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My eyes immediately go to Rowan. She’s next to her mom and Harley chanting.
Her hair is swept up in some kind of twist with rhinestones, the strapless blue dress hugging her curves and flaring at her hips. Her neck and ears sparkle with jewels gleaming under the lights.
It’s not only the jewels, it’s her. She’s beaming. A halo of beauty radiates around her.
Fucking breathtaking.
Since the second she stepped into sight at the end of the aisle, I’ve fought the urge to steal her away.
For the past five days, family and friends have surrounded us. Event after event, she’s been in the thick of things.
The selfish bastard in me wants her alone.
“Definitely the fanciest wedding I’ve ever attended.” Hotch is back on this subject.
“That what’s on your mind? The wedding?”
“Heard Rowan talking to Cass. She said you want her to move in.”
Ahh, now we’re getting somewhere. “It’s true.”
“Isn’t that a little soon?”
I can’t help the twitch of my lips. “I’m getting you don’t like the idea?”
“Ford, you’re a good man. My girl is thriving. She’s worked her ass to the bone, and it’s finally paying off. Her dreams are a reality.”
“And moving in with me will mean the end to her dreams?”
“Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“That’s what it sounded like.”
“You haven’t been together long.”
I should be pissed, but his likeness to Rowan is amusing. “You been talking to Rowan because you sound like her parrot.”
“I raised a sensible and responsible girl.”
“Then why don’t you stop dancing around what you really want to say?”
“Living together is a big step. She made that mistake—”
“Now you think I’m a mistake?”
He clears his throat, pulling his lips through his teeth. Whatever he’s working out is eating at him. Finally, he speaks. “Man to man, I’m gonna ask you a favor. Give it a little more time. She’s been through a lot and trusted too easily. It’s important for her to come into her own.”
“She’s doing that now.”
“And it’s clear you helped bring her to this point. You’re a huge reason for that sun shining bright.”
He’s struggling, but his thoughts are clear. He’s concerned that, if we don’t work out, Rowan will retreat.
Time to clear this shit up and move on.
“Not big on explaining myself, but you have my respect. Living together is a baby step considering I’m marrying her, building a family, and living the rest of my life with her by my side.”
He rocks back, a flicker of shock registering before his gaze goes back to the dance floor. “She knows this?”
