Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“Yes, give it to me.” Even begging like this felt so damn natural and perfect with Magnus, exactly how his come felt, warm and slick inside me. A novel sensation, but one I liked. I smiled softly to myself, dopey with happy orgasm hormones, as Magnus carefully untangled our bodies.
“Oh.” I gasped, not because it pinched, but because I could feel the slide of his come even more now.
“Not too rough?” His forehead creased with concern.
“Not at all.” I made quick use of the washcloth before tugging him down next to me. “It was perfect. And so are you. Love you.”
“Love you.” He spooned himself around my body, gathering me close. “I’ve known for a while now, but words are hard.”
“They are.” I let my head fall back near his. “This is rather easy though.”
“Amazingly so.” He kissed my temple. “We’ve got a good thing here. I’m going to do everything in my power to keep it going.”
“Me too.” I yawned, but I didn’t miss the vow-like conviction in his tone. I breathed deeply, relaxing fully into his embrace. He might harbor a few remaining worries about his ability to keep a relationship going, but I had few such doubts. He was exactly the partner I needed, and I resolved to be the one he needed as well.
Whoosh. Whoosh. As sleep crept closer, I heard not the familiar roar of my white noise machine but an ocean, the promise that we’d take that trip, then others after it. In the distance, I heard a baby’s laugh and the chatter of family gatherings. Then, on that last conscious breath, wedding music tinkled in my ears. Keep it going indeed.
Epilogue
One Year Later
Eric
Strains of classical music filled the large barn on Jonas and Declan’s property, filtering back to the small room where we were waiting. The space had likely been a tack room of some sort decades ago. Jonas and Declan had no plans for horses or livestock and had converted the barn into an event space. The concrete floor was swept clean and twinkling lights hung from the rafters. The decor played into the barn’s origins with rustic rope, weathered wooden frames, saddles, and spurs prominently featured.
“I can’t believe today is really here.” Maren exhaled hard, shaking out her dress yet again. “We made it.”
“We did.” My voice came out thick. My emotions had been running high all day. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Maren fluffed the train of the long-sleeved, ivory gown. Its old-fashioned styling with pearl buttons down the back and a high neckline fit the western air of the barn and decor. And it was also perfect for Maren. She looked like the profile on an antique cameo brooch, timeless and elegant.
“I continue to say a cape would be an appropriate accessory.” Wren cast a critical eye on the dress, stopping to smooth out a fold Maren had missed. “What’s a Valentine’s wedding without a cape to keep you warm?”
“Thank you.” Maren groaned. “Now I’m worried about freezing.” She whirled toward me. “Are we going to freeze?”
“The barn has multiple heaters for you and the guests.” The heaters had been part of months’ worth of discussions, but I was happy to reassure her yet again.
“Good.” Maren peered out through the cracked doorway. “There sure are a lot of guests.”
“Maybe stop looking.” Wren adjusted the vest of their suit. The vest was a green, quilted brocade, more of that old west styling, along with a bolo tie that Wren couldn’t stop fiddling with.
“Easy for you to say.”
“It’s almost show time.” Rowan glided into the room. Like Wren, he wore a suit, but his vest was purple, and the suit was more smartly tailored. “Where’s my favorite niece?”
“Ro!” Destiny clapped her hands from her spot on John’s lap in the corner.
“That’s right, genius baby.” Rowan lifted her up. What a difference a year had made for our baby. From newborn to toddler, complete with a giggle for Rowan. “Are you ready to do your part?”
“I can’t believe I agreed to this plan.” Wren picked up the wicker basket of flower petals. No one trusted Destiny to wobble her way down the aisle on her own. While she could take unsteady steps, she was still largely in the cruising stage of holding on to hands and objects for balance. Wren had volunteered to accompany the baby down the aisle. “Only for my sister.”
Fresh tears welled up in Maren’s eyes when Wren said sister. “You’re a beautiful flower person, Wren.”
“Is my tie straight?” John asked as he stood from the chair.
“Actually…” Rowan sounded like he was about to make a joke, so I elbowed him none too gently. He gulped. “Yes. You look great. We all do.”
The music shifted to the piece Maren had chosen for the procession.
“There’s our cue! Places!” Rowan readied himself to walk out first, followed by John.