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He wrinkles his nose and scratches the top of his head. “Am I creepy?”

I burst out laughing and stand on my toes so I can wrap my arms around him. “No! That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Okay, glad you think it’s sweet and not serial killer-ish.” He leans down and whispers, “Now shut up and kiss me, Mel.” His warm breath and lips against my ear sends a shiver down my spine.

I tilt my head to look at him, taking in those familiar grey-blue eyes and scruff-covered jaw. I can’t believe this man is going to be mine for life. Leaning forward, I gently brush my lips against his, savoring this moment.

His hands go to my waist and pull me tight against him. Our height difference causes me to crane my neck and stand on my tippy-toes, making it impossible for me to get as close as I’d like.

West must be a mind-reader because he hoists me up so I can wrap my legs around his waist. He bites my bottom lip, making me gasp. I can feel his smile against my mouth and I can’t help but smile as well.

Before I even realize he was walking, he has moved us into the kitchen and sets me down on the counter, but keeps his arms around my waist and continues exploring my lips with his. West slows our kisses and pulls back a few inches. I groan at the loss of his warmth, making him chuckle.

“Gotta save some of that for the wedding night, Mel.” He waggles his index finger and shakes his head like he’s reprimanding me, and I roll my eyes.

I groan. “Can we just elope right now?”

West leans his forehead against mine and sighs. “I’d love that. But I have a feeling our families would be a little unhappy if we excluded them.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” I agree. “But I’m so tired of saying goodbye to you each night. I want to kiss you goodnight and fall asleep right by your side.”

He pulls back and his eyes are dark. “Oh, I definitely want you right beside me, but I have a few things in mind that would be way more fun than sleep.”

My body heats and I’m positive I’m blushing like never before.

Hesitantly, West takes a step back, putting a little distance between us. My eyes probably look so feral he thinks I’m going to jump him right here in this empty house.

Speaking of house… He holds his arms out and does a slow spin around he empty room. “So, what do you think of our new house?”

“Wait, this is ours?” My eyebrows raise as I glance around the large space. I’m seeing the cabin with a fresh outlook now, filled with furniture, West and I cozied up by the fireplace after putting our children to bed.

“I love it.”

West beams at me for a moment, eyeing me quizzically from top to bottom.

“What?” I demand. “You’re being weird.”

He rubs his chin the places his fists on his hips. “Something’s missing.”

I hold up my left hand to flash my sparkly ring. “Isn’t this all I need?”

He tilts his head back and laughs before walking toward the nearest kitchen cabinet and opening it. “I know what you need.”

West pulls a red jersey from the cabinet and comes back with a mischievous grin that makes him look boyish and adorable. That’s when I notice the number on his jersey, and the one he’s carrying isn’t his signature number 22. Instead, the shoulders are embellished with heart patches. He hands me the jersey he’s carrying and I see it matches his own.

“Look at the back.” He crosses his arms and waits expectantly.

I flip the shirt and start laughing so hard I can barely breathe. He laughs with me and spins so I can see the back of his red jersey says “Wesanie” just like mine does.

Once I can finally speak again, I say, “I don’t know whether to be amused or humiliated.”

He grimaces. “Hopefully amused… because everyone will be here in a few minutes and they’re wearing these jerseys.”

My eyes widen. “Who’s everyone??”

* * *

An hour later, we’re surrounded by friends and family, all donning their Wesanie jerseys.