Page 175 of Rough Around the Hedges

“Like a pet,” I said, touching the tip of his nose. “I meant it that time I said I’d lock you in my shed.”

“Mm.” He pulled my head down until our lips touched. “Go ahead. I like what we do in there.”

I smiled against his lips.

Yeah.

So did I.

Just as long as we didn’t get caught.

EPILOGUE

OLIVER

Lost the Battle, Won the War

Nine Months Later

Rose flopped onto the bed next to me with a groan. “Those old people know how to party. It’s one a.m.!”

I peeked over at her from under my forearm. “I’m too old for this.”

“Next time you host a wedding we have to attend, can you put an end time on it? Like, lights out at ten-thirty or something?” She lifted her leg to catch her foot and rubbed it. “As much as I love Susan and George, that was a lot today.”

“But you were the prettiest bridesmaid there.” I rolled over and rested my arm over her stomach, kissing the side of her head.

“I know. This blue is my colour.”

“Mm. White would suit you better.”

“Not in my line of work.”

“Yes, but you won’t be working when we get married, princess.”

She pursed her lips. “I suppose you have a point there.”

I paused. “You didn’t flinch that time.”

“Oh, stop it.” She released her foot and rolled over to face me. “It’s not like I’m scared of marriage or anything, okay? It was just soon, and we didn’t exactly have a conventional start to our relationship. Besides, I don’t think marrying you would be that bad.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Really?”

“Yes.” She chewed on her lower lip. “Plus, seeing those two together today… I don’t know. It was just so magical for them. Do you think we’d be as happy as they were today if we got married?”

I pushed her hair from her face and smiled, then kissed the tip of her nose. “Even happier,” I affirmed. “I know I would be.”

“Luke would have to sit there with a grumpy face for old times’ sake, though.”

I huffed. Those two… “I can’t believe you’ve been keeping your friendship a secret from me. Do you have any idea how hard I’ve tried to make you two get along?”

She grinned, and her eyes twinkled. “We do. That’s why we did it. It was so fun to see you tear your hair out over it.”

I groaned, pressing my face into the sheet. “Rose… Do you know that I am utterly terrified of us having children?”

“You are? Why?”

“I cannot possibly imagine my life having more chaos in it than it already does.”

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