Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 98112 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98112 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
A reckless grin breaks out across his face as he holds my face, his expression so naked with love. “Say it again. Yes?”
“Yes. A thousand times yes! I’m so lucky to have you. I’ll be the best wife. And I’ll love you always.”
“I’ll always love you, too.” He unfurls his fist, grabs my hand, and slides the ring on my finger. “Now you’re mine. I’ll never leave you.”
“And you’re mine. Don’t forget it.”
“Never,” he groans, driving into me slowly, with purpose. “If we keep this up, you’re going to show me you’ll be the best mother way sooner than expected.”
“Nothing would make me happier.”
“Oh, fuck. I’d love you to be pregnant. I’ve fantasized about it. We need to get married quick,” he murmurs against my neck as he holds my hips to the mattress and slides in so deep I swear he fills my whole body.
“Yes. It will take a few months to plan a wedding, but—”
“Fuck that.” He surges inside me again, so insistently a moan escapes me and pleasure starts to take over. “The Reed women are known for organizing last-minute nuptials. All my siblings have been married on Maxon and Keeley’s lawn. What do you say?”
A wedding in paradise with the people who will soon be my extended family, joining my life with the man I love more than I ever dared to imagine? Hopefully my brother will come around, but if he doesn’t, I’ve found myself, my peace, and my forever. “That sounds perfect. We should call them.”
“After I’m done making you feel like my queen, princess.” Xavian slants his mouth over mine and seals our commitment with a kiss. “We will.”
Six weeks later
Sunshine Coast Bed-and Breakfast, Maui
Corinne
The sun shines bright in the clear October sky.
Today, the incredible is happening. I’m marrying Xavian Costa—my first crush, my first love, my king who, despite customary wedding tradition, made me feel like his queen again as the sun rose on our wedding day.
It’s probably silly and sappy, since we’re only on opposite sides of Maxon and Keeley’s place getting ready for the ceremony, but I miss him.
“Suck it in, sister,” Harlow says, tugging on the corset strings at the back of my chiffon wedding dress.
I feel like Scarlet O’Hara, clinging to the bedpost as Harlow gives the laces another pull. “I have to breathe.”
“You said you wanted to look good for your pictures.”
“I also don’t want to faint,” I grumble.
She laughs as she shows mercy and ties off the laces. “What else do you need?”
Mentally, I sift through my pre-ceremony list. “Bouquet, lipstick…and something to calm my stomach.”
“You’re nervous?”
No, but Xavian and I are saving our good news—that the two of us will become three in June—for the reception. I’m less than a month pregnant. We only found out two days ago. Not telling our friends and family has killed us for the last forty-eight hours. I’ll be glad not to hold it in anymore. We’re so ecstatic, and we want to share our joy with everyone.
“Isn’t that normal?” I ask to sidestep the truth.
Harlow shrugs. “I was queasy on my wedding day because I was already pregnant. But I know where Keeley keeps the crackers. Be right back,” my soon-to-be sister-in-law and now good friend says before she dashes out the door, the skirt of her earthy pink bridesmaid dress swishing in her wake.
“We got you, girl.” My best friend, Ashlee, sets the tube of lipstick Masey insisted would look great with my coloring on the nearby counter. The shade definitely has an appropriate name: Rosy Paradise. “It’s there when you’re ready.”
“Thanks.” I smile her way. “I’m so glad you could be here.”
“Are you kidding?” She takes my hands, her blond hair in a sedate up-do that’s nothing like her personality. “I wasn’t going to miss your wedding and being your maid of honor for anything. I fucking love you.”
I laugh. “I effing love you, too.”
She snorts. “Still can’t say the F-word?”
“I can. I have. I’ve said it to Xavian. He’ll vouch for me.”
“Even if you hadn’t, he’d lie through his teeth,” she points out. “That man loves you. I think he’s convinced you have the most magical pussy on the planet.”
“I think you’re right.” I grin.
He certainly can’t stay away from it. Not that I want him to.
“I want your secret. Kegels? Lube? Brazilian wax? Or something kinkier?” She eyes me. “Maybe you swing from the chandeliers? It’s always the quiet ones…”
I dissolve into giggles. “You’re crazy.”
“You know it.” She winks. “But I’m so damn happy for you, Nin. And, I’m not gonna lie, a little jealous. I want to stumble into my wedding prep like you, forty-five minutes late, looking freshly fucked and smiling from ear to ear. That sounds like heaven. Not the marriage part.” She shudders. “You know commitment isn’t for me. But the orgasmic wake-up call? Yes, please. I’d love that, especially since I’m in the middle of a sex drought that makes the Sahara look like a fucking ocean.”