Page 47 of Buckled in Barbwire

Ted coughs into his fist. “It’s your turn to repeat after me, Paisley.”

She studies the band I chose for myself. The black gold is inlaid with parallel platinum lines. It’s a relatively plain design except for the yellow diamond set in the center. Her polished nail rubs over the small stone.

“It’s a symbol of you,” I explain. “Now you’ll be with me wherever I go.”

She sucks in a sharp breath, eager gaze leaping to mine. “That’s very romantic.”

“Maybe I’m not so bad, hmm?”

Her eyes narrow. “Why are you being sweet?”

“I might’ve taken a few crooked turns to get here, but it’s not my intention to remain enemies. We can be civil. There’s nothing for us to fight about.”

“Stealing my lines again?”

One shoulder lifts in acknowledgment. “I’m finally taking your advice. When applicable,” I tack on.

The mayor clears this throat again. I shoot him a warning glare. Paisley is much more considerate of his time. Sherepeats the required phrase while bumping my fingertip with the metal like a taunt.

My gaze sears into hers as I recite the words that unite us. “I do.”

Paisley slips the thick band over my calloused knuckle. The weight of it on my finger is foreign, but not uncomfortable. Almost like a rite of passage I never planned to seek.

Ted concludes his spiel, reaching the pivotal point. “It gives me great honor to pronounce you as husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, Brody.”

“With pleasure.” I lift her left hand and peck the spot above the ring I just gave her.

“You can do better than that,” Neil jests.

I quirk a brow at my bride. “Should we give the crowd what they want?”

A fiery blush stains her cheeks. “If you insist.”

“Need to hear you say it. Won’t steal another liberty, even if it’s part of the tradition.”

Her chin lifts in offering. “Kiss me, husband.”

I cradle her face between my palms. Her lashes flutter at the gentle touch, followed by a soft whimper. Anticipation crackles along my skin again. No more delay.

In a swift motion, I swoop down and seal the deal. She’s stiff and unyielding until I smile against her lips. Paisley surrenders, melting into our first—and possibly last—kiss as a married couple. Hoots and hollers strain my ears as I enjoy her taste for a bit longer. When we pull apart, the restlessness inside of me is subdued. At least temporarily.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Benson.” I drift the pad of my thumb along her rekindled blush. “You’re even more beautiful as my wife.”

“I’m not going.” My arms cross to adopt a defensive stance against this bridal abduction.

This entire day has already spiraled out of my control. The ink is still drying on our marriage license but now I’m expected to hop into an Escalade limousine without hesitation. We’re about to be whisked away to an undisclosed location. I’ve read too many dark romances to willingly fall for this script. The urge to stomp my heels into the concrete is strong.

Dennis frowns. “You don’t want to go on a honeymoon?”

“That’s not what this is,” I state.

“Call it whatever you want,” my darling groom interjects. He bends until his lips brush my ear. “Afraid to be alone with me?”

“Very much so.” My jaw juts forward at a stubborn angle. “Especially when I’m kept in the dark about where you’re taking me.”

I take a moment to glare at my husband. He isn’twearing a hat for a change. That accessory seems permanently attached to him, except for this special occasion. His hair is longer than I thought—on the right side of unruly. The dark chocolate shade looks warm and inviting, but that’s not true.Dressed like this, he’s a ruthless businessman in a custom suit. A downward glance reveals he doesn’t belong in a stuffy boardroom. His cowboy boots tie him to his country roots.

Brody’s flat stare finds mine. “I had nothing to do with this.”

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