Wren sighed as she sank even deeper into his arms, her cheek resting against his chest.
It had been an incredible day, watching his brother and best friend marry the love of his life. Grayson had served as best man, and staring out into the seats, seeing Wren sitting there surrounded by his family, opened his eyes to just how much he wanted the same thing his brother had. And just like Maverick, he wanted it all yesterday.
Grayson glanced across the floor and spotted Maverick with his new bride, the two of them staring at each other like the world started and ended in that gaze. Damn, could he relate.
His duties as best man were over—the ring handed over, the toast given, the aluminum cans tied to the bumper of Maverick’s car. Not that the couple had far to drive, considering they were spending tonight in their own cabin. The official honeymoon would start tomorrow, when they flew to Turks and Caicos for a week of sun and fun and endless sex.
As the song ended, Wren pulled away slightly, looking up at him.
“Want to take a breather?” she asked.
“Want to go home?” he countered. The reception was winding down. A lot of the older guests had already packed it in and headed home, and if Wren was waiting for his family to call it quits, she was in for a damn long evening. Storm parties tended to last until the wee hours.
“Are you sure?” she asked, making it clear she was worn out on socializing too. Unlike their party-animal siblings, Grayson and Wren were most content on the nights where they stayed in, watching TV and chilling on the couch. It was just one of a million ways they fit together.
He nodded, taking her hand and leading her to their table. He picked up his suit jacket, slipping it on—dancing was hot work—before helping her into her own coat. Despite it being December, the weather was more chilly than freezing, feeling more like fall than early winter.
“Should we say goodbye?” she asked.
Grayson shot her a “seriously?” look, leaving her question unanswered.
Wren gave him an adorable salute. “The Irish goodbye it is,” she joked.
“You’re a quick learner. It’s either sneak out, or we spend fifteen minutes listening to your sister and Remi listing all the reasons why we should stay, then calling us lame for cutting out so early.” Lark had moved into the third farmhouse with Nora and Remi, and his cousins were having way too much fun with their new roommate.
Grayson wrapped his arm around Wren’s shoulder. Maverick caught his eye as they headed to the exit of the event barn, giving him a knowing nod and quick wave.
He led her to his truck, helping her in. There weren’t too many places on the farm that Grayson didn’t simply walk to, but the Nook was right on the edge of being too far. Especially since the route was all uphill. Given the fact Wren was in heels and a nice dress, and it was a cool night, he’d opted to drive.
They made the short trip without talking, both of them letting the newfound silence surround them. Like him, Wren found comfort in the quiet moments, and after hours of nonstop laughing, talking, and loud music, they needed a few minutes to reboot.
Grayson considered the wedding they’d just left. The women had outdone themselves, decorating the barn like a winter wonderland for the reception. The large space was elegant and warm, and Grayson couldn’t help but wonder if they’d be up to doing the same thing for him and Wren…maybe in a month or two.
He chuckled under his breath, the sound capturing Wren’s attention after they reached the cabin and climbed out of the truck.
“Something funny?” she asked, as they walked up the stairs of the front porch.
He considered brushing off her question, because they were in the very early days of this relationship. However, since declaring his love for her, Grayson hadn’t once held back his thoughts and feelings. This woman owned his soul, and as such, he wanted her to know every single crazy thing that crossed his mind.
“I was wondering how quickly my family could plan another wedding. Because I liked the winter theme of this one, and I sure as hell don’t want to wait a year to do it again for our reception.”
Wren stumbled a step in the middle of the porch before coming to a complete stop. “You’re planning our wedding?” she asked. “And you want it to be in the next month or two?”
He studied her face, wondering if he’d been a bit too honest.
Especially considering he had an engagement ring in his pocket.
He’d gone with Maverick earlier in the week to pick up his brother’s wedding rings at the jewelry store. Maverick had caught him staring at the engagement rings and told him to pull his finger out and buy one.
Grayson had scoffed at first—until he’d spotted one that he knew he had to buy. The beautiful, understated ring had been made for Wren. It had a classic emerald-cut diamond set in platinum with a hidden halo of small micro-diamonds underneath the main stone.
Before he could question himself, he’d texted Lark, asking for Wren’s ring size, lying and saying he wanted to buy her a ring with her birthstone for Christmas. He wasn’t completely sure Lark bought it, but she’d texted back the size instantly, which Grayson took as proof Wren’s twin was giving their relationship her blessing.
He hadn’t planned to give her the ring so soon—and not without asking her father for permission first—but tonight felt…right.
So he nodded in response to her question about planning their wedding, refusing to back down.
Wren studied his face closely, and he let her read the sincerity in his gaze.
