“Gorgeous,” he murmured, drowsily dropping kisses along my neck.
 
 We rocked together, kissing as we fucked into his hand.
 
 It was gentle, lazy, and I loved it. But I also knew that I wouldn’t last long, as pent up as I’d been since my heat.
 
 I needed this man; his reassurances and the respect he’d shown. I’d never felt so supported as I had in the months I’d been with him. I wasn’t fighting alone anymore, and I didn’t want to go back. I wanted everything with him.
 
 Christian wasn’t just my alpha, he was my partner, which was a far more significant role.
 
 He started adding more stimulation to my cock, running his thumb along my shaft until I shook with pleasure.
 
 “I’m not gonna last,” I moaned.
 
 “Me neither,” he said between kisses. “Don’t hold back.”
 
 I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into another series of kisses. I wanted to enjoy this, because I didn’t know when I would get it again. He seemed comfortable helping with my heats, but we hadn’t discussed sex otherwise.
 
 Christian plunged his tongue into my mouth, and that was all it took. He swallowed my moans as I came, and I savored the way he growled against my lips as our cocks pulsed together and warmth bloomed between us.
 
 He relaxed, his weight pressing me into the mattress as we continued to kiss. Then he moved off me, grabbed a handful of tissues and cleaned us both before pulling me into his arms to snuggle.
 
 This was how I wanted to wake up for the rest of my life, with him beside me, indulging in lazy morning sex because we were both in the mood.
 
 It was too bad I wasn’t going to get it.
 
 ∞∞∞
 
 Mama sniffled behind me, and I grabbed a box of tissues. I turned and walked over to her with it.
 
 “You’re going to ruin your makeup before we even get out there,” I said, offering her the box.
 
 She smiled. “I can’t help it. My baby boy is getting married.”
 
 I hugged her as guilt ate at my middle. Everybody was so excited, but the day was bittersweet for me. It meant that my time with Christian would soon start counting down. I wouldn’t be able to pretend that he would be there forever, no matter how much I wanted to.
 
 “Do you think I’m making the right choice?” I asked.
 
 Mama patted my hand. “I can’t answer that. Christian is a kind alpha, and I can see that you love him very much. He seems to love you too. That’s what you wanted, right?”
 
 I nodded. He was everything I wanted, and more.
 
 “Then he’s the right choice for you.”
 
 I forced a smile.
 
 There was a knock at the door, then Ivy stuck her head in. “Mom says that all the little kids are paired up and ready.”
 
 “Thank you,” I said, turning back to the mirror.
 
 Instead of getting the hint, Ivy stepped into my bedroom and started looking around. I was annoyed, but decided to let it go.
 
 “Are we almost ready?” mama asked.
 
 I nodded. “Last few minutes. I guess it’s time to text father and grandfather, and the ushers to get everybody seated.”
 
 Mama nodded, then perched herself on the edge of my bed to send the text.
 
 I checked to make sure that my suit jacket laid properly, then put on some lip balm. I wanted my lips to be soft when Christian kissed me.