Page 94 of Sugar Coated Lies
I nod. “I know why you did now. I can forgive you.”
“That easily?” he says with self-disgust.
“You weren’t targeting me like Benedict was. You punched him in the face for me. You tried to keep him away and keep me safe. You protected me. You’ve done more for me than anyone ever has. You spent time with my grandpa when you didn’t have to. That was out of the kindness of your heart, Daire. Giving me a job was still an act of kindness and courage because you knew the risk of Benedict finding out. You may hate yourself for this, but I don’t.”
He closes his eyes, his features scrunched with anguish. “What about love? Do you still love me? Can you?”
I climb onto his lap, straddling his legs.
He doesn’t touch me, just lowers his fists to the couch beside my thighs.
“Look at me.” I caress his cheek and run my fingers through his hair.
He opens his eyes. “I want you so badly, but I’m afraid I’m going to fuck it up again.”
“I don’t see how you could. If this is the worst that happens to us, then it should be smooth sailing from here. Right?”
He clutches my hips, his fingers digging into my skin as if he can’t help himself.
I love the desperate need he has for me. It speaks in volumes and is quite the turn on.
I place both hands at his jawline, his scruff prickly against my skin. “I love you.”
His stiff shoulders soften with a smile.
“I still want to marry you.”
His eyes close briefly. “I know I don’t deserve you. I don’t know if anyone ever could, but I’m lucky enough to get to have you, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”
Epilogue
Daire
“I do.”Everleigh says the words I’ve been dying to hear ever since the ceremony started. I take that back, ever since I asked her to marry me.
This woman is my world. A vision in a form-fitting white lace gown, her long raven strands making her look like a dark angel. My angel.
“Do you, Daire Prescott Livingston the Third, take Everleigh to be your wife and promise to be true to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, and to love and honor her for all the days of your life?” asks my dad, our officiate, newly ordained for the ceremony.
“I absolutely do.”
Everleigh’s lips part with a small laugh, her eyes bright with so much love and light.
I want to remember this moment and the joy on her face forever. I want to see her this happy for the rest of our lives.
Whatever she wants, I will give it to her. I will move mountains if necessary. I don’t think she fully gets that yet, the extent and depth of my love and respect for her. She will never want for anything.
My dad says, “By the power vested in me, I hereby declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Dad winks.
Everleigh’s arms go around my neck as I wrap my hands around her waist.
I kiss her with all the love in my heart, resisting the urge to slide my tongue into her mouth because I promised her a sweet kiss for the ceremony.
She’s not a fan of brides and grooms who make out at their wedding. Prior to this day, she started watchingSay Yes To The Dressand would point at the TV every time a couple showed tongue and sloppy kissing at the altar.
“Ew,” she’d say. “That’s not appropriate, Daire. I don’t like that.”
“Your wish is my command,” I’d reply and kiss her cheek, coaxing her lips toward mine before claiming her mouth with porn tongue that had us both moaning. What we do in private is our business.
