by Snow, Nicole
“You’d do it, though, wouldn’t you? Get up early every morning and drive them over here to feed it?” I know the answer, but ask anyway.
I’ll never get sick of hearing how much this angel loves my kids.
“It won’t be easy,” she sighs. “But...if that’s what they wanted...”
I grin, pressing my lips to her shoulder. Her hand comes up slowly, caressing my face, feeling the rough shadow around my jaw I know she adores.
There’s no fucking way I’ll screw this up.
I’ll convince Gwen to be mine forever, or I’ll go down the biggest loser in history.
It takes forever to get to the edge of the lawn. The lights May had me hang up are twinkling like little stars all the way around the gazebo. I let go of her hand and step behind her to untie the scarf. “Close your eyes. Don’t open them till I say.”
“You’re crazy, Miller. You sound so serious.” She giggles, oblivious to the fact that I am.
“Eyes closed?”
“Yessir.”
I untie the scarf and wrap my arms around her waist from behind. “All right, on the count of three, open your eyes. One. Two...three.”
“Holy Toledo!” She sucks in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “You...you built Mother her gazebo?”
“Sure did.”
“It’s gorgeous. Totally picture perfect. I bet she loves it.” She turns, pressing her hands against my shoulder, giving me a celebratory kiss.
“And you?” I growl, kissing her back, trying to focus before I’m drunk on her lips.
“It’s too perfect. Everything she talked about for years, and it looks so lovely with those lights. Guess we’ll be doing dinners here sometimes.”
Shit, okay.
Deep breath.
Slowly, I step around her and take her hand. “There’s a reason I finished it today.”
She frowns as we walk toward it, my heart drumming something fierce. “Oh, you mean she was that impatient?”
I say no more, remembering how May said it’d be the perfect place for a wedding.
We climb the steps and enter the brightly lit octagon space, stepping onto freshly laid tile. Several green plants line the interior in their huge Grecian urns, and soft music plays through the white speakers hanging in the corners. “Looks like the perfect place, doesn’t it?”
Still frowning, she forms a half grin, studying me. “Perfect place for what?”
“Gingersnap, you already know,” I whisper, coming closer, leaving no space between us.
Then I reach into my pocket, pull out that little silver book locket I’ve turned into a ring box, and kneel.
21
That’s My Hubby (Gwen)
A shockwave rolls over me so fierce it turns my knees to rubber.
I almost hit the floor as Miller goes down on one knee in front of me, holding a familiar necklace that’s been missing ever since that day at the lake.
Holy crap.
This can’t be happening. It can’t. I never saw it coming.
Maybe in my wildest dreams, I always thought it could happen someday. But right here? Right now?
I’ve heard Mother mention weddings for her shiny new gazebo but...
Oh, he’s talking. And I can barely breathe.
“Gwendolyn, I thought I only had love for two special people a few months ago. Never imagined anybody creeping into my life and burying themselves as deep as Lauren and Shane. Then there was you. I found you in the darkness, this beacon of light I never knew I needed.” He looks away for a moment, and I try to wipe the first of many messy tears with one finger. “Babe, every day we’ve had together counts as the happiest of my life. Despite being on the lam, chased down by some pretty evil pricks, I always had you, and that was plenty. That’s all that mattered. Call me crazy, but hell...I want to keep you, Gwen. Forever. And I know that only happens if I make it real, make it official, make it last.”
Oh God.
Oh. My. God.
My ears strain against the dull roar of my own heart, and he’s not even finished.
“I’m done with pretend, Gingersnap. Because the first time we kissed, I knew your stupid boss never set me up with a fake wife. He played matchmaker without even knowing it.” He flips open my locket, just the right size to hold what’s inside. “Marry me, Gwen? Marry me right here in this gazebo, and I’ll build us an ever after with the same love and care I used building this place, every last day of our lives. Let me be your muse.”
I press a hand to my mouth, desperately trying to blink away the blurriness caused by tears of pure joy. The gold band shimmers in the light and the large diamond glistens like it has a light on inside it.
It’s embarrassing how long it takes me to remember how to speak.
But it’s hardly every day a man as incredible, infuriating, and screaming hot as Miller Rush asks you to spend the rest of your life with him.
“Miller!” I shout his name and drop down to my knees in front of him, throwing my arms around his neck so hard he rocks back. “Yes! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.”
I kiss him, over and over again, thoroughly short-circuited by happiness.
He stands, bringing me to my feet alongside him, all the while never taking his mouth off mine.
I’m still in total shock.
“You’re sure, Miller?” I whisper, hoping to God he is. “I mean, what about the kids? Did you ask them? Are they okay with us–”
“Babe. Take a look.” He pivots his gaze over his shoulder, nodding at the house.
At first I don’t see anything. Then as his hand squeezes mine, I notice Mother’s office window is lit up. There’s a huge sheet of paper hanging in the window with several lines written in a black marker.
PLEASE SAY YES, GWEN! BE OUR MOM!
In small print, below that, it says, And let May be our grandma!
It’s amazing I don’t just fall right over. By the time I look back at Miller, he’s lifting a brow.
“Satisfied?”
