Page 90 of Bleeding Hearts

And she said I couldn’t change her mind. Seems she was wrong.

Thank God.

Epilogue

NOLAN

OCTOBER

For my birthday, Bethany insisted on a night out, pulling me from my comfy couch. When I agreed, I expected it to be a family affair.

It’s not.

Our four kids are at home. I’ll admit it’s nice to know I can go out with my wife and not have to worry about the kids.

My wife. I still can hardly believe it.

Following my proposal, Bethany pushed for a wedding the very next weekend. It wasn’t a big affair. We invited those close to us. Mostly, our family and a few friends. Her parents were invited but made up some excuse about why they couldn’t come. I’m not sure that was such a bad thing. Whenever they’re around, the tension in the air can ruin a good day.

Finn and Felix gave their mother away, one on each side. Kellie carried the rings and walked down the aisle with Mollie, who insisted she be the flower girl. Alicia was the maid of honor, and my sister was my best woman.

Wade officiated it. He already had his license and volunteered to do it when he heard of our plans. And since we got married in our backyard, it made sense.

Jodi was our coordinator, who made sure the ceremony went off with a bang and then later stayed with the kids so we could have a proper honeymoon night away. Our real honeymoon will have to wait. But our plan is to take one next summer when I’ve built up enough vacation to take a full week.

It all seems so surreal. I wasn’t sure we’d ever get to this point. Most mornings I wake up and expect to realize it’s all been a dream. Thankfully it’s not.

Having reached our destination, I park. This isn’t what I expected. I’m not sure why. I was instructed to dress comfortably. I thought we’d be dining at a restaurant, where a few of our friends would join us. Knowing Bethany won’t explain, because she’s refused to do so since we left the house, I climb out of my truck and walk around to get the door for her. Once I have it open, I frown. “Why the hell are we at a roller rink?”

With a light touch, she pats my face, her hand lingering for a moment. “Because we are having an adult birthday party here.”

“Here?” I huff.

“Yes, Mr. Grumpy, here.” She pushes me out of the way and climbs out.

After she grabs the large tote and a few other bags from the back, she heads for the front door. They look heavy. And because I’m not the kind of man who would let his woman carry more than him, I take them from her. A protest forms on her lips, but my glare stops her. She realizes it’s a lost cause and resumes walking.

“I’m not sure you should be skating? You’re still healing.”

Pulling the door open to the concrete brick building, she glares at me. “Fuck that. I’m fine.”

“But you’re wearing a long dress.” I point out the obvious and then frown even more. “Do you have underwear on?”

With a dramatic roll of her eyes, she tells me what I already know. “No.”

I reverse my course and head back to my truck. No fucking way is she skating without underwear. I can see it now. She’ll fall and flash all our friends. Hell no. I’m the only lucky bastard allowed to see her perfect pussy.

“Nolan, get back here.”

“No.” I glance behind me. “Not until we go to Target and buy you some underwear.”

When she lifts her skirt, prepared to expose herself to me, I nearly drop the bags I’m holding. Underneath her dress, she was secretly wearing a pair of black shorts. Not exactly underwear, but good enough. “Satisfied?”

“No.” I say, walking back toward her and then hold the door with my foot. “Why didn’t you just say that?”

She pats my face again, making me grunt. “Because it’s so much fun messing with you.” Rising onto her tiptoes, she kisses me, instantly brightening my mood. “Come on. Everyone is waiting on us.”

As soon as we enter the main rink area—that smells like dirty old socks and stale popcorn—a crowd bigger than I expected yells, “Surprise!” And it’s accompanied by several loud pops and confetti as they shoot them at us before they start singing. Not great either, might I add.

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