“Oh. My. God,” Lucas’s words tickle my ear as he settles in beside me. “That was ten times better than when you were pregnant because I know it wasmewho did it.”
It takes a moment to find my words. To gather my thoughts. To remember my name. “You can say that again.” It takes all my energy to open an eye. “I’ll deal with you soon. I just need a minute.”
He laughs. “Oh, believe me, after that glorious display, I’ve already been… dealt.”
I hear him get tissues from the drawer and wipe up any mess.
Joey meows and jumps on the bed. I’m about to kick him off when he circles around me and rubs against Lucas’s arm. I shoot up. “Did he just…?”
“You see that?” Lucas’s smile is as big as Texas. “I think he just gave me his seal of approval.” He runs a hand down Joey’s back. “You think he was just waiting onthatto happen?”
“Um… no.” I roll my eyes. “That’s ridiculous. I’ve seen the way he’s been looking at you lately. He likes the way you hold Mitchell. He sees you as a caregiver.”
“Nah,” he says, picking Joey up and setting him on the floor then snuggling behind me, his front to my back, securing me against him. “He was watching and waiting. He knows better than to trust a man who can’t make a woman come.”
“You’re crazy.” I turn my head and side-eye him. “You know that, don’t you?”
He kisses my shoulder. “Crazy about you.”
“You know…” I turn in his arms and face him. “It’s okay if you don’t show up tomorrow.”
His eyes narrow. “Why wouldn’t I show up?”
“It’s what you do.”
He traces my jawline with a finger. “I showed uptoday.”
“That’s different. It wasn’t an actual wedding.”
He pulls me tight. “It was, Ray. We’re married now. Tomorrow is just about making it legal.”
“I get that. But I want you to know it’s okay. You said your vows. I know you love me for better or worse. And if you don’t show up, I’ll still be here. I’m not going to leave like the others.”
He scoffs. “I’m going to show. I promise.”
“I hear you. But just in case, you need to understand that no matter what, I’m in this. I’m here until the end. So if you get to Judge Elfman’s office tomorrow and you just can’t go through those doors, you don’t have to. I know we belong together. Everyone does. Even Joey. So whatever happens, it’s okay. You’re stuck with me.” I take his face in my hands. “It’s okay if you don’t show up.”
Lucas’s eyes become misty. He climbs on top of me, hovering, staring, loving. He lowers his head slowly. Then, right before his lips touch mine, he whispers. “And that’s exactly why I will.”
Epilogue
Regan
He showed up.
The End
***
