Page 168 of A Temporary Forever

“That’s a broom closet,” I chuckle.

“That’s our fuck closet from now on.” He gives me one more punishing kiss, and then pulls me toward the sound of laughter and music in the main studio.

“I still don’t understand why you didn’t hire catering and hold this at our condo. Or in a restaurant.”

“We needed a special place.” He breathes by my ear, and I shudder. God, this man!

“A special place?”

I forget the question as soon as I enter the studio. The room has been transformed. A large table sits in the middle, surrounded by chairs clad in white silk with green ribbons matching my dress, that are all occupied by our people.

Caleb’s brother Finn, and his wife, Paris. Saar, Cora and Lily sit beside them. Jose and Matilda follow, and the Merged crew is here as well. Corm, Dylan, Xander and Roxy. Reese and Mia complete the circle.

Everyone is chatting without noticing our entrance, which is great, because it gives me a moment to take the scene in.

The Christmas tree in the corner sets the atmosphere, but it’s the elegant arch set at the front of the room that steals my attention.

Green and red fabric drapes around a wooden frame, adorned with Christmas decorations. Thick white candles flicker in large glass candle holders on the floor. It’s breathtaking, but also… What is it?

I turn to Caleb with a question in my eyes.

He looks at me through his eyelashes. What is happening? It’s really rare to see this man hesitating.

He leans in. “You know how our marriage hasn’t been fake for a while now?” he whispers into my ear, and as always the warm timbre of his voice tickling my face sends shivers of pleasure down my spine.

“What are you saying?”

“The wedding was still fake, so I thought we should renew our vows.” He takes my hand, and slides a beautiful diamond ring on my finger. “What do you say?”

I blink, my eyes darting between the ring, the room full of our friends, and my man. In Caleb, I found more than just a marriage. I’ve found a family, a home, and real love.

“What were you thinking? I don’t have vows prepared.”

“Just promise your obedience and we’ll be fine.” He winks.

“Je vais te tuer.” I glare at him, but I can’t hide my smile.

Caleb groans at my use of French, and then adds another surprise to this wonderful day. “Je t’aime, cygne noir.”