My brothers are gathered around the firepit, their laughter carrying over the music. Slate’s holding court with a group of guests, spinning some exaggerated story that has everyone hanging on his every word. Quinn’s brother, Grady, leans against a tree nearby, looking stoic as ever. But even he can’tkeep the smile off his face when Quinn approaches him, her white dress flowing around her like she stepped out of a dream.
My dream.
She’s stunning, radiant in a way that makes my chest tighten every time I look at her. And she’s mine. I still can’t believe it.
“Staring much?” Zane’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “You look like you’re about to devour her.”
“She’s my wife,” I say simply. “I can look all I want.”
Zane laughs, raising his beer in a mock toast. “Fair enough, brother. Fair enough.”
Quinn makes her way back to me, her cheeks flushed from the cold and from whatever Grady just said to her. She slides her hand into mine, and the warmth of her touch grounds me in a way nothing else ever has.
“Having fun?” I ask, pulling her closer.
She tilts her head, her lips curving into that playful smile that drives me crazy. “I was, but now I’m here.”
“You sure know how to make a guy feel special,” I tease, brushing a stray curl from her face.
Before she can respond, Zane steps up to the makeshift stage, a microphone in hand. “All right, folks,” he announces, his grin widening. “It’s time for the toast.”
“Oh no,” Quinn mutters under her breath. “Should we stop him?”
“No point,” I say, resigned. “He’s unstoppable.”
Zane clears his throat dramatically, holding up his beer. “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about Ridge. The man of the hour. Or should I say, the man who swore he’d never get tied down.”
A ripple of laughter moves through the crowd, and I feel Quinn’s shoulders shake as she stifles her own.
“But then, along comes Quinn,” Zane continues, gesturing to her. “Smart, beautiful, and somehow willing to put upwith my brother’s grumpy ass. Honestly, I thought she was a hallucination at first.”
“Zane…” I warn, but he waves me off.
“And now they’re married. Which means one thing—Quinn, you’re officially a saint.”
The crowd erupts into laughter and cheers, and even I can’t help but chuckle. Quinn leans into me, her laughter soft against my shoulder.
“To Ridge and Quinn,” Zane finishes, raising his beer high. “May your love burn as hot as the time Ridge set the garage on fire trying to cook steaks on a propane grill.”
“That was one time,” I shout over the laughter, shaking my head.
Quinn’s laugh is brighter now, her head thrown back as she wipes at her eyes. I press a kiss to her temple, my own laughter fading into a smile.
“You ready to escape yet?” I murmur.
Her eyes meet mine, sparkling with mischief. “You trying to ditch your own party, Warner?”
“Maybe.” My voice dips lower, just for her. “Got something better planned.”
Her cheeks flush, and she doesn’t even try to hide the way her breath hitches. “Lead the way.”
The cabin is quiet, the noise from the celebration fading into the distance as we step inside. Quinn turns to face me, her lips parted, her hands already reaching for me.
But I stop her, catching her wrists gently. “Not yet.”
Her brows arch, her smile teasing. “You’re making me wait now?”
I step closer, my hands sliding down her arms, my voice low. “We’ve got all night. I’m not rushing this.”
