Page 99 of Trust Me With Forever

I came close to tears a few times, but glancing at Rafe helped steady me. By the end, I was exhausted and could barely thankPenny again. Once she left, Rafe pulled me close and said, “I could sneak you home, if you need a little break.”

“No. Even though I’m tired, I need to see my family, if that makes sense?”

He cupped my cheek. “I get it. Although say the word, and I’ll take you home.”

I laid my head on his chest, closed my eyes, and listened to his beating heart. “I will. And thank you for everything.”

He hugged me tighter and laid his head atop mine. “You were amazing, Abby. When will Penny show you the video?”

“In a few days.”

She’d promised to let me see it first before posting it.

Rafe said, “Good, that gives Nolan and me enough time to hire some private security.”

Leaning back, I met his gaze again. “What? Why?”

“Because I don’t want to risk the unhinged and delusional finding you, us, or your family.” I opened my mouth to protest, but Rafe beat me to it. “No, I won’t budge on this, Abigail. Let me take care of you. Please.”

Running my hand back and forth across his chest, I finally nodded. “Okay. But only in the beginning. I won’t be a prisoner forever. I still want that trip you promised me, once things die down.”

“Of course, love. It gives me time to plan the best honeymoon ever.”

“And celebration party.”

“Yes, and that. As long as you stand firm against Aunt Lori and her medieval court-themed party. I amnotgoing to wear a suit of armor.”

I laughed. “As much as I’d like to see that, I’ll find a compromise. I’d rather see you in tights. Or maybe those tight pants they wore in the Pride and Prejudice show.”

“I still say jeans and jerseys would be easier.”

“And start arguments and possible brawls between different diehard fans once they start drinking? No, thank you.”

He traced my jaw and kissed me gently. “Well, how about people can wear anything they want as long as they have on cowboy boots? And before you say anything, I’d offer to buy a pair for any guest who doesn’t have them.”

“Hmm. That might work. And might even make Aunt Lori happy. Although we’ll have to watch Beck and West once they have a few beers because they might go all cowboy and try to rope Zach and Zane, or something like that.”

He snorted. “I’d pay to see that.”

“Rafe! Not for our wedding celebration.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll just have to put the challenge to them later.”

“Just don’t expect me to bail you out, afterwards, when they tie you up and leave.”

As we argued about what would or wouldn’t happen with Rafe against my brothers, we walked toward my family’s house. Holding Rafe’s hand the entire way, I laughed and forgot about my past. At least for a little while.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Rafe

Aunt Lori:None of you had better come home with black eyes.

Me:What are you talking about? We’re just playing pool.

Aunt Lori:Zach once said that and then ended up coming home with his head shaved and no shoes.

Me:Do I want to know?

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