Page 267 of The Night Shift
Holly sighs dramatically.
“I was supposed to be your maid of honor, Hol. I was supposed to plan your bachelorette.”
Parker crosses his arms and levels a disappointed look at me.
“You wanted to be my maid of honor too?”
“It’s what I’ve wanted all my life.”
A baby wails from another room like someone just stepped on it.
April sighs. “That’s my cue. Mayday.”
“No, Chère. I got it. You keep yelling at Hollipop.”
Holly glares at him. I laugh.
Out in the living room, Audrey is now sitting on Peter and beating him with a throw pillow. He’s laughing, which only seems to fuel her rage. April heads off to intervene.
The only other witness left is Toothless, who is, at this exact moment, licking his ass.
Holly exhales, presses both palms to my chest like she’s trying to steady herself. My hands find her waist without thought. Like gravity.
“I told you this was a bad idea.”
“Marrying me?” I ask.
“Yes. That’s obviously what I meant.”
“Too late, Mrs. Carter.” I tug her closer. “You’re stuck with me for all eternity now.”
She cups my cheek, voice low. “Call me that again and I’llbeepingbreak your nose.”
I can’t stop smiling. “Why? Does it irritate you?”
“Everything about you irritates me.”
“And yet, you married me anyway.”
“That’s not my fault.” Her arms loop around my neck, mouth ghosting against mine. “You’re quite the charmer.” She pulls back. “And extremely persistent —”
“Mmhm,” I cut her off, my fingers threading through her hair. “Now shut up and let me kiss my wife.”
My lips find hers. Soft and certain.My home. From the living room, April, Audrey, and Peter all say “ewww” in unison. Holly grins against my mouth, then kisses me harder, covering our faces with her left hand, ring and all — and I don't know what peace is supposed to feel like, but I'm pretty sure it feels like this.
Like her.
The End.
