Asher: Shut the fuck up or I’ll punch you in the face. I don’t care if it is my wedding day.
Aaron: Another one bites the dust… Andrew, our brothers are falling like flies. I’ll make a bouquet from the flowers in the greenhouse.
Adrian: I’ll put a roast in the oven now that it’s a go. Congrats, Ash. Emma’s a sweetheart.
Asher: And mine.
Andrew: There’s the troglodyte we know and love. Call if you need anything. I’ll verify with Judge Henderson that he has everything he needs.
Asher: Thanks. I mean it. See you soon.
My stomach is in knots for a different reason now. Will I be a good husband? Father? She doesn’t realize it yet, but I plan to breed her as soon as the ink dries on the marriage license. I want lots of little Emmas running around our homestead. But first, we make it official, then I’ll have a condom-burning ceremony.
Grinning, I pull open the closet door and gather my outfit—a navy blue suit, a white long-sleeved shirt, and the red tie I used to restrain her the first time. I hope when she sees it, she’ll blush the same color as the tie.
I finish getting dressed, and I’m brushing my hair when I hear a knock. Preferring my long hair tied back or in a bun, I’m doing this for Emma—since she loves to run her fingers through it.
“Emma, Rebekah is here. Hustle your butt, baby.”
The shower shuts off. “I’m going as fast as I can. You don’t want me to fall, do you?”
Growling, I lean close to the bathroom door. “You’d better not or I’ll tan your ass, and you can marry me with it glowing red under your dress.”
I hear her gasp through the door. I haven’t spanked my baby yet, but I will, now that she’s almost fully healed. I don’t doubt that she’ll love it. Andrew keeps telling me I’m too dominant, but my Raindrop can’t hide how much she loves it when I growl at her.
Smiling as I pull open my door, Rebekah takes a step back into Adam.
“What’s wrong, sis?”
“You’re smiling. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. It’s almost terrifying,” Rebekah answers.
I chuckle. “Smart ass.”
Adam grins back. “That’s Firecracker, and she’s mine.” Proving he’s just as much of a caveman for his woman.
“She’s in the bedroom and knows you’re coming. And, Rebekah, thank you for helping her today. I really am sorry about tying you up in our kitchen.”
“I’m happy to help. It will be great to have another woman to talk to. I still miss my sister, Hannah. There are way too many menfolk here.” Rebekah laughs as she walks down the hall to my bedroom.
Adam smacks me on the back. “I never thought I’d see the day…”
“Me neither, to be honest. Any advice for me since you’re the only one of us who’s already done this?”
“Just show her how much you love her. Cherish her. Like Dad treated Mom. That’s the best advice I can offer.”
Nodding, I walk into the kitchen to grab us some coffee. It’s an excuse that Adam lets me get away with. But I need a moment to collect myself after remembering my parents, finally without the anger and guilt. I know they’d love Emma.
eighteen
Emma
I’m standing in the bathroom, and staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror when Rebekah knocks on the bedroom door. I assume it’s Rebekah. Asher wouldn’t knock.
“Come in,” I yell. I should open the door for her, but I’m stuck—a little scared and a lot excited. Am I really going to do this today? What would my parents think? I’ve known my husband-to-be for less than two weeks. My heart doesn’t care how long it’s been. It’s my analytical brain that’s trying to talk me out of this.
“Hi, Emma. So, you’re doing this? Marrying the grumpy jerk?” Rebekah’s face appears in the mirror behind me. She’s holding up a dress bag and some shoes.
“Yeah, I think I am. I was just having an argument with myself about it.” I smile. I liked her when I met her at dinner. Maybe once I come back, we can hang out together.
