Page 24 of Devoted Love: A BWWM Romance

The combination of the long dress and the baby-doll slippers has me relaxed and at ease. I make my way to the table looking for my surprise, and I see it—or better yet them. The guys and their other halves are dressed to impress. Tia and Cash are here too.

The guys stand and run over. We hug and talk like we haven’t seen each other in years. Then the banquet begins.

We manage to drink through several bottles of champagne and sparkling juice. I update the guys on the project. Ryker joins us, and I can't keep my eyes off of him.

"Are you ready for the official announcement?" I ask, touching him every chance I get.

“We've done the work. Now, it's time to hit the trail and deliver this win." He shakes his head, taking a drink from his glass.

"Are you keeping your promise, Ryker?" I survey my man and see the slight bags under his eyes.

“It’s been hard to sleep in a cold bed.”

“Babe.” I lean closer. “Are you trying to make me feel bad for doing my job?”

"No, but being away from you helped me come to some necessary conclusions."

“Like what?”

“We’ll talk about it tonight.” He drops an arm on the back of my chair. “I want you to have fun with your family. We have all night.”

I exhale glad we’ve accomplished this major milestone. Jordan is laughing and talking with her guys. I sit back talking with Liam and Darius when my parents stop at the table with Krystal.

I stand and greet my parents. My father is beaming, and my mother is gushing like normal. I realize they did the best they could with what they had. I always knew I was loved but hated the distance. It all became more apparent to me with Jordan in California.

For some, distance makes the heart grow fonder. However, because of my upbringing, distance is like taking a rusty ax to the roots of a tree. It kills everything. Except with Jordan. It was the moment I realized she's worth everything. I glance down at my woman and help her up.

"Mr. and Mrs. Colin." Jordan smiles, and my parents are finally acknowledging my life with Krystal is truly over.

“Jordan, dear, it’s good to see you again.”

"Same to you, Mrs. Colin. Will you join us?"

My mother scans the table. We have extended our capacity, but the guys start doing their musical chairs number, and magically, three seats are squeezed in.

"Thanks for the offer, Jordan, but I have other plans." Krystal turns to me. "Congratulations, Ryker."

There's a finality in her voice, and it feels good to no longer have ill feelings toward her. That chapter of my life is over.

“Thank you for your support, drive safely.” I drop to my chair and lower Jordan to my lap.

“Ryker,” she whispers.

“I just want to hold you.”

I feel her muscles relax. I pull her hair to the side, stopping to inhale the smell I’ve come to associate with her. It’s love and energy and dragons. I kiss the exposed skin on her back.

The conversations continue for the rest of the night. Surprisingly my parents stay. My father talks business with the guys and their husbands. My mother talks Jordan’s ear off about her most recent charity event. Then the women start talking about the epic baby shower in a couple of weeks.

I rest my head against Jordan’s back. The vibrations of her voice give me jolts of energy. She glances back for a split second, kisses me, then returns to her conversation.

She’s the one.

I knew it the moment I saw her. Her quiet nature is what I need in my life of chaos. She’s my calm river. She’s my resting place. And my heart is totally devoted to making our life together amazing.

“Princess…” I whisper against her skin.

“Hum…” The sound passes between us.

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