Page 186 of Stolen Moments

Except the ring.

I wanted to buy her the biggest diamond I could find, but she shot me down every time. I know it’s because of her past and her family. Not wanting to waste my time fighting with her—or dredging up the past—I dropped the issue and came up with a plan to surprise her with one instead.

But that’s not why I’m standing outside her door, begging to hear her voice. The last thing I want is for Emery to think I’m nervous about getting married. I’m not. At all. The last month has been a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. She was right—going slow was pointless. When you know you know.

But right now, I need to know she’s okay. That she’s happy.

As expected, Emery’s parents have cut all communication. It breaks my heart that the only person in her family attending our wedding will be her brother, Chris, who has the honor of giving her away. He more than makes up for their loss in his own way, but I know Emery puts on a brave face. She had hoped they would change their minds when they learned she was happy. I couldn’t care less about those assholes.

My family has stepped up, bringing her into the fold with ease. My parents adore her, especially my mom, who is beyond thrilled to have two daughters around her all-boy clan.

Rylann cracks the door open. “Can I help you?”

“I came by to check on, Em.”

I peek over her head, but my sister-in-law—the guard dog—pushes me back. “You know you can’t see her before the ceremony,” she tuts.

I’d be annoyed with her blocking me if it wasn’t for the fact that she’s been a huge supporter of my girl from the beginning. Even when I was being an idiot, Rylann was there for Emery, coaxing her out of her shell, being her shoulder to cry on, and loving her like a sister.

“I know. I just need to hear her voice. Please,” I plead. I need to hear for myself that she’s happy, that she’s okay.

“Mason Miller, you softy.” Rylann glances between me and the door. “I have an idea. Wait one second.”

“I’ll be right here.”

She nods and slips inside the room, closing the door.

The seconds stretch to minutes and my patience grows thin. I haven’t seen Emery since this morning, and I miss the fuck out of her. We’ve been inseparable since I moved in with her last month. I’ve become the simp Cameron said I’d become, and I couldn’t give a single fuck. I’d do anything for that woman. Since the moment I saw her reflection in the mirror at the airport, she has flipped my world upside down.

In all the best ways.

For years, I was convinced I’d never find someone to share mylife with. Someone who understood all the parts of me—the bossy grump, the workaholic, the silent observer—and accepted them. I had all but given up.

Until her.

She sees me, the real me, and loves me in spite of my flaws. I’ve never been happier, and it’s all because of her. It’s cheesy as fuck, but it’s the truth. Emery completes me. She is the other half of my soul. I love her so much I’m not sure I’d survive without her a second time.

The door creaks open, and Rylann returns with a robe sash in her hand and holds it up to me. “Cover your eyes with this, or no dice.”

“Really?”

Rylann pops her hip, waiting for me to do as I’m told. I squash my smile as I grunt. I’d agree to anything right now, and she knows it.

“Fine.” I take the silk fabric and tie it behind my head, shrouding my view in darkness.

“Can you see anything?” Air fans my face as Rylann tests my handiwork. “How many fingers am I holding up?”

I chuckle, knowing her. “A fist, but if you were Scarlett, I’d say the middle finger.”

Rylann bursts out laughing. “You got that right. Okay, let me lead you in. We will give you five minutes of alone time, but under no circumstances are you allowed to take off the blindfold.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She takes hold of my arms and leads me into the room.

I can smell her before I see her—well, in this case, hear her. My girl’s sweet fruity vanilla scent permeates the room, invading my nose, and easing my stressed nerves.

“Someone’s looking for a quickie,” Scarlett jokes.

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