Page 242 of Redeemed

“It was my mother’s.”

That mournful expression returns to his face, and it hits me that maybe he wasn’t upset in the judge’s office because he was marrying me. Maybe it was because ofher.Because she doesn’t get to be here for the important moments of his life.

No.No, that can’t be it, because thisisn’tan important moment in Colton’s life. This is all fake. A ruse. A strategic move in whatever game he’s playing against his father. He said hehadto do this, not that he wanted to.

Colton clears his throat. “It’s been passed down in her family for generations.”

“And it just happens to fit me perfectly?” I ask flatly.

“I… had it resized for you,” he admits. “I wasn’t sure if it would come to this, but I needed some type of backup plan. My dad has been breathing down my neck about Delilah, and I found out today that she set a wedding date without me. I won’t marry her, Haven. Iwon’t.”

“And you can’t if you’re already married.” The statement comes out of my mouth deflated, disappointed.

It’s a stupid thing to focus on, but this is the second time I’ve gotten married without being wanted by the groom. It stings more than I’d like to admit.

“It’s not just that.” Colton’s right hand leaves the steering wheel and finds my thigh. I try to shove it away, but the motherfucker’s arm doesn’t budge. “This way, Isaiah can’t take you away from us. He can claim to be your husband all he wants, but now we have proof that he isn’t.”

“Nice try, but I know a load of bullshit when I hear one.”

Silence falls between us. At first, I think it’s a charged silence—angry, tense, hateful. But then I steal a glance at Colton, and the walls I’ve been building this entire drive crumble in an instant.

He doesn’t look pissed.

He looks heartbroken.

Desperate.

“Take it off,” Colton says quietly, attention still focused on the road.

“What, the ring? You want it back already?”

He shakes his head. “Just… look at it.”

I slip the ring off my finger, examining it more closely, and that’s when I notice what’s engraved on the inside of the band.

Colton, Lucas, and Xander.

It feels like I’ve gotten the air knocked out of me. Did I really misread Colton this badly? This is a level of commitment far deeper than I thought he’d ever want with me. He wouldn’t defile his mother’s ring for something with a woman he doesn’t want to be with for the rest of his life.

But that means…

Oh my god.

When I glance over at Colton, I realize he’s pulled over. Before I can say a single word, he’s climbing out and rounding the car.

“What are you doing?” I ask when he opens my door.

But he doesn’t answer, instead leaning in, undoing my seatbelt, and pulling me from the vehicle. Once I’m on my feet, he cups my cheeks and stares down at me with blazing intensity. His lips part like he’s on the cusp of saying something, but he’s holding himself back.

“What?” I whisper.

“You,” he whispers back. “Angel, I…”

He doesn’t finish. Not with words, anyway.

Colton grabs my waist and fuses his mouth to mine. He kisses me like I’m the only thing in the world that matters to him. Like he’s consumed by me. Like helovesme.

When he pulls away, my arms are wrapped tightly around his neck, and our bodies are pressed against each other’s in every possible spot.

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