When he finally breaks the kiss, we’re panting. “I could kiss you forever,” he says before releasing me. My gaze drops to his erection, visible in his pants.
He rolls his eyes and groans, “You’re going to be the death of me, little bit. I want to throw you over my shoulder and carry you to bed. Unfortunately, that will have to wait until later. Good thing blue balls can’t kill a man. Let’s go inside and have some lunch before we get married.”
Andrew doesn’t wait for my answer, knowing I’ll follow him because I can’t seem to help myself, he just grabs my hand and leads me to the main house.
“Does everyone know?” I ask, suddenly second-guessing my decision. “Will they think I’m marrying you for your money?”
When he stops and looks down at me, his anger is palpable. “Yes, they know I asked you. No one will ever think that. Just like it doesn’t matter to Emma, Rebekah, or Hannah. If anyone even implies it, they’ll answer to me. You understand me, baby?”
“Yes, I got it.” My words soft. I’m in awe of this man. I’m still not sure this is real or will last, but I’m going to give him the chance he asked for and hope he doesn’t break my heart.
eleven
Andrew
“If you wear a hole in the floor, Judge Henderson is going to make us pay for a new building,” Aaron remarks from in front of me, putting an end to my pacing.
“Fine. Just remember this when it’s your turn,” I mutter, and walk to the other side of the lobby to check whether my other brothers have arrived with Jaclyn yet.
“Don’t hold your breath. It’ll be a cold day in hell before I fall for a woman. Deana was more than enough in college. I can’t believe I almost fell for her shitshow.” Aaron sighs. “Tell that shit to Adrian, he’ll be next. Mark my words.”
I smirk. Speak of the devil. Adrian steps out of the judge’s chambers; he went inside when we arrived to make sure the marriage license was in order and that we weren’t missing anything. We weren’t leaving anything to chance. I wouldn’t allow anything to fuck this up, especially not a problem with the official records. I’m marrying Jaclyn because I’m in love with her, but I’d do it anyway to ensure the shit Mercier started wouldn’t touch her.
“We’re good. Did I hear my name?” he asks.
“Yeah, Aaron thinks you’re next.” The look on his face is priceless. But two days ago, I would have worn the same expression. Then, Jaclyn Tanner walked into my life and, like a whirlwind, turned my world upside down. Do I regret it? Not in the slightest. I’m convinced fate brought us together, and I won’t allow anything to interfere.
“Not only no, but hell no. Who shit in your cereal this morning that you’re jinxing me?” Adrian says.
Aaron holds up his hands in surrender. “Hey, it sure as fuck won’t be me. If I’m honest, I can’t believe you’re doing this, Andrew. It came out of left field for sure.”
“Yeah, well, neither did I. When I invited her here, this is the last thing I expected.”
Adrian snorts. “Especially since you thought she was a he.”
Even I chuckle at that. Not checking her HR file before I flew her here was a moronic move on my part. It was the easiest thing to do, and I ignored it in favor of chasing down the contract negotiators. This could have been a total disaster.
“Are you sure, bro? I know Adam married Rebekah the same day, but they knew each other; same with Aaric. But this girl…”
“Stop right there,” I growl and level a stare at both of my brothers. “Jaclyn will be my wife in about ten minutes if our missing brothers ever fucking get here. She will be your family—sister—from that moment on. I don’t care what the circumstances were that brought her here; she fills a piece of my heart, my soul, one I didn’t know was missing. When you meet the right woman, you’ll get it.”
My gaze passes between them, making sure they understand that no one, not even my brothers, will ever speak against my wife. Then I hear Adam’s truck pull up outside. Even though I shouldn’t be looking, I can’t resist making sure she’s in the truck. When I see the tip of her dark brown hair, the fear riding me hard for the last half hour dissipates.
Jaclyn didn’t disappear. She’s here and giving us the chance I begged her for, even though she’s scared of what will happen next. I’ll prove to her she doesn’t have to worry: I’ve got her and will make sure she’s safe no matter what.
“You’d better get inside with Judge Henderson,” Aaron says as we hear the truck doors slam and my brothers’ voices.
“Do you have the bands?” I ask Aaron.
“Right here.” He pats his breast pocket. “You’re lucky the jeweler had a size thirteen band in stock. He said he’d just gotten them in last week.”
Smiling at his words, I knock on the judge’s door. When he responds, I walk inside. I can’t wait to make Jaclyn mine in every way possible. My only regret is that we’re rushing this wedding and her friend, Cheri, can’t be here. I’ll make it up to her somehow.
Judge Henderson meets me halfway across his office, and we shake hands. He’s been around forever, and even knew our parents.
“You guys are dropping like flies. Is there something in the water on that mountain?”
“I’m sure it seems like it. But nope, the water is crystal clear and better than ever. I guess we’re finally finding the women of our dreams,” I respond, knowing my words are one hundred percent truthful.
