Page 4 of With You Forever

“What about my suit?”

“Like anyone is going to be looking at you anyway.”

He barks a laugh.

“And what about the food?” she asks.

“Pizza buffet?”

Her lips flattening, Lacey’s hands move to her hips. “I’m gonna push you into a ditch, Seth.”

“We’ll talk, princess. I promise.”

His words soften her face and Seth exhales a relieved breath. He likes to tease Lacey, but making her sad isn’t even an option. This wedding is the first step in their married life together. Their future. Their forever. Christ, he craves it. He wants her ring onhishand, wants to show the world he’s hers. And she’s his. If he can help her plan it, take some stress off her shoulders and make a few decisions, then maybe they can get this show on the road.

Seth follows as Lacey moves to the kitchen island to stack wedding magazines and a binder in her oversized purse. His heart clenches as he catches her pretty profile. Pride flares inside Seth. Between his tour and the residency in Vegas, Lacey’s been working her ass off to prove to him, to Nashville, that she has what it takes to make it in her career. And she will. She already has.

“Meet for lunch?” he asks, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. “We can talk about whatever you want.”

“Can’t,” she says, brushing a strand of long hair from her face and locking her eyes with his. “I’m helping Alabama finish planning her housewarming party and then I have a hot date with Sal at the hospital.”

It’s like having the wind knocked out of him.

Seth frowns. “What’s goin’ on?” Worry tugs at his heart and he reaches up to rub at his chest. He doesn’t remember Luke saying anything about Sal being sick.

“Checkups.” Biting her lip, Lacey makes a sheepish face. “I’ve been bad since I’ve been back here. Between trying to find a doctor and the tours, I missed my annual mammogram. Sal finally talked me into going with her to get dual exams.” Lacey smirks. “I told you last week, remember?” She adjusts the purse on her shoulder, checks the time on her phone. “Which is why now I really can’t be late.”

Seth shakes his head and swears, angry at himself for forgetting. That’s why she couldn’t be late today. And here he is, the horny bastard who just uprooted her entire schedule for the day.

“Shit. Lace,” Seth says, tearing a hand through his hair. “I’m—”

“Busy.” She cuts off his apology with an understanding smile. “We’re both busy. It’s okay. I get it.”

But he shouldn’t be busy.

He should never, ever be too fucking busy for her.

Lacey’s gaze narrows and she extends a finger, poking it into Seth’s chest. “Tonight. You. Me. We talk wedding plans.” She lifts her chin, fire flashing in her green eyes. “We actually plan something, Seth. Not kiss.”

“But I like kissin’ you.”

When she groan-laughs, he tugs her to him, not wanting to let her go. Staring into her face, he smooths a hand down her shoulder. “Meet me for a drink at Tonk’s and we’ll do it, princess.”

Approval shines in her eyes. “Save me some whiskey.”

Then with one last kiss and a haughty eyebrow raise, Lacey sails past him.

Seth grins, his heart damn near following her out the door.

His wife.

He feels like the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.

Tonk’s is bustling by four in the afternoon. The off-Broadway bar spits neon and beers on draft. Alan Jackson croons from a sputtering jukebox. Peanuts cover the hardwood floor. Even as downright divey as the bar is, Seth considers the bar his and Lacey’s. The scene of the crime where he fell head over boots for his ice princess. The bar where they schemed to take down Mort. Where he poured one out last year when he thought he and Lacey were done.

Heavy bootsteps carry across the room as Luke and Seth claim their signature spots at the bar. No one comes forward to disturb them, no one asks for an autograph. Tonk’s a safe haven from fans and the likes of theNashville Star.

Luke sighs as the beers are set down. Seth frowns, his gaze narrowing. His brother’s been grim the entire afternoon.

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