Page 153 of Runaway Bride and Prejudice

Van laughs, the sound rich and low. I watch the bob of his throat as he throws his head back.

“I don’t think it’s too bad,” he says, smiling back at me. “But until we figure it out, I don’t mind every person I see knowing exactly where my mouth has been.”

I lean forward, leaving more blue paint on him as I kiss his neck. It’s slightly damp, and his skin smells sharp and salty. But I’m starting to notice that his sweat-soaked tank top … doesn’t.

“We should probably clean up,” I suggest, wrinkling my nose.

“You make a cute Smurf,” he says. “But yes. We should. And then, let’s go home.”

Home. The word sends a thrill through me, and I grin as Van takes my hand, leading me back up the stairs—him with my face paint smudged on his skin and me wearing his name across my chest.

EPILOGUE

Van

I takea last look in the mirror, adjusting my tie and running a hand over my beard. I trimmed it this morning. On a scale of five o’clock shadow to mountain man, I’m leaning toward five o’clock lumberjack.

Just the way Amelia likes it.

Thisishow she likes it—right? Or did I go a little too short?

I’m not sure why I’m obsessing over my facial hair. Or any of the other details of today. Earlier, it was my socks bunching up. Then I worried I put on too much cologne. Stupid things that shouldn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

Especially since, as far as I’m concerned, Amelia and I have been married since that night on the beach.

Even if, as it turns out, the certificate we signed wasnotlegally official. I guess you can’t trust every random officiant you find on the beach.

Though Mills and I could have just gone to a courthouse or signed a paper with a witness, we both loved the idea of havinga do-over. A wedding where our family and friends could be with us. That is our shared regret from our first wedding. Not how impulsively we did it or anything else, but the fact that our family and friends weren’t there.

So, there is no reason for me to be so nervous. And yet …

I am. More jittery and unsure than before my very first game with the Appies. At least then I knew the adrenaline would kick in the second the puck dropped. Now, I’m afraid I might black out right in the middle of the ceremony.

And I have this nagging feeling like there’s something I forgot.

“Oh, mygosh,” Callie says, sneaking up behind me and making me jump back from the mirror. “Would you stop admiring yourself, Vanity?”

“I want to give all the guys on your team a high five for thinking of that nickname.” Lex comes up beside me and leans her head on my shoulder, grinning up at me.

“Honestly, it’s shocking you three didn’t think of it first,” I say. “I mean, it was right there—ripe for the picking. And you went instead with?—”

“Robbie Bobby Baby Benjamin Bunny.” Grey comes up on my other side, linking her arm through mine. “It has such a nice ring to it. And the guys really seem to like it.”

“You didnottell them.”

Grey shrugs. “They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” Lex giggles, and Callie gives Grey a high five.

I groan and step away from my traitorous sisters. “You know I willneverhear the end of it.”

“That was kind of the point,” Grey says. “Anyway. Are you ready for this—your second wedding in one year?”

“A little excessive,” Callie says. “But very on brand for you.” Her expression and her tone soften. “We’re so happy for you and Amelia. And glad we get to be here this time.”

Callie suddenly looks like she’s going to burst into tears, and I wrap her in a hug, shielding her from Lex and Grey, who are bickering now about their shoes.

“You’re welcome,” I whisper near Callie’s ear.

“I owe you a block of extra sharp white cheddar,” she says on a laugh that catches on what sounds like a sob.

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