Page 26 of Absolution
“We’ll have another one,” Stacy insists.
“At least three,” Franklin agrees.
“You’d better plan those quickly,” Dane says. “I’m marrying you as soon as possible.”
His tone lightens the fierce declaration, but I hear the dark warning beneath the words. He told me that we were returning to South Carolina to get married because it’s faster than the process in England. If Dane has his way, I’ll be his wife within a few days.
I go up onto my toes and press a quick kiss to his lips, a silent promise of my acceptance and eagerness to be married to him.
“Text me when you’re ready for me to pick you up,” he says, a subtle command. “I don’t care how late it is. Enjoy your celebration.”
My heart lifts. Until this moment, some part of me had still worried that Dane might be an overbearing husband. After what happened with Stephen, I know it will be difficult for him to let me out of his sight.
But he’s not a mindless, possessive beast. He knows I value my autonomy, and he won’t stop me from spending time with my friends.
“Thank you,” I say, imbuing my gratitude with so much more than just simple thanks for the celebratory night out.
He’s trusting that I can handle myself.
“I’ll call you if I need anything,” I promise.
He drops a quick, fierce kiss on my lips.
“Abby, you’d better put wine glasses on your registry because I’m tired of drinking out of these juice glasses,” Stacy teases, breaking into our private moment before I can get lost in our potent chemistry.
“I don’t need any wedding gifts,” I reply with a laugh. “Just celebrating with y’all tonight is enough.”
“Well, you’re not buying a single drink tonight,” Franklin declares. “The bride doesn’t pay for her drinks.”
The moment seems surreal. I can hardly believe that I’m going to be Dane’s bride.
He’d said our wedding day was coming soon like it’s a threat, but I can hardly wait.
“I’ll see you tonight,” Dane promises.
Then my dark god is out the door, and I’m alone with my two closest friends.
“I’m texting the girls,” Stacy declares. “We’re getting tacos before karaoke.”
Franklin places a juice cup filled with red wine into my hand.
“We’ve seen the ring, but are we going to talk about that necklace?” he teases, gesturing at my throat. “Those can’t be real diamonds. Is any of this real? Are we in some sort of crazy dream world where you ended up with the hottest man on the planet,andhe’s rich?”
I touch my collar with a dreamy smile. “I know, it’s crazy.”
“It’s so fast,” Stacy says, her voice dropping to a more serious tone now that Dane is gone. “Are you sure he’s not too good to be true?”
I think about how he stalked and kidnapped me. Nothing about that wasgood.
“Dane has his flaws,” I assure her. “But I love him anyway.”
“Abby is in love!” Franklin declares, my romantic friend practically buzzing for me. “You deserve it.”
“Just make sure he treats you right,” Stacy says sternly. “The diamonds are a good start, but he’d better cherish the fuck out of you, or he’ll have to answer to us.”
“He does,” I assure her. “No need to go on the attack. But I appreciate you so much for being in my corner.”
“Well, if you’re sure about him, I’m thrilled for you,” she says earnestly. “Cheers to Abby and Dane!”
