Page 267 of One Bossy Disaster

“Here’s to the rest of our lives,” Shepherd says as he slides the platinum band on my finger.

His hands are broad and strong and calloused.

They still do obscene things to my stomach. My lady bits practically burst into flames as he runs his fingers along the inside of my wrists.

Sir, we are in public.

The secret smile he gives me says he knows exactly what this does to me and he’s enjoying it.

Oh, I’ll make him pay for that later.

Then it’s my turn to slide the ring onto him.

I’m pretty sure the seabird above us cackles with delight. The sea quiets and the sun burns hotter, or maybe it’s just my blood.

I know it’s not truly official until the wedding certificate gets filed.

But this—this here—feels like eternity unfolding.

The rings. Binding ourselves to each other. One fate and two hearts and so many heavy words.

Pure magic.

Um, I also had no idea I’d turn so sappy. Captivated, I stare up at Shepherd, looking into his eyes.

This man is everything, perfection incarnate.

His eyes sparkle gently as he looks back at me for the first time as something new.

My husband.

Holy hell, that sounds amazing.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the officiant announces happily.

Shepherd must have been waiting for it all day. He takes my waist and dips me back in the most outrageous move ever.

I melt in his arms all the same.

His mouth crushes mine.

Urgent and sweet and fierce, although there’s no tongue—probably a good thing. If there was, I’d definitely risk becoming a human fire hazard.

“You are so damn beautiful,” he whispers fiercely as he pulls away. But although his voice is low, total midnight seduction, the look in his eyes is gentle adoration. “Love that dress. Pity it’ll be on the floor later.”

When he helps me up again, I’m laughing.

I twirl one more time as we present ourselves to the crowd for the first time as husband and wife. Everyone laughs as Shepherd pretends to swoon.

Then he reels me back in for another kiss like he can’t help himself.

How does it feel so different, kissing my husband?

It's more permanent, somehow, even if it’s all in my head and heart.

Hello, forever.

It’s a promise I’ll die for before I break it.

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