I laugh, wiping a few more stray tears from my eyes. “Well, that answers how the kids feel. But what about you? I know how you feel about help...and marriage is having someone there to help you, all the time.”
So I’m not trying to talk him out of it, I just want to know he’s not making a mistake, doing something he’ll regret.
Blame my inner chicken. But I have to be sure.
He nods. “Never been more sure of anything, Gwen. I welcome your help. Now and forever.”
My fingers flutter as he grabs my hand, holding it up. I try really hard not to drop dead on the spot.
The way he looks at me while sliding the ring on my finger makes my heart double in size.
It’s love. Pure, beautiful, glorious love. The same love I mirror every time we kiss and wish it would never end. Then he slides the locket back around my neck, a new chain attached that fits perfectly.
I think it’s the first time in my life I don’t feel awkward wearing this thing.
Turns out, I just needed the right muse, the right man, and I’m so lucky they’re one and the same.
“Nothing to be afraid of,” he whispers. “What I’m feeling is so strong, so real, it’ll see us through anything, babe. Day and night. Good and the bad. Light and dark.”
Ah, here come the tears again, rolling down my cheeks in hot trails. I couldn’t stop them if I tried. “Miller, I’m never afraid anymore. Not when you’re here.”
“Love you, Gingersnap. Today and tomorrow and till I draw my last breath.”
“I love you!” It comes out like a squeal and I pinch my lips together, nodding toward the house. “And I love them, too. You and Shane and Lauren...I swear I’ll always be there, too. Day and night. Good and bad. Light, dark, grey, whatever!”
Smiling, he pushes his forehead to mine, brushing the hair away from my face. Then, cupping my cheeks, he pulls me into a blue-eyed kiss that incinerates any doubt I ever had.
* * *
We’re still locked in
that kiss, making out in each other’s arms, when a voice floats through the air.
“Did she say yes, Dad? Did she?” Shane asks.
“Yeah, tell us, Daddy, please!” Lauren seems even more impatient than her brother.
And then, “Darling, please answer them!”
Mother. Ugh.
Laughing, we both throw our heads back and yell, “Yes!”
“Yes.” We repeat it again, turning to face each other, smiling at my new fiancé like my grin might just fly off my face.
Another question bounces off the gazebo, slightly different versions asked by the two kids and Mother. When?
Miller lifts a brow, looking me over.
I shrug. “Whenever you want. Right now. Tomorrow. The next day. Next month. I don’t care, however long it takes to throw something simple together.” I kiss his chin. “You being my husband, Miller, that’s all I care about.”
“Sweet coincidence. That’s all I care about, too, Gwen.”
Laughing, I glance at the house, and then at the foot of the gazebo stairs, where Mother and the kids are waiting.
“Maybe we should let them decide when?” Glancing at the gazebo, I add, “We already know where.”
“You sure about that?” He turns, side-eyeing our little gaggle of family spectators. “Letting them decide?”
“Totally.” I press tightly against him. “Frankly, I’m worn out deciding. I have other things I’d rather do right now.”
Growling, his hands wind down my back, catching my drift. He gives my butt a delicious squeeze with both hands. “Fine. It’s settled. The kids are spending tonight with your ma, just like we talked about. Let ’em figure it out then.”
I nuzzle his neck. “I love how you thought of everything.”
He subtly grinds his hips against me. “Ready to tell them?”
I’ll never get tired of this.
How easily he makes me crave him.
How he sets my body on fire.
How wonderfully natural every kiss, every caress, every night with him feels.
It’s been like that since we first met, and I know it’ll stay that way for the rest of our lives. I draw in a deep breath, just to steady myself for the journey home. “Ready.”
“Good. Then we’ll get the hell out of here,” he nearly growls every word again.
Laughing, we leave the gazebo and meet Shane, Lauren, and my mother near the lawn.
The whole trio are as giddy as I am. And after I tell them they can plan the wedding, I’m not sure whether it’s Mother or the kids who do more bouncing up and down.
Actually, Shane isn’t quite as excited at the idea as Mother and Lauren, until I tell him he’s in charge of the cake. Including the taste testing. Then his little face lights up like Christmas and the promises he makes us never stop.
We say our goodbyes and leave then, hand in hand.
The drive back from Mother’s house seems to take hours rather than minutes. His hand rests on mine the whole way, pressed to my knee, fingers laced and warning what’s to come.
You know you’ve found Mr. Hell Yeah when he can make you this wet with nothing more than his palm.
We’re out of the truck with the garage door still lowering when we lock arms, stumbling to the door. Neither of us wants to let go.
The door opens, and the coolness of the air-conditioned house enhances how the air between us sizzles.
We make it as far as the living room before stripping, letting our clothes fall where they may.
Miller runs a hand down my arm, around my waist, and I tremble with need, with want, with pleading.
“Fuck, babe. Didn’t know I could be this happy,” he says, bringing his lips to my throat.
“Same. Oh, but I am. Now and forever.”
Snarling, he tosses me on the couch in one swift movement. The passion between us is too hot, too intense, too reckless to wait another second.
I spread my legs, more than ready for him. “Welcome home, honey,” I whisper.
