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Underneath the gazebo, stood my husband, my silver fox. His muscles bulged beneath his tailored tuxedo, his salt and pepper hair, and his piercing baby blues gave him an appearance of dashing bravery—like he’d just stepped out of a firefighter’s calendar.
The surrounding air carried a scent of roses and the roar of the waves, however nothing was as captivating as my husband’s allure.
Although stunned by the wedding ceremony, not knowing what our vows would entail, my words came pouring out spontaneously.
I looked into Daddy’s electric eyes and spoke, “You surprised me today, as you do every day. First, meeting you. Then, having our beautiful baby, Tabitha. Buckle up because you’re stuck with me for life. I love you forever.” Then I whispered, so only he could hear, “Daddy.”
During our first dance, his voice vibrated with intensity. “This is how it all started. Remember?”
“Of course.” We swayed as one to the music and I said, “Thank you for believing in me, even when my thoughts are a whirlwind and spinning out of control. You help make me into a better version of myself.”
His expression was gentle and contemplative. “Always and forever, princess. That’s how long I’m here for you.”
I glanced at the still happily married couple whose wedding brought Riley and me together. Duke’s eyes were glued to Clover as they slow danced. “Hey!” I said suddenly. “I almost forgot to tell you something—but it’s a secret. You can’t breathe a word of it.”
He traced his fingers over the left part of his chest, “Cross my heart and hope to die.”
I stood on tiptoe and confided in his ear. “Duke and Clover are going to start trying for a baby next month.”
Riley’s eyes widened in astonishment, and I quickly put a finger over my lips. “Shh! You promised not to say anything,” I whispered, fighting the urge to giggle. This man always made me laugh.
He raised his hand in the scout’s honor pose. “I give you my word, and I’d stake that dress on it.” Riley’s gaze swept over me. “In fact, I can’t wait to get you out of that dress, and into bed.”
CHAPTER24
RILEY
EPILOGUE, ONE AND A HALF YEARS LATER
Igently twisted the doorknob, ensuring that I wouldn’t wake up Tabitha. Quietly, I stepped inside.
Faith’s sweet ass was the first thing I noticed when I entered our house. She swayed her killer body to the beat of music only she could hear, headphones only halfway on she could hear the baby if she stirred. She was in the kitchen, mixing the contents of a hundred different pots, bowls, and pans with a flourish.
Slight exaggeration, but it always astounded me how many saucepans she used to concoct her soap recipes. I took a moment to stare at my wife, inventorying all of her stunning features, but I didn’t have all day, and I couldn’t wait to join her.
She heard me set my lunch box on the counter and twirled around, unaware of the captivating picture she painted when she smiled. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.”
I pinned my shoulders back and declared, confidently. “Gonna’ take a whole tiger to drag me in, princess.”
The sight of her voluptuous form sent a wave of desire through me. I had to admit she was right about refinishing the cupboards in robin’s-egg blue; they looked great above the quartz countertops I installed. Faith stood in a heavenly halo of light beneath the newly added skylight, she didn’t have a clue about the power she held. I’d remodel a room a month if she wanted.
Time was short and I’d make the most of it, satisfying her every fancy and catering to her every desire. Eternity wasn’t nearly enough time for us, but soon I would have all day long with her and Tabitha. She didn’t know yet what I had planned, but everything was about to change.
“How was your day?” I swept her hair off her neck and placed a kiss on her nape. Her delicate sugar and vanilla scent tickled my nostrils.
She had an aura of determination that I found so endearing. She was always passionate when she was working on something she enjoyed. Her features lit up with concentration as she studiously stirred the pot. “Good. Trying out a new batch of our popular rose syrup hydrafacial soap,” she said. “More and more requests are coming in for it and I think we’ve hit the target color this time—blush pink.”
“I’m so proud of you, baby.” I trailed my fingers up and down her back. “You and Clover—once a two-woman show—now juggle a staff of fifteen. All while keeping up with raising children. Amazing!”
She hesitated and smiled gratefully at me. The corners of her eyes crinkled with happiness. “Thanks, Daddy. You know I couldn’t have done it without you.”
The wooden spoon attracted my gaze as she stirred it in a steady pattern. Slowly, I began rubbing my neck at the base of my skull.
My lips pursed into a thin line, and my forehead creased with worry, hoping my news elated her. I’d kept it from her, and now I wondered if that was the incorrect move. A bachelor for so long, I was sure I’d gotten this relationship rule all wrong. I sucked in a breath. “Yeah, I’ve got something to say...”
She bit her lip. “Sounds serious, let’s talk it over. I’ll just rinse up.” She wiped her hands on the nearby towel. She left the pots of bubbling soap behind after turning them to simmer. “Grab me one of those fizzy cans from the fridge, please?”
As I opened the refrigerator door, the droning hum of its motor quieted my nerves. After nearly two years of marriage, pleasure still surged through me each time I did something for her.
