She licked her lip, anticipation building in her stomach. “And I’m not giving up my T-shirt business.”
“I have every belief it will thrive.” He stepped forward, and she stepped back until the counter dug into her hips.
“You have no idea,” she said. “So much happened tonight I’ve not even shared with you.”
He placed his hands on the counter on either side of her and placed his lips on her neck. “I’d love to hear all about it…later.”
“I can’t do breakfast or lunch. I have plans for both. The first with Ms. Birdie. The second with Poppie. I could pencil you in for dinner at a fancy restaurant?”
He nibbled the sensitive lobe of her ear, and she gasped.
“Nothing but the best for you.” He pushed into her, and she felt his erection against her stomach.
“Just so you know,” she said, tugging the tail of his shirt out of his pants and placing her hands on his back. “I most certainly do not have sex on the first date.”
He chuckled. “Damn. How about the night before your first date?”
She reached for his belt. “This is all so incredible. It feels like a dream.”
“I promise it’s real,” he said softly, his hands sliding under her T-shirt. “And it’s just the beginning.”
“Then let’s make the most of it. Together.”
“Together,” he echoed, pulling back and sweeping her up in his arms.
As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Sophie felt a sense of rightness, a feeling that this was where she was meant to be. With Stone, everything felt possible. Every challenge seemed surmountable. And every dream, no matter how fantastical, felt within reach.
Everyone who had ever told her she’d never be a professional daydreamer could kiss her ample derrière.
She’d done that and so much more.
Chapter 37
EPILOGUE
Eighteen months later, the wedding reception of the century—or at least that’s how it was billed in Sophie’s head—was in full swing, laughter and music filling the air.
Sophie and Stone, the newlyweds, sat at the head table, surrounded by friends and family. Overhead, twinkling lights mirrored the twinkle in their eyes as they basked in the glow of their big day.
Sophie’s gown—a vision of lace and satin—had been designed by Clarabelle with love…and magic. The train and veil, which Sophie had designed herself, were adorned with delicate embroidery and tiny pearls that shimmered as she moved.
The sound of silverware clinking against glass quieted the room.
“Good evening. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ryder, Stone’s good-looking brother and co-best man. If you doknow me, I apologize for any inappropriate jokes I’ve already made tonight.”
Sophie laughed and glanced at Stone. His eyes were on her, the awe and adoration in his expression making her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
“Stone and Sophie, what a couple.” Ryder said. “One is a strong, silent type with no charm, and the other is Sophie. I mean, have you seen her? Bro, you really outkicked your coverage here.”
This elicited laughter from the audience and a nod of agreement from Stone.
“Now, let me tell you about my baby brother. He’s always been the guy who wanted the world to see him as tough and broody. Broody—that’s a new term I learned from Sophie, but I digress. Let’s get back to Stone’s aspirations to be Mr. Tough Guy. As it turns out, Stone is the only Navy SEAL in history who’s afraid of needles. That’s right, folks, the only SEAL without a single tattoo. Not one. While his comrades were getting inked with eagles and anchors, Stone was busy making sure he stayed a blank canvas. Tough, my ass.” Ryder paused and smiled at his brother. “It’s okay, little brother, I’m sure Sophie loves your tattoo-free, needle-phobic self just the way you are.”
You’re afraid of needles?Sophie mouthed to her new husband. How had she not known this already? When she’d asked him about his lack of tattoos, he’d made a joke about saving himself for marriage and then had distracted her with sex.
He leaned over and whispered, “Ryder’s afraid of bubbles.”
Sophie laughed and glanced around at those in attendance.
