“We’re on the same page, sunshine, and while we have that, I’d love nothing more than for you to wear my ring, to carry my last name, and to be my wife.” I don’t go down on my knee like most men do, instead standing up so I can see her eyes, take in the look on her face when she realizes what I’m asking.
“Are you asking me to marry you?” I disentangle our hands, grabbing the blue sapphire ring, square style, platinum in color, diamonds around the band. I’m pretty sure I gained a fuck ton of points with Emily when I asked her to meet me at the jewelry store. The ring was there; all I really needed was Em to see it. I’d already gone to their parents’ house and received their blessing before asking her sister. That was earlier this week, and now we’re both here.
“I wouldn’t technically say I’m asking, but do I want you to wear my ring? Fuck yeah. Love you, Kelsey, want the world to know that. My ring on your finger, your ring on mine, forever type of deal.” I slide the ring on her finger.
“Then I guess you don’t need a yes or no, but you already know I’m a sure thing. I mean, Deacon Hart has it all—a huge heart, a big dick, and doles out orgasms to me like it’s his job,” she replies.
“Fuck yeah.” Kelsey doesn’t even bother looking at the ring. Instead, her lips land on mine. That’s all the answer I need. It’s Kels and me, her tongue tangling with mine, my hands fisting in her hair as I hold us together, enjoying our moment in time.
epilogue
KELSEY
One Year Later
“I love you, Mr. Hart,” I tell Deke as we slowly sway to the music on our wedding day. We could have had it in Alabama or in Florida, but instead, we had it away from where everyone lives, choosing to make it a destination wedding in Hawaii.
“I love you, Mrs. Hart.” His lips touch mine, giving me a soft kiss before moving to my ear. “Who’s watching over the poor unsuspecting bartender Emily is sinking her claws in already?”
I throw my head back laughing. Deacon moves us so I can see just what he’s talking about. My sister is leaning over the bar top, the dress she wore to stand beside me as we said our vows riding up. It compliments her in all the right ways, and the man who’s slinging drinks can’t keep his eyes off her.
“I don’t know, but it’s not us. Though, I think she might have met her match. She’ll just need to peel herself away from the bartender. Who’s the guy sitting to the left?” I ask him.
“That’s Tate, one of the subcontractors I work with. A good guy, but I don’t think he’d go for a girl like Em. You can’t bullshit a bullshitter, and that’s exactly who he is.” We invited practically everyone we thought wouldn’t mind coming, some using it as an excuse for a vacation. That was fine with us because once the reception was over, we’d be doing the same thing. What we were surprised with was the amount of responses of people who wanted to come. They knew they had to pay their way besides today and last night’s dinner. We are truly surrounded by people we know and love.
“Well, good. I think it’s about time she met her match,” I tell him just as Jace comes running up.
“Uncle Deke, I’m going to steal Aunt Kelsey and spin her around on the dance floor,” our nephew says, Keller and Alana’s son. Though Alana isn’t Jace’s biological mother, you could never tell by the way she dotes on him.
“You are, are you?” Deke holds me tighter for just a second before softly kissing my lips.
“I am. Aunt Leena said it’s my job to dance with the bride.” Jace shrugs his shoulders. Meanwhile, I’m laughing silently. If anyone knows how hard it is for Deke to say no to Jace, it’s Leena.
“Fine, but only one dance. You can’t have my wife permanently. You’ll have to find your own,” Deacon says while ruffling the top of his head.
“Oh, man, that’s not fair.” My hand goes to Jace’s, holding it.
“Life’s not fair. One dance, and if she’s not back, I’m coming for you.” Deke bends down and tickles his side, causing him to laugh.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell my husband. Oh, how I love the sound of that.
“I know. I’m going to grab a drink.” Jace is dragging me to the other side of the dance floor.
I’m wondering where we’re going when we stop by where Leena and her husband, Decker, are dancing.
“Good job, pal, thanks for that,” she tells Jace, who barely comes up to my chest as we dance together. This one is more upbeat, so we dance by moving our hips, shaking our bodies, all seamlessly harmless.