Sometime in the future that Alaina and Ember dwell in Ahhhh. Marriage.

Lots of big, fluffy, white fabric and people smiling, and flowers flying through the clear blue sky. And lots of sex. Thats right. And yetyou have to plan everything out. Or else nothing will go like the Kay commercials and next thing you know, your bridesmaid is puking because she still has a hangover from god knows where last night, and husband to bes great uncle-in-law is grabbing your ass and calling you sweet cheeks. Yeahhhnot so much my dream wedding. Grumbling, but still unable to go to sleep, I tossed and turned slowly (and painfully), until I was still and heard the deep, steady breathing of said husband to be. My eyes popped open. Stupid, I mumbled again, frustrated that after three rounds two hours ago, Tad was somehow STILL sleeping. I mean, yeah, hes probably got to recover, but really? Its not like he was comatose. Hell, I was up. I carefully turned over on my side, and stared at him. Sunlight was just streaming, and the light danced across his sharp cheekbones and gaping mouth. His hair was adorably mussed, probably from the activities of the night before, and I could make out the smooth muscle underneath the sheets. He looked so peaceful and happy, and I almost felt bad about what I was going to do. Carefully lifting my arms and wincing, I reached out, as if to touch his cheek tenderlyAnd I pushed him off the bed. Wha- THUD. His groan reverberated through the room, and I heard him curse and mumble. When he popped back on the bed again, his face was not so peaceful anymore. What the hell, Alaina?! You couldnt have squashed the impulse to almost kill me? I rolled my eyes. Such a drama queen. Oh whatever, I said. You needed to wake up. He glanced at the clock. Its been two hours, he stated flatly.

Two and a half, I replied petulantly. He sat up on the bed and rubbed his side. His naked side. I could have broken a bone or something, he accused, eyes narrowing. I scoffed. You broke my lower half of my body. His expression changed to an amused one. Really? He asked, looking almost, wait for it-PROUD. I shoved him off the bed again. Ow! Dammit, woman! Do that again and I swear- I sat up and glared at him. What? I demanded. He glared at me for a split second before leaping up to the bed and caging me in his arms. Sadly, the only response I was capable of was a squeak. Or else-and I cant believe Im saying this, but Ill have sex with you again. And we both youre not capable of resisting me. I scoffed again, rolling my eyes. You know, you should never assume-ohhhh, Taaaad Stupid traitorous hormones that were currently lighting up like a billboard as his hand gently traced circles in my thigh. My shattered thigh. I shoved him again, and he caught my hands. Stop, I all but begged. I cant handle anymore. His eyes glittered and he smirked. But thats what you always say, he said. Right before you come. I glared at him and freed myself. We need to talk about the wedding, I said, eliciting a groan from him. Its in two months, and I just think we need to work the details out. He plopped down next to me, and I hurriedly rearranged the sheet so thered be a cotton barrier between us. Youve talked to your bridesmaids, Ive talked to my groomsmen, youve booked the place, hired a wedding planner, gave her your phone number and work number-hell, you meet with her every hour. What the hell else could there possibly be to plan? I shook my head sadly at him. Such a man. He probably thought my boobs were really going to be huge without the help of the beautiful science of the push-up at our wedding, too. Not that it really mattered, since I was pretty sure he was already well-acquainted with them. I sighed and lied back against the headboard. Yes, I agreed. But I just want to run the whole thing again, so that everything can be- Perfectly smooth and organized, he

finished. He propped his elbow up. Yeah, youve said that about five million times now. I sighed. Ok, but- He suddenly covered my mouth with his hand. His giant, warm, hand. Grrrr. Stupid distractions. Ok, Im gonna stop you right there. You need to relax. And going shopping again while I think of all the different ways to kill myself is not the proper way to relax, love. I pushed his hand away and frowned. I thought I told you I dont find that endearment sexy. He rolled his eyes. Fine, thats out. For the record, I had the most obnoxious British client last week who kept saying that to my secretary, so thats probably where I picked it up. Ahh. Well, you sound like a douche bag. Thank you for your input, darling. Mmm. Still a little bit douchey. Remind me why Im marrying you? I lightly punched him on the chest, and he chuckled before pulling me into him. His nice, smooth, warm, chest. Mmmm Pour champagne on Megans bellybutton and slowly lick it off I snapped back to reality and gaped. Thaddeus James Nichols! What in hell are you saying? He smirked down at me. Just checking to see if you were paying attention. Which you werent. He reached out to tap my nose, but I ducked in time. Not funny, I huffed. Megan, unfortunately, was a slim 20 something red head straight out of an Ivy league college with a degree in blah blah blah. The important thing was, she was smarter than me, more capable to help Tad, and more than willing. Not to mention, she was freaking gorgeous. Like, she used to be a model gorgeous. Hell, she was basically a dead ringer for Scarlett Johanssen. Complete with boobs and a curvy shape. Bitch. My oblivious fiance just laughed. Come on, I thought we were over the Megan thing. I peered at him and poked his chest. Hey to you shes Ms. Langlos, I reminded him. He sighed. How many times do I have to tell you that I would never go for her type? And besides, its not like shes ever flirted with me or anything.

