Page 123 of Defend Her Heart

Connor laughs now, but it does nothing to ease the anxiety I’m still feeling about my favorite car being gone.

“Avery, that car was a death trap. I know you love it, so I didn’t get rid of it, but I care too much about you to let you drive that thing anymore. You mean too much to me and I couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to you.”

Okay, so maybe he’s got a point. He doesn’t even know I broke down twice on the drive to Wisconsin after my divorce. He’d lose his shit if he knew I let strangers help me on the side of the road. But he doesn’t need to know that.

“How the heck am I supposed to get to Sadie’s now? Should I ask one of the girls to pick me up?” I look at the time and if I don’t leave within the next five minutes, we’re going to miss our nail appointment.

“Baby, do you see the dark green SUV sitting right outside of our apartment building?”

I walk back toward the entrance of our building and spot a sleek brand-new SUV parked right outside the doors.

“Uh, yes?” I say, confused.

“Check your purse.”

Reaching into my purse, I feel a key fob sitting in the side pocket and pull it out. Finally, it hits me.

“You bought me a car.”

“I bought you a car.”

This freaking man.

“Connor, it’s too much.”

I hear someone yell his name and he moves his phone away from his mouth, telling them to give him a minute. My mind is whirling as I take in the beautiful vehicle in front of me. I’m in disbelief when I hear his voice again.

“It’s not too much, Aves. You’re my wife. It’s my job to take care of you. I’ll fix up The Teal Deal for you but you deserve a car that’s safe and reliable.”

Emotion creeps up my throat but it’s the good kind. It’s always the good kind with him.

“Thank you, babe. But you really didn’t have to do this.”

Connor laughs. “Get used to it, baby. I plan on spoiling the shit out of you every chance I get.”

My husband wasn’t kidding when he said he plans on spoiling me. When I got to Sadie’s this morning, there was a limo waiting for us to take us to the nail salon. Inside was an ice bucket full of some of the finest champagne. I even indulged in a glass, knowing that alcohol is not my friend these days, but I figured one glass couldn’t hurt.

We just got back to Sadie and Niko’s and we’re walkinginto the garage apartment. Sloane pushes the door open and squeals.

I push her out of the way to see peonies covering every table and surface.

“Your husband is a unicorn,” Sloane says as I scan the room.

He really is unbelievable.

“Look!” Ellie yells, pointing at the floor. On the ground is a path of pedals leading into the back of the apartment. I follow them into the master bedroom. I gasp when I see a giant white box sitting on the bed.

The girls fall in behind me, and I feel one of their hands land on my shoulder. It’s Sadie. “Go see what it is.”

Slowly, I tiptoe into the room. My hands shake as I reach down for the lid of the box. Slowly, I lift it up and place it on the bed. Inside sits a gorgeous, emerald gown with a note sitting on top.

Tears are already falling when I open it to see a note from Connor.

Aves,

I know you were expecting a party to celebrate our marriage since we never got one before, but I had something else in mind. Put this beautiful gown on and meet me in the backyard. Even though the courthouse was the start of something amazing, I want to renew my vows with you in front of the people who mean the most to us. I love you, Avery Smith, and I want everyone to know just how much.

Love,