Page 170 of Love Me Reckless

“Come here,” I say, my voice gruff. I tug off my trunks.

She steps to the end of the bed. I wrap my arms around her and kiss her belly, savoring the scent of the lake on her skin and the warmth of her body. Gently, I urge her onto my lap. Her eyes lock with mine as she sinks down, taking me inside, her body welcoming me so beautifully.

She gives my new ink a gentle caress, her gaze reverent. “This is forever, isn’t it?”

“It is for me,” I say.

“Sawyer,” she sighs, cradling my face. She kisses me, her lips so fucking soft.

“I promise to love you,” I say as we rock together. “To be gentle with your heart. To listen to you.”

“You’re so good to me,” she says, her eyes turning glassy.

“I promise to be truthful, even when it’s scary. I promise to support and encourage you. I promise to love every part of you, even the parts you haven’t learned to love for yourself.”

“You don’t have to promise me these things.” She places her fingertips on the cursive heart with her name etched there for eternity. “I feel them.”

“I’m a better man when I’m with you,” I say. “Kinder. More patient. Humble.”

She smiles as a tear trickles down. “You make me strong, and brave.”

“We’re better together,” I say, urging her faster.

“Yes,” she says, her expression sharp with yearning. “The best kind of better. The kind that lasts forever.”

My heart tightens in my chest. “You want to be forever mine, sweetheart?”

“Yes.” She cradles my face and kisses me. “More than anything.”

“Even if you can’t see it?”

Her smile breaks and her eyes fill with so much love. “That might be the best part.”

Chapter Forty

KIRILEE

Wolf Creek Lodge, Idaho

“Drink this,”I instruct the bride, who is practically hyperventilating with excitement.

Sofie exhales, puffing her cheeks, then sips from the cup of ice water. “Thanks, needed that.”

“Time for the dress,” Ava says, slipping the elegant white gown from the hangar.

Sofie fans her face. “I got this, right?”

I cup her shoulders and lock eyes with her. “You’ve totally got this.”

“Okay.”

While I steady her with one hand, Sofie steps into the dress. Ava slides it up, helping her with the satin straps, then fastens the handful of tiny buttons in the back.

I suck in a gasp. “You’re so beautiful, Sofie!”

Ava stands on her other side. I gaze at our reflection and think of all that we’ve overcome to be here together, about to celebrate something wonderful.

“I love you guys so much,” Sofie says, blinking back tears.

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