Page 39 of Kiss me Forever

“I agree. We all win,” Bianca says, clapping her hands. “Done.”

We finally finish when Livie has to take Julie home. I wouldn’t mind her staying the night, but I don’t think Tyler would be okay with it. I’m lucky to have gotten them for the day. He’s a very protective father, and I love it.

“Piper, this will be the most beautiful wedding ever,” Isabella declares.

I look at each of these women, feeling warmth spread through me even if the day has been filled with chaos. It’s also been filled with love, and all they do for me is done out of that love. I wouldn’t change a moment of it.

“Thank you all for putting your time and love into this,” I tell them. “A wedding wouldn’t happen without you.”

Bianca laughs. “Of course it wouldn’t happen without us. You’d elope in Vegas. But you’ll love us for it when it’s done.”

“I already love you so I’m sure that’s true,” I assure her.

We all hug one more time, and then I shut the door as they leave the home. Before they’re even down the driveway, Magnus approaches and wraps me in his arms.

“I finally have you all to myself again,” he says as he leans down and kisses my neck, sending a shiver through me.

“They’re all wonderful,” I tell him.

“Yes, they are. I have a fire and wine outside on the patio.” I turn and kiss him.

“You’re a man after my heart,” I tell him.

“I will be the rest of our lives,” he assures me.

He takes my hand and leads me outside where he cradles me close as we sit by the fire, drink some fine wine, and snuggle. It’s been a perfect day, and this is the best ending for it. Each day is a gift that I’m forever grateful for.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Magnus

I’m quite comfortable leaning back in my chair while I nurse a fine glass of scotch and watch the chaos all around me unfold. Piper and I both insisted we didn’t want bachelor, bachelorette parties, but we’ve been overruled again. At least we’re getting to do one together. If it wasn’t together I would’ve refused. I have no desire to mourn my single days. I’m jumping into marriage with my eyes wide open and a smile on my lips.

Judging by the good moods of our friends and family, I think this is far more a celebration than a goodbye to singlehood. Most of the people we love in our lives have a partner at their side. It clearly shows how much having the right partner can make a person go from ordinary to glowing.

This is a perfect place that allows Livie to be here with her baby which she isn’t even close to leaving with someone yet. And a party wouldn’t be the same without her. For as big of an event as this is, it’s quite impressive for us to pull it off in only four short months. It’s amazing to me that baby Julie is already three months old, and damn is she adorable as she grins at everyone. She sure loves her aunt Piper who holds her nearly as much as her parents do.

Piper is absolutely stunning tonight, her eyes sparkling with excitement and an ever-present happiness that’s what made me fall in love with her in the first place. She’s the center of my world, just as she’s the center of this group. In only one more week, she’ll officially be my wife. It can’t come soon enough. Just the thought of calling her my wife sends a thrill of joy and anticipation through me.

There’s a shift in the music, and I see Livie nudge Piper, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Piper laughs as she nods. Livie then shocks me when she stands and hands Julie to me who looks up with a toothless smile, her bright blue eyes sparkling at me.

“I don’t mind baby duty one little bit,” I coo at the baby who’s the happiest little one I’ve ever seen. There’s usually a war of people wanting to hold her, but she has her favorites. I believe I’m one of them. That might just be because she’s either at my house or Piper and I are at hers on nearly a daily basis. I hope Piper and I start right away on our own family so the kids can grow up together and be besties just like their mothers are.

I’m curious as the two women walk away. I grin when I see them step up onto the karaoke stage. What are they up to now?

Livie steps up to the mic. “For those of you here for our combined bachelor/bachelorette party for the beautiful Piper and handsome Magnus, you’re in for a real treat. For those of you who happened to stumble in here unaware, we apologize,” she says, making both cheers and laughter erupt in the place. With this being in our small town, I’d say they’re all here for Piper at least. She’s very well loved in this town.

“Sing for us,” someone calls out.

“Oh, we’re going to sing alright. It’s a one time performance only,” Livie says as she wiggles her hips. She just had a baby three months earlier, and she looks stunning. Both of these women are too beautiful for words.

“We’re very lucky men,” Tyler says as he leans over and tickles his daughter’s chin. She smiles at her dad, but she’s quite happy to be with her uncle Magnus. It’s so odd to me how pleased I am to win the love of the tiny human. Man, have I changed a lot since the day I met Piper. It’s all been for the better.

I look over to see Bianca surrounded by six men all vying for her attention. The poor guys don’t realize what they’re in for. My sister is a spitfire and chews men up and spits them out before they ever realize what’s happening. I’ve never had to be the protective big brother because she’s a tornado that leaves a path of destruction in her wake.

Livie hands Piper a second mic and she stands on stage with her cheeks flushed, and her lips turned up in a nervous smile. She never does like to be the center of attention, not realizing she always is. Her very presence draws every single person toward her. I’ll keep that to myself because I want her to always shine and never be self-conscious.

“This one’s for you, Magnus,” she says with a big grin and a wink my way.

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