Page 50 of Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You
Golden shadows flicker across Shae’s face before her head dips to lean on Nick’s shoulder. She snuggles against him, curling her fingers around his hand, her wedding ring brushing his. Warmed more by her soft touch than the dancing flames at their feet, he nuzzles her hair. “Tired?”
“A little.”
Her eyes droop with sleepiness, yet her smile never falters. His heart pounds at her joy, pure and abundant, for him and their marriage, and he fights the urge to steal her away from their friends. She deserves to enjoy the celebration for as long as she wants.
He brings her hand to his mouth and kisses the diamond band gracing her delicate finger. Stunning him with both her glowing radiance and unwavering certainty as she said her vows, his own lost voice in the humbling realization she’s finally and fully his. She wears his rings and carries his name as well as his child. The only wish he’s ever made has come true—Shae is his wife. “We can go upstairs. I’m pretty sure the party will continue without us.”
“In a few minutes. I’m not ready for this night to end yet.”
Carrie climbs off Nathan’s lap and steps over Max’s outstretched legs to the side table covered with the remnants of their festivities. “Do you want a refill, Shae?”
“No, thank you. I’m good.”
Her fingertips trail across the corks, past the non-alcoholic version, before swiping an open bottle and swaying back to Nathan. He raises his eyebrows as she lifts the rim to her mouth. “Don’t you remember what happened the last time you drank like this?”
She puts her hands on her hips, sloshing the gold liquid onto her blue dress. “Nathan, don’tyouremember what happened the last time I drank like this?”
Laughter floats across the recessed circle of benches at Nathan’s huge smile. “Drink up, woman.”
“I like your friends.”
Shae lifts up from his shoulder and smiles at Gina. “I’m glad you’re here too.”
Almost as much as he is. Although no words are sufficient enough to convey his gratitude to her for taking care of Shae after Spencer kidnapped her. For protecting her as best she could from an unstable bastard who was fucked up enough to think Shae would ever be his. He returns the favor the only way he can—she and her father will always be under his protection.
After catching Shae in her third yawn, he kisses her temple. “Ready?”
At her heavy nod, he pulls her up before turning back to their friends. “Good night all. Enjoy the rest of the champagne.”
Carrie grabs Gina’s hand and begins dancing with her in front of Nathan, trying to pull him off the cushion to join them. “We will. Don’t worry.”
Jesus Christ. When did his deck turn into a fucking strip club? He holds back his laughter at Nathan’s wide-eyed expression from the two women grinding in front of him. “Good luck with that. I know you’ve been drinking too, so you and Carrie are welcome to stay in the guest house or have Jacks drive you home.”
They walk hand in hand into the house, escorted by Carrie’s squeals of laughter behind them. In the living room, they pause as Max calls to him.
“I’ll see you upstairs.” She kisses his cheek before turning to Max. “Good night.”
Once she passes the landing, Max nods to him and taps on his phone. “The call about Salvador checks out. His file shows the deterioration and the recommendation from the doctor.”
“Good. I’ll take Oscar with me in the morning. You can stay here with Shae.”
Max smirks and shakes his head. “You know she’s not going to go for that.”
“I’ll convince her.”
Now, it’s Max’s laughter following him as he jogs up the stairs.
Silent emptiness greets him as he steps into the bedroom. Only her glittery high heels sitting next to the sofa provide evidence she’s here. “Shae?”
He pushes open the bathroom door, and his chest clenches at her kneeling on the floor, her eyes closed, body shivering, holding her stomach.
Fuck no.
Everything except for her blurs around him as he drops down onto the cold tile next to her. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m si—” She raises up on her knees and grasps the toilet rim before vomiting.
His racing pulse slows while the panic engulfing him evaporates. She’s fine. They’re fine. Miserable, but all right.
