I gasp a little. I had no idea that his father devised the clause for those reasons. Leo offers me a small smile.
“I guess he caught me gazing at you from afar. Because our experiences were identical, baby. I wanted you too, for so long now that it feels like I’ve always felt this way. But I was so sure that you were off-limits. I thought you were too young, too free, too beautiful to ever be mine. But now I know that the universe had plans for us. And by the universe, I mean the enigmatic man that was my father. He always believed in himself, like he could move mountains if he wanted to. But there’s one thing I didn’t take into consideration...he always believed in me too. It’s like he told me, sometimes, I just need a push in the right direction. And I’ve learned a lot from him, I’m still learning from him. Today, he taught me that I can have the things I want if I reach out and take them. He taught me that I could have you if I wanted you enough. And I do. I want you more than anything in this world.”
Tears sting my eyes as he raises my hand to his lips, kissing it softly. He tucks away his notecards and looks deep into my eyes.
“My dad isn’t here to guide me anymore, but he’s done his job now. You’re my compass now. You keep me on the straight and narrow. And whenever I lose my way, my heart will always take me back to you. Some people might doubt the love we share, they might see us from an objective point of view. Perhaps we’re not a conventional couple. But I’m not marrying you for a conventional life. I’m marrying you because I can’t not marry you. You’re the one, the only one. And I will love you for the rest of my life, with all my heart.”
I can’t stop the tears from spilling now. His speech was so beautiful, so truthful, so moving. Maybe this is his thing after all. I hug him close, feeling his strong arms enveloping me, making me feel protected like always. He will always keep me safe, even when there’s nothing to fear.
When we pull apart, it’s time for the rings. I feel elation filling my heart as we exchange rings, threading our hands together and staring into one another’s eyes. This is our moment. It’s finally come after so long.
When the priest says to kiss the bride, Leo cups my face in his hands and kisses me tenderly, but with as much passion as we share in the bedroom. I can feel fireworks exploding inside me. It’s like the first time all over again. And suddenly, I need him. I need him more than I’ve ever needed him before.
I feel like I’m in a daze as we leave the church. There’s a car waiting to take us to our reception and after party, but I don’t want to go there just yet. I have other ideas in mind.
The second we’re in the car, I kiss Leo hard, and he knows what I want right away. He can read me like a book.
“Take us to the hotel,” he growls at the driver. As the car takes off, we kiss passionately again, our hands all over one another. The need I have for him right now is incomparable to anything I’ve ever felt before.
“I want you,” I breathe. “Let’s make a baby...I want a baby with you.”
“Your wish is my command,” he growls in return, kissing me hard.
In no time at all, we’re back at the hotel. He helps me out of my dress in a flurry, and soon, we’re naked in bed, his cock pressing against my entrance. We’re doing this...we’re really doing this. Some might think we’re moving too fast, but this can’t come soon enough. I want it all. I want babies with him. I want him to fuck me hard and put a baby in my belly. I want to start our future right this second.
“I love you,” he growls and I kiss full of passion.
“I love you too. But I can’t wait any longer. Touch me, baby. Fuck me.”
He does as I ask. I cry out in ecstasy as he thrust inside me. It’s better than it’s ever been before. I’m so high on the moment that I feel like I’m about to pass out. But as he makes love to me, I know this is it. He’s about to get me pregnant. I just know it.
I cling to him, closing my eyes. I’m breathless from pleasure. I’m ready for this.
I’m ready for it all.
Extended Epilogue
Three years later...
Leo
I stare out at the garden with a smile. I’m looking at the exact spot where I proposed to Amelia three years ago. The only difference now is that instead of candles coating the grass in gentle light, there’s now snow covering every inch of the grounds. Perfect, untouched snow that hasn’t even been stepped in yet. Gigi is going to love it.