Page 90 of Captivating

“I see nothing wrong with that,” I murmur against Lilah’s hair.

“Fine,” Lilah huffs. “You already knew I was taking your name Saturday. But I wanted to surprise you and tell you that Blue Bell Records signed our first act today... me.”

“Sounds like nepotism to me,” Maverick heckles.

“Fuck off, Mav. You play for your mommy’s team,” my girl bites back, pretty as can be.

“Focus, princess. You signed yourself to the label you own, and...?” I prompt her.

“Co-own with your mother. King Corp. owns 49 percent.”

They do.

Lilah owns the other 51 percent.

“And . . .” I push.

“And I decided that when it’s announced next week, I wanted it announced that Lilah St. James is joining Blue Bell Records. Lilah Ryan was before I married you, and I can’t fucking wait to marry you, champ.”

“Have I ever told you how sexy it is when you curse, baby?” I brush my lips over hers, my cock rock hard under her sweet little ass.

“Oh, eww,” Dillan groans. “I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.”

“Is that what you’re into?” Maddox asks as he slings an arm over her shoulder.

“Wouldn’t you like to find out?” she volleys back.

“I’d totally volunteer for that mission,” Rome announces over his beer, and it’s Lilah’s turn to groan. “I’m a good man to have on the job, little Ryan. Focused. Determined.”

“Dream on, psycho,” Dillan laughs.

“Hey, guys,” Lilah calls out to no one and everyone all at once. “I love you guys.”

“And... that’s enough.” I stand with her in my arms. “I’m the only one that gets your I love you’s, baby.”

“Now I’m gonna puke,” Jamie jokes, and I mouthfuck offas I walk away with my girl in my arms and my friends busting my balls about being whipped.

They can all fuck off because if they had what I have, they’d be happily whipped too.

And two nights later, when Noah lifts the microphone to his face during our reception, I realize they all know it too.

“The first time I knew Killian loved Lilah, we were eight years old. We’d just gotten out of the pool at our parents’ house, and Lilah was crying with a dead butterfly in her hand. Side note—I still think she squeezed it to death. But either way, she was heartbroken. Big, fat, crocodile tears flooded her face, and while Jamie, Maverick, and I all laughed, Killian patted her back, like he was scared if he touched her he’d get cooties, and then he helped her bury it in a shoe box. And Lilah made him dig that hole deep, so our dog couldn’t dig it up and eat it. She was really worried about that.” Noah lifts his beer in the air and smiles at us, and Lilah wipes at her eyes.

“We all knew we’d be sitting at your wedding one day. And I’m especially grateful to get to be one of both the bride andgroom’s three best men. Not exactly traditional, but nothing you two ever did followed any kind of traditional path.”

She rests her head on my shoulder and sighs the prettiest sound, and I can’t help but cherish every minute. So completely aware of how lucky we are to be here.

“I’d like you all to raise your glasses and join me in a toast.” Noah turns to us and winks. “To the new Mr. and Mrs. St. James. There’s never been another couple as destined to be together as you. I love you guys.”

“He’s right, you know.” I cup her face in my hands. “I’ve loved you my whole life.”

I wipe her tear with my thumb, and she smiles. “And I’ll love you for the rest of mine.”

The End

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