Page 227 of Three Reckless Words

Hundreds of tiny bees are embroidered into the skirt and bodice.

If it were anybody else, I’d throw back my head and laugh. But because it’s my Sugarbee, my breath stalls in my lungs.

Most of her auburn hair is piled high on her head in an elegant updo, but a few curls hang down, brushing her bare shoulders. She wears the tiara like a princess, the big silver bee in the middle catching the light and throwing it back, making her glow.

Fuck me.

She’s wearing minimal makeup, but somehow, whatever she has on makes her eyes pop.

Stunning isn’t good enough.

I can’t even find a word that does her justice.

I love this woman with my whole soul and I don’t know how to stop.

I don’t want to.

She’s everything wrapped up in one neat honey-sweet package, and it’s like time grinds to a halt as we take each other in.

We lock eyes in silence and I watch her bashful smile.

There’s no one beside her.

A high definition camera livestreams the wedding to her parents back in Springfield, but she’s opted to walk down the aisle by herself. It’s the most she’d agree to at this stage of mending their relationship.

Her father isn’t handing her off to me today. She’s presenting herself like the smart, lovely, independent woman she is.

Her wide-eyed gaze travels from my suit to my face, her red mouth parting slightly, and although I can’t hear her, I can imagine the way she gasps.

It does terrible things to my cock.

She beams, too, so bright it’s almost blinding. I can practically taste her happiness every time she breathes.

I remember what Patton said about watching her face.

And I’m already grinning back at her like I’m deranged, my face split with joy, my stupid smile spurring hers on.

As she reaches me, I lean in. “I love your dress. Almost wish I could leave it on you.”

“Well, yeah. It’s bees,” she whispers back.

She’s gilded in the morning light, a patchwork of sun and soft shadows.

If our family—my family—wasn’t watching, I’d have kissed her until she gasped and melted by now.

Patton clears his throat, as if the smarmy prick can read my thoughts.

I take Winnie’s hand and face him.

Save it for later, you idiot,his eyes warn.

Winnie looks at him with a grin and his face softens.

There’s no denying he’s taken a real shine to her, just like the entire family. I think if we got into a fight, they’d take her side, no questions asked.

Can’t say I mind.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to celebrate the union of Archer Rory and Wynne Emberly in legal matrimony,” he starts, holding out his arms, no doubt loving the attention. “Friends and family, please bear witness to this union.”

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