Page 11 of Shut the F*ck Up and Take this D*ck Like a Good Girl

“Not anymore.”

“What does that mean? You’re going to quit your job because of me?” He grins like the cat who ate the canary.

“Doll.” He kisses my cheek. “It means I’m my own boss, and yes, because of you. Because of my desire to be near you and ensure you’re always safe, I will no longer be taking out-of-town jobs when I can help it.” I open my mouth to protest, but he covers it with a soothing hand. “This is my choice, baby doll. I’ve been unhappy for a long fucking time. You bring me inordinate joy, and being around more will please my mother immensely.”

My heart soars. He has a wonderful relationship with his mother. Something I no longer have and haven’t in years. I hope she likes me.

“She’ll love you, baby.” My eyes flare as I realize I said that last bit out loud. “Now, I want you to choose your dress. Do any pampering you’d like. The justice of the peace will be here at eight-thirty, and we marry at nine. I have a hair and makeup girl coming at six, too, if that’s something you want.” He’s thought of everything.

“I need to call Hael.” I can’t do this without her.

“She’ll be here, and so will my parents.” The way he says parents gives me pause, and I almost question him.

“What time is it now?” Grabbing his wrist, I check his watch and see it’s almost six. “I need to shower. You need to go.” Pushing him off me—only because he allows it—I dart into the bathroom and rush through a shower, scrubbing, shaving, and ensuring everything is squeaky clean because I get the feeling this man plans to explore every inch of my body before the night is through.

I’m getting married!

I could squeal, but I contain myself.

When I dumped Marcus last night, this was not how I thought things would go after running out into the pouring rain and straight into this stranger of my dreams. He appears to know me in ways nobody else does, not even Hael, and I tell her basically everything.

A sane person would run from Galen. Clearly, I am not that person. All I want is to be tied to him. He’s perfect for me, and from the way he speaks and acts, I am for him too.

Shutting the shower water off, I towel-dry my hair before brushing it out. Wrapping a bath sheet around my body, I walk back into the spare room and remove the dress I’d chosen from the rack. Laying it across the bed, I admire its simple elegance—thin straps, a long skirt, and green lace flowers sewn into the top of the bodice.

It’s everything I would have chosen for myself, and I can’t believe Galen knew this was what I’d have wanted. The silk is buttery soft, and I can’t wait to put it on.

I jump at the light knock on the door before Hael and another woman push their way in.

“So, you’re getting married.” Hael’s hands set balled on her hips.

“Are you angry?” She’s the only family I have; I couldn’t stand it if she were mad.

“Concerned. You hardly know this guy, and he hardly knows you.” She fingers through the dresses as the hair and make-up person gets set up in the bathroom.

“It feels right.” I whisper the words I’ve hesitated to give voice and realize how true they are. Being with Galen feels good within my soul. For the first time in my life, I’m not second-guessing myself, and it’s because he makes me feel so safe. I haven’t had that since my parents died.

I know I lucked out in the foster parent department because the places I stayed in until I was sixteen and had to move to a group home were good. The parents genuinely cared for children and kept me on a good path. The group home wasn’t terrible, but it never felt as welcoming, and when I finally aged out, I lucked into scholarships and financial aid so I could make something of myself.

Galen provides me with those same feelings. I want this with him. For us.

“Hey, if this is what you want, I’m all for it. Love can come naturally afterwards.” Hael’s support means the world to me.

“I think I already love him,” I confess. “Our eyes met that first time, and my heart soared. We clicked, and I think he felt it as well.”

Gripping my shoulders, Hael searches my eyes before smiling at me. “You deserve all the greatness I hope he’s offering, but if things don’t work out how you want, I will always have a home for you.” Dragging me in for a hug, we shed a couple of tears and then work on getting me ready for my big evening.

CHAPTER 8

Galen

“You’re not even going to let us meet her before the ceremony?” Ma is exasperated with my need to keep Piper to myself. I’m not trying to be an ass about it, it’s just how it has to be.

“I promise, Ma, you will adore her. She’s perfect for me, and I know she’s going to love you guys, too.” It’s all I can do to reassure the woman.

“Let it be, Amy. Galen has always been good about picking the people in his life. He wouldn’t let himself be caught in some trap.” I give Dad an appreciative nod for his support, even though I see the skepticism in his eyes.

I had the backyard done up to look like some fairytale from a Disney movie after Piper let it slip that she loved the whole fairy forest/wonderland idea. There are white twinkling lights strung from the trees to the house, across the pergola, and to the roof. Light atmospheric music plays from the outdoor sound system, and jars with flickering candles lead up the small row of chairs to where the justice of the peace stands at the makeshift altar.

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