“Watch it, Pixie, or I won’t make you dessert later.”
She raises her eyebrows.
“Can I be your dessert later?”
I turn around and wipe my hands on the towel that hangs over my shoulder. Pulling her into my arms, I kiss her beautiful lips. I move my mouth to her neck and bite just under her ear, grazing my teeth against her skin. I can feel the goosebumps pluck up on her arms.
She makes a small moan.
“You better stop making those noises, or else I’m going to make you my meal instead tonight. They can all fend for themselves while I devour that pussy of yours.”
Another small moan escapes her mouth. “That sounds like a challenge.”
“Just a promise.”
She moves her hand to grip my hardened cock in my pants. “Don’t push me, Pixie,” I say as I lick her neck again.
A loud clang hits against the countertop. “Come the fuck on, you two!” Law yells as he moves back into the room. “You wanted wine. I was gone for like two minutes. Crap on a cracker, it’s like if I’m not getting any, everyone else is.”
She laughs, and I smile at her as she takes a sip of her wine. A few minutes later, the fresh pasta is cooked, the meat andgravyare ready to be served. We all gather in the dining room, my entire family present.
I clear my throat to gain their attention, but before I can say anything, I’m interrupted by G grabbing my hand. I pull it to my mouth to kiss it, and I realize that this is the moment I’ve wanted. To be able to tell my family, who mean more to me than anything in this world, that I’m going to marry the love of my life.
The movement stops my dad and Everly’s conversation about the pool that she and Jack are planning to put in next summer. Jack and Michael stop talking with Law about the UFC fight they just watched.
“We’re getting married,” I say proudly.
She leans in, kisses me, and then looks around the room. “I’m going to be a Riggs!”
The squealing and hugging that explodes between G and my sister is louder than the hoots and hollers from the guys. My dad gets up, and with tears sparkling in his eyes, he wraps his arms around me. “Make every day count, Hen. Let her know every day how much she means to you. And don’t ever let her go.”
“I won’t, Dad.”I won’t.
* * *
Giselle
“That’s not…it’s not possible, Ruth,” I hear Henry say from the front door.
Great, my least favorite Strutt’s Peaker has decided to knock on our door on a Monday morning to bother us with what is likely another complaint. My guess is it’s the new potted plants I’ve packed with boxwood trees and black lights and put out front. It’s not October yet, but I love Halloween, and in my opinion, it’s never too early to start decorating.
The door closes, and I yell from our bed, “Everything okay?”
A big, hairy lump nudges up against me. Milo likes to snuggle in bed in the morning. He’s too big to sleep with us, but I give him some time every morning with extra pets before Henry takes him to the dog park. The wildebeest stopped asking for him to go back with her after she had her baby, and honestly, I was relieved. I never thought I’d love routines, but the lazy mornings we have together always start with sex and end with dog snuggles and coffee. I mean, really, what is this life?!
Henry jogs up the stairs, looking a little distracted. “I have something to tell you. And I’m not really sure how it’s possible, or even what you’re going to think, but…” He stares at Milo. And then points at him when his rusty-furry head pops up to stare at his dad. “You,” Henry says, pointing at Milo. “You’ve been a bad boy, haven’t you!” Milo tilts his head and barks back.
I sit up, looking at him curiously. He makes his way over to the bed and plops down. “Well…” He blows out a breath. “Ruth seems to think that Milo is going to be a daddy.”
I bark out a laugh. “What?”
“I guess we’ll see in a few months, but her little princess is expecting puppies, and the only dog she’s been around lately is Milo.”
“Milo!” I look at the old boy. “Were you getting busy with that little poodle? You know what? Good for you! After years of being stifled, I’m sure you just needed to let loose a bit,” I say as I scratch the scruff of his neck.
“He’s been getting out, but I’m still not sure how. And Ruth found them. In the back of her yard, well, beingfriendly…” He starts laughing.
“I know how he’s been getting out.” Henry looks at me, waiting for more detail. I hadn’t thought about this until now, that perhaps Milo would have found it.