“I want you to forgive him. If you can.”
He sighs roughly, his hands traveling back up my sides, fingers grazing the curve of my breast. My nipples pebble.
“For your impatient, irresistibly sweet ass, I do. I forgive the old man. He was only human, and that’s a hard thing to be.”
“So wise.”
Leaning down, I nip his bottom lip, watching the way his eyes well with desire until he growls into my kiss.
“I just want to move forward and forget the past, Ethan. No regrets.”
“Woman, I could never regret you.”
And when he kisses me again, I don’t care if anyone from the evening crowd could walk in on us at any moment.
I give myself over to my almost husband and my forever.
When didreal life become a fantasy novel?
Because I feel like I’m ready to sprout fairy wings, surrounded by tall trees bursting with so much autumn fire it’s breathtaking.
The wedding is on the same woodpecker protected land that sent Cooper Daley spiraling. Ethan hasn’t figured out what to do with it yet.
That’s our little bonus that makes it extra special.
Sometimes land isn’t about money.
For us, this place is magical, and that’s everything.
This morning, with Margot and Mom fussing around me and the photographer lurking in the background, I stepped into my well-altered wedding dress for the final time.
Mom did up the back, tugging more gently at my waist than I expected. All while Margot blubbered like she did when we were little girls.
Now, standing in front of the full-length mirror, looking at myself, I want to cry.
Pure Cinderella with a sprinkle of fairy dust.
The last few days have been glorious. Ever since my booktastic bachelorette party with Margot and Mom, where we barhopped and ended our evening listening to audiobooks by Mom’s fireplace.
But seeing myself like this, I know I haven’t tasted happiness yet.
The dress cups my breasts, pushing them together, subtle yet alluring. No easy feat with boobs this big, thank you.
The sleek material drapes down, flowing over my curves like a silky waterfall, tastefully accented without hiding my shape.
Flaws?
Nope, I don’t see them.
Yes, the curve of my hips is round and there’s a little loose flesh on my upper arms. There’s still a small flabby bulge at the base of my stomach.
But now I know—I know—it doesn’t matter.
My soon-to-be husband loves me just the way I am.
That gives me the courage to love myself.
“You look so radiant,” Mom whispers in awe.