I gaped at him. Could the man be more blind? She spilled something on a white blouse three times within one week, I accused. And she always seems to be dropping things. Which means bending over. Or leaning down. So, Im sorry if I dont think shes not interested. He just rubbed my back soothingly. Yeah, ok, so shes not the most subtle person in the world- I snorted. But I swear, shes not you. I looked at him disbelievingly. Yeah, because Im not a gorgeous ex-model from Harvard! He winced. Ok, let me try that again. He gently tipped my chin up and held it secure as I tried to wiggle free. Stupid, melty dark chocolate eyes. Yeah, she might be hot or whatever. But she doesnt make me laugh. She doesnt get that when Im pissed and want to be left alone, I actually want to vent to someone. She doesnt make me worried as all hell when she coughs. And she definitely doesnt give me that safe, complete, nirvana-like feeling when Im with her. Hmph. Well, okay. I guess I was overreacting He cocked his head sideways and contemplated out loud, But she does look rather good in pencil skirts. Ok, thats it. I made a move to get out of bed, and he cracked up. Ok, ok, that was me being stupid. But seriously, the position is yours if you want it. Ha. As if Id want to be around you 24/7. His eyes darkened again. Oh, I dont know, he speculated. Im sure youll find that I have some rather unique but satisfying ways of getting things done. I shot him a look. I am not giving up eight years of med school and internship to be your sex slave. He just smirked. You could work part-time. Heck, even volunteers are critical to every companys success too. I snickered. What would I be volunteering? My presentation skills? He grinned, catching up with the innuendo game. Why, yes, actually. Youd be surprised how much companies value assistants with excellent oral skills. My mouth twitched, and I tried not to laugh. Well, then, I said, as if pondering it. Do you need any other references? He slowly made his way to me again, and I realized we had both been inching towards each other since the game began. Actually, no, youre not required to have an extensive experience. At Nichols & Co, were more than happy to teach you all you need to know. So you just need to be able to take instruction easily.

I almost died from that one. But old habits die hard. Huh, I said, twirling my hair now, really settling into my bimbo role. I dont know, I said breathlessly. I think Im usually pretty obedient, but sometimes, I think I can be a little naughty. I looked up and widened my eyes before pouting. Does that mean Ill be puni- About 180 pounds of muscle attacked me then, eliciting a shriek from me. I burst out laughing as Tad growled against my neck. Get off of me, you animal, I said, mock-angry. He ignored me, going lower, lower, lower Ow! He jumped back, startled. Did-did you just, bite me? I got up slowly and did a smirk of my own. You attacked me, I stated simply. Besides, you know Ive got a small vampire fetish. He blinked at me for a second, then buried his head in his hands and groaned. Why do I find that arousing? I laughed and leaned into his shoulder. Because Ive corrupted you, I replied, smiling. He shook his head and looked at me, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Youre sadistic, he observed. Youre annoying, I replied back, sticking my tongue at him. He laughed now, and picked me up into his lap, frowning when I winced. Did I really hurt you? He asked, concerned. I huffed. Well, you definitely bruised my hips, I complained. But-Im pretty sure I left scratches on your back again. He looked at me disbelievingly. Again? Geez, woman, you have got to get over your obsession with certain outfits. My mouth dropped open. You were wearing a sweater over an Oxford shirt with the collar sticking out and the sleeves rolled up! You know what that does to me! Yeah, well, what was up with the Daisy Duke outfit the other day? He asked accusingly. Oh please, I rolled my eyes. It was 90 degrees. What was I supposed to do, stay naked under covers? His eyes lit up, but I quickly interjected, With the AC on? He just laughed again and yawned. As fascinating as this conversation is, why is it keeping me from sleep again? I sighed, and drew figure eights on his wrist. I just want to go over the wedding again. I want to get married and be done with it. I dont want to keep waiting because it feels more and more like- I stopped, trying to stop the flood of emotion threatening to break my composure. Tad lifted my chin up and stared at me, concerned now. Yeah, okay, but laugh at me when half of my lower body is paralyzed? Alaina, you dont have to rush. No one is going to threaten this wedding or whatever, or

us, for that matter. We are not going to end up like your parents, and be bad parents. Were going to get married, under a clear blue sky, with all the doves singing and shit, and have everyone smiling at us while the only thing Ill be thinking is, Where the fuck is the open bar? I sniffed a little and punched him again. The big jerk. -Okay, so not exactly. But with that many people, I sure as hell wont be completely sober, I can tell you that. I just- He cupped my face and froze. I wish we could just go to some isolated place and saw our vows and have it be official without everyone watching. Then we could just relax and enjoy whats gonna be the start of the rest of our lives together and just-not think about anything but each other. Sigh. And there it was-the reason why I fell for this man. But at the same time- his expressed darkened, and turned almost animalistic. I want everyone to see that for the rest of our lives, as long as you agree, youre completely and totally mine. And no one, not even Morgan Freeman himself, can change that. Damn, where were the freaking tissues? I smiled at him (albeit with a watery expression), and simply said, I do. He touched his forehead against mine, and I felt the same warm, smooth honey feeling that poured inside of me everywhere, like the warm rays of sunshine on a lazy afternoon. I do, too. He kissed me slowly, a physical manifestation of everything hed just said, and I couldnt think of a single reason of how this could be fake. How he could be trying to hurt me. Oh, I love you, I said softly. Its almost scary. He smiled against my cheek. Yeah, I was past that point months ago. Eventually you get to a point where you just accept it and hope it never goes away. Kinda like- Kick. Damn! I said, clutching my stomach. Tads eyes lit up and his hands gently placed on my stomach. Did he kick again? Tell me where it is! I shot a look at him. Her. Remember? The doctor verified it two days ago. Yeah, yeah, he said excitedly. Where was it? I sighed and gently moved his hand so he could feel where his daughter just karate kicked me. Mood killer. He laughed out loud. Oh my God! I felt it! God-I- And I couldnt help but grin too,

watching him completely, blissfully, unaware of anything but his family. And mine. He kissed me, hard, again, and stared at me, a bit astounded. Hmmm. Clearly someone missed health class . Youre freaking amazing, he said breathlessly. You know that? I smirked. Of course I do. I tolerate you, dont I? His exuberant attitude didnt fade. Instead, he tapped my nose playfully and said, Till death do us part. I picked up his arms and wrapped them around me, breathing in his comfortable, unique scent. Ditto.