Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“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?”
“I haven’t hidden it.”
“You telling me this because you’re looking for my permission?”
“Nope, although that would save me a call when the time comes.”
He swings his face to mine, a grin playing at his lips. “You are an arrogant son of a gun.”
“I know what I want.”
“Not a man alive that wants to give away his baby girl. But if the time comes, you’ll do.”
I take a slug of my own whiskey to hide my smile. “Appreciate it.”
“You want something like this?” He juts his chin, indicating the elegance all around.
“I want what Rowan wants.”
He nods, going back to his thoughts.
“Something else?”
“What can you tell me about your new position?”
“I’m still MNPD. This is an assignment.”
“Is it dangerous?”
“Sitting in a cushy office building with air conditioning, reading reports, studying criminal profiles, and taking meetings. Least amount of action I’ve seen in twelve years.”
“Paper cuts are nasty injuries. Watch out.”
At this, I know he’s done.
Rowan’s squeal cuts through the air as Drake spins her. “Going to steal my woman before I have to lay out my best friend’s brother.”
“Hate to shed blood today.”
Rowan catches my eye, her smile wavering when she notes my mood. She mumbles something, causing Drake to focus my way.
The fucker has the nerve to smirk.
I prowl to them, stepping in and folding her to my side.
“Thank you for the dance,” she says to him.
“The pleasure is all mine,” he responds self-righteously, bending to kiss her cheek.
“I know how to kill a man without leaving a trail,” I growl.
Rowan gasps, and Drake openly laughs. “Fucking with you guys never gets old.” He slaps my shoulder as he leaves.
“That was beyond rude.”
“Have I told you how stunning you are?”
“Don’t change the subject.”
“Not fair to outshine the bride on her wedding day.”
“Not possible.”
I sway to the music, thankful for the slower pace, and lower my mouth to her ear. “So fucking beautiful, my heart stopped when you walked my way. The entire building could have crumbled to the ground and I still couldn’t have looked away.”
“Ford…” Her voice is breathy, her hands clutching my neck.
“Love you, Rowan.”
“Love you, too. Even when you’re being an overly possessive bully.”
“Possession is all I think of when it comes to you.”
She melts into me, tilting her face my way. Pure, shining brilliance aimed at me. “I thought you didn’t dance.”
“I didn’t dance until you.”
“Wasn’t today amazing?”
“It was.”
“Can you believe they are finally married?”
I follow her line of sight to Major and Jewls, who are lost in their own little world. Jewls is staring at his hand in wonderment. This morning we all watched as he inked her initial on his ring finger.
Like Ace, he wanted her mark to be permanent.
A move I completely understand.
“He’s looking at her like she’s the most precious thing in his world.”
“I know the feeling.”
Her eyes well, the bright blue gleaming. “I’m so happy I could cry.”
“Tears like that, I can handle.”
“This whole week has been… I don’t know how to explain it. Just fairylike.”
“Baby, outside of the bride, you have been the center of attention. When we get back to Nashville, don’t make plans with anyone for a month. I’m sick of sharing you.”
She drops her head back, her body shaking against mine as the soft melody of her laughter coasts over me.
“I’m not kidding.”
“That’s what makes it funny.”
I slant my arms across her back, closing any space between us.
We dance in silence, her nails caressing to the rhythm of the music as I lead us around the dance floor. The song changes, but we stay like this, her looking at me with so much trust I fight the urge to beat my chest.
“Can I cut in?”
I recognize the voice, tightening my hold. “No.”
“Ford!” Rowan stops moving. “You’re being rude.”
“Yeah, Ford, you’re being rude.”
I swing my angry gaze at Hugo and find him smiling wide.
Hugo, along with several of our Marine brothers, are circling us. All of them have the same shit-eating grins.
“Go away,” I demand.
“Not a chance.”
“I’m next.” Rand wiggles his eyebrows at Rowan. “Ready to take a spin?”
Rowan giggles, trying to loosen my grip. “I’m not sure he’s letting me go.”
“We can take him.” Hugo links his hands, cracking his knuckles.
“Please don’t mess up his tux. He’s very handsome tonight.”