Secrets and the Bride

“Babe, I don’t care who knows. It’s you I’m worried about. You’re conservative when it comes to those kinds of things, which honestly, I don’t hate. I love that you’re all buttoned up and only I’ve seen what’s under there. So I’m definitely not going to let someone see you like you’ve just been thoroughly ravaged.” I reach up and try to smooth my hair, but Cillian snags me around my wrist, brings my hand up to his mouth, and places a kiss on my palm. “Are we good?”

“Yes, I think we’re more than good.” Then a thought occurs to me. “Um, one more thing. So you know and nothing gets confused or whatever. I really like when you…” I trail off. Gah, I hate how shy I am.

“You can say anything to me, Glenda. I want you to share everything with me.”

“I love when you call me ‘baby’ or even ‘babe,’” I finally say, and a smile tugs at his lips.

“All right. Is it those specific words or is it me having a special name for you?”

“The special thing,” I admit shyly, but hey, at least I’m saying it.

“So sweetheart, honey, little one, kitten.” He says each one before he raises his brows like he’s thought of a good one. Or one he likes. “Mine.” I nod quickly. Okay, I really like that one. Then a mischievous expression takes over his handsome face. “All right, love bug.” I snort a laugh and know he’s teasing me. “You don’t like that one? How about snookums?”

“Veto!” He lifts me off my feet, and I wrap my legs around him as he carries me out of the bathroom.

“I need to feed my cutie patootie.” I burst into laughter, tightening my hold on Cillian as he carries me through the cottage. I never want to let him go.