Our fingers looked like prunes by the time we made it out and crashed into bed.
If this is what life is going to be like married to Rick, then bring it on. I’m ready.
Chapter 40
Rick
“You said you were tired,” he whispers, his breath on my neck.
“I’m exhausted, but I just can’t fall asleep.”
“We’ll still be married when you wake up.” There’s humor in his tone, but I wonder if he can read me so well that he knows I’m still holding on to a little fear.
This is just too good, too perfect to be true.
My wildest fantasies couldn’t even conjure the perfection this day has been. Everyone smiled and congratulated us. They wished us well and were genuine about it, all smiles and happy teary-eyed as we stood before them and vowed to love each other forever.
I gave myself to him tonight, and I don’t regret it. It was amazing, but I knew it would be. Holding on to that last part of me until I knew he was all mine now seems ridiculous because he was all mine yesterday, all mine last week, a month ago.
And he’s right. He’ll still be mine in the morning.
I hold him just a little tighter, a smile on my lips. I can’t even manage to open my eyes but sleep still evades me.
“I didn’t see Seth here. I thought you invited him.”
“He’s in Switzerland. His new boyfriend surprised him with a trip.”
Landon doesn’t say anything, and I don’t know how I feel about that. Did he want Seth here to watch us get married as a way to stick it to my ex that he got me in the end? Does he think I’m upset because he didn’t show?
“We haven’t even talked since summer,” I inform him. “It’s no big deal.”
Landon’s hand runs up and down my back. My skin is sweating where it’s sticking to his, but I can’t be bothered to get up. The coolness of his wedding band traces a line down my spine, making my eyes flutter open so I can look at the one on my own hand.
“Fucking married,” I whisper.
“Crazy, huh? I was thinking tomorrow we could—”
“Stay in bed all damn day?” I interrupt.
“Maybe a hotel would’ve been a better choice,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice.
“You don’t feel like a real adult yet either, do you?”
“It’s weird that we’re in here, and people out there know we just had sex.”
“We’re married,” I remind him, my smile wide because saying it brings me so much damn joy.
“I know.” His laughter is low. We’re both utterly exhausted, but we just don’t want the night to end.
“I’m changing my last name,” I whisper, knowing he can hear me no matter how low I speak.
Soft lips press to my shoulder, and I know he sees it as the gift that it is.
I held so much back from him, trying to keep a little of myself, waiting for the fall, for the heartbreak.
I plan to give this man everything, but I also plan to take it all as well.
And that starts with me becoming Rick Andrews, the guy married to the super-hot soon-to-be Marine.
Eat your heart out ladies, this man is mine.
THE END