“It’s temporary for now,” she says as she pulls the dress down to her waist.She lifts her left arm, and just under her bra on the left side is a tattoo.
“Mrs.James,” I read, my heart pounding in my chest.
“You got one for me, and I wanted one for you.”
“Fuck, Ells, this is… sexy as hell.Where did you get this done?”
“I made an appointment with the shop that did yours, Everlasting Ink in Ashby.They did this temporarily for today.It should last a few weeks.After the baby’s born, I’m going back to get the real thing.”
“Who did it?”
“Roman.”
I nod.“He killed it.”
“It’s just some fancy script.”
“It’s our name on your skin, baby.It’s more than just script.”Bending my head, I press my lips to the tattoo.You can’t tell that it’s not real.Roman did a fantastic job.“I love it, and I love you.So fucking much, Ells.”
“I love you, too.Now, zip me back up.Let’s get this show on the road.”She turns her back to me once more, lifting her hair off her back.
“You sure?”I ask, running my bent index finger down her spine.She shivers at the contact.
“The sooner we change my name, the sooner you get me out of this dress.”
“Enough said.”I zip her up and step in front of her.
“You look handsome,” she says, resting her hands on my chest.“I’ve never told you how proud I am of you, Copeland.You chose to serve our country, and even though it took you away from me, it’s a huge sacrifice you made.Thank you, babe.I’m so proud of you.”
I nod because I can’t seem to find my words.I enlisted in the Marines to provide for her if something ever happened to me.It ended up being a huge part of what tore us apart, and now she’s thanking me.I don’t know what I did to deserve a second chance with this incredible woman, but I thank my lucky stars every damn day for having her back in my life.
“You got my ring?”she asks.
I clear my throat, swallowing back the emotions that are threatening my ability to speak.“Yeah.You got mine?”
She lifts her hand to show me the tungsten ring on her thumb.
“Let’s go get married, baby.”I offer her my arm.
She grins, slips her arm into mine, and we pull open the door.We don’t run into anyone in the house, but as soon as we step out on the patio, there are gasps, and suddenly, all eyes are on us.
“Thank you for coming,” Ellison says, her voice loud and clear.“We invited you here to celebrate the holiday with those we love, but also, well, we wanted you here to watch us get married.”
“No way!”Baylor shouts.
“You didn’t tell us,” Courtlynn accuses.
“About time.”Leighton smiles.
“Cope?”I turn to look at my mom.“You’re getting married?Today?”she asks, tears shimmering in her eyes.
“We are.You okay with that?”I smirk, because we all know she’s more than okay with it.She lied to get me to stay at Magnolia Manor.
“Oh, sweetheart.”She moves to get up, and Chandler is at her side, helping her stand.She makes her way toward us as she loses her battle with her tears, which race freely down her cheeks.“I’ve wanted this for you for so long.I’m so happy for both of you.”She hugs us both.“Welcome to the family, Ellison.”
“Thank you, Mary,” Ellison replies softly.
“Wait.Who’s marrying you?”Bowen asks.
