Stalking His Bride - Lucy Darling Page 0,39

or you’re going to have to learn to not be a part of my life.” Relief fills me as soon as the last word leaves my mouth. That is the bottom line.

My mom stares at me in shock for a moment.

“I think everyone should take a breath here.” My dad stands. “We know the Weston’s are good people dear.” He wraps an arm around my mom.

“This isn't how this is supposed to go. She’s my little girl.” She looks up at my dad. The one person who can get her under control most of the time.

“We’re going to go back to the hotel and pause this for a moment. Then tonight we’ll all have dinner. I’m sure there is something James will want to speak to me about.” He turns his head to level James with a stare.

“Of course, sir,” James agrees. More tension starts to leave my body.

“That sounds wonderful. We’ll join you.” Tracy invites herself, making me like her more by the second. “I’m sure there are so many things we’ll need to plan, Renee.”

“Yes, I’m sure.” My dad agrees for my mom, who is looking confused. It’s a look that I’m not used to seeing on her, but my dad is right. James does check all the boxes my mom would be looking for. She needs to wrap her mind around the fact that I found the man I love and not her. That’s really the hangup here when it comes down to it.

My dad gives me a soft smile as he leads my mom back out of James’ place. I guess it’s our place now.

“Thank you,” I tell James’ mom. “I know she can be—”

“You’re her little girl. I mean, look at you. You’re precious. I understand her worry.” She makes James let me go so she can hug me. It’s so tight and sweet I almost want to cry. “You make him so happy.” She beams down at me. “Give him the box, George.” James’ dad gets up from the sofa, pulling out a small velvet box that has my heart starting to race. “We’ll leave you two to it and see you tonight.” She kisses me on the cheek and then does the same to James.

“That went better than I thought it would.” No screaming or tears.

“That tends to happen when people realize they don’t actually have control.” He pulls me back into his arms after he slips the box into his pocket.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“Yes, but you’ll wait. Your father is right. I need to talk to him tonight.” James lifts me off my feet. “Either way, you’ll be wearing that ring before the day is over.”

“Is it a family ring?” I wet my lips, trying to steal a clue. It wasn't long ago marriage scared the crap out of me. I was trying to live as much of my life as I could before I had to walk down the aisle, fearing that I would never get the chance at a happily ever after. That I’d have to settle for someone that I didn’t truly love. James changes all that for me. Now the day can’t come soon enough.

“Yes.” He starts walking us back toward the bedroom. “You love me.” He lays me down on the bed, coming over me.

“Of course I love you.”

“Are you sure? When it comes to you I think—” I cut him off, pulling him down for a kiss.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I love you, James. Even the parts of you that you’ve tried to hide from me. Those parts may be my favorite.” I lift my hips. “All the things you order me to do. How you try to take care of me too. There is nothing about you that I don’t love.”

“I love you too.” He leans down, sealing our vow to one another with a kiss.

This journey started out with me trying to check things off a list before time ran out. Falling in love had never been on that list because I didn’t think it was ever a real possibility for me. James changed all of that for me. He made me see that life isn't about checking things off a list. Sometimes it’s the unknown. The thing you never see coming makes life worth living. They're even sweeter when you have the one you love holding you tight enjoying the adventure with you.

Epilogue

Years later

“Is your pretty pussy wet for me, Carly? Reach down and