Page 117 of Until We Meet Again

"She can't wait to meet you either. She would've loved to have been here tonight, but it's the night before the wedding and all."

"Totally understandable."

"Your mother and I spent the night together before our wedding," Robert says as he lifts his beer to his lips. "We decided to enter into the marriage just as we planned on spending the rest of our lives together, which was to wake up together every morning."

I think my heart just exploded.

"Well, I think it's clear who Callum takes after," Zane points out as his brother nudges him.

"Tessa and I talk, man. Don't even pretend you're not into that romantic shit."

Zane stares at me with a smile, shaking his head in amusement. "Traitor."

"I also tell your mom." I laugh and feel Bridget's hand reaching for mine.

"We, as women, are always going to talk about our guys."

"Did you hear that, Cal? Mom just referred to you as one of the girls."

"I swear, if you put that in your speech tomorrow, I'll kick your ass."

After three months of living with Zane, I felt it was the right moment for him to meet my family. I was nervous for him about the way they'd possibly act toward him, mainly because of the way our relationship developed. I wanted to have faith that they'd keep an open mind and see how happy I was, but I made sure Zane knew that if he felt uncomfortable at any point, we'd be getting the hell out of there and coming home. I could sense their concern as soon as we arrived, a feeling Zane seemed to handle better than I did. But my need to protect him at all costs outweighs the opinion of my family. However, over the course of a few days, Zane and my father started to bond over their shared love of bourbon and vintage cars—an interest of his that I wasn't aware of until he saw my dad's small collection, although I think it was more that he wanted my dad to like him. Before our trip came to an end, my family saw what I saw in Zane—his kindness and love for me—and they fully embraced him and accepted us as a couple.

Their approval was important to me, but whether I had it or not, I would've still loved him just the same.

After a while, we were ready to head back to the hotel. The meal was over, our bellies were full, and the few hours of love and laughter had been everything I'd hoped for when Zane brought me here to meet his family.

As I slip on my jacket, Zane's deep voice whispers in my ear, "Just say no."

Confusion covers my face as I turn to him. "What?"

His eyes lock on mine, and I know that look. I go fucking feral for it. "If you want my face buried in your pussy tonight, you’ll say no. I want you to myself, and I’m not willing to share any more of my time with you."

"Why don't you two just stay here? It seems silly that you're staying at that hotel when we have the space for you."

Got it.

"Mom, we've already checked in," Zane states.

"You'll be much more comfortable here. The guest room has a huge bed, and you know we don't mind if you two share."

I look between Zane and Callum, with Zane glaring at me as if I'm about to be punished for saying anything other than no. Meanwhile, Callum struggles to contain his laughter, his hand covering his mouth.

"Our clothes are at the hotel for tomorrow, but what if we check out a day early and spend our last night here before heading back to Chicago?" That earns me a smile from Bridget, a laugh from his dad and brother, and a kiss on the forehead from Zane.

"Sounds great," she replies. "We all should probably catch some sleep tonight before the big day tomorrow." Bridget walks ahead with Robert, leaving me feeling Zane's hands on my waist and his mouth on my ear.

"You won't be sleeping tonight, sweetheart. Make your peace with it now because I plan on wrecking you the minute I get you back to the room."

Chapter 54

Zane

Once upon a time, I would have thought my brother was crazy for wanting to get married. Crazy for settling down with one woman and allowing himself to commit to another in such a way that he would live every day knowing that person could be ripped away from him.

But as I gaze down at my girl while we dance for the third time tonight, I understand why he was so ready to give Zoe his last name.

My girl gives me a reason to live while also giving me something I would die for, and I need her by my side until I take my last breath.

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