our relationship.”
I laughed at him, but magical was a good way to describe what we had together. It was by no means perfect. Miles was set in his ways and he was still adjusting to not only dad life, but being a partner. For the most part he was amazing, and he tried his best to be present, but it didn’t come naturally for him, and more than anything, I think that frustrated him more than it ever frustrated me.
Sometimes it was hard for me too. Especially letting Chloe grow up. Miles was less cautious by nature and he had to remind me at times to let go of the reins I had held so tightly. Of course, that made Miles Chloe’s favorite. It gave me holy envy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was happy Chloe had a Miles in her life. Every girl deserved one.
When we pulled into the Ranch in front of the main house, it looked as if we were late to a party we hadn’t been invited to. I recognized Shelby and Ryder’s truck, and Jenna and Brad’s minivan—they were really embracing parenthood. We tried to talk Jenna out of it, but she loved the roominess. Bobby Jay’s truck towered above them all. I assumed that meant that Emma and Sawyer were probably around too. I wasn’t sure if I should feel slighted or not.
“I’ll get your door,” Miles interrupted me before I could decide if I wanted to get out. He hustled around and opened my door. He took a moment to peer into my eyes. “Aspen, I do love you.”
I tilted my head. “Is there something I should know about? Are you all right?” He was acting awfully strange.
“Everything is perfect. You’re perfect.” He leaned in and brushed my hair back before kissing my forehead. He lingered for a moment before trailing soft kisses down my cheek. With each touch, my pulse ticked up. His lips teased my own, skimming them, taking small tastes here and there until they came crashing down on mine. His tongue invited my lips to part. As always, my lips immediately accepted his invitation. My hands ran through his hair. He pushed me farther back in the car while thoroughly exploring my mouth. I liked this research trip. But I loved him and how he made me feel. His kisses made me know I was wanted and adored.
He groaned against my mouth. “As lovely as this is, we have some research we should really get to.”
He stood upright and pulled me along with him.
“Where are we going in the dark?”
“You’ll see.” He buttoned up my coat and wrapped a scarf around my neck. “Are you warm enough, darling?”
I took his hand and leaned into him. “Always, when I’m with you.”
He kissed my head and we took a trail leading away from the main house. I pushed out any jealous thoughts of being excluded and tried to focus on being in the moment with Miles. While the path was clear, snow covered most of the ground. The glow of the moon made it glisten in the dark. It was like walking in a winter wonderland.
Miles was quiet but attentive, making sure to keep me steady on the gravel path. Several times he looked down at me with an adoring gaze. It didn’t take long for me to realize we were heading for the amphitheater. Something was off, though. If I wasn’t mistaken, I saw a shimmer of light in the distance. I didn’t remember there ever being any lighting in the amphitheater. The closer we got, the tighter Miles held me to him.
Just as we were on the cusp of our destination the source of light came into view. The pergola was lit up in hundreds of twinkle lights. Pink rose petals covered the snow-covered ground beneath it. I stopped and placed my hand over my mouth. “What is this?”
Miles placed his gloved hand on my cheek. “This is how Dexter’s and Isabella’s story ends and ours begins, I hope.” He led me to the pergola.
I paused on the outer edge. This was hallowed ground. Ground I never thought I would step foot on. Miles recognized my hesitation. He removed his gloves and placed them in his coat pocket before cupping my cheeks with his warm hands. “My love, finish this walk with me. Let us say goodbye to our past demons here and now.”
Hot tears leaked down my cheeks and fell on his reassuring hands. I nodded and let him lead me the rest of the way. There we stood together under the pergola. The twinkle lights made it feel as if we had entered a fairy land.
Miles bent on one knee and took me by the hand.
“Aspen, the truth is that you are like a dream come to life. In
every second we share together, you captivate me and scare the bloody hell out of me all at once. I know I will never be the man you deserve.” He used the same beautiful words from the first time he kissed me. “Despite how unworthy I am of you, I would like to propose a new contract, even more binding than the last one.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out an enchanting filigree ring that sparkled under the lights. He held the beautiful ring between his finger and thumb before offering it to me. “Please do me the honor of agreeing to be not only my wife, but mother to my nephew. I, in return, will promise to be your faithful husband and loving father to Chloe and Henry.”
