Page 32 of In the Light of Day

Mumbling that shewas just trying to helpwas such a poor excuse, that I keep my eyes trained on her as I slowly move around the truck bonnet.

We’re staying in a resort a little off the beaten track, just on the other side of the ranges. When I made the reservation, this was the only room available so we’re roughing it in a little studio apartment. I say roughing it but it has a king-size bed, kitchenette and fireplace, along with the most breathtaking view. I tried booking one of the private cabins but they were all taken. That's okay though, because now we’re here and I can see the area for myself, as well as the faint twinkle of where those cabins sit on the other side of the lake. We are, without a doubt, coming back here.

Opening her door, she swivels to face me, her legs hanging loosely by my arms. Reaching out, I slowly drag my hands up her calves, a small grin forming on my face as I look at her.

“You couldn't even shave your legs for our wedding, aye, love?”

Her face morphs from smug happiness to shock in less than a second and I take the opportunity to throw her over my shoulder while she squeals that shedidn't know it was her bloody wedding day. Laughing as her small fists attempt to rain down on my back, I can't help but provoke her even more.

“I have a knot in my left shoulder if you can massage over there a little.”

“You’re a dick, you know that,” she huffs. Bringing her back to my front, I hold her in my arms bridal style.

“Keys in my chest pocket. You want to unlock it so I can have the honour of carrying my wife over the threshold,” I say, grinning down at her.

Gods, she is beautiful.

“You don't need to, I mean, only if you want to,” she says a little timidly.

“Nova. Darlin'. I am your husband. Your Pop even said I was your husband, so that means things are gonna change a little. Part of my new job description is to rub your feet at night, make sure there are blueberry tampons under the bathroom sink and carry you over the threshold on our wedding night.”

“They’re not blueberry, they’re just regular. I swear Mila should never have talked to you about periods,” she says, rolling her eyes and sliding her hand into my jacket pocket, retrieving the room key. Leaning over slightly, she inserts the key, pushing the door open to reveal the small but luxurious space. Lifting her higher in my arms, I lean my face a little closer to hers, quickly checking if there is any hesitation from her before gently pressing my lips to hers. Her hand reaches up and cups my face, and I can feel her lips smiling as I pull away from her.

“I love you, Nova Wilson.”

The use of my name alongside hers makes my heart skip a beat as I carry the most beautiful woman over the threshold and into our first night as husband and wife.

“Wow. I forgot about that part. I'm not a Davis anymore. It's a little more liberating than I thought it would be to shed the expectations of that name.”

She flings her arms out, kicking her legs at the same time, shouting out into the small room, elation filling the space wholeheartedly.

“I would have given you my name sooner, darlin', but I think it was meant to be like this.”

Grinning down at her still in my arms, she feels the shift in my hold and she grabs onto me.

“Ace, don't you dare!”

With little effort I throw her onto the large bed, her body bouncing at least twice as both of our laughter rings out. Everything about this day has been perfect. Not a negative thought between us. Unless you're counting the complete and utter stress of this morning and not knowing if she would accept my real offer of marriage ... but I'm not.

Quickly leaving her to check out the room, I run back to the truck to get our bags. Returning to see steam flowing out of the bathroom door.

“Ace ... can you help me, the zipper is stuck.”

Her voice calls out and I drop our bags at my feet, taking a tentative step toward the bathroom door. Her zip is stuck, just her zip.This is not the moment.

Do I want it to be?

No. Ultimately I don't. She deserves more than a bathroom quickie in a small studio apartment. This is not a new request from her either. The number of times I've helped her in and out of different clothing over the years is more than I can remember but the second she became my wife, when she saidI do... everything changed.

“Ace, hurry up, will you? I want to have a shower before we have dinner.”

I can hear the tiredness creep into her voice. A sign of a long day coming to an end and it’s enough to bring me out of the pressure I was feeling. A situation I was reading more into than I needed.

Nothing has changed between us.Everything has changed.

Quickly crossing the room, I step into the bathroom, coming to stand behind her as she faces the mirror, removing the earrings she was wearing. Looking at our reflection, I am again left breathless by the situation I find myself in.

Nova is my wife. Mine.

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