“No, are you?”
“Fuck no.”
We burst into guffaws, then I pick her up and toss her on the bed and we roll around, fucking each other, laughing and hollerin’ and kissing and slowing down just long enough to catch our breath and then go at it again.
The music is still thumping.At some point, I sit up and say, “Be right back.”I grab a couple cold waters and jump in bed with her again.She bounces up when my weight hits the mattress.
I run hot water into the jacuzzi.We roll with each other.I carry her to the tub and turn on the jets, checking the temperature.I lower her in the water.
“All right, now we’re talkin’,” she says, draping her arms along the rim of the jacuzzi with a content sigh.“Coming in?”
“Be right back.”I grab another armful of waters and some random snacks, then I slide in with her.We play footsie and eat Slim Jims and Oreos and talk about everything and nothing and laugh some more until the water starts to cool.
I dry her off.I turn off the music and all the lights except one in the bedroom, then I carry her to bed.Her arms are around my neck.She kisses my cheek.I carefully lay her down and pull the covers over her.I crawl in next to her and turn off the light.
I have no idea what time it is.I don’t care.But the city lights sparkle in Summer’s eyes as she looks at me in the darkness.
“I love you, Summer.I’ve always loved you.Always will.”
She places her palm along the side of my face.“I love you, too, Declan.Always have and always will.”
I gather her up in my arms and pull her close.We fall asleep.
In love and admitting it.
Together.
Married.
CHAPTER 32
Declan
I buckle Summer into the back of the plane where she can stretch out, and hand her a ginger ale and a barf bag.
“Just in case,” I tell her.
“It’s not natural to fly.”
“It’s not natural to do a lot of things, but it doesn’t mean I’m not good at it.”
I wink at her, and she blushes.Making Summer blush gives me a huge amount of satisfaction.Her blush looks good on her.Sweet like a peach.
Sweet like Summer.
I’m about to turn and go to the cockpit, when she grabs my arm.“But I still don’t know what I’m going to say to them!What do I say?”
“Just be yourself.”
“But I’mnotmyself.I’m married.To you.We have a certificate and rings and everything.”
“We won’t show them the document and we’re not wearing the rings, so that’s a start.”
“I don’t like to lie.”
“Then, we’ll tell them the truth.We'll tell them we’re married.”
Her eyes grow big and round, and her skin becomes blotchy.“No!They’ll be so angry and upset and won’t understand.I don’t even understand and I’m the one who’s coming back married!And anot-virgin!Do you think Phyllis will be able to tell that I’m different?Thatwe’redifferent?”
