He doesn’t budge.I don’t blame him.He does remove his hand, though.“I spoke to Mom and Dad this morning.They’ll be here tonight.”
“Oh good,” I respond.
“They said they were glad they only have three kids and that the other one lives closer to them.”
I laugh.“Yeah, two unexpected weddings a few weeks apart have probably given them whiplash.”
“At least Dad isn’t as stressed about coming to Wilde this time.I know he worried a few weeks ago.He hadn’t been here since before he met Mom.He was relieved the entire town wasn’t lined up to hang him.”
None of us knew what to expect when we came to Wilde.Our parents hadn’t shared much about why they’d left and never returned.Apparently, it’s not that complicated.Their father, Amos Wilde, became a reclusive miser after their mother died.He made everyone’s life miserable, so they moved away and never looked back.
The man is gone, and his grown-adult grandchildren are arriving to help Wilde return to its formerly thriving state.We have the means and the will to do so, and it will happen.
Reagan finishes her breakfast and looks at me.“Your parents must be very leery about me.”
Claire shakes her head.“They’re super sweet.They treated me like one of their own.Don’t you worry.”
Reagan draws in a deep breath.“Thanks.That helps.”
I pull her out of her seat and onto my lap so I can hold her close and kiss her.“They will love you, baby.”
“So, what’s on the docket today?”Ryder asks.“Claire and I had a list a mile long on our last day as single people.”
Claire groans.“And that list did not include being held at knifepoint by an ex-boyfriend.But we added that to it.”
I cringe.I was there that day.I was supposed to be protecting Claire.Of course, no one blames me.I had no idea there was a crazed lunatic hiding in her bedroom when she went upstairs to pack, leaving me to stand guard in the kitchen.
Nevertheless, I’m not going to risk a repeat performance with my woman.“We have a list.We’re doing everything on it together.”
“We could divide and conquer,” Reagan suggests.
I stiffen and grip her chin.
“Kidding.Sheesh… I get it.I’m not allowed out of your sight for the rest of my life, not even to pee.”
She’s exaggerating.Sort of.Okay, not much.
“Did you find someone to cover your tours next week?”
“Yes, Master…” she sasses.“I know.I know.We’re not leaving the house.I get it.”
I pinch her ass for her sass, making her arch off my lap and squeal.And then I kiss her before standing with her in my arms.We need to get our day started.Time’s a-ticking.
Chapter25
Reagan
Our wedding day was beautiful and perfect.I wouldn’t have changed a thing.The weather was cooperative.We got married under a gorgeous gazebo behind the mansion.The only people who didn’t live at the estate and were in attendance were Tiago and Ryder’s parents, my grandfather, and Thomas, who officiated.
I didn’t need any more.All I cared about was the love I saw in my husband’s eyes every time I looked at him.
He’s staring at me now as I hug his parents and thank them for coming.They are lovely people, and I feel very fortunate to have joined their family.
I don’t have to look over my shoulder to feel my husband’s intense gaze.It’s so powerful it makes me tremble.As soon as our guests drive away, I turn around to prove my point.
My breath hitches, though.All day, he’s had an indulgent look in his eyes.I’ve felt cherished and loved.Adored.Worshipped.But now that everyone has disappeared, his look has become predatory.He’s tugging on his tie and stalking toward me.
I take a step back because I’m suddenly nervous.I’ve begged this man to have sex with me.He wouldn’t touch the inside of me until tonight.I’m going to have sex.And I’m feeling a bit panicked about it.