831 Marriage Lane (Cherry Falls)

“You’re leaving your firm?” How does he keep surprising me?

“Told you I was wrapping things up. You belong here and I belong with you. So here I am.”

“So here you are.” I laugh. “Buying banks and bringing crazy city girls chasing after you.”

“You’re the only girl I want chasing me.” He brushes his mouth against mine. There is so much more for us to talk about, but right now all I want to do is kiss him.

So I do.

13

Kenton

I spin my wife around the dance floor, wondering how long we have to stay at the reception. I don’t want to be too rude. Which is surprising because it was never something I cared about until now. I still don’t really, but I know my Gabriella does. She’s finally admitted to everyone that she’s my wife, and that fact will not be changing. There is nothing holding me back from claiming all of her at this point.

My eyes land on my brother across the ballroom, and I know he’s ready to get the hell out of this wedding too. If anyone could understand me going caveman and throwing Gabriella over my shoulder and getting out of here, it’s him.

After today I’m starting to think living in a small town isn’t going to be as boring as I thought it might be. It’s also helpful when you want to get shit handled. Even before my brother and I could try to throw our weight and money around to not have any delays with the wedding, the police were already doing it.

The girls and mainly Glory had it handled. There will be more to deal with tomorrow, but the wedding went off without a hitch. Lennon and Willow even got the all-clear to head off on their honeymoon. They really hadn’t seen much anyway. Travis had gotten the hell out of there before the police showed up. I think he got the message. If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll get the hell out of the town. And stay away from my wife.

“Where did you learn how to dance?” Gabriella asks when I give her another spin.

“It was actually a part of my gym class when I was in prep school.”

“Really?” She lets out a small laugh. “We don’t have any of those fancy schools in this neck of the woods, so you’ll have to teach any boys we have yourself. It’s cute you know how to do this.” I almost miss a step at how offhandedly she talked about us having children.

“Gabriella—”

“I love that you say my whole name. I never much cared for Gabby, but now it’s nice that everyone calls me that but yo—” I don’t even let her finish that sentence. I lift her into my arms and carry her out of the reception. I know everyone is looking, but I don’t give a fuck. I can’t wait another second to be inside of her. To truly make her mine in all ways.

It might set me back a few steps with her parents, but they were more welcoming than I thought they might be considering that I all but tricked their daughter into marrying me. Gabriella’s dad had a good chuckle that I thought I’d tricked her into anything. We’d shared a table with them during dinner at the reception.

I think my saving grace with him is how much I’ve truly been trying to help with the farm. He told me the only reason he wasn't beating me down in the middle of the wedding reception was because of how happy his daughter looked right now.

I still have to go out to the land tomorrow and have another dinner. While there might have been a small threat in her parents' invitation, I am actually looking forward to it.

Sitting at the table with them tonight felt right. I clicked with them rather easily. Her sisters are already teasing me, which made me feel welcome. I had no idea how much I’d enjoy being a part of such a close-knit family, but I want that for our kids. I know with them having Gabriella as a mother they will have that.

“We can’t leave yet.” She laughs as I head for the elevator that goes to our suite.

“You’re talking about our future kids, love. We’re leaving.” She rolls her eyes but doesn't try to stop me. She actually starts to nibble on my neck.

“I’m not stupid. You might not have taken things all the way with us, but you’ve already been trying to knock me up.” I groan when her teeth sink into my neck. “Why haven't you taken things all the way?”

“You’re not going to be drunk when I take you, love. It’s also not going to be in some random spot I pull you off to.”

“Liar.” She snarks as I step onto the elevator. “My husband tries to pretend he’s an asshole, but he’s a romantic. You want to know what I think? You wanted me to tell you I love you first.” She lifts her eyes to meet mine. Damn. She’s right. That’s exactly why I’ve been holding out. I was waiting for her to realize this was the real thing.