Page 104 of Everlasting Vows

I grip the sheet with white-knuckle force to remain covered because we’re naked under here. Naked! The way we’ve been sleeping since Nix returned to our bed as a way to deepen our intimacy. I didn’t even consider the possibility of Prue being this excited she’d revert to her childhood antics, and now I wish I’d thought ahead. Or maybe not. I love our new rule of sleeping naked.

Nix and I edge away from the middle, giving our daughter a little space. Scooching to the side, we both grin at her. “Today’s the day,” I whisper, brushing her hair away from her face. She looks radiant. As she should on her wedding day.

She grins back at me, then her expression grows more serious. “I’ve been thinking about changing part of the ceremony,”—My eyebrows shoot up. She’s been adamant about being very traditional about things and has ensured everyone has practiced their part to death.—“but only if you think it’s a good idea,” she adds quickly.

“It’s your wedding day, Sweet Pea. You’re allowed to make any changes you like, and if we can make them happen, we will,” Nix tells her firmly.

She blows out a long breath. “Good. I’m glad you think that way. Because I want both of you to walk me down the ai⁠—”

“I think that’s a brilliant idea,” Nix interrupts, grinning at me, his silver eyes sparkling.

“It’s just that⁠—”

“You don’t need to justify your choices,” Nix interrupts again.

While he’s gone along with every one of Prue’s requests for her wedding, he felt undeserving of walking our daughter down the aisle when I was responsible for the lion’s share of raising her through his deployments. I insisted that it was fine. It was traditional and what our daughter wanted.

Her grin widens further. “Is that okay with you, Mom?”

I smooth her hair away from her face. “Of course. I’m thrilled you want me beside you.”

Beaming, she pushes herself up and climbs out of bed. “Well, we can’t lounge in bed all day. Let’s go!” She pumps her fists in the air as she shimmies out of our room.

Nix and I chuckle at each other as we roll toward the center of the bed into each other. Our mouths meet in matching grins. “Good morning,” I murmur.

“Morning,” he returns, then seals his mouth to mine as he grips my ass and presses our hips together. “Do you think she’d notice if we⁠—”

“C’mon, there’s no time to waste!” Prue calls, peeking from behind the door frame.

“Okay, okay,” we both grumble lightheartedly.

“Raincheck?” I ask.

“You can count on it.” He slaps my butt as he kisses me swiftly.

Nix and I dress, cook a full breakfast, then separate off to complete our designated tasks for the morning. Our home becomes abuzz with activity from the hairstylist, make-up artist, catering crew, photographer, and our florist, who in a crazy twist of fate turned out to be the daughter of Rose, the woman who helped us procure our advanced plants. It really is a small world.

My eyes burn and nose tingles as I watch Prue study her reflection in the full-length mirror in my bedroom. She’s stunning. I knew she would be but imagining it and seeing it are two very different things. My heart swells as my mind rolls back over all the special moments in her life where she stood in front of the mirror admiring herself, much like she is now.

“You’re beautiful, Prue,” I murmur, fighting back tears.

She spins in place, facing me fully. “Don’t you dare cry.” She sniffles.

I push up my lips, shaking my head. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” I chuckle, sucking in a deep breath. Stepping closer, I take each of my daughter’s hands in mine. “I’m so happy for you and Luke. You’re going to have such a long and beautiful life together.” Her lips tremble as her eyes lock onto mine. “Marriage is where you give the other person your best and worst self in trust that they’ll always treat you with care. I know without a doubt that you and Luke will always hold each other with care and compassion. But remember, Dad and I are always here to support you both during the happy times and the times where things may feel shaky.”

She nods sharply. “Thanks, Mom.” She slides her hand across her stomach, pressing it there. “I know.” Her shoulders roll forward a little. “Geez, I had no idea I’d feel this nervous.”

A knock sounds on our bedroom door, and it opens enough for Nix to poke his head around it. His expression softens the moment his eyes land on Prue, and I know he’ll be fighting his emotions today. I nod my head for him to come in, so he does, closing the door behind him.

“Prue,” he murmurs roughly. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks, Dad,” she smiles. “Is it time?”

He nods. “In a minute.” Then he looks at me and shakes his head as his eyes devour me from head to toe. “Abbi,” he breathes. “Stunning as always.” He leans in, pressing a kiss on my jaw, then beneath my ear. “It’s going to be impossible to keep my eyes off you.”

I trace my fingers down his lapel, grazing my eyes over his freshly cut hair and trimmed beard. He fills out his suit like a dream and makes my pulse beat a heady rhythm. “Same. Have you seen you?”

He chuckles against my neck. “Two of the most beautiful women at the wedding today: one is my daughter, and the other is my wife.” He thumps his fist against his heart. “I’m a lucky man.”