Page 46 of Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You
I love you.
Nick
Even if he doesn’t believe it, she never considers being with him a sacrifice. His love is a gift, permanence graced with wings. He called her a little bird once, accusing her of trying to fly away when he got too close. Now, thanks to him, she can soar, secure in the knowledge a stable nest always waits for her return. She takes a deep breath and folds the note into a small square before tucking it into her bouquet.
She lifts the flap of the thicker envelope and slides out the deed to Nick’s house. Her new name, Shae DeMarco, covers the line listing the owner of the property. Once again, he overwhelms her with his generosity, sharing his heart as well as his home. Now it’s theirs together. She blinks back the tears threatening to spill out, trying not to ruin all of Carrie’s hard work.
“For a hard ass, he sure is romantic.”
“Yes, he is, and you’re wonderful.” She reaches out to her best friend and wraps her arms around her. “Thank you for your help. I wouldn’t have been able to do all of this without you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m just glad to see you happy.”
The lack of hesitation doesn’t mean it’s not there. Jason and Nathan made their feelings very clear. Although Carrie’s support never wavers, she may have doubts too. They’ve always been honest with each other, even if it hurts. “Even if it’s with Nick?”
Carrie pulls back and shrugs her shoulders. “I get scared for you sometimes. You’ve been in so much danger with him, and then when I think you’re finally safe, you turn around and do dumb things yourself.”
Somehow, she’s managed to avoid lectures from Nick and Max. She’s not so lucky with Carrie. “I’m sorry I freaked you out. From now on, I’m going to trust them to do what they need to keep safe and stay out of it.”
“Good. Then, there’s one last thing I need to make sure of.” Carrie runs her fingers through her hair, twisting the strands into a bun on her neck before letting them fall. “I know you. Once you make this commitment, you’ll never leave him. Is this what you really want? I mean, if it’s because you’re pregnant, you know Nathan and I will help you take care of the baby. And you and Nick can share custody. People make it work all the time.”
For better or worse, this is the life she wants. No regrets, no reservations. He was honest, and she knows the truth about who he is and what he does. Neither of which changes how he makes her feel. How his love gives her everything she needs. She chooses him. “I don’t have any doubts. I would be with him even if I wasn’t pregnant. I want to marry him.”
“Even with his fucked up life, I like Nick. I know he loves you, and he’ll do everything he can to make you happy.”
The goofy Nick smile she can’t hide tugs at her lips. “He already does.”
“Then, I give you my blessing.” Carrie’s face lights up as she giggles. “Okay, that’s enough of the mushy stuff. Let’s get to the good part—your wedding night. Is there anything you’re wondering about? Do I need to explain anything to you?”
Shae laughs too and touches her stomach, still rejoicing their tiny gift grows within her. His little heart beats as strong and stubborn as Nick’s, surviving along with her after all they’ve been through. “Um, I think it’s a little too late for that talk.”
Carrie squints and jabs her finger at her chest. “Then just remember, if he tries to poke at you with the one-eyed snake, tell him no.”
A sharp shriek escapes her mouth as she covers her face with her hands. “Oh my God! That’s awful. Where did you get that from?”
“It’s what Nathan’s great grandma told me at our engagement party. Pulled me aside and gave me a whole big speech. I’m still trying to get over it.”
“Me too. I think I’m scarred for life now.”
“We better get moving.” Carrie glances at the clock on the nightstand. “Let me help you get your dress on. You can’t be late for your own wedding.”
Wedding. A word which softens even the most jaded cynics. With a weakness for romance, their favorite designer gave her a gown with only the promise of first right photos in return. Carrie helps her slip the white silk over her head, protecting the fabric from her hair and make-up. The material brushes against her bare feet, only her blue toenails peeking out.
They stand side by side, Carrie’s gaze reflecting back at her while she glows with anticipation, her cheeks hurting from smiling so much. “I love you, Carrie.”
“I love you, too. You look beautiful.” Carrie looks away from the mirror and nods to her. “Well, I guess you’re ready.”
Her toes wiggle against the carpet. “Except shoes. I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find the ones I want. They must be at Nick’s.”
Carrie raises her eyebrows and smirks. “Where are they?”
A small shiver runs through her at Carrie’s reminder. “I mean our house.”
“I’ll get my dress on, and we’ll go get your shoes.”
Alone for the last time as a single woman, she moves her ring to her right hand. Incredulous she’s a mother, she’s just as amazed to almost be a wife. Everything they planned for Carrie is happening to her now too. With a man she never expected, yet who she can’t imagine living without.
One last item before she leaves. Another conspirator to their impromptu ceremony, Jesper eagerly arranged a private appointment for her to select Nick’s ring, even completing the engraving himself. She smiles as she slips the black and gray platinum band on her thumb, a symbol of her commitment for him to wear. On one of the fingers that always touch her with tenderness, stroking her cheek, rubbing her hair, caressing her stomach, reflecting his love for both of them.
