Page 30 of Embracing Us

“He knows you inside out, Max. And he loves you. It’s to be expected.”

“This doesn’t need to be discussed again. We can forget it happened. I doubt Marina will want to revisit it once she sobers up.” He pauses. “Let’s get back to focusing on the wedding.”

“Oh, I can ensure you that is one hundred percent where my attention is. I’m sitting here in my wedding dress.”

“You’re what?” he stutters.

“I was trying it on.”

“How many times have you tried it on, Beautiful?” he goads, cheekily.

“A few,” I whisper.

“And have you slipped the ring on your finger?” I giggle. “Because next week when that gold band slides into place, it will never be coming off. You will finally be officially mine.”

“I’ve always been yours.” My breath catches in my throat as I think of our upcoming ceremony and everything that it means. The love I’ve found that I never thought I would have.

“But do you know what I’m most excited about?” he asks.

“What are you most excited about?”

“Our wedding night,” he says. “I can’t wait to see what knickers you’re going to be treating me to.”

“I wasn’t planning on wearing any,” I reply, my tone serious. “I don’t want a VPL in my dress.”

“Even better,” he growls. “But you do know if you have no underwear on when you say your vows, that creates a pledge to never wear any once you’re married.”

“Really? I never knew that.” I press my lips together, trying to contain the laughter rising in my throat. “And would my future husband be happy with that arrangement? A wife who never wears knickers.”

“Your future husband is in full agreement. Motion passed. Now, take them off and never put them back on.”

Jackson starts to cry, breaking the moment which was heading towards a sexually charged chat. “I need to go,” I tell him. “Your son is demanding my presence.”

“Okay, Beautiful,” he says. “I love you and I’ll see you in a few days. Don’t miss me too much.”

“Love you too,” I reply. “I can’t wait to be Mrs Gordon.” I hang up then go and retrieve the screaming baby. Once he is changed and has guzzled a bottle of milk, he drifts back off to sleep, and I return him to his cot. My eyes return to the empty ring box. I wriggle out of my dress and hang it up carefully, before dropping to my hands and knees to search for our scattered rings.

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