Page 37 of Last Minute
“Well, would you look at that, the rule maker says it’s okay.”
And then it’s Erik’s lips on mine and nothing else exists in that moment. His hands roam up my back, pulling me into him as my fingers dive into the hair at his nape. Our faces tilt, giving better access to each other’s mouths. As my lips part, deepening the kiss, all of my senses are consumed by Erik.
It’s the sweetest hello and a passionate plea to never say goodbye again.
And I don’t plan to.
EPILOGUE
Ellie
Erik plucks at the neck of his tuxedo again, and I bat his hand away. Reaching up, I adjust his bowtie, then slide my hand down his chest with a smug grin as I feel just how tense every muscle in his body is.
“What if I mess up?”
I brush away the tiniest bit of lint from Erik’s lapel. “You won’t.” I glance up at him through my lashes and huff a tiny laugh when his face pales slightly.
Erik’s nervous hands go to his cufflinks. “I don’t think I can do the dance.” His eyes dart away from the closed door in front of us to me and back to the door.
I gently take his nearest hand in mine, stilling his nervous movements. “Erik, I’ve seen you dance. You’ll do great.”
I squeeze his hand, prompting him to look back at me, before I smile reassuringly.
“My mother is out there.” Erik’s shoulders tighten and he faces the door again. Since Shannon’s wedding, he’s taken steps towards rebuilding his relationship with her, but things are still a little rocky. They’re on good enough terms that she was invited today, but I understand why he would still be apprehensive about her being here.
“Erik Donovan,” I say, using what he calls my Princess Tone.
“Ellie Donovan,” he shoots back. When he looks back at me, his shoulders are more relaxed, and there’s even a small smile on his face.
I laugh, and more worry eases from Erik’s face. “Sorry, sweetheart, that’s not how it works. We’ve got to play by the rules this time.”
“Why? We’re so good at making up our own.” Erik throws a little wink my way.
The low murmur coming through the heavy oak doors dulls to a silence, and we reset our positions. Erik offers me his arm, and I take it, gently grasping the inner corner of his elbow.
“Announcing,” a clear voice carries through the closed doors, “the newly married couple. Her Royal Highness Princess Eloise Genevieve Wilhelmina Haynes of Brysard and Erik Donovan.”
