My chest went tight.
“So I can’t promise forever,” she said. “Not tonight. Maybe not tomorrow. But I can promise I’ll stand beside you while we figure out the next step. I can promise I won’t run unless someone deserves to be chased. And I can promise not to poison you unless you truly earn it.”
Edge wiped at one eye. “Beautiful.”
River nodded. “Threatening, but beautiful.”
The officiant sighed happily. “That’s romance, folks.”
Sienna looked mortified. “Please continue before I change my mind.”
The officiant lifted his little booklet. “By the power vested in me by the great state of Nevada, and by the questionable judgment of everyone in this room, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Sienna went rigid.
Because we both knew what came next.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Every man in the room leaned forward like this was a title fight.
Sienna’s face flushed scarlet. “Absolutely not.”
Edge groaned. “Come on.”
Regan snapped her fingers at him. “Shut up.”
I turned toward Sienna slowly, keeping my hands where she could see them.
Name only.
She’d said it enough times to make sure I understood.
I understood.
Didn’t mean I didn’t want.
Didn’t mean my whole body wasn’t locked down tight, fighting the pull of her standing there in that little white dress with red lips and shaking hands and more courage than anyone I’d ever known.
I bent just enough that only she could hear me.
“Your call, baby.”
Her eyes lifted to mine.
For one heartbeat, two, three, she didn’t move.
Then she muttered, “Ceremonial only.”
“Understood.”
“And brief.”
“Of course.”
“And no hands wandering.”
I looked down at my hands, then back at her. “I’ll behave.”
