by Ryan, Kaylee
“I know that.”
“They’re going to be there when we say our vows. This is nothing new.”
“You’re acting like we’re getting married soon.”
“I want to.”
“Coop,” she breathes.
“Don’t worry, tonight wasn’t my proposal.” She sighs in relief. “Although, you might want to practice your yes.”
“What?”
“It’s coming, baby. I’m going to ask you one day soon. So you need to work on your yes.”
She bites down on her lip to keep from laughing. “What am I going to do with you?” she asks with a shake of her head.
“Marry me, have my babies, grow old with me.”
Her smile is huge. “I think we can work something out.”
Chapter 20
Reese
“Wow.” That’s the first thing that comes to mind as Cooper pulls our rental to a stop outside Nixon and Tessa’s house. “I’ve seen pictures, but it doesn’t do this place justice.” It’s similar to ours with a full-brick two-story wrap. Their brick is a dark red, and since red is Tessa’s favorite color, I’m sure that’s part of what made her fall in love with this place.
“Kind of like our place,” Cooper says, peering out the window.
“They are similar. I wonder if they have a huge shower,” I say and can feel my face heat. Yesterday after the closing, we went and bought an air mattress before swinging by the condo and grabbing our bags for our flight, our toiletries, and the blankets from Cooper’s bed. We ordered Chinese and stopped to pick it up on the way. We spent the rest of the day in our new home. We set up camp in the master bedroom and ate sitting on the island that’s the size of my entire kitchen in my apartment.
Anyway, the shower… Cooper insisted we try it out last night, and try it out we did. What started out as soft intimate caresses turned into my back against the wall, with the water raining down on us as he took me hard and fast. Shower sex is definitely on the to-be-repeated-as-soon-as-possible list.
“Just think, babe, that’s how we can start every day,” he says, reading my mind.
“Promise?”
His reply is to lean in and press his lips to mine. I open for him just like I always do when he deepens the kiss. I allow myself to get lost in him. He’s mine now. I can do that. And I do every chance I get. When a loud knock comes at the window, Cooper groans and pulls away. “I love you,” he says softly before turning and rolling down the window. “Can I help you?” he asks Nixon and Tessa.
“Get your ass out of the car, Reeves,” Nixon demands. I can hear the humor in his voice, or maybe that’s excitement for seeing his friend.
Cooper chuckles and climbs out, as do I. As I walk to their side of the car, I see the guys exchange one of those bro-hug things they do. Hands clasped and smacks on the back. Then Cooper lifts Tessa into the air and kisses her cheek.
“Reese.” That’s the only warning I get before Nixon lifts me in the air and spins me around.
“Put her down, Nix. I need to hug my best friend.” I hear Tessa command, and my feet are suddenly back on the ground, only to be engulfed by Tessa. “I’m so glad you’re here!” she exclaims.
“Me too.” I pull out of her hug, only to be pulled into Cooper’s arms. I feel like a yo-yo, but I’m not going to complain. These are my three favorite people. They can hug me all they want.
“How’s the house?” Tessa asks as she motions for us to follow her inside.
We head on in, and I can’t help but admire the way she’s decorated. I can’t wait to do that with ours. “We stayed there last night. I feel like I’m living in a fairy tale,” I admit, taking a seat on the couch.
“Yeah, I know what you mean,” she says, looking around her house.
“It’s beautiful, Tessa.”
“Thank you. We love it. We looked for weeks before we found this one. As soon as we pulled in, I knew it was the one.”
“That’s the same thing that happened to me. I could just feel it. I thought I was crazy for thinking that.”
“Nope. I was the same way.”
“You guys are going to have to come and visit soon.” Cooper jumps into the conversation.
“Yeah, you do realize training camp starts almost as soon as we get back from our honeymoon?” Nixon asks him.
“We’ll figure it out,” Tessa assures them.
“Tell me about the wedding. Is everything all set? What can I help with?” I ask her.
