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Did we really have to think about that right now?
“Think about it,” he instructed hoarsely. “I want you to be my wife, Vanna. If you want a big wedding, we’ll arrange that, but I’d rather not wait any longer than absolutely necessary. Well, unless you need more time to get used to the idea.”
I started to quickly clean myself up while he rinsed off and washed his hair, not particularly picky about my shower since I’d already had one earlier. “I’m not going to have second thoughts, Chase,” I reassured him. “When I saidyes, I meant it. All in, remember?”
Like I was going to second-guess my answer?
I’d be marrying Chase Durand, the man I knew was theonlyguy for me.
He wrapped an arm around my waist and drew me to him the moment he finished rinsing his hair. “You’re still all in? Even though you know that there will probably always be crazy people who might try to get to me through you?”
I pushed the wet hair back from his face tenderly as I looked at him, the fierce protectiveness in his tone making my heart race.
He’d always be worried about my safety and my well-being, and that fact touched me more than I could express in words. “Yes, I’m still all in. I love you, Chase. The chances of something happening again like the last incident is ridiculously minute. You understand that, right?”
“Unlikely or not, just the thought of ever seeing you in that position again guts me, Vanna,” he rasped as he pushed me back against the wall of the shower enclosure.
“It won’t,” I said in a soothing tone as I ran my fingers along his stubbled jawline. “But I’m willing to take my chances if that means I’m with you.”
I knew his fears were very real to him after what had happened, but almost anything in life was a risk. Marrying him certainly didn’t feel daunting to me.
“I’ll do everything I can to keep you away from the less pleasant aspects of my business,” he promised.
“I know you will,” I said softly as our eyes locked.
My breath caught as I saw the bold possessiveness in his gaze.
“Then marry me soon,” he insisted.
“How soon?” I asked as my heart tripped.
“Next month?” he said hopefully.
I let out a startled laugh. “If we’re going to have a wedding at all, I need longer than that.”
I didn’t need a huge, pretentious affair, but it was San Diego, and we were quickly approaching the tourist season.
He threaded a hand into my wet hair as he asked, “How much longer?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know. I’ve never planned a wedding before, but I’d think even finding and reserving a venue might take a while. Unless you want to run away to Vegas.”
I was perfectly okay with that idea. Torie’s wedding had been beautiful.
He shot me a cheeky grin as he replied, “Not necessary. I know plenty of people.”
I rolled my eyes playfully. “I’m sure you do.”
“Do you doubt my ability to give you whatever fairytale wedding you want within a short amount of time, woman?” he asked in a lighthearted voice. “Tell me what you want and I’ll make it happen.”
I sighed. I was happy to get my slightly cocky, confident man back. Chase really didn’t do anxious and remorseful all that well, and it had killed me to see him that way.
I had no doubt that hecouldmake just about anything happen. He was stubborn that way. Chase Durand would always make sure I was spoiled rotten and loving every minute of it.
I wrapped my arms around his neck. “All I really want is you. I’m not exactly picky about exactly how that gets accomplished.”
“You’ve had me for a long time, sweetheart.”
He lowered his head and gave me a heart stopping kiss, an embrace that told me just how much he loved and cherished me.
