He whirled around toward his sister. “What? Why?”
“She’s pregnant, like four months along. Has organized a quick wedding within a couple of weeks. This thing with you and her is kind of a … done deal, but she doesn’t seem to think that. She’s assuming you’re going to dump her and run off into the sunset with someone else.” Blair rolled her eyes. “I told her I’d come and see you.”
“I’m going to her.”
“You really do love her, don’t you?”
“With all my heart.”
“That’s good, ’cause I would’ve hated to have to kick your ass for breaking her heart.” Blair sighed. “Try not to have sex. I got her hair all nice and ready.”
Blaze didn’t promise anything and made his way toward their bedroom. The ceremony was taking place on the ranch. He’d already gotten one of the guys who was able to do weddings to oversee theirs. All the paperwork was handled. Nothing could be a problem, as long his bride turned up.
He knocked on the door. “Fay, babe, it’s me.”
“Blaze, you can’t come in.”
He opened the door, but she suddenly pressed against it.
“Fay, I want to see you.”
“It’s bad luck. I don’t want you to see me in my wedding gown. Please.”
“At least you’re here.”
There was silence for several seconds. “Why wouldn’t I be here?”
“You could have left me.”
“Blaze, I’m four months pregnant with our child. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ve been in love with you my whole life. Trust me, I won’t leave. Are you … having cold feet?”
“No.”
“You didn’t even think about the question.”
“I don’t need to think about it. I love you, Fay. Love you more than anything else in the world. There is no one I want more.” He reached around the door. “Hold my hand.”
Her hand brushed his, and she locked her fingers with his.
“You have me, Fay. No one else. I’m yours. I hope you don’t forget that.”
“I’m … huge.”
“You’ve got my baby inside you, of course you’re huge.”
“Blaze, that doesn’t help a woman on her wedding day.”
“I can’t wait to see you in your dress, and tonight, I’m going to tear it off you. It doesn’t matter what you wear. I’d still marry you in a trash bag.”
“I never knew you could be so romantic.”
“I’m full of it. Now, I’m going to head downstairs. It’s nice and warm outside, and I’m going to wait for you.”
“Okay.”
“I love you, Fay Griffin.”
“I love you too.”
He gave her hand a squeeze, hating that he couldn’t look at her. This tradition was the worst part about marrying her. Last night, they’d spent it together, and he held her in his arms. He wanted her back there. So badly.
After stepping away from the door, he made his way toward the stairs, nodding at Blair, who smiled at him. He headed downstairs, and then outside toward the guy from his gym. Nodding at him, he took his stance and waited.
There was just him, Blair, and the guy from his gym, along with one of Blair’s clients.
It didn’t matter to him.
The only person he wanted was Fay.
His woman.
He didn’t have to wait long before he watched Fay and Blair appear. Fay was dressed in white. The bodice of her dress molded to every curve and flared out at the waist. She looked perfect.
His pregnant wife.
At her side, Blair was dressed in a soft blue, and together, they walked up the aisle toward them.
Holding her hand, he listened to the words, the prayers, all of it, and never once took his gaze away from his wife.
This was what he’d been planning for the past two years. He couldn’t guarantee them a perfect life, but he knew with her by his side, there was nothing else he needed.
When the time came to kiss his bride, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in close, slamming his lips down on hers.
The world faded, and the only person who mattered to him was in his arms. Fay Carter. His wife. The love of his life. The girl who’d been part of his world, and who he overlooked until he finally noticed her.
The woman that was now his wife.
Soon to be the mother of his child.
He was going to love her for the rest of his life. Cherish her, and to make sure no darkness ever clouded her life. Breaking from the kiss, he stared at Fay’s face.
She slowly opened her eyes and smiled at him, and it melted his fucking heart.
“Hello, Mrs. Carter.”
She chuckled. “That is going to take some getting used to.”
Epilogue
Five years later
“Ready or not, here I come.”
Fay smiled as she listened to her son scream for everyone to play. She hid behind the shed that Blaze had built several years ago to store all his tools.
She glanced around the shed to see their son, Ben, going toward the playhouse that Blaze had arranged for his birthday party.