Page 138 of Stables

Picking up her palm, I place a soft kiss over her new jewelry. The tiny ring that represents my entire being wrapped around her dainty finger.

When Paisley squeals, it’s the first time I sense anything away from Char.

Glancing over, Libby has tears streaming as she tries to hold a very squirmy toddler.

“Libby, I want down,” Paisley whines.

When Libby relents and sets her on the wooden floor, Paisley runs up to Char and wraps her arms around her leg. “Mommy is a princess, too.”

I thread my arm around Char’s waist and press my lips to her temple. “Yes, she is.”

“Mr. McCullough? I have just a couple of quick forms for you and your wife to fill out.” The soft piano music dulls the preacher’s voice.

I can hear him well enough for her new title to make my cock twitch.

Watching her sign the papers using my last name makes it rock hard.

“I guess I’ll need to practice that.” She blushes and hands me the pen.

“Some days it’s good to be a doctor, so I can chicken scratch.” I grin, putting my mark beneath hers.

“It’s official.” Blue chuckles. “You really tied the knot.” He shakes his head, and holds out his hand to me. “Congrats, buddy. Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Had to find the right woman.” I grip his palm, hoping he knows how much I appreciate him being here.

And saving her.

“You’re a lucky man, Dix.” Blue lets go of me, then tips his head at Char. “Take care of the big guy.”

She bites her lip and nods, pulling my arm against her body. “Thank you for being here. Did you want to come to dinner with us?”

Damn it. I was hoping to rush her straight back to our room.

“I appreciate it.” He glances over towards Libby, who’s pointing at brochures along the far wall with Paisley. “But I just realized who her father is. I don’t think now is a good time.”

“Mortal enemies?” I grin.

Blue’s eyes widen. “No, quite the contrary. He’s a great guy and we’ve been friends for years. He just told me something before I left that I’m having a hard time processing. It ain’t my place to say anything, so I’ll find my own way back to the hotel.” He puts on a broad smile. “Maybe I’ll get some luck of my own down here.”

Tipping his hat, he slips out the door.

“What do you think that was about?” Char whispers, pursing her lips.

“Nothing for us to worry about tonight, Mrs. McCullough.” I love how that rolls off my tongue.

“Oh, that sounds strange.” She smiles with pink tinging her cheeks.

“Get used to it, you’re stuck with me.” My palm finds the round curve of her ass with a firm pinch making her jump.

Fighting her giggle, she leads me towards Libby.

“Ready? Did you want to get some dinner?” Char plays with Paisley’s pigtails as she asks.

Libby glances between us, then a furrow forms in her forehead. “You’re kidding, right?” The corner of her mouth raises into a smirk. “You really want to go have a burger after your wedding when you could be having that?” She jabs her finger towards me with a laugh.

“My present to you is a night alone. Once we get to the hotel, I don’t want to see you again.” She leads Paisley to the door and pushes into the warm night. “Paisley, how about macaroni and cheese with cartoons?”

“That’s a good friend.” My lips brush Char’s ear.

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