He laughs, driving to my depths in one stroke, guttural pleasure ripping up his throat.
Folding my ankles around him, I hold him there, relishing this moment, this connection, this perfect heat. It’s amazing how a few words and a life changing promise make sex even better.
The bond between us just grew stronger, and tonight, it makes things hotter than ever.
I pull his face down, raking my nails down his back, desperate for his tongue. It comes as his hips pump harder, shoving my butt into the seat, all delicious tension as he takes me over.
“Goddamn, I love it. Love how tight you are. Love how good you taste. Love how you can keep up,” he says, pushing himself faster, harder.
The way he’s moving, driving into me, is everything.
Despite the urgency, he takes it a little slower then, drawing out the pleasure, simmering our intensity to unbelievable heights.
I can barely breathe, barely think, all because of him.
But I guess that’s what it’s like with Miller Rush.
When I swear I can’t take anymore, when my knees and toes and hands can’t stop shaking, he moves faster, takes me further into sheer bliss. I cry out, arms and legs locked around him, screaming like a crazy woman.
Coming!
My climax hits with a force that’s all consuming. He’s right there with me, holding me tight, his cock pressed deep, hurling hot liquid jets into me. Even the aftershock leaves us gasping, drunk on the realization that yes, we’re doing this. Yes, it only gets better.
Our eyes meet. His, like mine, are passion and love overflowing.
We both laugh, knowing this is only the beginning.
* * *
Months Later
“You look like a real life princess,” Lauren says, walking around me in awe.
Her and Mother picked out my dress, an amazingly simple gown of white silk that I absolutely love. I’ve never felt truly beautiful before, but I do right now, and I can’t wait for Miller to see.
Kneeling down, I plant a kiss on her forehead. “I feel like a princess, thanks to you.”
“I always knew Daddy had a little Prince Charming in him,” she says with a wink.
I look out the window, into the backyard, where white chairs are set up in a circle around the gazebo, and people are already mingling. “He certainly is.”
Mother laughs. “I believe knight in shining armor fits him like a glove.”
I flash a smile her way. “I think you’re right. I’m just lucky I get to marry my hero.”
“And I’m so happy for you, darling.” Mother puts an arm around Lauren and gives her a hug. “Happy for myself, too, let’s be honest. I get a son and two lovely grandchildren all in the same day. How awesome is that?”
“Pretty awesome,” I say. Full of emotion, I blink back a few tears. “Thank you, Mother. For everything.”
She shakes her head, then gives me a glance that’s oddly authentic. “No. Thank you for letting me be your mother. I know that hasn’t been easy at times.”
I give her a hug. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
A knock sounds on the door.
“Come in!” Mother chirps.
“It’s almost time, everybody,” Heather says.
Her and Keith arrived in Minnesota two months ago, shortly after Miller asked me to marry him. Miller helped get Keith an in with Landmark Defense, a new job and a new life for two best friends. They’ve been living in one of the townhouses next to us while their new house is being built.
Surprise-surprise, right next to the new one we’re building. It’s less than a mile from Mother’s house, about as close as you can get without intruding on her spacious land.
Heather waves at Lauren. “Maid of honor goes first. Right this way, little lady.”
Lauren picks up her bouquet and, keeping her chin up, walks to the door.
Mother gives me one last kiss on the cheek, and then hooks her arm through mine. “Ready as you’ll ever b
e?”
I nod like mad.
As we leave the room together, she leans to my ear and says, “Thank God, Gwendolyn. I’ve been dreaming of your wedding day ever since you were a little girl.”
I know she has. And just when I tell myself I can’t possibly be more thankful for Miller, I am.
Because when he agreed to let her and Lauren and Shane plan the wedding, he meant it.
He’s never questioned a single idea they presented. Neither have I. They’re all a part of this, a part of our lives, merging together into one happy unit.
“I hope it’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of,” I say.
“Oh, much more, darling. I couldn’t even have written an epilogue this perfect.” She laughs. “But you did.”
Even though it’s reality, I can’t stop blushing every time she reminds me.
Two weeks ago, I signed a contract for the book I’d written, as well as two more with a major publisher. The commitment makes me nervous, but I know I can do it. With Miller and the kids, I don’t think limits exist anymore.
We stop near the door that’s hanging open, leading out to the lawn full of people, and Miller, standing in the center of the gazebo.
“Here you are, Mrs. Rush,” Mother whispers, wiping a tear from her eye.
Warmth fills me from my toes to the top of my head. I give her a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks, Mother.”
She nods her head toward the organist. All the people in their chairs rise as she and I step out the door. Friends and family and extended relatives we haven’t seen in ages.
My eyes instantly go to Miller, and my heart thuds at the raw appreciation in his eyes as he scans me from head to toe. I let my appreciation of him show, too.
He’s so freaking handsome in his black tux. Then again, he’s handsome in everything. And when he’s not wearing anything at all.
Keith completes the scene, standing there with a grin that could burn right through everybody with his flaming red hair that’s even brighter than mine, a perfect contrast to his navy blue suit. I’m grateful for his friendship, his influence, one more powerful force who helped sweep Miller into my life.