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“Me, too.” I sigh as his lips rest on my forehead, his arms hold my waist, and a warmth grips my soul and assures me I’m where I belong. I take a step back and my hands slide into his. “You’re my home, Tate. I’ll always come home to you. Even when we fight. When we argue and don’t see things the same way, I’ll always come back to you.”

“But we’re never going to fight like that again.” There’s humor in his tone, as though he’s trying to make a joke or let me off the hook, but I hear his apprehension.

“I don’t want to. But realistically, babe, we won’t always see eye to eye. Someone has to back down, or take the high road, and that’s okay.”

“Okay, but I hate fighting. I hope you know that. I wanted to run after you, but you asked for space and I was trying to give you what you needed. I always do my best to give you what you need.”

“Hey, save the vows for Saturday.” I wink and his lips twitch with the beginnings of his own smile.

“Yes. Saturday. That’s still a go? Or we driving to Vegas tonight?” He lifts his eyebrows and waits for my answer. He’s joking. At least mostly.

A giggle escapes my mouth and I shake my head. “No way. We can make it a few more days. I’m putting everything with my sister out of my head. At least until after the wedding.”

“And honeymoon.”

“Right. I’ll try.” I laugh again.

Tate’s gaze narrows and his thumbs rub across the insides of my wrists. “I know you want to save her, do the right thing, but some choices are out of your control, you know? Right now, it’s your time to be happy. She wants that for you too.”

“She does. I know that. It’s just hard. I want her to be happy too,” I say. “I feel guilty being this content when she’s so sad.”

“You’re the kindest, most generous person I know.” His eyes drift to my lips. “That doesn’t change. No matter what.”

“Thank you for seeing the best in me. You’re giving me more credit than I deserve. This week I’ve been behaving like a crazy person.” I shake my head.

He shrugs. “Weddings are stressful.”

“So I’ve heard.” I roll my eyes. “Why did I not know this before? I thought I’d be immune since I don’t care about materialistic crap. I only care about you.”

“That’s why I still say we elope.” He quirks his lips up with a grin and I can’t help but laugh.

“We’ve made it this far.”

“That’s what you keep telling me.” He lets go of my hands and his fingers find my hips to rub tiny circles over the fabric of my shirt. His gaze narrows when he speaks again. “But you’re certain this is what you want? I don’t want you to have any doubts. If you’re not sure or if you need time, we can wait. I can wait. I love you, Evie. So damn much.”

“I’m sure. I don’t need time. But I need you to promise we’ll always speak the truth. Even when it’s painful or might upset the other person.”

“I promise.” He kisses my lips, but pulls away before I can deepen it. “We’re gonna rock the hell out of our vows.” His laughter mixes with my own and my hands wrap around his neck to pull him back to me for another kiss. This time he doesn’t pull away or keep it sweet. It’s as if all the energy I put into being angry, mad, and jealous manifests between us, and when Tate finally pulls away we’re both breathing heavily.

“I want to respect your wishes and this stupid no sex rule, but I really want to touch you right now.”

I sigh because hell, after the day we’ve had, I want that too. To feel his hands on my most intimate parts, to kiss him back, to fall apart at his expert touch and know he will be right there to catch me. To make me feel safe, cherished and loved.

He shakes his head and his brows pull together. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m not trying to pressure you or make you feel bad. I just miss making love—” My fingers on his lips stop him from speaking.

“Tate.”

“Yeah.”

“Make love to me. Now. Please.”

His smile stretches so wide I think my heart might combust. God, I love this man. “Yes, ma’am,” he says and he takes my hand in his to lead me into our bedroom.Home.