“You don’t need it. Look at you.”
“You’re trying to be nice,” I tell him with a little laugh.
“No. I’m bein’ serious. I prefer you without all that shit on anyway.”
“You do?” Most men want their women to look perfect. Christian did. He would always tell me to put on makeup, and here Tide is telling me he likes me without it.
“Yeah, I do. That shit doesn’t do anything for you, baby. You look perfect just like that.” Now tears spring to my eyes as I try to blink them away. Fucking hormones have me all over the place these days.
“Thank you.”
“I’m only tellin’ you the truth, Mylah. Now come on.” He holds his hand out to me and gladly slips mine into his. He wraps his fingers up with mine and leads me out of the room and down the hall. The dogs follow behind us, but when we make it to the main room, no one is out there. That’s unusual but I don’t say anything. I let Tide lead me out the side door toward the truck.
“Why the truck?” I ask, looking up at him.
“You’re pregnant. No bike. Besides, the dogs need a spot to ride,” he says, smiling at me as he holds the back door open for them. They both jump in before he helps me into the front.
I settle into my seat as he walks around the front of the truck and climbs in. I don’t ask any more questions as he pulls out of the parking lot and drives down the road. I take in the scenery as we make our way wherever we’re going.
“I have a surprise for you. You gotta close your eyes,” he says. I glance over at him, and he just smiles. I smile back before closing my eyes and following directions.
“What surprise?”
“I can’t tell you. Just keep your eyes closed.” I do as he says as we take a few more turns. Then the truck comes to a stop, and I hear him turn off the engine. His door closes, and then mine opens. Tide lifts me out of the truck and sets me on my feet.
“Keep them closed. Let me lead you.” I nod my head as I feel Rebel and Riley brush past me. I let Tide lead me up a few steps. Wherever we are, it’s extremely quiet, but it feels like we’re not alone. My insides leap, wondering what the hell might be happening right now.
“When I say, you can open your eyes, okay?”
“Okay.” We walk a little further until Tide stops us.
“Okay. Open them.” I open my eyes and glance around at all the guys and their old ladies sitting in chairs, smiling at us. Then I look back at Tide as he beams with happiness.
“What is this? What’s going on?”
“I told you we were gettin’ married, and it just so happens that this is our new house.” My mouth falls open as I look around once more. Everyone is laughing or talking now, and I’m just awestruck. I don’t know what to say. This is all happening so fast.
“Tide. This is too much,” I tell him.
“No, it’s perfect. We’re gettin’ married in our own house, Mylah. This is how things are supposed to be,” he says. He grabs my hands in his and holds them tightly. “We’re doin’ this right. We’re gonna do allof this right.”
Chapter 29
Tide
Maybe I am a little bossy. Maybe I am a little straightforward. I don’t see the problem with that. She went through with it. We’re officially married and lying on the floor of our new house. I can’t complain. I’ve fucked Mylah on every surface in here. I’ve made it our home.
“I don’t know what to say about all of this,” she whispers.
“Don’t say anything. We’re good, darlin’.”
“I’m married.”
“Yeah, I know you are. You’re officially mine forever,” I tell her. She turns and lays her head on my chest as I pull her in closer.
“Isn’t it weird?”
“What?”
