Page 15 of Forever Oblivion

I shifted, trying hard not to let my anxiety get the better of me. “Two weeks.”

Her smile remained serene. “Good thing I know what kind of dress I want and have enough money to get it finished by then.”

I cleared my throat. “Is that…is it okay? I mean, I know most women like to plan out every detail…”

“It’ll be small and intimate because of the time frame. I get to marry you, so that’ll make any hiccup or headache worthwhile. It’s you I want, Nash. Not some showpiece for pictures. You.”

I set aside my computer with a mumbled, “I’ll finish that later,” against her neck as I began to work off her towel.

7

Aya

I woke slowly, blissfully sore in all the right places. And to think I’d gone years without Nash loving me up. I stretched, resettling my body against Nash’s chest. He hadn’t moved—probably wouldn’t for at least another hour or two. The man slept hard. He worked and played to his limit, too, so I shouldn’t be surprised by his need to recharge.

I was an early riser and preferred to start my day with the sun. I luxuriated in one more moment of Nash’s scent, the soft puff of his breath on my bare shoulder, before I edged out of bed.

Grabbing panties, a sports bra, yoga pants, and a T-shirt from the closet, I slid them on and padded out of the room. After a stop in the bathroom down the hall, I wandered into the kitchen, unsurprised to find Steve there, already setting out ingredients on the counter.

“Good morning,” I said.

“Morning.” The man took taciturn to a whole new level.

I poured a cup of coffee from the insulated French press and added a healthy dollop of cream and sugar. Coffee wasn’t my beverage of choice, but thanks to Steve’s particular taste in coffee beans, it was growing on me. I planned to have a sip or two and take the rest up to Nash.

“Mmm. A new variety?”

“Giulietta, Ethiopia. I’m not surprised you like it. Should have notes of black tea and lime leaf.”

I smiled. “It’s delicious.”

“Great. Now hand that cup back to me. I made you herbal tea. It’s supposed to help with pregnancy.”

I startled, blinking up at him before a huge smile broke across my face. “Nash told you.”

Steve’s eyes gleamed. “He did.”

“How are you feeling about us having a baby?”

“I want to be involved,” he blurted. “As involved as you’ll let me be.”

“Perfect, because I want that, too.” I smiled as I gauged his mood, noting his fidgety movements. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Crepes with strawberries and toasted hazelnuts.”

I kissed his weathered cheek. He sputtered, backing up.

“Yum. And Nash and I are getting married in two weeks. I’d like you to walk me down the aisle.”

“Me? I—”

“You’re the closest person to him. Having you do this for me—for us—would mean a lot.”

“I need to cut these berries.”

I smiled behind the teacup Steve handed me and turned to leave.

“Aya?” he called out.

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