“And yet you threw a fit when I told you that I was inviting Shawn North. He’s a colleague and a friend.”
I shake my head. That guy wants my girl. I went to that book event with her. Hell, we’ve been to several, and this Shawn guy is constantly trying to charm her pants off with that British accent.
“He doesnothave a crush on me,” she continues.
“Agree to disagree, sweetheart.”
“Well, he’s coming, with hisgirlfriend.”
I smirk and cross my arms over my chest. “Whatever.”
Great, he can watch her come permanently off the market.
“My point is, there will be so many people around, and so much going on, that one night won’t matter.”
“Let me make myself clear.” I cross to her and hook her chin on my finger, tipping her face up. “I will not today, or any other day, sleep without you in my arms when you’re literally yards away from me. No. This is one tradition we’re breaking, Willow, and I won’t compromise on it.”
“Well, you don’t get to see me in my dress until I walk down the aisle.”
“I can live with that.” I smile and lean down to kiss her soft lips. “We’re so good at this marriage thing already.”
“Stop kissing in front of the rest of us.”
Our heads whirl to the doorway at the sound of Gideon’s voice, and Willow hops off her stool so she can run over and hug him.
“Hey, handsome.”
“Hi, baby girl.” He kisses the top of her head. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner.”
“Always did avoid the heavy lifting.”
Gid flips me off, making me laugh.
“You’re here now,” Wills replies and pats his cheek. “You okay? You don’t look quite like yourself.”
“I’m great. Don’t you have enough to worry about without adding me to the mix?”
“I always have room for you,” she assures him. “Did you try on your tux?”
“Yes. Why am I wearing a tux in a field?”
“Because that’s what Willow wants, so that’s what she’s getting,” I reply.
“Fine.” He heaves out a breath, but then he grins. “Where’s the kid?”
“He’s helping with the tents,” Willow says.
“That’s code for ‘He’s bossing everyone around out there,’” I add.
“He was a born leader,” Gideon replies. “He’ll be an NHL captain before we know it.”
Gideon isn’t wrong. Aiden played hockey last year, and heslaughteredit. He’s naturally talented, and if he wants it, I know he could make it to the NHL.
But he has two years left of high school, so we’ll see what he decides to do. I won’t push him into hockey.
“Okay, boss,” Gid says to Willow. “Give me my marching orders.”
Willow
