Page 87 of Tides and Tidings

“Always have been.”

“It’s not a good look on you.” I shot back.

“Say whatever you’d like, but there’s something nice about having another person to bed wrestle with. Sometimes, your hand just doesn’t do the trick.”

“There the ever-charming Wells I’m used to.”

“Do me one favor, will ya? Try to be nice to this new girl. It sounds like she’s going through a rough time—like someone I know.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Blythe

“I’m exhausted.” I stripped out of her matching pajamas.

“I promised a relaxing weekend, but it wasn’t.” Charlie had already stripped down to his boxers and sat in bed with his head against the headboard.

I shrugged, a devious smile playing on my lips. “It was fun, though.”

“You’re sure?”

I slipped into my favorite T-shirt of Charlie’s. “I’m positive. It was a blast.” I paused as I climbed into bed beside him, lying on my side. “Especially today, it was perfect.”

“Is that one better than the paper one I gave you last night?” He motioned towards the ring on my left hand.

I held it up to the light and admired it. The cushion cut, the rose gold—absolute perfection.

I refused to remove it once he slipped it on my finger a few hours ago. I’ve caught myself multiple times already just staring down at it, wondering how I got so lucky.

Does he remember?

I turned towards him—my fiancé. “You remember?”

Charlie nodded slowly. “Yeah.”

I scrunched my brows. “You said you didn’t.” I slapped a hand over my mouth. “You lied!”

There was mock horror in my voice.

“I mean, technically, yes. Only because I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.” He paused. “Wait, that means you remember as well.”

My eyes went wide. Caught.

“I… um… no.” I was at a loss for words.

Charlie rolled on top of me. “You lied, too.”

The sudden weight of him on top of me soothed me…or maybe it was a lack of oxygen because he was a giant, and I was small compared to him.

A wide smile tugged at my lips. “I thought that it was just a joke. I was afraid of getting my hopes up.”

“Oh, so you did want to be my wife.” His face was close to mine. I could feel his breathing quicken.

“Obviously,” I answered honestly.

“If we’re going to be the Mr. and Mrs. Hannigan everyone assumed we were this weekend, no more lies, no matter how small.”

“I agree.” I adjusted underneath Charlie, pressing myself against his boxers. I knew exactly what I was instigating. “Why so hard?”