He turns to give me a kiss before sitting beside my mom as I face Connor in front of the pastor. His eyes are suspiciously red rimmed andshiny.
“You look so beautiful,” he whispers and another tear slips out of myeye.
I barely make it through our vows, with my eyes spilling over and my jaw tremblinguncontrollably.
I never thought I would be here, getting married. Yet another thing Connor has added to my list that I get to checkoff.
The entire event is everything I’ve ever wanted. We dance the night away in each other’s arms, and when the song he played as I first arrived comes on again, I finally ask, “Who isthis?”
“It’sSo Far Goneby Thousand FootKrutch.”
“You mean rock songs can be as sappy as countrysongs?”
He laughs. “What’s funny is I’ve had this album for years, and when I played it a few weeks ago, I really listened to it, and actually heard the words. It spelled out exactly how I feel about you, because I’m truly so far gone inyou.”
His lips touch mine, and I hold him tighter against me. My husband. I can’t believeit.
We talk to all the guests, and when we approach my three roommates from San Francisco, I give them a hug, so thankful forthem.
Chantel turns to Katy and Robin. “I guess this means we need to find anotherroommate.”
“Sorry, not sorry, I guess,” I say, and they laugh. “But honestly, I wouldn’t be here right now if you hadn’t given me a shot and allowed me to live withyou.”
“Nah. Have you not seen the way he looks at you? He would have found a way to make you his, even without us.” Katy smiles then looks over to Nick who’s sitting next to her. “We’re glad we got to know you though. It was fun while itlasted.”
I hug them all, giggling when Robin makes a joke about how they thought Connor wasgay.
As the night winds down, people start to leave, and Connor grabs my hand, holding it up to his mouth. “Mrs. Hayden, are you ready toleave?”
“Yes, Mr. Hayden. Let me say my goodbyes to myfamily.”
Connor booked us a suite at a bed and breakfast in Napa that’s only twenty minutes away. He’s already checked in so when we enter the room, I notice all of my stuff here, waiting forme.
“How did you do this?” I ask, pointing to the closet anddresser.
“I wanted tonight to be perfect. I asked everyone to help. Your roommatestoo.”
He unzips my dress and slips it down. I step out before undoing his shirt, one button at atime.
My heart rate spikes with anticipation. I’ve had sex with Connor many times, but this time is different. This time I’m his wife. He’s told me he loved me but now I know just how deeply that love goes. We finish undressing each other and move to the bed, where we lie down, him on top ofme.
“I have a confession to make,” hesays.
My eyebrows pull together, confused. “I’mlistening.”
“Your pills aren’t missing. I took them. I’ve paid attention to the dates, and you’re ovulating right now. I chose this date to marry you because on the day I vow to love you forever, I want to also create a piece of you that will be with meforever.”
My breath hitches, and I’m shocked into silence. He patiently waits for myreply.
“But, Connor,” is all I cansay.
“I’ve thought about this long and hard. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Life seems to have other plans for us, so give me this part ofyou.”
He wipes away my tears. “Will you give me this? Will you have a baby withme?”
I nod and he enters me for the first time as my husband, hoping to create a part of me that will be hisforever.
23
