Page 73 of The Chad Next Door
Since before then, honestly. Time hasn’t slowed since the morning Chad first tried asking me to marry him a month and a half ago.
The sounds of the frogs and the waves on the shore and the gentle breeze rustling the palm trees that surround our rental house all blend together as I close my eyes and breathe in the night. This is perfect.
And when a pair of arms embrace me from behind, I can’t stop my smile. “Yeah, this is heaven.”
Chad nuzzles his nose into my neck. “You think so? Is this everything you dreamed it would be?”
“Well, I never imagined I would have two kids and a dog with me on my honeymoon. Or that I would have a big old bear for a husband.” His hands tighten around my belly as he growls, making me laugh. “You know I love you, old man.”
“I would hope so, because now you’re stuck with me, Mrs. Briggs.” Before I can react, he spins me around so I’m facing him.
I wrinkle my nose. “I don’t feel old enough to be Mrs. anything.”
He trails kisses down my nose, smoothing out the wrinkles with his touch. “Mrs. Karen Briggs. Just embrace it. Maybe get a haircut—short in back, long in front. Start wearing yoga pants and—”
I cut him off with a kiss before he makes me puke from too much middle-agedness, and he accepts my deflection with enthusiasm, hands gripping my sides and pulling me close. Then he picks me up, taking me over to the blanket and laying me down so he’s got a backdrop of stars above him as he settles over me. It might be the best sight I’ve ever seen in my life.
“You sure the kids are asleep?” he asks, his voice rough.
I nod.They’d better be. We haven’t had any time to ourselves since our wedding two days ago, and I am regretting not taking Micah’s offer to take the kids. I couldn’t imagine going on this trip without them, though, even if it means we only get stolen moments after they’re asleep. That’s how it’s going to be for the rest of our lives. We’ll take a trip alone once the kids are more settled.
It would have been smart to at least postpone our flight until the dayafterthe wedding, though. Not sure why Chad allowed that oversight when I was making the plans for our honeymoon. Regardless, we finally have a chance to make up for it here in our own little slice of paradise.
Chad brushes his finger across my cheek, his gaze so warm and soft. Who would have thought my gruff and grizzly neighbor would have so much capacity for love? But I am so glad he does. He kisses me softly, speaking against my lips. “I love you, Hope. My wife.” He says that word like it’s the only thing he’s ever needed in life.
I grin, scraping my fingers against his scruff. He shaved for the wedding, but I’m glad to see the beard coming back even though it’s only been a couple of days. This rough side of him is the side I love the most. It’s the side that speaks of his imperfections and humanity. The patch of gray on his chin is a testament to the hard life he’s lived and his capacity to persevere even when things get tough, which is exactly the kind of man I want by my side as I figure out this thing called life. It’s not going to be easy, but with him by my side, I can do anything.
I run my thumb across his bottom lip as I marvel at the fact that I get to call him mine. “I love you, my husband. So, so much. Now, kiss me like you mean it.”
He grins. “Yes, ma’am.” And he does, kissing me like he can’t wait to see where this crazy life of ours takes us next.
