Noah’s hand flew to my waist, gripping it tightly. Pushing up to my tiptoes, I leaned forward to reach his ear, giving it a small flick with my tongue before whispering, “Christen it.”
EPILOGUE
The house was still and quiet as we lay lazily in bed, the morning light shining through the sheer curtains cast a glow that promised happiness and warmth. I had moved into Noah’s Ridgewood home six months ago after he promised there was plenty of room for both Jordan and me. He insisted what’s his was mine, and absolutely loved the idea of us sharing a space.
I loved it too.
Petals and Lace Home Decor was flourishing. After such an amazing few months in business, I spent weeks researching the ins and outs of bringing Petals and Lace to an online platform and opening it up for sales across the U.S.
Despite research and meticulous planning, I hadn’t expected to go viral on social media and have the business completely change overnight. What a crazy and wild ride that had been.
Work was busy, raising a pre-teen was busy, and being in a relationship was… well, you guessed it. Busy. I lived for late nights and lazy mornings with Noah, especially on the weekends when we had nowhere to be and could take our time relaxing, drinking coffee, and taking care of each other in other ways.
Rolling to face him, I trailed my hand against the forearm he had resting against my hip. “I have something I need to tell you, Noah.”
He scooted closer, licking his way up my neck before pressing his lips firmly against mine, kissing me hungrily. Against my lips, he asked, “What is it, Flower?”
“Remember when you told me I’d someday have your babies?”
Noah stilled against me before shifting his body back to look into my eyes. “Do you think I’d forget? You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted to have my babies. Why? Are my babies inside of you?”
“No,” I giggled, touching his chest, “but one could be. Someday soon.”
“Wait. What do you mean, Lils?”
“I mean, I know I’ve been hesitant about this topic until now, but I’m ready to start a family with you, Noah. I’m ready to give you everything.”
Without warning, his lips slammed back into mine and both arms slid around me in a tight embrace. He kissed me slowly, pouring his soul into the kiss, and I returned it tenfold. I had never felt love like this. Loving Noah was a different type of love. It was all-consuming and beautiful. It was safe, fun, and playful. But I also never doubted whether he was going to be there for me, or Jordan, with every ounce of love and support he could give.
I hoped he knew I loved him with every piece of me. I hoped he couldfeelmy love for him.
He peppered my neck with kisses, working himself lower until he reached my naked breasts. Right as his hand hovered above my panties, I caught his attention by grabbing his cock, already fully hardened and ready for my attention. “But Noah?
“Yes, Flower,” he murmured, taking my nipple between his fingers and pinching hard, the singe of pain radiating straight to my clit.
I fought back a moan, ignoring the pleasure. He needed to hear what I had to say before we shifted gears. “Please don’t think that I’m expecting you to propose to me just because I told you I’m ready to start a family with you. I’ve been down that road. I don’t need a piece of paper to tell me you’re committed to me and our future baby.”
“Babies,” he said against my breast, waggling his eyebrows. A smirk pulled at his lips with amusement.
I laughed, letting my head collapse against the pillow beneath me. “Truly though. This doesn’t have to change anything between us.”
He shifted his body weight so that he was hovering above me, looking down at me as if he could look straight through to my soul. “You’re right. It doesn’t have to change anything because I already know in my soul that you’re my wife. A ring, a piece of paper, and an officiant won’t change what I already know, Flower. You’re mine. You’re my wife, in every aspect except legalities. I am so consumed by you that love isn’t a strong enough word.”
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
Brushing a piece of hair away from my face, he exhaled. “You showed a teenage boy the type of woman he deserved, and he never let go of that. Now let me show you the type ofhusbandyou deserve.”
His words hung in the air, cut off when he thrust inside me without warning, all the way to the hilt. Noah gave me a moment to accommodate his size before leaving me speechless again.
“I Noah, take you, Lily.”Thrust.
“To be my wife.”Thrust.
“To love and to cherish. For better, for worse.”Thrust.
“In sickness and in health.”Thrust.
“Until my last dying breath.”Thrust
