Page 103 of Zone Protection

Yesterday was a whirlwind.By the time we got back to the shack, I could barely keep my eyes open. But Archie was worn out too. I think between the emotional roller coaster and keeping up with conversation, we were both exhausted. We pretty much stripped and fell into bed with barely a kiss.

The sun is coming up, and I’m sitting at the little kitchen table, looking out the window. It’s so pretty here. Peaceful. I’m so glad my baby will get to spend time on the ranch. And by the looks of the nursery, Alicia plans on having Nugget here a lot. But I love it. She planned a baby shower for me this weekend, too, since a lot of family will be around anyway, so my friends are coming down tomorrow for the weekend.

I can see horses grazing in the distance and cows in a pen outside of the barn. A thought hits me when I see Archie’s dad riding up from the south of the property. He’s got a cowboy hat on, and he’s riding alone. I get a flash-forward of what Archie might look like when he gets older. And in that thought, I decide I don’t want to wait to marry Archie.

He has to leave in a few hours to go to Arlington, but I think we need to have this conversation now. I pad back to the bedroom and crawl in next to him. He’s naked, like usual, so I run my hand up from his stomach up to his chest and rest it on his heart.

I’m propped up on my elbow and watch him stir. “Arch.”

“Hmm? What’s wrong?” He opens an eye and looks at me. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good. I was just thinking, what if we just get married this weekend while everyone is here and my friends are coming for the baby shower? I mean, I don’t really see a reason to wait, and I would like to have your name when the baby is born.”

He sits up and props his back on the headboard. A slow smile forms, and it’s incredibly unfair for a person to look this good first thing in the morning. “You wanna marry me, darlin’? This weekend?”

“Well, I mean, I feel like it just makes sense. Everyone is already here, and the baby is coming sooner rather than later. And after the baby is born, will we even have time to plan a wedding? Effective time management is key here, babe.” I feel like I’m rambling a little, but now that the idea is rolling around, the more it feels like the right thing to do.

“I don’t want to deprive you of your dream wedding. Don’t you want to walk down the aisle in your dream dress that you picked out months before and have everyone you know dance with you at a party that has everything you ever wanted because you’d been thinking about the flowers and music and all the other stuff that girls think about with weddings?”

“That’s the thing. I have everything I’ve ever wanted right here. I’ve never dreamed of my wedding, so I have nothing to compare it to. And as for dresses, I’d marry you in the T-shirt I stole from you the night we first met.”

“I wouldn’t argue with that.”

I grin.

“But seriously, I don’t want you to wake up in five years and wish you had done this differently.”

“Archie, I think we’re a little late on wanting to do things on a traditional timeline. What do you say? Make an honest woman out of me and make me your wife this weekend.”

“Darlin’, I’m gonna marry the shit out of you.”

We both laugh, remembering when he said the same about dating me.

“Tell me what you need, and I’ll make it happen. We have the big bucks now, so let me know how you want to do this.”

I shake my head. “No, I don’t want to spend a lot of money or anything. I just want to get married here. On the ranch. Simple, easy. I just need you.” I lean in to kiss him.

“Okay, baby. Let’s do it. But I want my friends to be here too. I can’t wait for them to meet you and, of course, to tell them about the baby. Your friends are coming tomorrow?”

“Yes, you’re right. I do want them here if they can be. Let’s call them all today and see if we can make it work. Should I ask your mom to help with the wedding too? I mean, we should probably ask if we can get married here first, right? Or do you think a wedding is a lot to put on her on top of the baby shower stuff?”

He barks out a laugh. “Oh, baby. You are gonna be the favorite in the family. She’s going to push me and my brothers aside, maybe even Dad, just so she can have you all to herself. You’re gonna make all her dreams come true.”

I can’t help but laugh because it’s funny, but also, I can actually see this and don’t hate the idea. I really like her, and I think we’ll have a good relationship.

“Okay, then let’s do this! Yay!” I lean in to kiss him again, but his alarm goes off.

“Shit, I need to get up and get ready to go. Did you eat yet? We should probably eat before we shower and get in the car.”

“I had a piece of toast because my tummy was rumbly. But Ican definitely eat more. Do we have an agenda for the day, or do we just wait until we get there?”

His parents and I will be going up with him to tour the facilities and meet the coaches and staff.

“I don’t have anything yet, but maybe something will pop up when we’re on the way. Either way, let’s just plan on not eating for a while and maybe have my mama bring some snacks.” He jumps out of bed, and his tight ass is on full display.

“You wearing your boots and hat today, babe?”

He turns to look at me and smirks. “You want me to wear my boots and hat?”

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