Total pages in book: 185
Estimated words: 180510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 903(@200wpm)___ 722(@250wpm)___ 602(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 180510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 903(@200wpm)___ 722(@250wpm)___ 602(@300wpm)
Tiny wrinkles line his forehead. “You thought ‘Get me to the altar. Make sure I’m wearing white but I don’t look ridiculous. Don’t take no for an answer. Then just … hold on to me,’ was a proposal?”
Pushing off his desk, I step between his legs and lace my hands through his hair while his hands grip the back of my legs. “It was an epic proposal. The kind only one’s soulmate would give. It wasn’t predictable. It wasn’t a cliche. It was all heart. It was twenty-six years of friendship finally taking that next … beautiful … step.”
Colten’s gaze locks with mine. It, too, is beautiful. “Just to be really clear, in case you missed it a few minutes earlier … I fucking love you so much.”
I make the slow descent to his mouth. “You, my future husband, are something to behold. And I fucking love you so much too.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
My parents react to our engagement news just as Colten predicts: he’s perfect, I’m perfect, we are even more perfect together.
Becca will find out soon. It’s been a week since telling my parents and swearing them to secrecy. My mom is dying to plan this wedding with Becca. I’ve booked another session with Dr. Byrd. I’m not sure if that makes me responsible, proactive with my mental health, or if I’m admitting that I’m mentally slipping.
“I’ll stay in the car,” I say when Colten pulls up to Katy’s house to pick up Reagan for the big surprise.
“You should meet Katy. She’ll want to meet you since you’re now a big part of Reagan’s life.”
I’m a thirty-five-year-old woman who dissects dead bodies. I’m marrying the love of my life despite not caring about marriage. I don’t want kids of my own. Oh … and I was a serial killer in a past life. Just the kind of person a mother would want to be a big part of her daughter’s life.
Colten struts his way to the front door of the white with red brick two-story while I lag three steps behind him.
When he reaches the steps to the stoop, he glances back at me and holds out his hand. “Come here.”
I take it and drag my feet up the stairs.
“Is she hot?” I ask before he knocks on the door.
“What?” He gives me a funny look.
I shrug. “You always went for the hottest girls in school. I’m just curious if you continued that trend.”
It takes him a second to speak or even blink. “You’re right.” He smirks. “I went for you, Josie, and you were by far the hottest girl in school.”
I scoff. “I was not. And you know what I’m talking about. We were never officially anything.”
“You’re right again.” He squeezes my hand while his other hand knocks on the storm door. “We were everything.”
The door opens.
Yep. Katy is a hottie.
“Hey! Reagan is finishing her snack. Come in.” Katy smiles at me; then her gaze goes to my hand in Colten’s.
“Katy, this is Josie Watts. Josie, this is Katy.”
“Nice to meet you.” Katy smiles. I think it’s genuine, but I’ve always struggled to read hot girls correctly.
“You as well,” I say.
“What time does your mom’s flight get in?” Katy asks Colten.
“In an hour.”
“Well, I haven’t told Reagan since you said it’s a surprise. Is she coming for anything special or just a visit?”
“Josie’s mom is coming tomorrow, and the four of them are going to go wedding dress shopping.”
Katy’s eyes widen. “Oh … is your mom getting remarried?”
Colten chuckles. “No.”
Katy’s attention shifts to me.
“January seventh.” I grin, and I fear it looks as goofy as it feels. “Mark your calendar.” Well, shit. Did I just invite Colten’s baby mama to our wedding?
“Wow! Congratulations.” Katy shakes her head at Colten. “Never thought I’d live to see the day.”
Me neither.
“Reagan?” Colten calls her name. His thumb rubs my finger, a little fidgety and anxious to get out of here.
“Daddy!” She tears around the corner and flies into his arms, forcing him to release my hand.
“What’s this?” He kisses her cheek, and she squeals when he licks something from the corner of her mouth. “Mmm … strawberries.” He sets her down. “Grab your bag. We have to get going. I have a surprise for you.”
Katy eyes me again after Reagan runs upstairs. Was I supposed to give Reagan a big hug and exuberant greeting as well? I didn’t even say hi. What’s wrong with me? I helped watch Benji. I even changed a few diapers. I should have a few motherly instincts or nurturing tendencies embedded in me somewhere.
“Is this your first marriage,” Katy asks.
“Yes.”
“Kids?”
I shake my head and offer a stiff grin.
“Oh, well, I guess it’s a race to see who gives Reagan a sibling first,” she says.
Colten laughs. It’s a nervous laugh, and his equally nervous thumb is about to wear through the skin on my finger.