Page 202 of The Grump Next Door
We run back down the aisle, dodging rose petals and George’s attempt to follow us. Behind us, our people cheer. Our weird, wonderful, chosen family who somehow all fit together.
“No regrets?” Dean asks as we burst into the sunlight.
“One.”
His face falls. “What?”
“We should’ve eloped.”
He laughs. Picks me up. Spins me around while photographers capture every ridiculous second.
“Next time,” he promises.
“There’s not going to be a next time.”
“No,” he agrees, setting me down, pulling me close. “There’s not.”
And then he kisses me again, and I know—deep in my bones—that this is it.
My person. My home. My happily ever after.
Even if it comes with goats.
Especiallyif it comes with goats.
Chapter Forty-Two
Forever Starts Now
Dean
The reception’s in full swing when I finally get her alone.
I’ve pulled Poppy into the coat closet because apparently, I’m that guy now. The one who can’t keep his hands off his wife at his own wedding.
“Someone’s going to notice we’re gone,” she says, but she’s already yanking my tie loose, fingers working the knot.
“Don’t care.” I’m already pressed against her, breathing her in.
“Very professional, counselor.” Her voice is teasing, breathless.
“Screw professional.” I press her against the wall, feeling her heart racing under my palms. “You’re my wife.”
“Say it again.” Her hands are in my hair now, messing up what took the stylist an hour.
“Wife.” Kiss her neck. “Wife.” Her collarbone. “Wife.”
“Okay, caveman, I get it—oh.” The last word comes out strangled as I hit the spot behind her ear.
Yeah. Oh.
“Five minutes,” I negotiate against her skin. “Give me five minutes.”
“Dean—” She’s already melting into me.
“Come on.” I slide my hand up her thigh, find the garter I watched her put on this morning. “For luck.”
“You’re impossible.” But she’s not pushing me away.
