Archer was the fussy one. While Gavin would kick his legs and squirm to have his own space, Archer always needed to be held. Fortunately for him, his aunt Gabby loved to hold him. I was rocking and swaying him, the way he liked, brushing my fingertip over his cheek, I barely realized the room had grown silent until Lizzie stepped up next to me. “I’m going to take him before you drop him,” she whispered, a twist of her lips I didn’t understand.
Until she stepped out of my view.
And there was Joey.
“Oh.”
My gaze flashed to the now blank television screen. “But…”
“Dad and Garrett are right. Tonight’s about us.”
As he said it, he lowered himself to one knee. Without Archer in my arms, I had no idea what to do with my hands. They went to my mouth. My hips. Across my stomach. To my sides. “What are you doing?”
He smirked. That damn dimple scrambled my brain, it took me a second to see the box in his hands.
“One year ago,” he started, while every nerve in my body lit up. “I was miserable.”
“He really was—” Jason cut in.
A laugh bubbled and I quickly swallowed down. My hands shook.
“Shut up.” He oomphed and I imagined the slap Tessa gave him on his stomach, but I couldn’t pull away from the intensity in Joey’s dark eyes, in the tenseness in his shoulders as he glared at his brother before returning that gaze to me.
It immediately melted. “You have made me happier than I ever could have imagined being. Every day with you is an adventure and I can’t wait to travel the world with you.”
Tears streamed down my face and I was unable to wipe them away. I was unable to do anything but breathe, lock my knees so I didn’t collapse from the trembles rolling through me and the words he was speaking.
We were already married and yet he was on his knees like he was proposing, unwavering in his intensity despite the muted sounds of the women around us, gushing over him.
“I know we’re already married,” Joey continued, undeterred. “But because of the way we did things, there are things you missed out on like a proper proposal, with me letting our families know how important you are to me, how I will break my back every day to ensure you’re always taken care of, secure in my love for you, and how much I love you and desire to protect you forever.”
“Joey—” His name was a rasp, falling from my dry throat as tears dripped off my chin. I swiped them away and went to him on shaking legs with my heart about to burst.
“So, Gabrielle Taylor.” He smirked, loving to say my full name, especially when I was driving him crazy in the way it meant I was ten seconds from being tossed over his shoulder or bent over the nearest surface. “In front of our friends, our families, will you do me the honor of continuing to be my wife for the rest of forever?”
“You’re a fool.” I laughed. We’d already decided not to renew our vows or get remarried so family could be there. We might not yet remember every part of our original wedding but what we’d built on our honeymoon and in the weeks separating us after cemented our commitment to each other. I didn’t need the production and ceremony when we already had each other.
“I’m your fool.”
“Always,” I said, and held out my left hand. It trembled as he took it in his, his hand so warm, so firm and confident. “I will always be your wife.”
“And my travel buddy.”
“Yes.” I laughed again.
“And someday… the mother to my children.”
“When we’re ready.”
There were things I wanted to do. Places I wanted to see. But soon. We’d get to all of it soon.
He removed the ring from its box, a thick band covered with so many diamonds I almost passed out and as that ring was slid onto my finger, he stood to his feet, brought his palms to my jaw, and tilted my chin.
“I love you, Gabrielle Taylor. Today, tomorrow, and forever.”
He sealed his promise with a kiss and our families cheered.
“Best night of my life,” I whispered against his lips. “Outside from our wedding.”
“Every night with you is the best of mine.”
We were hugged. Champagne was popped. Beneath the happiness and celebration was the lingering worry about Dominick, but tomorrow. We could wait until tomorrow. Tonight was ours.
No… the rest of forever was ours. And we could chase the remainder of our dreams together.
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Need more Vipers? Dominick’s story, Rule Breaker, is coming soon! Pre-Order today: https://bit.ly/3q4AL3l
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Thank you
HUGE thank you to Nina and all the incredible women at Valentine PR for throwing your full enthusiasm and support behind me and these books. I’ve loved working with you and can’t wait to see what the future brings us.
Ellie and Virginia, as always, thanks for putting up with my mess and spit-shining each manuscript until it sparkles. Thank you especially during this crazy time in our world for your flexibility and your extra hard work.
Shannon, you’re the best. Always. Forever. Your talent is astounding and I’m thankful I can call you a friend.
To my Sweeties! I love you ladies and your excitement for my books!
To all the bloggers who devote their time and passion into reading books, book tours, release events, leaving reviews, promoting and pimping – you are all rockstars! Thank you for all the love over the years.
My family— I love you all to the moon and back. I don’t know what I would do without you in my corner, cheering me on every step of the way. Your support is everything to me and I love you all with all of my heart.
And last but definitely not least – to you the reader. I’m blown away with every release how much you adore my books. You have made my dream a reality and I hope I can cheer you on with yours.
About the Author
Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.
The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.
Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Other Books by Stacey Lynn
Las Vegas Vipers ~hockey romance