Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 20816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
I stare at him, at the ring, down to the lockbox, and then back up at him. There’s a lump in my throat so big I can barely talk.
“I almost moved to New York just to get over you, you know,” I say. “But now… I don’t want to be anywhere but here. You’re the only thing I want.” Leave it to Eamon to propose to me without asking a thing.
He cups my face and kisses me. It’s slow, deep, and infinitely more vulnerable than any of the other times. When he pulls away, his voice is soft. “Good.”
A thought occurs to me. I don’t want there to be any surprises or regrets. “I have to tell you something.” He stares down into my eyes as I swallow and admit, “I don’t think I want children.”
He blinks several times. “And?”
“And I want to make sure this isn’t a deal breaker for you.” Duh.
Eamon kisses me until my brain short-circuits and the world narrows to pure sensation. “All I want is you. I don’t care about anything else. If you want kids, I’ll give them to you. If not, I’ll spend the rest of my life making you happy.” His words hit me with the force of a tidal wave.
My body melts into his, all my jagged little pieces finally clicking into place. “Thank you for being absolutely fucking perfect,” I choke out, burying my face against his chest and clinging to him like he’s the answer to every unsolved equation in my life.
He dips his head, nuzzling along my jaw with his nose, and murmurs, “By the way, I texted Nathan and let him know neither of us will be in tonight.” His breath is hot as it ghosts over my skin, making me shiver.
“Why?” I lean back, searching his eyes for the catch, that little twist that says this is too good to be true.
His eyes spark. “Because we’re moving your shit into my apartment. Now that you’re mine, I’m not spending another night without you.”
The words land like an electric jolt, sparking in every nerve ending. “Sounds like a plan to me.”
EPILOGUE
EAMON
TWO MONTHS LATER
There’s a myth that weddings are for the bride, but I’d go twelve rounds with anyone who says today isn’t about me. Or, more specifically, about the fact that I somehow managed to convince Deirdre Quinn to marry me. And if that isn’t a fucking miracle, I don’t know what is.
The resort we chose is exactly right for our wedding. No crowds, no distractions, just the two of us and our best friends gathered for our private ceremony.
The gardens sweep down toward a ribbon of turquoise water so clear that the bright white sand at the bottom glows up at us. Everywhere I look, green explodes into wildness—leaves and petals thick in the salty breeze, the awning above us snapping and rippling with every gust of wind and sunbeam. There are flowers all around, but I only have eyes for Deirdre.
She’s standing at the far end of the aisle, bouquet in one hand, the other curled tightly around Nathan’s arm.
Holy shit. She’s a goddess, all wild curls and attitude, her caramel hair tumbling over her bare shoulders. Roni goes first, walking slowly and carefully down the sandy pathway, then Dee and Nathan follow.
Dee’s dress is white, simple, and curve-hugging, revealing just a tiny hint of shimmer when she moves. Her hair is wild and windblown, caramel curls everywhere, and bold, silver jewelry adorns her throat. When her eyes lock on mine, she grins, all attitude and promise.
Nathan smirks as they reach me. “You deserve this, Eamon.”
“I don’t deserve her, but I’m going to make sure she never realizes that.”
Nathan snorts. “Join the club, buddy.” Then he claps me on the back, hard enough to rattle my teeth. “We’re lucky bastards, so let’s not question it.”
The ceremony itself passes in a flash. The officiant says some words about love and partnership and adventure, but I only have ears for Dee. Her vows are short and sharp, just like her, and she delivers them with a straight face. “I promise to call you on your bullshit, to keep you in line, and to love you even when you’re impossible. Which is always. You’re my person, Eamon. Full stop.”
I can’t top that, so I just tell her the truth.
“I promise to be yours, to protect you, and to never let you go. You’re everything, Sunshine. Everything.”
The rings are simple. She slips mine on with shaking hands, and when I put hers on, I feel like I’m able to breathe fully for the first time in my life.
“You may kiss your bride,” the officiant says, but my lips are already covering hers. She grabs the back of my neck, and my mind shuts the fuck down.
When we finally break apart, Dee beams up at me, and I swear, she’s brighter than the sun.