AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I really don’t care dude, okay?” I glance over at Ivy, who’s glaring at me. Damn, she looks pissed.
I swallow hard, prepared for the verbal blow I’m about to get.
“Archer,” she practically hisses. Her eyes are narrowed, but she looks scared too. And so, so, tired. “I need you.”
“I gotta go,” I tell Matt. “Pray for my wife,” I say before I end the call. I rush toward Ivy, who lets out a long groan as she clutches her belly with both hands.
We’re going to need all the help we can get.
Matt
The reception is in full swing, and I can finally relax. During the ceremony, I stood by Gage’s side and handed over the ring. I gave a rousing speech during the dinner that made practically every female in attendance cry. And now I’m slow dancing with my girlfriend, holding her close in my arms as we sway to the music.
Since when did my life get so perfect?
Since the first time you saw Bryn.
Right. Exactly.
“They look so happy,” Bryn murmurs, breaking through my thoughts.
I glance down at her to see she’s watching Gage and Marina dance nearby. Their gazes are locked, arms wrapped around each other as they float slowly about the dance floor, surrounded by other couples. But they aren’t paying attention to anyone else, acting as if they’re the only two people in this room. They look that lost in each other.
“That’s what love does to you,” I say because I can relate. I feel the same way. Completely and totally lost in Bryn and what we share. It just flat out doesn’t get much better than this, and I’m finding that I count my lucky stars more and more often the longer I’m with Bryn.
I want to make this relationship permanent. We belong together. I know it. She knows it. So why aren’t we facing facts and taking our relationship to the next logical step?
“You’re right.” Bryn smiles up at me, the sight of her pretty face momentarily stealing my breath. “Love makes you do crazy things.”
“It does.” I nod and swallow hard. This is it. I want to say the words, but they’re lodged in my throat like I’ve turned into some sort of coward. When have I ever hesitated to ask for what I want? I’m a go-getter, and I always have been. If I’ve learned anything from my pain-in-the-ass dad, it’s that you’ve gotta make shit happen for yourself, not wait for it to happen to you.
Sound advice. Even in relationships.
“You did an amazing job with the best man speech,” Bryn continues, smoothing her hand along my shoulder. My skin tingles at her touch, even through the layers of clothing. “Did you even plan what you were going to say? Or was it completely unrehearsed?”
“Considering I had less than two hours to prepare for that speech, and most of that time I was doing other stuff—yeah, completely unrehearsed,” I say. I’m not the best when it comes to speaking in public, but I held my own. Unlike now, when I’m losing my nerve just trying to talk to my own girlfriend.
It’s only the most important question of my life. What’s the big deal?
I break out into a cold sweat. Jesus, this is a huge fucking deal.
“Well, you did great. And you look good too,” she says appreciatively. “Though I think I’ve told you that about a thousand times already.”
I raise a brow. “Only good?” Looks like I can still flirt at least. That’s good because I feel like I’m losing my grip and fast.
“Better than good.” She grins. “Hot. Mega hot.”
“That’s better.” Leaning in, I drop a quick kiss on her forehead.
“I love you,” she whispers, and my heart cracks with her words. Rarely does she say it first; it’s almost like she’s scared to confess she may have more feelings than I do at any given moment.
I’ve lived most of my life always trying to be on top, but this relationship isn’t a competition. We’re two equals, Bryn and me, and I wish she could realize that. When it comes to relationships and love, I know she hasn’t had the best examples in life, but I want her to be confident knowing that I love her.
“I love you too,” I say, my voice—and my courage—growing stronger. “Bryn.”
“What?”
I stare into her eyes, memorizing the way she looks at this very moment. Happy, beautiful. Perfect. “Will you marry me? Be my bride?”
