Page 93 of Simply Yours

Paradox stared at them both for a long moment.

Then, slowly, he nodded.

“It’s your marriage,” he said simply, but there was something in his expression—something that looked suspiciously like approval.

He straightened.

“Then, by the state of Texas and the grace of God, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

He barely got the words out before Jason was moving.

Caitlin barely had time to react before Jason’s hands were cupping her face, his lips pressing against hers in a kiss that stole the breath from her lungs. There was no hesitation, no second-guessing—just warmth, just love, just the undeniable certainty that this was exactly where they were meant to be.

He kissed her like it was the only thing that mattered in the world.

She melted into him, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, savoring the way hefelt—solid, real,hers.

Someone cleared their throat.

No one paid attention.

Jason finally pulled back just enough to whisper against her lips, his voice barely more than a breath.

“I love you, Catnip.”

Caitlin smiled, happiness flooding through her like sunlight breaking through clouds.

“I love you too,” she whispered.

And nothing else mattered.

Eighteen

CAITLIN

Jason wasn’t just taking his vows seriously—he was wearing them like armor, like a declaration to the world that Caitlin was his responsibility now. He drove up the narrow, worn path to his house, wheels crunching over gravel before he veered off, plowing straight over the freshly mulched flower bed. Dirt and bark sprayed in all directions, but he didn’t so much as flinch. The only thing he cared about was making sure that when he stopped, the passenger door lined up perfectly with the steps leading inside.

He threw the truck into park and turned to her, his blue eyes filled with something deep, something unshakable. “You’re not walking far, love.”

The words were simple, but they held weight. Before she could protest, he was already out, moving with that steady, determined stride of his, rounding the truck to yank open her door as if she were made of spun sugar.

She should have been annoyed. Should have rolled her eyes and reminded him she wasn’t some fragile little thing. But the way he looked at her—like she was something rare, something worth protecting—made her stomach twist in a way she wasn’t ready to unpack.

Jason extended a hand, but before she could take it, his gaze flickered to the wedding ring on her finger. A slow, mischievous grin spread across his face. He lifted her hand, turning it slightly to admire the band. “Look at that,” he murmured, amusement dancing in his voice. “Looks good on you.”

Caitlin huffed, fighting a smile, but before she could quip back, he scooped her into his arms like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Jason?—”

“Shh,” he murmured, nudging the door open with his shoulder. “I’m enjoying this.”

The front door swung inward, and Jason hesitated just inside the threshold, shifting her weight effortlessly against his chest. His gaze flickered to the lock, and he let out a low hum of disapproval.

“In the country, I usually leave it unlocked, but that’s changing.” His voice dropped an octave, serious now. Protective. “I don’t want anyone interrupting us.”

Caitlin swallowed hard. There was something about the way he saidusthat made her pulse skitter. But she couldn’t let him get the wrong idea.

“Jason, I’m not really feeling up to… things,” she said softly, the words thick with exhaustion.

He didn’t even blink. Didn’t stiffen or sulk or let his ego take a hit. Instead, he just tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. “Catnip,” he murmured, using that ridiculous nickname he’d given her as a kid. His voice was soft and patient, like he had all the time in the world for her. “Love isn’t something you fall into or something you do. It’s something you build, grow, and encourage over time.” He adjusted his hold on her, cradling her just a little closer. “If you don’t feel like it—that’s fine by me. But it doesn’t change the fact that I want you snuggled up to me tonight and every night from here on out.”

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