“Everything is set. It’s small. Just close friends and family. You know me. I didn’t want anything over the top.”
“I’m so happy for the two of you. I knew you two were perfect for each other,” I boast. “I’m sorry I’ve not been much help with the planning. I hate that you live so far away.”
“She wouldn’t let it go,” Cooper says from his seat next to me. “She insisted her roommate and mine would be a perfect fit.” He points to Tessa and then Nixon. “Now here we are. Congratulations, you two.”
“Enough with the heavy,” Tessa says, wiping her eyes. There may be tears, but her smile is like a beaming ray of light as she glows with happiness. “I want to see your house.”
Not needing to be asked twice, I pull my phone out of my back pocket and show her the pictures.
“I love it.” She and Nixon swipe through the pictures.
“Is that an air mattress?” Nixon asks. “Are the Defenders not paying you enough, my man?” he teases Cooper.
“Dick.” Cooper laughs, flipping him off.
“Well, once you get back from your honeymoon, you’re going to have to come and visit. By then, we’ll have furniture for you to sleep on,” I assure them.
“Nix leaves for training camp five days after we get back, so maybe then? We can hang out and catch up.”
“Yes.” I’m excited about the idea of getting to spend some quality time with my best friend.
“Let me show you to your room. Dinner is being catered after the rehearsal, but if you all are hungry, I can make some sandwiches or something.”
“I’m good,” Cooper says. “We hit a drive-through on the way here.”
“I was starving,” I tell her.
“Come on.” Nixon grabs some of our bags, while Cooper takes the others. “I’ll show you to your room.”
Cooper and I decide to take a quick nap. We had to be at the airport at five this morning. Stripping down, we slide under the covers curled up in each other’s arms. There is no better feeling than being wrapped up in Cooper. We sleep for an hour before it’s time to get ready for the rehearsal. I know it’s not my wedding, but it might as well be for how excited I am for our friends. To think, I had a part in the two of them getting together, and here we are in their home, the weekend they vow to love each other forever.
I know it’s wrong, but I wasn’t excited about my wedding to Hunter. I feel like I kind of just went through the motions. My heart flutters in my chest when I think about marrying Cooper. That was definitely missing, and I was wrong for saying yes. I hope Hunter finds a love like ours. He deserves nothing less.
* * *
“You’re glowing,” I tell my best friend. The wedding reception is starting to die down,
so the four of us are sitting at a table in the hotel banquet room just enjoying each other’s company.
“Damn right, she is,” Nixon says, kissing her temple. “My wife is gorgeous,” he says, and I melt a little at their exchange. Tessa is smiling at him with tears swimming in her eyes.
“You ready for that to be us?” Cooper whispers in my ear.
“More than you know.” What once seemed to be a fantasy is now sitting right next to me. He’s mine. Now and forever.
“Me too, baby.” He kisses my bare shoulder, which causes goose bumps to break out on my skin. “I hope I can always do that,” he says, tracing the bumps on my arms.
I turn to look at him. “There isn’t a doubt in my mind.”
“What are you love birds talking ab
out over there?” Tessa asks.
“The two of you,” I tell her. “Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day.”
“You two have been there since the beginning,” Nixon comments. “It’s fitting that you stood up with us today.”
“Maybe one day we can repay the favor?” Tessa says coyly over her glass of champagne.
“Oh, you will,” Cooper states confidently. “As soon as I can get a ring on her finger.”
“Now we’re talking.” Nixon holds his fist out for Cooper to bump, making us all laugh.
“Are you excited for your honeymoon?” I ask Tessa. I don’t want to make today about Cooper and me. This is their special day. We’ll have ours. Soon, I hope.
“Yes! I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. I can’t wait. Two weeks of nothing but—” she starts, but Nixon interrupts her.
“Sex.” He grins.
“There’s that.” Tessa smiles at her husband. “The landscapes and the cliffs, it looks beautiful. I can’t wait to take it all in.”
“And the sex,” Nixon says, giving her a heated look.
