Page 127 of Defend Her Heart

Scooping her up into my arms, bridal style, I excuse us.

“Sorry, we can’t help look for them. My wife has had a long day, and I think she’s ready to go home.”

Luckily for us, everyone in our group reads the situation. We say good night and I carry her outside like a buffoon, ignoring her protests.

“Let me down! At least let me walk and say good night to my parents.”

My hold on Avery tightens and she huffs in frustration as I ignore her. It’s not until we get to my truck that I set her down. Reaching around her, I open the door to my truck, but she crosses her arms.

Stubborn, beautiful woman.

I lean down and kiss her quickly on the lips. “Come on, Aves. Get in the truck. I’ll text your parents and let them know why we left so quickly. They’ll understand.”

She seems to contemplate my words and after a beat, she throws her arms down in defeat.

“Fine. But don’t think you’re getting away with that caveman act, Superstar.”

Before she can turn to get into the truck, I slide my arm around her back and pull her into me.

“I’ll make it up to you.”

She feels what I mean and pushes me hard in the chest.

“I don’t want that.”

Surprised, I take a step back and put my hands on my hips. “What do you want then, Aves?”

She reaches up and grabs the handle, taking a step into the truck. I wait while she gets situated, buckling herself into the front seat.

I’m trying like hell to hold back a laugh, but I wait for her to answer before taking my spot on the driver’s side.

Finally, after what feels like forever, she turns to look at me, her arms crossed over her chest.

“Pizza. With extra pineapple.”

Shaking my head, I laugh and walk to where she’s sitting to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.

When I pull back, her eyes are dancing with amusement. I still haven’t said anything and I don’t move from where I’m standing on her side of the truck.

“Well?” she asks, annoyed that I still haven’t answered.

My mind flashes to the first night I met her and I see her sitting across from me, her black braid hanging over her shoulder. Her eyes hold the same questions they did that night as she waited for me to tell her what I thought of her pineapple pizza. The memory makes me smile, and I can only think of one thing to say.

“It doesn’t sound horrible.”

Avery’s eyes light up and I know she’s remembering that same night. She leans down and grabs my face, pulling me in for a deep kiss.

“Well, let’s go then, husband.”

The word sounds better each time I hear her say it and fills me with so much fucking pride, I will never get enough. How is this my life?

I tug on her seat belt to make sure it’s connected and give her another kiss on the lips.

“As you wish, wife.”

THREE MONTHS LATER

“Bye, Uncle Connor! Bye, Aunt Avery! See you this weekend!”