One Bossy Dare

She holds the cup out for me with both hands like an offering.

Slowly, I bring it to my lips and take a sip.

I swallow, turning the cup around like we practiced so I can offer her the same.

Those honey-sweet amber eyes watch me the entire time she drinks deeply.

I’m so messed up by her smile that I can’t even breathe.

We set the cup down a minute later and return to our places.

When we planned everything out, we decided these would be our vows, acted out rather than spoken in our second favorite ritual that still involves being clothed.

We’re just about to be proclaimed man and wife when Eliza says, “Wait.”

My heart stops.

“Yes?” Katelyn’s face is questioning.

Eliza swallows audibly. “I know we didn’t plan this, but there’s one more vow I need to make...”

“Go right ahead.” Kate nods at her, smiling.

Eliza turns to Destiny. “I can never replace your mother, but you’re family now. This day needs to be about you, too, honey. I just want you to know that I promise I’ll always love you.”

Here comes the waterworks.

Destiny wipes a tear off her cheek as she runs over and damn near flattens Eliza. “Thank you, thank you!”

If we’re having a coffee-themed wedding, it must be laced with so much sugar it’s practically syrup.

Eliza strokes her hair and turns to me again. “Sorry. I just felt like I had to—”

I don’t let her finish.

I just sweep her into my arms, attacking her with a kiss that says there’s no way I could love this woman more.

“I now pronounce you man and wife!” Kate says cheerfully.

I barely notice. I never take my mouth off Eliza’s, tasting her sweetness down to her soul.

I think I taste my own luck, too, realizing she’s mine forever. And I think she also realizes it when she shudders in my embrace.

It’s just a kiss—the happiest of our lives—but this kiss has a weight.

When I finally break away, she sighs, laying her head on my chest.

Applause bursts around us. It’s amazing how much noise even a small peanut gallery can make when they’re amped up for your entire future.

I move my head to her ear, keeping her safely tucked against me. “Hold the fuck on. I’m going to give you another reason to shake tonight, and we won’t have to worry about interruptions.”

She shudders before she says, “We still have a whole reception to make it through. Careful what you promise, Lump.”

“Oh, hell.” I pull back to look at her, wearing a shit-eating grin. “Call me that again and I’ll double down on what I said. If you still think there’s anything lumpy about me, Mrs. Lancaster, then it’s my duty to clear that up.” I bring my mouth closer so I can whisper, “Preferably by leaving you so sore for our honeymoon you’ll need me to carry you.”

I love the stunned flash of her eyes and the way she forgets we’re supposed to be moving until I lock my arm around hers, leading us down the makeshift aisle.

I love that we’ll always have this banter—the very thing that brought us together in this shop.

From Wired Cup, we all head to a historic hotel attached to a vineyard for the reception. The fires in the hearths glow brightly against the winter chill, painting our special day in orange light that mirrors the embers in my chest.

I watch Eliza and her old man dance to “Stealing Cinderella.” He still occasionally glares at me, but I think we’ll be friends. Someday.

Every time I glance over at Destiny, she smiles, even if she barely looks up from my wife being spun around by her father.

The next dance is mine.

Finally.

We move with one rhythm, swaying more to our own pulse than the music.

Every time she smiles, looking over my shoulder, I turn to see what remains of the magnificent eight-layered coffee cake. It’s topped with two mugs with our names on them and decorated with espresso truffles and sea salt.

“Do you wonder if we took the whole coffee theme too far?” I ask.

“Never. It’s totally us and everyone loves it.”

“There’s a first time for everything,” I say with a snort. “I’m just glad you put the coffee down long enough to have some champagne with me.”

“Yep.” Eliza smiles playfully. “Do you remember the party favors? They’re just about to bring them out.”

“Damn, do I want to?”

She smiles, mischief gleaming in her eyes. I can’t wait to see it again later when we’re alone. “Little burlap bags of chocolate-covered beans tied with lace. The bag says—”

“Ah, shit. Thanks for reminding me,” I grind out. “'Thanks for bean’ here.' Right?”

Giggling, she pushes her face into my shoulder.

“We get it. I married a little nerd,” I say, brushing her hair with my hand until she looks at me. “And she’s the sexiest, sweetest nerd alive.”

When it’s time for the bouquet toss and I’m eyeing the time on my phone impatiently, so goddamned ready to make our grand escape, Destiny scurries toward the crowd.