Page 201 of The Reason I Married Him
“Are you afraid I’m going to mess this up?”
“No,” I answer. “But this is a year of commitment. When it’s over, I want to make sure we’re still each other’s number-one fans. We need to promise to treat this like a marriage. We talk things through, we work through any issue, and we never go to bed angry with each other. Can you promise me that?”
“Yes,” she answers, sounding slightly breathless.
“Good,” I reply. I run my thumb over her cheek a few more times and then say, “Thank you, Aubree. I don’t think you’ll ever know how much this means to me.”
“It means just as much to me,” she replies.
“I know,” I answer and then stroke her cheek a few more times. “Okay, I should let us get to bed.”
Her hand lands on my chest before she says, “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Positive, babe,” I answer as I lean down and press a very soft kiss to her lips. When I lift, I catch her eyes fluttering open, and for a very small second, as she stares up at me, I almost believe that Laurel was right and Aubree has feelings for me. But I can’t focus on that now.
I need to focus on Aubree showing up and saying I do. Once she’s officially Mrs. Preston, I can focus on my feelings . . . and possibly hers.
Wyatt:How are you feeling?
Aubree:Good. You?
Wyatt:Great. Laurel just fixed my tie, said it was crooked. Did you get the flowers and muffins?
Aubree:I did. I nervously ate two.
Wyatt:Are you really nervous?
Aubree:I think anyone in this position would be nervous. You have to be a little jittery.
Wyatt:Solid as a rock, babe.
Aubree:I don’t believe you.
Wyatt:LOL. Okay, maybe my ass keeps clenching, but that’s neither here nor there.
Aubree:What every bride wants to hear about their groom before they walk down the aisle—that their groom has been clenching their ass all morning.
Wyatt:Here to serve. Hey, sorry I bolted out of the guest house this morning. I forgot to set my alarm and told Laurel I’d be at her hotel bright and early.
Aubree:It’s fine.
Wyatt:I wanted to make sure you slept well and everything. With all the commotion, I’m finally getting the chance.
Aubree:I always sleep well when you hold me.
Wyatt:Mrs. Preston, that almost sounds like you can tolerate me.
Aubree:Don’t push it.
Wyatt:LOL. Are you ready for this?
Aubree:Ready as I’ll ever be. Currently, Chewy Charles is licking my leg. Mac taped sandpaper to his mouth so it felt like a cat’s tongue. Not sure what’s going on there, but it’s distracted me.
Wyatt:Is it weird that I want Chewy Charles to lick me now so I can know how it feels?
Aubree:Yes.
Wyatt:Dammit. How’re Ryland and Hattie?
