Page 82 of Yours and Mine (Friends with Benefits)

“This” – he stretched his arms out wide – “is not just a barn. I mean, it would still look like a barn on the outside, but on the inside, it will be all wood. New wood. Clean exposed beams, open concept, stone fireplace, high ceilings, a chandelier made of deer antlers, dining table carved out of wood, and sheepskin rugs everywhere. Up there,” he said, pointing to where the ladder led to the half second floor, “will be our bedrooms and the nursery. It will be beautiful. Imagine that ladder’s a swirling wooden staircase. I’d paint the roof red, and build a greenhouse in the back and a garden at the front where you could plant your flowers. Can you see it? Because I can.”

The way he described it, I could see it. Except for the sheepskin rugs. I preferred something more minimalistic.

“Oh, and I forgot to add that there will be a jukebox right there.” He pointed to an empty space. “So that I can dance with my wife to any one of her favorite songs.”

“Wife?”

And then he did the unthinkable and knelt down in front of me, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a square box.

“Nicholas…” I gasped.

“Joelle Kagen, I cannot live my life without you. You are my best friend, my only love, and my soulmate. I think it’s time to replace that promise ring with something more permanent. If you will wait for me while I’m gone and have me when I return, I would be honored if you would agree to be my wife.”

He took the oval-cut stone between his thumb and forefinger and slowly slid it on my ring finger, patiently waiting on his knees until I cried out, “Yes!”

I was in his arms, being spun around in the air until everything around us blended and his lips were once again on mine, kissing me so passionately, I thought I’d seen his soul.

“I love you, Nick. I love you so much.”

“So, wanna christen our future house?”

“Thought you’d never ask,” I laughed.

He spun me around in the air again, and then his hands didn’t leave my body again until I was spent.

Chapter 20

Istoodat front of the aisle, opposite my father, as Nick walked Marge toward us. Watching him come forward was surreal, and I wondered whether I’d have all these emotions running through me when we got married ourselves. Probably. The town church was packed. Despite not having announced the official wedding and the lack of any invitations, everyone seemed to be present. To celebrate their nuptials, Marge and my father had organized a picnic by the lake for anyone who wanted to join them, and given that nobody wanted to miss this latest happening, I was pretty sure that everyone in town had shown up.

Marge wore a long white dress that shimmered with light pink when she moved. It fit snuggly against her body, a sexier outfit than I was used to seeing her in; way different from the flower-printed aprons she wore every day. Her hair was swept to the side, pinned back with a silver rose. Matching flower stud earrings with a small gemstone in the middle sparkled as she walked down the aisle. She looked breathtaking, and I saw my father wipe his cheek. When they arrived, I hugged her and kissed her before Nick passed her hand to my father and took the best man’s spot at his side.

Goosebumps swept over my body as I took in the ceremony. While our parents spoke their vows, I kept my gaze connected with Nick’s and twisted my own engagement ring, wondering how long it would be before it was the two of us pledging our love to each other in front of family and friends. At one point he winked at me, and I felt my heart palpitate. I blew a cool breath up to my face just as the priest pronounced our parents married and they kissed.

The church roared in applause and there were a few whistles from the firefighters. My heart was beating faster and faster, my breaths became shallow with excitement, and the noises around me grew more distant as my vision blurred. The next thing I knew, I was staring up into Nick’s eyes, watching his mouth move in slow motion. The world slowly faded back into focus, and a hum of whispers buzzed in my ears:Is she okay? What happened? Get her some water.

“We lost you there for a moment, Jo.” He let out a breath of relief.

“How are you feeling, honey?” Marge brushed my hair out of my eyes.

“What happened?” I looked around, but all I could see were feet. Lots of feet. Loud whispers echoed through the room as I realized that we were in church.

“Oh, my God! I ruined your wedding.”

“You didn’t ruin anything. We’re married, and that’s what counts.” My father passed me a bottle of water and I took a sip, slowly feeling it swoosh through my veins.

“You fainted, honey.” Marge was crouching beside me.

“Carter broke your fall. You’re lucky he was sitting on this side of the aisle.” Nick was looking above my head. I felt something soft move underneath me. As I shifted, so did the cushioned backing, and then something poked into my ass. I turned around to see Carter’s face. I was lying on top of him.

“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?” I asked.

“You, hurt me?” He chuckled. “Good one, cupcake.”

“Thank you.” I rolled off him. Carter hurried to stand up and got out of the way.

“Doctor Burke is coming to look at you.” Nick helped me sit up.

“I don’t think that’s necessary. I don’t want to stop the celebration.”

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