Page 79 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
“I told you we’d do it right and put your heart back together,” I whisper across his lips.
“I hated waiting. For this…and to see you.”
A throat clears, and Riley stands nearby in attire to match Jackson. “I don’t care if you kiss before the ceremony, but try notto muss things up.” He pats Gabe’s arm. “Just watch for the signal from me. Enjoy these moments.”
Gabe
When I pulled up and saw Hunter waiting on the front porch, hands clasped in front of himself like he didn’t know what to do with them, I was frozen. Not with fear or an indecision, but with the reality of what was about to take place.
At our first wedding, the day of our first kiss, even, he was so stoic. There was no joy in his face, and his eyes didn’t light up like they do now when he looks at me. Everything about that day was fake…except for the orgasms that night. We didn’t fake those.
He was a poster model for what uncomfortable looks like. In a suit he hated and marrying a stranger, he was distant, and the little connection we had was purely physical.
Seeing him now on his ranch and watching the smile grow as I walk towards him is something I always wished for. I never knew how much until I met this man, and he changed my life.
“You can muss me up later,” I murmur as Riley leaves us for a moment of alone time. Most of the guests have arrived and I’m happy to have this moment alone with Hunter. “I missed you last night.”
Hunter dips his head. “I missed you, too.” His thumb rubs across my knuckles before he brings it to his lips. “I’m so ready for all of this, Gabe. I never dreamed of being someone’s husband, but no one else ever made sense to me.”
“I know what you mean.” Hunter was never supposed to make sense. He wasn’t supposed to be anything, but I ended up liking him more than I originally planned. Hunter didn’t just make sense. No one else could ever compare. “They say the best relationships sometimes start unexpectedly, and in this case, I think that’s right. I didn’t expect this, Hunter. I didn’t think I’d fall so hard for you that I’d cry over divorce papers and ache so hard to marry you for real that I’d have anxiety over it.”
Hunter kisses the back of my hand again, and he says nothing, but he doesn’t need to. His eyes tell me everything, and I know he hurts sometimes still for making me sad, but he doesn’t need to. It’s easier for me to move forward from the past, but with time, he will, too.
Looking over Hunter’s shoulder, I see Riley give me the wave that they’re ready to start when we are.
“I’m ready to be your husband and kiss you in front of our friends, if you are.”
Hunter glances back at the tent before turning back to me.
“Some kisses are worth waiting for, and that’s one kiss worth the wait, Gabe.” He squeezes my hand. “Let’s not wait any longer to start our forever.”
twenty-three
Hunter
The music is on point, the hot dogs and poutine were a hit, and my husband in my arms on the dance floor is the second best thing that happened tonight.
The first was hearing the words‘I now pronounce you husband and husband.’ A tsunami of joy rushed into me as I kissed Gabe so deeply and long, our guests started cat-calling and whistling. But I couldn’t help it. This is the day we’ll mark on the calendar and celebrate, even though the marriage certificate says something different.
Today is the day I’ll remember as the day my life changed forever.
Gabe is the best thing to ever happen to me.
“Are you feeling more adventurous with dancing? How about a spin and a dip?”
Gabe chuckles, but his grin says everything. He will always try anything I suggest.
“We haven’t done that before, but walk me through it.” His eyes sparkle with a happiness I wish I could bottle.
“I’ll raise my arm like this and don’t let go of my hand.” Slowing our steps, I spin him slowly, and he catches on with a peel of laughter.
“And then what?”
“Then I’ll pull you back to me and bend you backwards…like this.” Gabe doesn’t stop laughing as I do exactly that while we stand still in the small crowd dancing around us.
“You won’t let me fall?”
“Never, counsellor.”
