Page 183 of Unexpected Redemption

“Duh. Like I said before, when you buythiscow, I’ll be in my virginal white dress, and you’ll be just as handsome as you are tonight.” She presses her palms on my lapels, smoothing them out. “And there will be fancy appetizers or canapés. A band, dancing, and all the delicious food Madeline can cook.”

“Obviously, we’ll ask her to cater.”

“That’s a given.”

I give her a peck, then press my forehead to hers. “I love you, Violet Holt. Thank you for saying yes.”

She pulses her arms around me before pulling back. “I love you, Tomer Stillman. Thank you for finally asking. I thought I was gonna die of old age before you got around to it. I’m grateful you proved me wrong.”

Fuck. She’s managed to merge her brat side with her manners.

I’m doomed.

“Sugar bear, when we get back to HQ and everyone goes to sleep, I’m going to fuck the ever-loving hell out of my fiancée. But if you start sassing me, I won’t be able to wait until then. I’ll have to pull over and take you on the side of the road.”

She inhales sharply, audibly pulling the oxygen through her teeth. “I like the sound of that. Too bad you’re full of bull. You wouldn’t dare risk our safety for a roadside quickie.”

“Dammit. Reality sucks.”

Her face brightens, and her shoulders rise to her ears. “Let me introduce you to the unicorns in denial. You’ll love it there.”

“No clue what you’re talking about, but I’ll go anywhere you want to take me.”

The playfulness gradually fades from her expression, leaving behind only tender adoration. She drags her knuckles along one side of my face from my temple to my jawline. “Right now, I want to take you home, even if it’s only our temporary home in a bunk room. I need to make love to my fiancé.”

“Bunk room. Shitty motel. Beach house. Or a penthouse suite. Wherever you are is my home.”

She whimpers, pouting adorably. “Aw. You werethisclose.”

I arch a brow in question. “Explain.”

“Home isn’t whereverI am. It’s whereverwe are.”

I can’t keep my lips off hers after that. And why bother trying?

“Hey, kids,” Big Al yells, adding a clap of his hands to capture our attention. “Let’s roll.”

Lettie loosens her hold on me, and we stroll toward the exit.

The others have filed out of the pavilion except Jonesy and Aaron, who are pulling up the rear.

When we reach the exit, Big Al stops me with a palm to my chest. “Hold up.” He winks at Lettie before handing me a small package.

It’s oddly shaped and wrapped in thick, brown paper.

I purse my lips, lightly squeezing around the lumps to get an idea of the contents. “What’s this?”

“A little congratulations gift from me and Maddie.” He tips his head at my fiancée. “And Lettie approves.”

Curiosity piqued, I ask, “Do I open this now?”

“You probably should,” he suggests ominously.

Releasing Lettie, I tear into it with both hands. Once I’ve removed the gift from the paper, I hold it in front of me for a long time. Five seconds. Maybe ten.

My initial reaction is confusion, but it’s rapidly replaced by an overwhelming flood of emotions. More like a tsunami.

My lungs seize, the air freezing in my chest.

---