Total pages in book: 144
Estimated words: 147415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 737(@200wpm)___ 590(@250wpm)___ 491(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 737(@200wpm)___ 590(@250wpm)___ 491(@300wpm)
The mood lightens and I’m struggling a little less against blazing tears as our ring bearer appears.
Molly—who else?—trots down the aisle like we trained her to.
She does a fabulous job, even if she gets a little distracted along the way.
She only pounces on an impressive two people for quick pets—including Dad, whom she adores—before she arrives by our feet, tongue lolling, the ring box swinging from a small clip attached to her collar.
Shepherd grabs the rings and gives her the sweetest kiss.
Oh great, I’m tearing up again.
“Here’s to the rest of our lives,” Shepherd says as he slides the platinum band on my finger.
His hands are broad and strong and calloused.
They still do obscene things to my stomach. My lady bits practically burst into flames as he runs his fingers along the inside of my wrists.
Sir, we are in public.
The secret smile he gives me says he knows exactly what this does to me and he’s enjoying it.
Oh, I’ll make him pay for that later.
Then it’s my turn to slide the ring onto him.
I’m pretty sure the seabird above us cackles with delight. The sea quiets and the sun burns hotter, or maybe it’s just my blood.
I know it’s not truly official until the wedding certificate gets filed.
But this—this here—feels like eternity unfolding.
The rings. Binding ourselves to each other. One fate and two hearts and so many heavy words.
Pure magic.
Um, I also had no idea I’d turn so sappy. Captivated, I stare up at Shepherd, looking into his eyes.
This man is everything, perfection incarnate.
His eyes sparkle gently as he looks back at me for the first time as something new.
My husband.
Holy hell, that sounds amazing.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the officiant announces happily.
Shepherd must have been waiting for it all day. He takes my waist and dips me back in the most outrageous move ever.
I melt in his arms all the same.
His mouth crushes mine.
Urgent and sweet and fierce, although there’s no tongue—probably a good thing. If there was, I’d definitely risk becoming a human fire hazard.
“You are so damn beautiful,” he whispers fiercely as he pulls away. But although his voice is low, total midnight seduction, the look in his eyes is gentle adoration. “Love that dress. Pity it’ll be on the floor later.”
When he helps me up again, I’m laughing.
I twirl one more time as we present ourselves to the crowd for the first time as husband and wife. Everyone laughs as Shepherd pretends to swoon.
Then he reels me back in for another kiss like he can’t help himself.
How does it feel so different, kissing my husband?
It's more permanent, somehow, even if it’s all in my head and heart.
Hello, forever.
It’s a promise I’ll die for before I break it.
After the magic evening, we're plunged into one long dream.
We start our honeymoon on the Vaadhoo Shores in the Maldives.
My idea, seeing as Shepherd came up with the robo-dolphin proposal. I figured I should start pulling my weight in the creative department.
Also, as a bonus, it’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen in my life.
The overwater bungalows we’ve booked are perched over perfect turquoise waters. The resort is full service with massages and spa treatments and day trips, and the scenery—it’s not fair.
I can’t believe a place this beautiful exists and I’ve waited this long to see it.
Mostly, though, we make our own way.
The world feels so big on the open sea where it’s nothing but islands.
We spend our first few days exploring white-gold beaches framed with palm trees, swimming whenever we feel the urge in balmy waters that feel like one endless warm hug.
Shepherd brings me a colorful drink as I sit with my feet dangling in the water. The sunset shimmers through every shade of red and gold, and my body feels pleasantly sore and tired.
Five days of being a married woman.
Well, six, I suppose, if you count my wedding day.
I glance down at the gleaming metal around my finger. The band slots perfectly against my engagement ring, my tan skin so warm around it, the pearl and silver shades flickering in lovely contrast.
I swing my legs, enjoying the sea against them.
The sun feels like a hot evening kiss against my shoulders, and Shepherd sits behind me with his huge legs splayed.
He smears cool sunscreen against the back of my neck and I shudder.
“You’ll burn up if you’re not careful,” is all he says when I wiggle in protest.
Predictably, I feel his reaction against my butt.
The man has always been insatiable, but on our honeymoon, it’s been incessant.
I never knew a human being could have so much stamina.
I mean, he’s even giving me a run for my money, and I can have multiple orgasms.
Still, my body softens as I lean against him, gazing out across the tranquil sea. The island we’re on curves away, outlandishly pale sand set against emerald greenery of trees.