Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 19919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
“I can see you’re going to keep me on my toes.” I chuckle as he hugs me close to his warm body.
“That’s my plan,” he affirms before leaning over to kiss me. Attempted kidnapping, big rocks appearing out of nowhere, and quicky wedding ceremonies are just the start of our exciting life together.
The courthouse is quiet, almost sterile, with the kind of air that smells faintly of formal paperwork and long-winded bureaucracy. But to me, it’s nothing but the backdrop for the biggest, craziest leap of faith I’ve ever taken. Piers is standing next to me, looking both incredibly handsome and ready to have this over with as we wait for the judge. I can feel the electric buzz of anticipation humming in the air around us while fighting to keep the butterflies in my stomach under control.
It’s surreal how fast everything is moving. One minute, he was asking me why I was walking Winston, and the next, I’m about to promise to spend the rest of my life with the man. Piers sneaks a glance at me and winks, and I know everything will be perfect.
Uncle Jasper has taken on the role of our semi-official ceremony planner, filling the few seats in the small room and acting like it’s the most lavish wedding in the world. Dillon Armstrong is more suited to the role of the silent guardian, leaning against a wall with that well-known cop calmness that speaks volumes.
“Alright, you two lovebirds,” Jasper says, clasping his hands together as the judge, a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, shuffles her papers. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
I shoot Piers a glance filled with nervous energy and excitement, and he looks back at me, eyes glimmering. “Let’s do it,” he echoes, and I can’t help but giggle at the absurdity.
It only takes a few moments for the well-practiced judge to make things official. As Piers kisses me, I forget all about everyone else in the room and lose myself in the knowledge that this incredible man is now mine for all eternity.
Since the courthouse schedules back-to-back weddings, they rush us out as soon as the words, “I now pronounce you man and wife,” leave the judge’s mouth.
As we walk down the courthouse steps, Uncle Jasper hugs me before shaking Piers’ hand. “Congratulations, you two! Now, why don’t we go celebrate at the Broadway Steakhouse? My treat,” Jasper suggests, and I know he has to approve of my quick wedding to Piers if my penny-pinching uncle suggests paying for dinner at the most expensive restaurant in the area.
“Not today, Uncle Jasper. We’ve got some… private celebrating to do,” Piers says, winking at me.
“Oh, really?” Jasper replies as Dillon watches on. “I see how it is. Well, don’t forget to…”
“I know, I know, keep it PG in front of the family,” Piers interjects, laughter spilling from him, cutting Jasper’s teasing off prematurely.
As we turn to leave, Jasper doesn’t let up. “Just remember, I expect grand-nieces or nephews soon. The clock’s ticking!” His grin is cheeky and wide, but I can’t help the flush of heat that rises to my cheeks as I try to stifle a laugh.
Piers chuckles, turning to face my uncle. “That’s the plan, believe me.”
After Piers helps me into the front seat of his truck and hops in next to me, I lean back and take a deep breath. “Wow, we just got married,” I breathe out, a mixture of disbelief and elation flooding me.
“Yep, we really did! You’re the best Christmas present I ever received.” He grins, looking over at me, and I can see the promise of a bright future for us shining in his dark eyes. “You ready to go make all those grand-nieces and nephews for Jasper?”
“How many are we talking about here?” I’m not sure I can handle too many mini-Pierses running around.
“Oh, only five or six.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“Why don’t we start with one and see how things go from there?” I suggest as he leans over to kiss me.
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
Epilogue
PIERS
Saturday mornings at our house have morphed into a chaotic concoction of love and noise, and today is no different. With the sun just peeking over the horizon, I find myself slipping out of bed like a ninja since our youngest, Ainsley, is a ball of energy who wakes up before the sun.
It’s hard to leave my gorgeous wife sleeping, but I place a soft kiss on her cheek and quietly dress. I can hear my daughter talking to her dolls and stuffed animals in her room and realize I only have a few minutes before all hell breaks loose.
I stop by my son’s room and peek in to make sure his sister’s early morning antics haven’t woken him up. I find Jasper, named after his great-uncle, sleeping soundly and decide to head off Ainsley before she wakes up the entire house.