It doesn’t take me long to reach the care facility. By the time I pull into my regular parking spot, I’m itching to see her. To smell that damned perfume and take her in my arms.
When I see her leave the building, my heart rate picks up. I jump out of the car, rounding the hood to meet her before she can reach the truck.
A smile curves her lips. The normal exhaustion I’m used to seeing isn’t there. Instead, she gazes up at me in a way that’s so new it takes my breath away.
“Trouble,” I murmur, taking her in my arms and pulling her close. “I missed you.”
Her eyes soften, a pink flush darkening her cheeks. “You did?”
“Fuck yes,” I reply, brushing my nose against hers. “Like a good future husband should.”
Imogen barks a surprised laugh, eyes bright with a happiness I haven’t really seen from her before. “You sure know how to show it.”
“Ah, well…” So, I’m happy in more than just my heart. It might have also gone straight to my cock, too. We haven’t really had time to have sex since the first time, but I’m not pushing it. Just getting to spend the night with her wrapped in my arms has been enough.
I clear my throat. “Ready to go home?”
Imogen presses up onto her toes and kisses the corner of my lips. “Yes,” she whispers, pulling back. “I’m ready to go home with you.”
Those are words that are going to be hard getting used to, but I’m fucking ready for it anyway.
THREE WEEKS LATER
“You sure about this?” Iris asks, glaring at me from the front row.
I quickly straighten my tie. Nerves rise within me, making my heart race harder, blood pounding in my ears.
Looking down at her, I frown. “You’re the one who wanted this,” I remind her. “One last wedding before you go, remember?”
Even though it technically isn’t a wedding, it’s still a ceremony. I’m in a tux wearing cowboy boots and a hat, Dad isstanding beside me to perform the ceremony Iris wants, and the whole family is here—kids, partners, friends included.
They all think I’m an idiot. But hey, last wishes can’t be ignored.
Iris waves a hand as the music changes. It’s not the traditional wedding song—Imogen absolutely refused that. It didn’t bother Iris one bit. The song playing is a very casual love song that we picked out together instead.
Since sharing the plan, Iris was put on a whole lot of extra drugs, so with her are a few extra nurses and a giant oxygen tank at her feet. We would have waited longer, but we aren’t sure Iris has much more in her.
The doors to the barn open, so the nurses help Iris stand to take Imogen in.
The sight of her has my breath catching in my throat. She’s stunning. She wouldn’t tell me if she was going to wear white or not, but seeing her dressed like a bride has me wishing this were real. It makes me dream of the day where we get to do this again, but with forever in mind.
A simple white lace dress drapes across her body, shoulders bare, a bouquet of flowers clutched in her hands. A flower crown sits atop her head, a similar arrangement to the bouquet, looking magical atop her dark hair.
Imogen walks alone up the aisle, but her eyes are on me and only me, no hesitation present.
I release a shaky breath when she finally reaches me. The smile tugging her lips tells me she isn’t going away any time soon. That she wants this as much as I do.
Handing her bouquet to Iris, Imogen moves to stand across from me. “You look…so fucking amazing,” I tell her, earning a few quiet chuckles from our guests.
Her smile turns into a grin as she takes my hands. “Had to make sure it was memorable.”
I shake my head, taking her in again. “Damn. Makes me wonder how you’ll top this for the real thing.”
Dad clears his throat. “She’s gotta actually want to marry you, son.”
That earns more laughs from the crowd. Even Iris chuckles. But I just smile. “No problem there,” I reply, keeping my eyes on Imogen. This, I’m saying to her. “I absolutely intend on marrying this woman again.”
Imogen presses her lips into a firm line, but she doesn’t deny it. The last three weeks have been some of the best weeks of my life. Moving in with her felt like it changed something. Proved to her that I meant every word.
