Page 13 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Obsession
“Exactly.” He grins, but it softens into something more serious. “I took every disagreement the wrong way. I wasn’t thinking about the big picture, just you stopping me from getting what I wanted. Like I said, I was an idiot.”
I study him for a moment. “You weren’t. Stubborn and thick-headed, for sure.” I poke his chest lightly, and he catches my hand, and laces his fingers through mine. “But you were awfully sweet then, too. And so extremely patient with me.”
“About that.” His thumb strokes the back of my hand. “Are you upset about ruining your plan last night?”
I squint down at him, with my nose wrinkling, trying to figure out what he’s saying. “Huh?”
“You know,” his voice drops to a teasing tone. “You wanted to wait until you were married before you lost your virginity, because you were saving yourself for your husband.”
“Oh, that.” I let out a light, easy chuckle, and lean down so my lips are hovering just above his. “I feel totally different about it. We should’ve done what we did last night five years ago. Think of all the practice we could’ve had by now.”
“Now you’re talking.” His grin is all trouble as he surges up to kiss me, his lips firm and warm, stealing my breath. Before I can react, he scoops me in his arms, the mattress gives a soft squeak and he rolls us over. Now he’s above me with his forearms braced on either side of my head. His eyes spark with something fierce and tender.
“You know, in a way, you didn’t break your rule. We’re still technically under that one-month contract to marry each other, and I believe we should follow through.”
I blink up at him, resting my hands on his arms to steady me. “You mean, stay together, for how long? How many days do we have left of the month?”
“About twenty, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I mean, I think we should just go ahead and do it.”
My heart is pounding so fast and hard, I hear it thudding in my ears. But I’m not sure I understand him, and I don’t want to get my hopes up. “What exactly do you mean byit? We should do what, exactly?”
“Everything. Rings, engagement, wedding. All ofit.” His voice is steady, and I’m wondering if he’s been thinking about this for a while. “Let’s get married.”
I gape up at him, feeling my having a conniption. “Are you kidding me? Just like that?”
He leans closer, his nose brushing mine, his breath warm against my lips. “Fate gave us a second chance, Eva, and now Iknow without a doubt, I love you. I’m not even sure I can live without you. I won’t take the chance of losing you again.”
Slade’s hand cups my cheek, and as he kisses me slow and deep, the room seems to glow brighter. I know—right here, in this perfect moment—I’m in love. I’ve found the one who’s been in my heart forever, and I’m not letting him go either.
Chapter nine
Clara and I are standing in front of the massive buffet table at the “Newlywed” themed picnic she’s hosting in our honor. My parents even made it. They booked their flights the minute Slade, and I told them we eloped. “More potato salad?”
“I’d love some.” I hold out my plate, and she serves me a hefty scoop. “They’rebabypotatoes,” she teases, peering down at my stomach.
“Hey now, we’re looking forward to having kids, but we’ve only been married for ten days.”
“Well, when the time comes, don’t be keeping any secrets from me. I want to know immediately. I’ve been waiting far too long to become a grandmother.”
I’m smiling from ear to ear. The sun is shining; masses of my favorite wildflowers, purple lupine and orange paintbrush, are overflowing in jars and vases on all the tables. Life is better than I ever imagined it could be. Still, I can’t stop myself fromreminding her, “It’s okay foryouto keep secrets from us, but not the other way around?”
“Gran didn’t want to influence your decision. She just wanted to bring you together so you two would have the chance to figure things out for yourselves.”
Melancholy washes over me, and my heart breaks a little. “I wish she was here. I loved that woman so much.”
“She obviously adored you too, sweetheart, but I know she’s thrilled up there, looking down from heaven.” One of Slade’s distant cousins interrupts us. I don’t remember his name. There are over a hundred people here, and I’m having a tough time keeping track of everyone. Clara excuses herself, and I watch as the two stroll towards the house.
I take my food to the nearest picnic table and spot Slade and Zephyr loading their plates at the buffet. I wave and catch Slade’s attention so he knows where I am.
We were both flabbergasted after Clara finally fessed up. She and all of Slade’s brothers were there at the Boise Courthouse when we said our vows. We went out to dinner after the quick ceremony, and that’s when Clara spilled the beans and confessed we’d been set up. It was more than fate that brought us together. Slade’s gran had more than a hand in it. What were the odds that the owner of Blind Date for Life just happened to be the daughter of one of Gran’s best friends in high school?
“Miss me?” Slade cockily strides to my table and slides in next to me on the bench.
“I did,” I say honestly, with a quick kiss as Zephyr settles in across from us.
Zephyr studies me, and then shifts his attention to Slade. “Yep,” he states before biting into his hamburger. Puzzled, I glance at Slade.
“Yep, what?” He asks his brother, and we both wait for him to swallow his food. Zephyr takes all the time in the worlddramatically wiping his lips with a napkin, which is pretty funny. I rarely get to see this playful side of him.
