Page 91 of Bronson

We do, the hushed voices reply.

A shiver runs down my spine.

“And Bachmans, do you pledge to care for and protect Paige and Bronson, as you would your own blood?” he asks.

We do.

“And how long will you hold Paige and Bronson in your care?”

Forever.

He turns to me. “Welcome to the Bachman family, Paige.”

The quiet reverence of the evening is broken with rowdy cheers.

Bronson hugs me tightly, kissing my cheeks. He releases me and I’m passed from person to person. Hugs, kisses, words of congratulations wash over me, welcoming me.

Bringing me home.

I officially belong to a family. One that has adopted me.

Mrs. Bronson Bachman.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

A FEW MONTHS LATER

Bronson

With every lick, every taste, every touch, two words caress my mind.

My wife.

I had observed, coveted, and envied the Bachman men for their adoring wives for so long.

Always waiting, always wanting.

Always knowing my day would never come.

That fate had destined me to be a lifelong bachelor.

Then… Paige.

I still have to remind myself it’s real. That I’ve found the one who makes my heart beat faster. Makes my mind wander. The one I’d give my life for.

Since the wedding, I’ve been delighted at how easily Paige has adjusted to becoming, as she says, a Bachman Beauty. With her wit and big heart, she has been quickly embraced by the other women.

She was born to be one of us.

And from fiancée to wife, she’s only become more adorable to me. When she attempts to cook, oh my, I want to laugh out loud. But when I see the tears brimming up in those big brown eyes, I have to gather her right up into my arms before I even disarm the fire alarm or clear the smoke from the room.

She strives to be the perfect wife.

She’s anything but perfect.

But my God, she’s perfect to me.

There have been a few bumps in the road. John’s assured me that’s quite normal—he should know, having been married to Mary for quite some time. Paige and I have had to find a balance—me wanting to spank that gorgeous ass for every single infraction, and her wanting to maintain some sense of independence and keep her strong will.