Page 18 of Christmas Captive

“You can talk to me,” Jovie adds, wiping away her tears.

“I know, but today is for you. I’ll be okay.” Mariah stands taller and gathers her long dark hair at the side of her shoulder before turning toward the bar. “I’ve had to pee for like ten minutes, so I’m going to go do that before I start leaking.” She grins. “This is the fun you have to look forward to! You guys enjoy your day. I love you, girl.” She leans into Jovie and kisses her cheek before glancing up at me with intense eyes. “Don’t hurt her, or I’ll hurt you.”

I’m not sure I’ve ever been scared before, but Mariah has a darkness about her that’s a little alarming.

When she walks away, Jovie turns toward me. “I’m sad for her. I hope she finds someone soon.”

“Charlie would be down for a wedding date. You should convince her.”

Jovie nods and leans against my chest. “You mean what you said about making lots of babies?”

“Four or five at least, so we have to get busy. I’m not getting any younger.”

She beams with light as she looks up at me. “Yeah? I’d really like that. Maybe we can get started up at the cabin next week.”

This is the busiest time of year for the farm, and though I know I should be here cutting trees, getting ready for the eclipse party, and making sure everyone stays on track, I decided this honeymoon was more important. One week away won’t send everything rolling down hill, and if it does… then it does.

“Holy fuck! He does know how to smile.” Charlie laughs as he pats my back from behind. “I didn’t think it was possible.”

I twist back toward him. “You’re a pain in the ass. I thought you were at the bar. Mariah just went looking for you.”

“Just takin’ a leak and thought I’d mention the big ole grin on your face.” He glances toward Jovie. “You make this man so happy. Don’t stop, okay? All our lives have been easier this week.”

“Oh, please. Now everyone can see it wasn’t me that was the problem at all. It was you the whole time.”

He laughs and readjusts the collar on his shirt as he keeps walking toward the bathroom. I know he’s not used to dressing up like this, but I appreciate that he did. All my brothers did today. I’m not sure I was expecting them to be as supportive as they were.

“I don’t know why, but I really hope Charlie and Mariah figure things out. I’d really love to see them together. Plus, I think I like playing matchmaker.”

“You know what I love playing?”

She shakes her head, and I bend down to lift her up onto my shoulders. It’s been a long day. We married outside by theriverbank on the back of the property under falling snow. We shared a dance and food with close friends and family. We cut a single layer of white chocolate raspberry cake and squashed it on each other’s faces, and we lingered until the sunset. But now, I’m taking my girl home to make this official.

“What are you doing?” She laughs and wiggles in my arms.

“I’m playing my favorite game.”

“What’s your favorite game?”

“Oh, you know my favorite game, darlin’.”

“Kade!” she squirms in my arms. “What’s the game? We should say goodbye to everyone. We can’t be rude.”

“This is the game,” I say with a grin. “You’re my captive, so I’m in charge.”

She pauses for a second as though she’s thinking over how to respond. I’m not sure what to expect, but when she thrashes against my capture, I know I’ve made the right choice.

This woman is my everything and I can’t wait to hold her captive forever.