Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Her eyes flicked from the diamond ring, up to my face, her feelings for me completely transparent, even before she spoke the words. “I love you, too, Caleb Kane,” she whispered. “So much.”
My heart soared. “Then marry me, so I can make you mine in every way that matters.”
She nodded quickly, her face wreathed in pure joy. “Yes, I’ll marry you,” she said, giving me my future, my forever, with her.
EPILOGUE
Stevie
Six months later
The outdoor spring venue was everything I wanted it to be, despite Caleb giving me an unlimited budget for a fairytale-type wedding. Small and intimate with just forty close friends and family in attendance, the day had been perfect. Raven, Valerie, and Cara were my bridesmaids, and Owen our ring bearer.
The one thing I had splurged on was a gorgeous, custom gown in white satin and lace. One that conformed to my figure and had my new husband eyeing me possessively from across the terrace as he chatted with Remy and Dex, while I half listened to the conversation between Valerie and Jack, who’d recently moved in together. My sister was happy and secure in her new relationship, and that’s all that mattered to me.
Since the day that Caleb promised to take care of the issue with Mark, there had been no more incidents. I never did ask Caleb what he’d done to make that happen, but I was grateful because it had given my sister a sense of freedom to move on with her life…with Jack.
I glanced over to the dance floor, catching sight of Cara dancing with Owen now that dinner was over and the cake had been cut. Alyssa was still in rehab and recovering, but Caleb made sure that Owen had time with his grandparents, who also occasionally took him to see his mother. Shockingly, Caleb had received a phone call from Alyssa a few weeks ago, who’d apologized for everything that had happened. Apparently, she was in counseling, and one of the things they encouraged patients to do was to try and make amends for any adverse past actions or behaviors.
Caleb, who’d been gracious and forgiving, had accepted her apology, though he’d told me after the call that he truly hoped Alyssa completed the program so she could have a better relationship with Owen.
My life seemed like a dream, and in many ways it was surreal because I never imagined that I would be one of those women who “had it all”. I loved my job at Dare PR, and I now had my marketing degree. Being Owen’s stepmom was a role I cherished. As of today, I was Caleb’s wife and I’d never felt so adored and appreciated and loved.
And now, we had forever together, I thought, taking in the stunning bridal set on my ring finger. Which was a good thing considering just a week ago I’d discovered I was pregnant. A surprise for both of us, for sure, since having a baby now was sooner than we’d anticipated, but we were both excited to grow our family and give Owen a sibling.
“Are you ready to blow this joint, Mrs. Kane?” Caleb asked, coming up behind me and circling his arms around my waist before pressing his lips near my ear. “Because I’ve got at least half a dozen wicked, dirty ideas on how we’ll be spending our wedding night.”
I shivered, already anticipating what he had planned, and was grateful that Owen was staying with Remy and Raven for our honeymoon. “Then what are you waiting for? Let’s get out of here.”
His chuckle was low and sinful. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
He released me, stepping around so that he was in front of me, then hoisted me over his shoulder before I realized his intent. I let out a squeak of surprise as I was tipped upside down, because it was one thing for Caleb to do the caveman routine in the privacy of our home—which he enjoyed doing to assert his dominance in a playful manner—but I couldn’t believe he’d do something so blatant at our wedding.
“Everyone, have a good night,” Caleb called out to our guests, drawing everyone’s attention to us, much to my chagrin. “My bride and I have a marriage to consummate.”
There was laughter, clapping, and cheers of encouragement as he walked out of the venue with me draped over his shoulder in my wedding gown and my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
As soon as we were enclosed in the elevator, he set me on my feet again.
“Was that really necessary?” I asked him, smoothing a hand down the front of my dress.
“Absolutely.” He gave me one of his sexy smirks. “I just wanted to make sure you knew who’s boss tonight.”
“Noted,” I said, always willing to concede to him in the bedroom because it was a win-win situation.