“It’s an all-inclusive thing. I booked it with one of those online deals that give you the flight, the room, and the car at one price.”
“We’re really doing this?”
“We are, so get that fine ass of yours in gear.” I climb out of bed and drop a kiss to her lips on my way to the shower. “Don’t come in here. Give me five minutes. If we shower together, we’re never going to make our flight.” Damn tempting woman.
“I’ll start packing,” she says excitedly.
I’m grateful my back is to her so she doesn’t see my smile. Convincing her that this was a good idea was a hell of a lot easier than I thought it would be. My plan is coming together and tomorrow evening, as the sun sets—just as she planned it—we’ll vow to love each other for eternity in front of those who are closest to us.
I can’t fucking wait.
“I tried to call my mom and yours to let them know we were going out of town, but I got their voice mail,” Reese says from her spot next to me. We just made it through security and are sitting at the gate, waiting to board our flight.
“Did you leave them a message?”
“Yeah, that’s just odd that neither of them answered,” she says, staring down at her phone.
“It is in the middle of the day, and they are working,” I remind her.
“I know, but usually they always take my calls.”
“Spoiled,” I tease her.
“Hush.” She laughs, leaning her shoulder into mine.
“We can call them when we land. I’m sure they’re both going to want to hear all about the resort.” It’s not a lie. We can call them when we land. She just doesn’t know they’re going to be in Fiji when she calls them. This plan is coming together so smoothly. I keep waiting for some kind of hiccup, but so far, everything is falling right into place.
“True. I’m really excited to see it. This was a great idea. Frivolous, but a great idea all the same.”
“This is our wedding we’re talking about. I want this day to be everything you ever dreamed it would be. It’s worth the trip to make sure that happens.”
“We’re getting married.” Her smile lights up my life.
“Damn right we are. It can’t happen soon enough,” I say, kissing the corner of her mouth.
“How pissed do you think our families would be if we got married while we were there?” she asks.
I turn in my chair to look at her. “What are you saying?”
She shrugs. “Just a thought. I mean, it’s where we want to get married, and we’re going to be there. It’s what we both want. We’re only waiting because of your schedule. I didn’t know you would get time off during your bye week, or I would have scheduled it for this week anyway.”
I’m flabbergasted by what she’s saying and fucking thrilled at the same time. This little surprise I have planned is going to be well received. That just lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.
“I mean if you don’t want to—” she starts, but my kiss stops her from saying anything else.
“There is nothing I want more in this life than for you to be my wife.”
“Don’t say no,” she says, with a hint of pleading in her voice. “Just keep an open mind when we get there. See how we’re both feeling about it then.”
“You really want to do this? Get married without our families?”
She shrugs. “It’s not ideal, but the truth is, I want to be Mrs. Reeves. Maybe we can have another small ceremony or something after the season is over. Hell, we could even come back here. You could marry me twice.” She grins.
“Baby, I would marry you every single fucking day.” I press my lips to hers.
When she pulls away, she whispers once more, “Just think about it.”
I nod. I was stoked about this trip before, and now even more so. There was some worry she wasn’t going to be ready, but she’s eased my fears.
I’m excited for when we land, and she sees our parents, Tessa, and Nixon. She’s going to go crazy, and I can’t fucking wait.
We board our flight, and I fight the battle of my surprise getting the best of me. I want to tell her now what’s about to happen. I manage to keep my shit in check and not spoil it for her, but the suspense is killing me. I can’t wait to see the smile that lights up her face when she realizes what I’ve done.
Even more than that. Tomorrow at this time, she’s going to be Mrs. Cooper Reeves. It’s been a long time coming. A year ago, this felt so out of reach for us, but now, here we are, and I’m never letting her go.
Never.
Chapter 24
Reese
Sixteen hours later, we’ve reached our final destination. That was a long-ass flight, but the view before me as we ride to the resort is breathtaking. Instantly, I know it feels right. This is where we are meant to vow to love one another until death do us part. I just hope I convince Cooper to do it this trip instead of waiting. I’m tired of waiting. I’m ready to move forward to start our life, and what better time than now?
Sure, I wish our families could be here, but it is what it is. The marriage is about us. Me and Cooper and the love we share. They’ll understand. They all know the battle it’s been for us to get here. They know what’s in our hearts, and I’m certain they will be thrilled for us.
“So, have you thought anymore about getting married?”
“Every fucking day.”
“How about today? Or we could do tomorrow?” I offer sweetly.
“You really want to marry me. Here and now?”
“Yes.” I don’t hesitate with my answer. This is what I want. Here. Now. Forever. I want to be his.
“Your destination,” the driver says, interrupting us.
“Thank you.” Cooper reaches up to pay him, including a hefty tip, and we climb out of the car.
“Wow.” I look around, and my eyes land on the sign. “Coop! This is it. This is the place I wanted to get married.” It’s fate, it has to be.
“Is it?” he asks.
“Yes. See, it’s official. It has to happen. This is not a coincidence.”
He pulls our bags from the trunk and wheels them behind him. I follow, soaking in the beauty that surrounds us. Cooper checks us in, and I follow him to the elevator.
“I got us the largest suite they have. Might as well see what it’s all about,” he says, smiling.
“I love you.”
His brown eyes sparkle. “I love you more.”
The elevator dings and we walk down the hall to our room. “Babe, the key is in my back pocket,” he tells me.
I fish it out and open the door, holding it for him. “Go on in,” he says, propping it open with his foot.
I turn around and am greeted with a chorus of “Surprise.” I stop in my tracks as I take in Nixon and Tessa first. Her smile is wide as she winks at me. Then it’s Trevor and Ann. She’s wiping tears from her eyes while Trevor is smiling widely. Finally, I come to rest on my parents. My mom is crying and my dad, well, he’s smiling just as wide, if not bigger than Trevor.