Page 69 of No Take Backs

“This is your birthday party,” he reminds me, his voice full of that teasing tone I love so much. “You have to stay, enjoy it, and only after everyone leaves will I tie you to the bed. I even got a new set of ropes to use to celebrate.”

I laugh, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside, and nod, knowing that he’s right. This is a celebration, not just of my birthday, but of everything we’ve been through together—every challenge, every triumph, every moment of terror and darkness that guided me into his arms has brought us to this point.

“Auntie Nia’s getting married!” Lyla shouts at the top of her lungs.

Wolf whistles and more shouts and cheers meet our ears.

“You should have just taken me to bed.”

“Nah.” Josh wraps his arm around me, guiding me down into the fray of the party. “We’ve got the rest of our lives for that. Right now? Right now, I want to celebrate you with our friends and family.”

How can I say no to that?

This perfect man, bringing me to life when all I wanted was to run away from reality.

He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and everything I didn’t know I needed.

“You know there’s no take backs, right?” I toss his words back at him. “You’re stuck with me forever.”

“Damn right.” He kisses me. “You’re mine.”

---