“I can’t believe it.”The ultrasound tech laughs.“Believe it, Dad. Congrats you two! I’ll let the doctor know that the baby is happy and healthy and he’ll take a look just to be sure as well. Would you like me to send in your family?”I nod as she starts unplugging everything and packing up. I’m still gazing at my love.“Are you sure this is what you want?”He nods slowly, his blue gaze never leaving mine.“Yes, more than anything. Are you sure you want me? After everything that’s happened? I understand if you don’t, Eva,” he says in a choked voice. “We started with lies, but I promise you, it’s going to be one hundred percent truth from here on out. I swear it.”I smile, tears filling my eyes“Of course I love you, Jonathan. I couldn’t help myself if I tried.”He looks awestruck and presses my hand to his lips just as my parents and Jeon barge into the room. Their faces are anxious.“How’s the baby?” my friend asks.“He or she is fine,” I say in a gentle voice. “There’s nothing wron

My husband-to-be groans and leans his head back against the seat, his bronzed throat tense. I carefully reach into the opening of his boxers and pull out his hard shaft. Taking the tip delicately in my mouth, I suck on it. I can feel Jonathan jerk and groan again. Overwhelmed with feelings of desire and power, I take him fully into my mouth, savoring the velvety hardness.“Oh shit,” Jonathan groans, his voice hoarse. “God Eva. It feels so good.”I continue to work him with my my mouth, sucking with ruby red lips. My cheeks vacuum inwards before I lap my tongue along that pulsating shaft. His breathing is ragged and he’s moaning my name over and over again. I can feel him growing harder in my mouth and know that he’s close. Then, I reach into his pants with my hand and gently squeeze his warm balls.“Oh God,” he gasps as orgasm floods into my mouth. It’s salty and sweet, and I swallow every drop like it’s the elixir of youth. Then, I finish licking the last of it off of his tip and slo

“I’d like to burn it. Everything is perfect except for the shit inside. It’s not dream material, it’s a dollar-store disaster. You deserve so much better.”One of Leon’s lingering issues from his childhood is money. Or rather lack of it. It’s why I’ve cut corners on our budget. “I’ve made adjustments so that we keep the cost as low as possible—”“And not only make me look commitment phobic, but also a cheap ass?” He jabs a hand at the book. “Paper plates? Fake flowers? BYO chairs? Christ, Annas, I don’t want this for you.”Tears well in my eyes. Is he saying he doesn’t want me or that he doesn’t want a wedding I worked a year to design? I sigh.I only get a weekend with him. Not even that after he sends me off with my sisters to shop and have lunch, giving me a break after a long week without help. I don’t want to waste these few hours arguing, but he’s left me no other choice when it comes to following my dreams to have a festive wedding. While I’m not looking like I’m wearing a wate

It’s closer to one p.m. by the time we load the tables and chairs. “It’ll take us an hour and half to drive back home. Another hour to get the tables set up, check with the caterer, etcetera.”“We’re having meat, right?” Jaxson pokes his head to the front seat.I grip the steering wheel, white knuckles forming. “Yeah, I tweaked Annas’s hotdogs and potato salad potluck. I added ‘formal’ to BBQ, but it wasn’t easy.”Sitting upfront on the bench seat, Maxon elbows me. “You’re doing a great job. We pick up the cake, grab the ring, and head home. Plenty of time before you wed your bride.”Again, unease strikes me. I haven’t realized how Annas’s importance in my world goes beyond words. Her loss would kill me. I have to confront my fears, even if that’s not easy. I love her that much.The cake is no less of a masterpiece than expected. It’s three tiers, with pink and white peony flowers placed in a spiral pattern. “You say these candied petals are edible?”“That’s right,” the baker confirms

“He’s not coming,” I announce, feeling heartbroken. “You and mom should go. You have to be hungry, at least for more than crackers and cheese.”“We’re fine. The stars are beautiful tonight…” mom croons.I glance at Sadie. “Can you call Mamma Jean and tell her to put Tate to bed if he’s not already sleeping.”Mom sidles up to me, giving me a nudge. “Marriage is a test of patience. Its timing is not to be rushed if the true focus is love. Leon is a proud man. He may not have taken kindly to your threat of leaving him, but he’s not one to walk away. Neither are you.”Mom is my constant reminder of who I’m supposed to be. Not a restless soul but filled with faith and patience. Which is hard when you’re sitting in a lawn chair, waiting for your fated mate, who appears to have left you standing at the altar. I’m hurting, embarrassed, feeling stupid for forcing him to marry me, when, after all this fuss, I would rather be with him at home. I let my ego get the best of me. I let tradition tak