16. Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Fifteen
Murphy
T he sun sets over the lake behind the happy bride and groom as they say their wedding vows, and it’s a sight to behold. All the colors reflect off the smooth, shimmering water to create a stunning backdrop while a happily wagging dog brings the rings to the joyful couple.
It’s perfect. It’s picturesque. And I only have eyes for the woman standing directly across from me.
Thin tendrils of her blond hair have escaped the big, fancy hair thing she has going on. All the blue tips are completely hidden, but just that bit of wildness makes me happier—makes her look more like mine.
The ceremony drones on, and she smiles at me, our eyes locking together. It helps quiet the white noise in my head, the anxiety that stems from being around so many people. The annoyance at the itchy rented suit. Maybe when it’s our turn, I can convince her to run away with me. Get married, just the two of us.
What the fuck?
As soon as the thought flits through my mind, I want to push it back, but some things can’t be forgotten. I’ve only known her for a few days, yet somehow, she’s changed my world.
The vixen broke into my house, and now my heart will never be the fucking same. Going back to Sweetheart Falls without her seems painful, impossible—there has to be a way to get her to come with me.
The ceremony ends, and we link hands to walk back down the aisle. I barely notice the surrounding crowd, completely focused on getting Blyth somewhere alone. We have so much to talk about. I can’t just let her walk away from us without asking.
Following the wedding, the reception is all set up on the other side of Lustre Lake, and as we’re walking that way, Blyth gently tugs my arm.
“I want to show you my special place.”
“I like the sound of that.” She slaps my shoulder at the innuendo but laughs, and I follow her to the edge of the woods.
“Come on, sailor, keep up.” Her high-heeled shoes are yanked off her feet, and she swiftly darts down a narrow path. It’s getting darker by the second, twinkling stars are coming out, but since it’s the night of a new moon, there won’t be much light to see by so I hurry to keep up with her.
Chaotic troublemaker.
Before too long, the terrain becomes rocky, and she walks right out onto a large boulder. My heart thunders, worried she’ll fall right over the edge, but when I walk up, there’s much more space than I initially thought, but I tug her back against me, anyway. She just belongs in my arms. The boulder overlooks a waterfall, and little droplets splash up, creating a fine mist that envelopes us.
“This has always been my favorite place. It has just the right amount of noise, and sometimes, if you look just right, the waterfall creates rainbows everywhere. Whenever life gets too big, or my feelings become overwhelming, this place is the only thing that helps,” she shares, staring down at the reception. Twinkle lights hang all over the space, and I can barely make out servers walking around with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
“Thank you for sharing it. You’re quickly becoming that place for me,” I disclose, needing her to know how far she’s gotten under my skin.
Her head snaps toward me, and she whirls around so quickly that she nearly stumbles. Grabbing her arm, I pull her toward me, back further from the ledge.
“Jeez, Trouble, no need to give me a heart attack,” I mumble, still holding her tight against me.
“I wasn’t trying to. You just surprised me. I sort of thought tonight would mean goodbye.” The vulnerability in her voice makes it clear just how close she is to breaking, and I can’t have that. And this can’t be the end.
It’s fully dark now, no moon in sight, and even without the light, I can see into her soul. Suddenly, I feel a tug in my chest, like there’s an invisible chord wrapped around my heart that connects me to Blyth. Electricity and something more fill the air between us.
If I didn’t know better, I would say that it was magic. She gasps, hand flying to her breast as though she feels it too.
And the words pour out of me. “I know it’s a lot to ask…but would you move in with me? See where this goes? Come to Sweetheart Falls and give us a chance? If you don’t want to come with me, I’ll move here. We’ll find a way.” A rogue wind makes her hair fly forward, and I smooth it, waiting for her answer.
She swallows hard, searching my face. It takes everything in me not to fall to my knees and beg, but her answer can’t be manipulated. I need her to want this as much as I do.
“Well, I guess since my job is mobile, it would be easier for me to come to you,” she agrees, smiling up at me.
“You’ve never actually told me about your job. Just the ones you didn’t keep.” I wrack my brain but realize she’s never brought it up, and I furrow my brow.
“I sell pictures of my feet to strangers.” Blyth glares up at me as though daring me to have a problem with it. So many things click into place. Little jokes she made. The letters on her nail polish. Trouble. But the truth is, I don’t care. I love this woman and every single thing about her.
“Well then, I better step up my nail art game if that’s something you want to continue doing.”
Laughter fills the area, and I swoop down, claiming her mouth for a deep, passionate kiss that leaves us both breathless.
“I really like you, Murphy. Don’t break my heart.”
“The next wedding will be ours,” I vow.
“Oh shoot! The wedding!” she exclaims, whirling around. “I need to get back down there. I still have a speech to give!”
And with that, we head back to the party. And although I hate large crowds, itchy clothes, and leaving Sweetheart Falls, it was all worth it. Because now I’ll get to return home with my heart at my side.
We have a long way to go, but I have no doubt it will end with…
Happily Ever, Forever.