“You’re terrible.” She giggles.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the last dance of the evening,” the DJ announces.
Looking around, it’s just the four of us and their parents who are left. The wedding was small and intimate. It was perfect for them in so many ways. “They’re calling our name, babe.” Cooper stands and holds his hand out for me. We take the dance floor beside Nixon and Tessa, as well as their parents. It’s the perfect ending to an even more perfect day.
As my head rests on Cooper’s chest and we sway to the music, I let my mind wander to a day just like this. A day where Cooper and I vow to love one another until the end of time.
I used to want a large wedding. I wanted it to be huge and elaborate. When Hunter and I were planning ours, we settled for somewhere in the middle, not huge, but not intimate either. The dreams of my younger self are not my dreams anymore. This moment, the eight of us together, that’s what I want for us. I want intimate. I don’t need some huge elaborate wedding to prove to him that I love him. Honestly, I would be good with going to the courthouse. I just want to marry him.
I want to marry my best friend.
* * *
A few hours later, we’re lying in bed, and I can’t stop thinking about the wedding. I can’t help but imagine what our wedding day will look like. It all plays out like a movie in my mind. A small intimate gathering where the focus is on the love that we share, not the guest list or the decorations. Just us.
I want that.
More than anything, I want to marry Cooper. I’ve held these feelings close to my chest long enough. I’m ready to start our lives. I know I took longer than I should have to tell him that I love him. I let the fear of heartbreak cloud what was right in front of me. The most amazing man who loves me unconditionally.
“What are you thinking about, babe?” Cooper mumbles. His arms are wrapped tightly around me, as they are every night.
He loves me.
I love him.
It’s time.
I roll over to face him. In the dark, I manage to place my hand on his cheek. “You,” I whisper.
“What about me?” he asks, pulling me closer. That’s the thing with Cooper, he can never seem to get me close enough. He’s always reaching for me and touching me in some way. It’s not just our hearts that are entangled, it’s who we are. My life with his, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Marry me.” My words are softly spoken, but the intake of breath from Cooper tells me he heard me just fine. “I want our forever, Coop. I don’t want to wait to start my life with you. I don’t want some big, elaborate wedding. I just need our parents, and I need you. That’s it.” He doesn’t say anything, so I keep going. “I love you. I’ve never stopped loving you. I’m sorry that it took me so long to say it back. I was scared, and even though you proved over and over again that I was who you wanted, I held back. I’m tired of holding back, Coop. Tonight, watching Tess and Nix, I’m not envious of the love they share. We share that same intense, all-consuming love. What I’m envious of is that they’re on their journey to forever. I want to start ours now. Cooper Reeves, will you marry me?”
Once again, I’m met with silence. My mind and my heart are in a battle as they race against one another. The look on his face tells me I’ve left him speechless. Hot tears prick my eyes when the reality of the moment sets in. I just asked him to marry me. I open my mouth to tell him I was kidding when the bed dips, and I feel the emptiness beside me. The tears begin to fall as the sob that’s been lodged in my throat breaks free. I don’t know what’s happening. This is what we’ve talked about. “Coop,” I whisper his name. Pleading for him to say something.
Suddenly, the room is bathed in a soft glow as the click of the lamp switch echoes throughout the room. Cooper is standing beside the bed, his hands clenched at his sides, in nothing but his boxer briefs. “Come here, baby,” he says softly.
I don’t want to move. I’m frozen as I watch his throat bob when he swallows. His hands are clenched and although he might be trying to hide it, I see it. The small blue box. More tears stream down my face as realization sets in.
“Reese,” he says softly. “Please come here.” His voice is laced with tenderness, and love. So much love. Not just in his voice, but in his eyes.
“Fine, we’ll do this your way.” He grins and shakes his head.
I watch as he walks around the bed and stops next to me. I roll over to face him, wiping my eyes. With one hand, he reaches up and softly strokes my cheek. “You’re beautiful,” he whispers.