I was so choked up I could hardly utter, “Yes. Yes. Yes, to all of it.”
He placed the ring on my finger before standing up and kissing me gently. His tenderness bled through my lips. “I love you, Aspen,” he whispered against my mouth, this time as if it was a secret he no longer wished to keep to himself. “Shall we go celebrate with our children and your family and friends? They are all waiting for us in the main house.”
I kissed his lips. “I think I would like to privately celebrate for a little bit longer.”
“I am happy to accommodate you,” he groaned.
Best. News. Ever.
Epilogue
Eight Months Later
You would have thought we were running a fancy day care instead of getting ready for a wedding—my wedding, to be precise—with all the babies and children running around. We had overtaken Emma’s old bedroom in the main house at the Ranch. I smiled at the chaotic scene around me. Emma was nursing her daughter, Shannon Elaine, while Chloe held Shannon’s twin, Dane Anders. Meanwhile, Shelby was changing her daughter, Maribelle’s, diaper for the second time in a half hour. To add to the fun, Henry was in his tux chasing Elliott around with a plastic sword. Jenna was doing her best to keep the chaos down as much as possible, running here and there in her pink organza bridesmaid dress. I chose pink for my wedding colors to honor Emma’s mom.
Thankfully, Oscar and Molly were there to do our hair and makeup. Molly had even designed my dress. The gorgeous trumpet antique lace dress with the most romantic train was hung up in the bathroom, away from the children.
Oscar was putting the final touches on my braided crown updo. He left some loose pieces to fall around my face. “You are breathtaking, lovey.” He smoothed the last curl.
Molly applied a pink tint to my lips as the final touch.
I stared in the vanity mirror, hardly believing this was happening and that I could ever look so elegant. Henry took a break from chasing Elliott and crawled onto my lap. “I’m bored,” he exclaimed.
I kissed his nose. “It’s nice to meet you, bored.”
“Mum, my name is not bored.”
I loved when he called me mum. I think he started doing it because that’s what Chloe called me, but whatever the reason, I cherished it. I felt like it made Sophie happy. Of course, Henry still talked about his mummy and daddy, and we encouraged it. Miles made sure to tell him stories about Sophie every day so he would never forget her.
Elliott took Henry’s sword, so Henry was off again on the chase.
I stood and took little Dane from Chloe so Oscar and Molly could work their magic on my beautiful daughter, who was now officially a teenager and boy crazy. Boy band posters littered her bedroom walls and I was monitoring her texts like a mad woman. I kissed my daughter’s cheek before she could get too far.
“You look beautiful, Mom.”
“Thank you, baby girl.” I smiled, thinking of the present Miles had for her later today after the ceremony. He was going to ask Chloe if he could officially adopt her. I had to stop thinking about it or I was going to ruin my makeup. For the first time in Leland’s life, he was going to do the right thing and relinquish his rights to Chloe. It had taken forever to track him down. I had to go through Kylie’s parents. Sadly, I think he was relieved that’s why I was contacting him. It made me more grateful for the way Miles loved Chloe as if she were his own.
While I bounced little Dane, who was already a whopping fifteen pounds at four months old—I swore Emma produced cream for her twins—I watched Emma nurse Shannon, who was petite compared to her brother. I longed to be in her place. Miles had asked if we could have one of our own, even though he said it scared the hell out of him. I couldn’t wait to accommodate him.
Emma smiled up to me, tired, but happy. “I’ve become a cow.”
Shelby plopped down next to her on the couch and began nursing Maribelle, who no doubt would grow up to be as beautiful as her mother. She already had the crown of gold and big blue eyes. “Think of all the calories you’re burning.” Shelby tried to put a positive spin on it. Shelby, who was already back in her size two jeans. We would hate her if we didn’t love her so much.
“I’m just happy I can drink Dr. Pepper again. The babies love it.” Emma laughed before she took a swig of her nearby drink. I think the first thing she asked for after she delivered her twins was a Dr. Pepper.
Jenna joined us with Elliott in her arms. His arms were flailing every which way while he tried desperately to escape. “I’m going to take this kid to his dad. Where are all the guys, anyway?”
“I think they are at our place,” Emma said.
“Ugh,” Jenna complained. “I’m not walking over there in my heels. I’ll call Brad and make him come here.”
