Page 121 of If You Love Me

“I’ve never been married before.” My anxiety is at an all-timehigh, but I’m not afraid. I just want this to be perfect. I want her. I want her to be mine. No reservations.

My phone buzzes, and I almost drop it.What if she changes her mind?

It’s not a message from Lexi or Aurora, though. It’s from Vander Zee and Fielding. “Fuck.”

Hollis straightens. “Are the girls okay?”

“They’re fine. Vander Zee and Fielding want to see me tomorrow morning.”

“It could be about anything.”

“Maybe, but I saw Donnie talking to Vander Zee after practice.”

“You’ll be married within the hour, Roman. It’s legal and binding. So whatever the meeting is about, Lexi should be covered.”

“I fucking hope so.” But no matter what happens, I’ll take care of her. Of the girls. We’ll be partners. She won’t have to go through this alone.

Peggy messages to let me know they’ve arrived. I try not to sweat through my tux as Hollis and I take our places at the front of the room. The music begins, and Callie is first to walk down the aisle, all smiles and adorableness in her mint-green dress. She rushes over and gives me a big hug as Fee comes in after her. Dred is next, and her smile is wider than I’ve ever seen it. And then Peggy appears. She looks beautiful. Hollis can’t take his eyes off her, and I’m sure he’s imagining what his own wedding will be like.

My mind trips on that for a moment, but then Lexi appears, and I feel like my heart is about to burst out of my chest. She’s just so gorgeous in her blush-colored dress, hair cascading over her shoulder in a braid woven with flowers, a bouquet of lilies clasped in her hands. Today is without a doubt one of the best days of my life, because this stunning woman, who I can trust with my heart in a way I never have with anyone else, is about to be mine.

I must take an unconscious step toward her because Hollis puts his hand on my chest.

Lexi’s smile lights up the entire room. “I’m coming for you,” she calls out with a saucy wink.

“I’m ready for you.” My answering grin widens with every step she takes. I hold out my hand when she’s within reach, and she slips her fingers into my palm.

Peggy takes her flowers, and I kiss the back of Lexi’s hand. “You look radiant.”

“You look devastatingly handsome,” she whispers.

“I love you.” I kiss her bare ring finger.

“I love you, too,” she echoes.

“Before we get this party started, I have something for you.”

“Okay.” Her eyes light up with the same excitement I feel.

I pull the small velvet box from my breast pocket. “I know I already asked, and you already said yes, but I didn’t have a ring.” I drop to one knee in front of her and flip the box open. The emerald-cut diamond, set in rose gold, nestled in the velvet cushion, glints in the light.

“Oh, Roman.” Her eyes flare and her fingers go to her lips.

“Alexandria, you are a force and the most amazing woman I’ve ever known. Since the moment we met, my heart knew it belonged to you. Will you allow me the honor of loving you for the rest of our lives? Will you marry me?”

“Yes, Roman.” Her smile is soft and warm. “You are everything I’ve ever wanted. It would be the most wonderful honor to marry you.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” I slide the ring onto her trembling finger.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispers.

“You’re beautiful,” I whisper back.

Dred hands Lexi a tissue when she fans her face.

“Thank you.”

“We got you, girl.” Dred steps back with a soft smile.

---