Page 31 of Treasured By 3

“Seventy,” I answer, walking towards her and leaving Zoey behind.

She taps her chin. “And how many people are supposed to be able to fit?”

“One hundred and fifty,” Zoey answers, again standing too close to me.

“And we have thirty people who haven’t answered, right?” Valerie continues.

“Correct. The ceremony is much smaller, as we discussed,” I say, assuring her.

She rubs the back of her neck. “I’m worrying too much again, aren’t I?”

“All brides worry, it’s normal,” Zoey says. “Especially setting up a wedding in such a short time frame. We have more availability in fall if you feel-”

“I’m marrying my husbands when I said I would,” Valerie says.

Valerie walks forward, mumbling under her breath about something. Zoey sighs. “I’ve seen a lot of relationships end before they get down the aisle. Wedding planning is so difficult for relationships.”

“I wouldn’t know,” I say.

“It’s okay to admit that things aren’t perfect in a relationship, Lief,” Zoey says as her hand brushes mine. “It’s basic statistics. Just under half of all marriages end in divorce. A large number of relationships end before then.”

“Can you stop flirting with my fiancée?” Valerie calls loudly.

Zoey’s lips part as she blushes. “I’m not flirting with-”

“Your hand is brushing his and you’ve been trying to make him doubt this wedding since we got here. If that’s what you consider professional, I can ask someone else to help us from here on out or you can stop flirting with the man I’m marrying in less than two months,” Valerie says as she turns around to look at Zoey.

“I didn’t mean ... I-”

“I didn’t miss it the first time we were here. I get that Lief is attractive and has plenty of allure, but he chose me and I chose him.” Valerie closes the space between us and glowers at Zoey. “He’s not interested in you, so your fascination ends now.”

Zoey’s face is bright red, but her lips tremble. “I swear, I was just stating statistics-”

“While trying to hold my fiancé’s hand? Not likely. I’m not in the mood to watch him turn you down today. Walk. Away,” Valerie orders.

Zoey scurries away and I pull Valerie close. “Are you jealous?”

“You’re mine, Viking. I proposed. I put a ring on your finger. I’m not about to let anyone think they can have you,” she huffs.

I pull Valerie close and kiss her hard, tangling my fingers in her hair. She hums, then pulls me closer. Changing the angle, I renew the kiss, sucking her tongue and nibbling her bottom lip. She pants as I draw back.

“I am yours, Valerie, as much as you’re mine. People can think whatever they want, but you’re the only person I’d ever let wash me in the shower, the only person I’d ever let feed me, and the only person who I’d let pick my mind,” I promise.

She kisses my neck. “We should go on a date.”

“Yes?” I ask.

“A private one, that ends with me tracing every one of your tattoos with my tongue,” she says.

I groan and pull her close. “I don’t have that kind of patience, pet.”

“That’s the point, Viking,” she says before kissing me again. “Also, save those sweet words for your vows.”

“I’m not writing any,” I say.

She pauses, then her eyes harden. “Excuse me?”

“I’m not writing anything down. I will say what I feel. I don’t need to plan my promises to you. I’ll give you everything that is within my power to give,” I say.

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