A Proper Wife

“You finally did it, pal,” he said.

Frank blushed. “She’s a wonderful girl, Ryan. Wait until you get to know her.”

“I’m sure she is. And I’m sure you’re going to be very, very happy.”

Frank grinned. “Yeah.” He looked past Ryan to where James sat, smiling and taking it all in. “Hi, Mr. Kincaid. Happy birthday.”

James’s smile widened. “Hello, Frank. Congratulations on finally finding a wife.”

“Not just a wife, sir. A proper wife.”

Ryan laughed, but his laughter faded as he looked across the room.

The kitchen door had opened again and now everyone he loved most in all the world was gathered in this one place. His grandfather, his grandfather’s wife, his oldest and dearest friend and his friend’s bride, who would surely take her rightful place in this extended family.

His gaze fell on the three special joys of his life. His beautiful, healthy son. His beautiful, healthy daughter...

And Devon.

His throat constricted as his eyes met hers. My wife, he thought, my exquisite, wonderful wife.

The noise and the

laughter in the room faded as he went toward her. She smiled up at him as he slipped his arm around her waist and drew her into the kitchen. The door swung shut behind them and Devon laughed breathlessly as he took her into his arms.

“What?” she whispered.

Ryan kissed her. His heart and soul were in the kiss, and she put her arms around him and kissed him back with the same sweet intensity.

“I love you,” he said softly, and he smiled and kissed her again and wondered how long it would take Frank to figure out what he and James and every other man who’d ever loved a woman had surely known in their hearts since time began.

There was no such thing as a proper wife.

There was only the one woman in the world whom Fate had created, just for you.