“Tell all the men to come here,” Emma suggested, “so we can finish getting ready. And tell Brad to tell Sawyer I need my Spanx, like all of it. And nursing pads. That sounds attractive, doesn’t it?”
We all laughed at her.
My three best friends all took to staring at me at the same moment. I knew what they were trying to say. None of us could believe I was getting married. But more importantly, I could see in their eyes how happy they were for me. It meant the world to me. Thankfully, Jenna added some levity to the moment before the tears came and I ruined my makeup.
“I can’t believe you are marrying Mr. Wickham, Jane Austen’s bad boy. It sounds so wicked and yummy.”
Amid our laugher there was a knock on the door.
“Darling, are you in there?”
“Speaking of wicked, someone is anxious,” Shelby drawled.
I still couldn’t get over his accent. I rushed to the door and only opened it a fraction. Enough to see he was holding a white box and how ridiculously gorgeous my soon-to-be husband looked in his black tux that fit him like a glove. I wanted to reach out and pet him.
Miles tried to peek in. “Are you dressed?”
“I’m wearing a robe.”
“That is unfortunate,” he faux frowned. “Can I speak to you in the hall?”
“Isn’t it bad luck to see me before the wedding?”
“Darling, I don’t believe in that rubbish. Please, I have something for you.”
My curiosity was piqued. I slid out the door and into the hall.
Miles took a moment to take me in. “You are lovely. I would run away with you now, but I fear your mother.”
I was afraid of her too today. Last I saw, she was barking orders at the wedding coordinator, making sure everything was perfect. She had even dragged my sister into it. I was hoping to have Vanessa and my mom help me get ready. But Mom was so overjoyed that the day she thought would never come was happening—her daughter was finally marrying someone who wasn’t a loser—she couldn’t be bothered with trivial things like hair and makeup.
“Best not to test her nerves,” I agreed.
Miles held the box out to me. “I have a pre-wedding gift for you.”
I took the box. “Does this mean you have a post-wedding gift?”
He pulled me to him and held me tight. “Yes. It’s called the honeymoon. I hope you’ve packed little to nothing at all.”
“I can’t wait to unwrap that gift.” A week in Belize of only the two of us.
“Me neither, darling.” He brushed my lips before reluctantly letting me go. “Please open it.”
&nb
sp; I lifted the lid to find a book, my favorite book. “When did you receive this? I thought it wasn’t coming out until November?” I set the box down on the floor and cradled the hardbound book in my hands. It was gorgeous. The cover still said it was a thriller with the cemetery cover, but in the background, there was a stone wall with a ray of light descending on it. It spoke beautifully to the theme of the book. I ran my hands over the title, Ascending Stones.
“This is an advanced copy. It came last week. I’ve been saving it for this moment. I hope you enjoy the dedication.”
I gently opened the book and carefully turned the pages. I was struck with the loveliest of words. My makeup wasn’t going to survive.
To my wife, best mate, lover, and climbing partner.
“It’s beautiful,” I choked out. “Thank you.”
His thumb wiped away a few of my tears. “What have I told you about thanking me for telling the truth?”
I leaned into his hand. “I love that you called me your wife.”
“I hope you don’t mind that I jumped the gun a bit.”
“Not at all.”
“Well . . . what do you Americans say? Let’s get this show on the road.” He kissed my head. “Meet me under the pergola. I’ll be the one standing there undressing you with my eyes.” He strutted away chuckling to himself.
As always, he was true to his word.
On the arm of my father, I walked the rose petal strewn path behind my daughter and my son. Chloe held Henry’s hand while Henry waved to everyone like this was his big day. In the audience, so many faces who had been part of my journey stood out to me. Dane, who was holding his namesake, bouncing him to keep him from fussing. Beside him were Sawyer’s dad and his wife, Bridgette, who was holding baby Shannon. She looked to be in grandma heaven. Frankie, the woman of the hour who had made the most delicious cake and cupcakes for the reception afterward, gave me a little wink.
On the other side of the aisle stood Marlowe and Bobby Jay, who were planning their own wedding. A destination wedding in Hawaii. The pergola was too trite for Marlowe. Next to Marlowe stood Macey, who I think finally figured out what she had in Jaime. They both looked at each other with stars in their eyes.
My Not So Wicked Boss (My Not So Wicked Series Book 3) Page 24