“I’m a mess,” I choke. This is not how I imagined my reaction to be at a proposal. Then again, I’ve never been asked by a man who owns my heart and soul.
Cooper drops to his knees, so we are eye to eye. “I’m so in love with you,” he says reverently. “I never knew that a love like ours could exist. I’m merely half a man without you in my life.” His large calloused hand cradles my cheek, his thumb wiping at my tears. “It breaks my fucking heart to see these tears.” He leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth. “Come on,” he says, helping me sit up.
It’s really happening. This is a moment I’ve dreamed of and it’s here. I sit on the edge of the bed, my legs dangling over the side, while he kneels before me on the floor. I want to scream and yell and tell him that I asked first, but I hold it all in. I want this moment. All I can do is stare down at him as tears race down my cheeks, and I bite down on my bottom lip.
“Bliss,” he says softly. “That’s what I feel when I’m with you. There is nothing in my life that even comes close to comparing.”
“I- I love you,” I manage to say.
“Shh,” he murmurs, wiping at my cheeks, one side, then the other. “Let me do this.” He gives me a small smile. “When we graduated college, I wanted to ask you to come with me. I didn’t because I was so caught up in you following your dreams, and all it did was deny both of us the love we have to share.” He takes my hand in his. “I loved you then, Reese. I knew it, and I didn’t tell you. Within a week of being without you in my life every day, I knew I fucked up. I knew I was losing the best thing to ever happen to me. I’m sorry it took me so long to pull my head out of my ass.”
I can’t help but smile at that. “Does that mean your answer is yes?” I smile down at him. “You kind of left me hanging, Reeves.”
“That’s because you stole my moment.” He lifts his left hand that’s been at his side this entire time and shows me a small blue box. “I’ve been carrying this ring around with me for weeks. I wanted to make this huge gesture, something you would always remember. An elaborate proposal for the history books.”
My breath stalls in my chest as I stare at the box.
He’s stealing my thunder.
He’s proposing.
“Breathe, baby,” he says as he opens the box. “Did you practice your yes, baby?” He glances at t
he ring, then smiles up at me.
“I should have told you to work on yours,” I say, my smile taking over my face.
He chuckles. It’s a deep throaty sound that’s uniquely Cooper. “Tonight, I realized that every moment with you is a big memorable moment. I don’t need a grand gesture. All I need is you. I will never forget this moment. I will never forget hearing the words will you marry me fall from your lips. I’ll never forget how my heart was beating so fast I thought it might beat out of my chest. I will never forget the pure bliss of knowing we are in this life together.” He pauses. “Before I go any further, my answer is yes. It will always and forever be yes if it means spending forever with you.” I open my mouth to speak, but his index finger to my lips stops me. “I want you to have the same memory, Reese. I want you to remember the words from my lips.” He places his hand on my chest over my heart that’s racing. “I want you to feel your heart as it beats so fast you feel as though it could beat right out of your chest.” He grins. “Reese, will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?”
I nod. Over and over again, my head bounces up and down as I struggle to find my voice through the onslaught of emotions. My hand trembles as he takes the ring out of the box and slides it on my finger.
“I need your words, Reese’s Pieces,” he says, making me laugh.
I swallow hard. “Yes,” I say. The words are hoarse with the emotion clogging my throat. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
His lips find mine in a bruising kiss, and before I know what’s happening, we’re on the bed, and he’s pushing inside me. He makes love to me like he never has before. Without a doubt, this is a night and a proposal I will never ever forget.
Chapter 21
Cooper
Life has been hectic since my fiancée and I returned home from Nixon and Tessa’s wedding. Fuck me, I’ll never get tired of calling her that. We moved my fiancée out of her apartment and into our new house. We then moved my condo. We hired movers, but Reese still insisted on packing the boxes ourselves. Then we went furniture shopping. We have a big-ass house and needed a lot more furniture. My fiancée wanted us to pick it out together so that while I was away at training camp, it could be delivered, and she could get to work making our house a home.