Page 67 of About That Rule

“I actually just pretended to take it and gave my shot to Noah,” she admitted.

Nate walked back to her and used the water on her nightstand to take the medicine.

“So, it’s just me who feels like shit?” he asked, lying back down.

“I had to drive,” she defended. “I also didn’t want a hangover when we told our families we got married.”

“Smart.” Nate rolled over to his side, trying to grab Samantha back to him. “Come back to bed with me.”

“Nope. I’m getting ready then reading until we have to go.”

“Bookworm,” he teased.

“Always,” Samantha said before leaving him in bed. It was time for her to get ready.

IT WAS CLOSEto three when they arrived at Charlotte and Jason’s parents’ house, where Thanksgiving was being held this year. Dinner started at four, but Nate wanted to have time with his friends before he dropped the marriage bomb.

Everything was going well, and now they were all seated at tables going from the kitchen to the dining room to fit everyone. Patrick, Charlotte and Jason’s father, stood up to make an announcement for dinner. This was one of the traditions. Each year, dinner rotated houses, and the host always made a toast before they started to eat.

“This year, we’ve had much to celebrate. Our health, our family, and the surprise marriage of Charlie and Rafe.”

Jason started to laugh, and Gabriella punched him in the shoulder. It would have been funny to Nate if the other surprise wedding his parents didn’t know about was his.

“We are surrounded by love,” Patrick continued on. “I am thankful for all we have and excited for the years to come as our families grow. Would anyone else like to add anything?”

Typically, no one said anything else, then they would cheers, take a sip of whatever they were drinking, and start the procession to get to the food set up on a long table in the living room. This was the perfect opportunity for Nate to speak up, but for the first time, he was scared shitless at how Samantha’s parents were going to react.

Jason, always the prankster, said, “Nate or Samantha, nothing comes to mind?”

Nate gave his friend the middle finger before standing up, making his mother scold him. He didn’t respond. He was sure getting married and not telling anyone for three months was going to have a bigger reaction than him telling his friend to fuck off.

“I do have some news to share,” Nate announced.

“Same,” Samantha agreed as she stood up too, looping her arm through his.

“Oh my god, are you guys dating?” shrieked his mom.

“You could say that…” Jason was gloating behind his wine glass.

“Seriously, man, shut up,” Nate swatted back.

Samantha smiled, and it calmed him down. She had that effect on him. He was ready to talk again. “We will always be dating.”

“They’re talking long-term.” Samantha’s mom fanned herself. “I never thought my little girl would ever commit.”

“Could everyone stop interrupting us?” Samantha asked sweetly.

He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm. Everyone at the table awed, and that was enough reassurance for him.

“Sammy and I got married about three months ago,” he told everyone, his eyes locked with Samantha’s. “We couldn’t be happier and hope we have your support.”

“You got married!” Both sets of parents shouted at the same time before standing up and rushing to give them hugs.

As it turned out, no one was bothered about their rush wedding. In fact, they all were happy they found love. Bottles of champagne were popped as they answered tons of questions about how they fell in love, when they got married, where they will live, the whole gambit.

It was the best Thanksgiving yet.