And it’s true. Even if I’m sidelined for a night of cuddling, even if she spreads her focus among us, there’s no questioning she’s all in with each of us. Roman’s phone goes off at least seven times and he shakes his head. “Nonna took a lot of photos. She said she was going to put herself to work.”
He shows me some of the photos. Sophie and I laughing as we dance. Roman and Sophie just gazing into each other’s eyes. Me and Roman dancing all romantic despite our faces. Holden watching Sophie from the table as she dances with Valerie, joy written all over his face and Nick dancing with Sophie’s mom, shaking his head.
The pictures continue. Some better than others. One catches my eyes. Sophie and Roman with Gio. Roman sighs. “Considered fatherhood yet?”
“I’m more of the fun uncle type. Wasn’t that obvious considering how I held Gio?” I finish my glass of water and refill it. No hang over for me tomorrow.
“If Sophie wants kids …” He trails off. “I’m not sure what we’re going to do or how we’ll divide that up.”
“Or we could change nothing and whatever happens, happens.” I shrug.
I’m not really worried about that. Through the honeymoon, we can talk about all the potential things we can do in the future. I know life is easier without kids. My mom and dad struggled a lot when we were younger because they weren’t getting enough time together. It’s easy to get off the same page when kids are involved.
They can throw everything out of whack. No matter how close you are with your spouse or partner, everyone parents differently in the moment, and having to plan around kids isn’t easy. No romantic trips. It becomes all about what the kids can do, what they’ll want to do, and say goodbye to long drawn-out sex for a few years without a babysitter.
“It’s a thought,” Roman says, turning off his phone and putting it to the side.
“We have time.” I shrug. “We rushed through wedding planning. I don’t think we need to rush again.”
“We have time,” Roman says with a soft smile and nod.
I like the sound of that. No worries about needing to do things right away. No worries about rushing any life events. We have Sophie – what else could we need?
SOPHIA
I’m too hot. I groan and try to roll, but I can’t move at all. My eyes open slowly and I feel all tangled up even though I know there’s not a blanket on me, it feels like there is. I blink a few times and find myself on a very nice chest with a little bit of hair.
Nick.
But the arm around me tries to pull me from him. Looking over my shoulder, I find Holden. I slowly, carefully untangle myself. I see Gunner and Roman sleeping as well, stretched out on the bed.
Jeeze, my men are an obstacle course. I carefully make my way to the bathroom and realize I’m still in my wedding dress. No wonder I’m overheating. I take care of some very pressing needs, then try twice to get the dress off my body without help.
It’s not going to happen. That’s getting more obvious by the second. I huff, then settle for brushing my teeth. Just as I turn off the water and wipe my face two hands slide down my arms. Looking back I find Holden.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up,” I apologize.
He shakes his head and kisses my neck. He brushes his teeth, then I feel my bodice loosen. I moan. “Thank you. I was struggling.”
He chuckles and kisses down the back of my neck. I close my eyes and sigh. I want the whole dress off, but I’m sure that the first time any of them make me come, we’re going to be together.
“What time is it?” Holden asks as he pushes his hands into my dress to rub my sides.
“No clue,” I answer, still trying to convince my body that we have to wait, even if I’m so tired of being wet and unfulfilled.
“We could probably watch the sunrise together.” He whispers.
I smile and slowly turn as he releases me. I kiss him softly and taste the mint on his tongue. “I like the sound of that.”
“I’m sure you have some kind of pajamas right?”
“Some kind.” I say.
I grab the thin silky nightdress. The silk feels so good against my body, so light. But it stops at midthigh if that. I pull my hair out and Holden looks me over slowly. I recognize that dark need in his gaze. We slip onto the terrace, trying not to wake up the three sleeping guys. Gunner rolls and acts as big spoon for Nick and I can’t resist getting a picture.
Holden chuckles, then pulls me out of the room, handing me some coffee. I sigh and give up my chair so I can sit on Holden’s lap. I undo the buttons of his shirt and toss it to the side. “Too hot for that.”
He grins and kisses me softly. “Good morning, wife.”