Page 28 of The Final Temptation (Men of Honor 3.5)
Just thinking about it has me craving to see him. We didn’t sleep together last night since all of us girls stayed together. It’s the first night we’ve been away from each other in, well, ever. I missed him like crazy, missed the safety of his arms and the feel of his hard, warm body wrapped protectively around me. Oh hell, I just missed every damn thing about him.
“God I’m so jealous,” Katelyn says, almost sounding wistful. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for you all, but jealous as hell. You are all lucky to have found such amazing men who worship the ground you walk on.”
“You will find your guy one day, Katelyn. I know it.” Julia assures her with a soft smile.
“Not unless his name is Nick Stone.” All of our eyes snap to Faith at her mumbled comment.
“Nick Stone? Who’s Nick Stone and why have I never heard of this guy?” I ask, my curiosity peaking at full intensity.
Katelyn glares over at Faith. “No one important. Just someone I used to know. He was one of Kolan’s friends back in Montana.”
I can tell he’s a lot more than that but there’s no denying the flash of pain in her eyes as she talks about him, so I don’t press. I don’t know much about her past before coming here but I do know it wasn’t pretty. Her brother, Kolan, is extremely protective over her. I’ve only met him a few times and he’s really not all that friendly. I’ve also witnessed what he can do in the ring, and there is no denying the guy is lethal. Faith once told me he’s very complicated. She said other than her and Katelyn he likes to keep to himself, and ensures his life stays private. It surprised me considering he’s in the media often for all of his fights. He’s one of the best in the industry right now and is rising to the top fast.
Suddenly, Ruthie crawls over onto Katelyn’s lap and slings an arm around her neck. “Don’t worwy, Auntie Katewyn, you always have me and I woship you.” All of us look at each other with a smile. Ruthie has the most beautiful heart I have ever seen anyone have.
Katelyn’s expression turns soft as she hugs her. “Thanks, sweetheart. I worship you, too.”
Julia’s phone dings with a text, interrupting the moment. She looks at it and gets the biggest smile. “Oh my god, you guys, look at Anna in her prom dress.”
We all lean over to look at the picture of her and Logan. “They both look stunning,” I say quietly.
“I sent her a picture of you already, and told her I would send more as the night went on. She says you look beautiful.”
I nod, hating that her prom fell on the same day as my wedding. She is a big part of our group and is important to us all, especially Julia and Jaxson. I wish she could have been here to celebrate with us but I’m glad to see she’s having a great time, if the smile on her face is anything to go by.
I glance back down at the pregnancy test and feel butterflies swirling around in my tummy again. “Did you want to talk to Cooper before the wedding?” Julia asks. “I can go get him, or text Jaxson to tell him to meet you somewhere.”
I seriously consider it but quickly decide against it. There isn’t much time before the ceremony and I don’t want him to see me before the wedding. I’m pretty sure he’s going to be happy about the baby, like me, but I want to tell him when we have time to enjoy the news together. Not, “Hey, babe, I just wanted to let you know that I’m pregnant. See ya down the aisle in a few minutes.”
I shake my head at Julia. “Nah. I’ll tell him tonight after the ceremony. But can you pass me that empty gift bag there?” I ask, pointing to the bag that my garter came in. She passes it to me and I put the test in then close it up. “Would someone mind taking this to our room for me?”
“I will,” Katelyn says, standing. I give her my room key, once again thankful that we decided to have the entire wedding at the plantation for the sheer convenience of having it in one place.
Faith and Ruthie decide to go with her, and as soon as they open the door to leave I hear my mom’s voice. “Oh my gosh. Look at how stunning you girls are,” she gushes. “Is my girl ready in there? Is everyone decent?”
I speak up before Katelyn can answer. “Yes, Mom, we’re decent, you can come in.”
She plows into the room and gasps when she sees me. “Oh my god, you look so beautiful,” she blubbers and pulls me against her in a gripping hug.
I roll my eyes but can’t deny the thickness I feel in my throat as I pat her back. “Thanks, Mom. You look beautiful, too.” Both her and Cooper’s mom are wearing pink dresses too, but where my bridesmaid’s dresses are silk, theirs are chiffon and a lighter tone of pink.
Suddenly, I catch sight of my dad as he walks in. “Whoa.” He comes to an abrupt halt and puts a hand to his chest.
“Hey, Dad,” I whisper, feeling my cheeks heat at his heart-stopping reaction.
After a long moment of staring at me he walks over and pulls me into his arms. I breathe in deeply, taking in the safety and familiarity of his embrace. No matter how old I get, there is nothing more heartwarming than feeling my dad’s arms around me. He was the first man I ever loved and I’m so glad I found someone as amazing and honorable as him. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, next to your mother of course.”
“Thank you.” I feel him reach over and bring my mom into our hug then I hear a picture being snapped. Probably Julia.
