as much to me as you do. And anyone who has doubts will learn why they’re stupid soon enough. Clay’s being prosecuted. The Old Town Boys will be national news. Hell, friends of mine are already sniffing around about pitching a film based on it. You’ll be the heroine of that story.” I kiss her. “And I’ll be your hero.”
“A little late. You are my hero.” She smiles awkwardly. “I know how cheesy that sounds, but—”
“But nothing. I love it, darlin’.” I slide my hands over the silkiness of her shoulders, down her arms, and around to cup her ass. “Let’s go mingle a while so we can leave. Best not to keep that champagne waiting too long.”
It’s after midnight before we’re finally able to leave after shaking so many hands it feels like a workout.
The visions I’ve been having for hours turn into torment.
Grace naked, on my bed, legs spread wide for the taking.
“I saw you talking to Dad,” she says once we’re on the highway.
“Had to apologize for not asking his permission first. He’s an old-fashioned guy.” I glance at her. “He forgave me, don’t worry.”
She laughs. “He’s excited about your idea with the pumpkins...”
“Yeah, he said he really loved that. I have the perfect place for him to start growing a patch. He can live in the cabin until he figures out if he wants to take off for Montana fishing. We’ve got the whole season to plant fields full of pumpkins and give hayrides to his heart’s content. Bet Rosie and Stern will enjoy the exercise, too, and you know Cornelius will love the visitors.”
I wink and she laughs again.
“Damn, do I love that rooster, though, even if I hate what he does to my eardrums,” I say, shaking my head. “I apologized for riling him up to take on Clay and promised him a few hens this summer.”
I’d brought the farming idea up with Nelson while also apologizing to him for not asking his permission before asking Grace to marry me for real. Wanted him to get something out of the bargain. He’s giving me his daughter, after all.
“I’m sure he’ll be a hit with the ladies,” she says, fluttering her fingers against my hand.
Not the tease my dick needs right now, but damn if part of me doesn’t like it.
“Jackie liked the idea for your dad, too.” I say, glancing her way to see how she reacts to that.
Smiling, she nods. “Good. I like her a lot, and I’m happy Dad was able to make a friend, finally.”
“Enough to have her as a stepmother someday? Because if I was a guessing man, I’d say ours won’t be the only wedding in the future.”
She beams like the sun. “Nothing would make me happier. He’s been so lonely since Mom died, and he deserves a little happiness after what he’s been through.”
“You do, too,” I say, taking her hand. “When’s the date?”
“Date?” She folds her other hand around our clasped fingers.
“Wedding date. Ours. When are we getting married?” I let out an exaggerated sigh. “Please don’t make me wait long. I have a few insane honeymoon ideas.”
That gets a giggle out of her as sure as it paints her cheeks red.
“Seriously. If we were in Vegas, we’d already be married. Fake Elvis and all instead of me singing his tunes.” I stare at her. “Want to fly there tonight? Tobin would probably love to book us a jet. He’s dying to feel useful again after having to take a week off.”
“No.” She lifts our hands, kissing mine. “I want to see rose petals and drink champagne.”
“Goddamn, do I love you.” I push down harder on the gas pedal.
Within minutes of arriving home, we’re naked on the bed, throwing rose petals at each other.
I never expected this day to end in a petal-fight with a woman who’s agreed to spend eternity with me, but here we are.
Eventually, I hurl myself back against the pillows, arms wrapped around her, bringing her with me. “I’ve never gotten undressed so fast in my life.”
She wiggles her lithe, perfect body on top of me and props her elbows on my shoulders. “I don’t know. I’ve seen you strip pretty fast before.”
Her back is arched and her tits are just below my chin. I tweak one of her nipples between my thumb and forefinger.
My other hand sweeps between her legs.
I’m throbbing like a drum when I see how wet she is.
“Fuck. So tonight wasn’t a record for getting undressed?”