“And a ring.” He winks.

  Logan links her arm through mine and leans in close. “I’ve been there, and trust me, it’s just easier to let them do it. Pick and choose your battles. They’re all this way, feeling like they need to provide and protect. On the outside, you see inked-up rockers, but when you really get to know them, they’re just a group of teddy bears,” she whispers.

  “What’s that?” Kacen asks.

  “Nothing, dear. We should get going. We have to pack, and it’s almost time for this one to eat.” She bounces Drew in her arms.

  “Thank you for today,” I tell her, realizing that I need to add all the bags in the back of my new SUV to the list of recent purchases.

  “Pick your battles,” she reminds me again, reading my mind. “Let him have his fun. He’s excited.”

  I just smile and nod. What else can I do? It’s his money, after all.

  We landed in Hawaii yesterday afternoon. Lauren was exhausted from the flight, but insisted she walk around some. She did that every so often on the plane as well, something about blood clots.

  We didn’t even bother going to our bungalow upon arrival. Instead, I tipped the bellhop and we took a stroll on the beach. The sun was setting and there were very few people milling around, but I wore a hat and sunglasses just in case. Lauren isn’t to the point of getting noticed yet. Although, after this weekend she will be.

  When we finally made it to our bungalow, she commented on how romantic our stroll on the beach was, and for a minute I thought maybe I should’ve waited to ask her to marry me here. But then I remember her tears, the smile, the way her brown eyes sparkled, and it was our moment. In our new home. It was us.

  “Hey, you about ready?” Lauren asks.

  “Yep, just need my flip-flops,” I say, digging through my bag that I have yet to unpack. I find them, drop them to the floor, and slide them on my feet. When I turn to face her, I freeze. She’s in a green dress that shows off her baby bump. I’ve seen it—hell, I’ve had my hands and my mouth all over it—but this is the first time she’s dressed to show it off. “You’re gorgeous.”

  She blushes. “Not going to be able to hide it much longer.”

  “Don’t.” I pull her into me. “Don’t ever hide it. That’s our love, Ren. Nothing to be ashamed of.”

  “Your fans—”

  I cut her off with a kiss.

  “Are my fans. You are my life, as is this baby. They’ll be happy that I’m happy. Look at Kace and Cole.”

  “Yeah, there were some not-so-nice comments for the two of them.”

  “Keyboard warriors. Fuck them. Never let anything you read or hear come into what we have. This is us, Ren, and no one else. That’s all that matters.”

  “We have a wedding to get to.” She looks up at me, her eyes sparkling.

  I kiss her softly. “That we do, baby. That we do.”

  We make our way down to the beach, my mind racing as to when I’m going to tell her about our wedding. Her parents arrive tomorrow, and our wedding is the following day. Sometime today, I need to come clean.

  Taking our seats, I watch as Cole stands before us, eyes glued to where Stacy and her father will be walking down the sandy aisle any minute.

  I know the minute he sees her—he goes to run his fingers through is hair, but his man bun gets in the way. Clasping his hands in front of him, he grins, not taking his eyes off her. I’m just about to look away to see Stacy when he lifts his hand and wipes the corner of my eye. It’s hard for me to believe that Cole is getting married, that I’m having a baby and getting married the day after tomorrow. If she’ll have me.

  When Stacy reaches Cole, her dad says something just for them. Cole nods and takes her hand in his. Leaning in, he kisses her cheek. Lauren tightens her hold on my hand that’s resting in her lap, entwined with hers.

  “You okay?” I whisper.

  She nods, her eyes glassy with tears, and gives me a watery smile. “I’m happy for them.”

  Placing my lips next her ear, I whisper, “I want that. Here with you, this week, I want that.”

  Her eyes go wide, and she glances back at Cole and Stacy, who are exchanging rings. “Here?” she mouths.

  “This week,” I mouth back.

  Her attention is again pulled back to our friends as cheers break out amongst our small group. Cole has Stacy tipped back, kissing the hell out of her. I place two fingers in my mouth and whistle loudly. Cole swoops in and lifts her in the air, then rushes down the aisle. We’re all supposed to head to a private room here at the villa for a small gathering.

  I wait until everyone is cleared out before standing, Lauren following my lead.

  Taking her face in my hands, I make sure that I have her full attention. “Marry me while we’re here.” It’s not a question.

  “My parents.”

  “They arrive tomorrow. Stacy and Logan planned it all, so all you have to do is show up.”

  “A dress?.”

  “Logan. Apparently you tried on something very beach-wedding appropriate but put it back due to the cost. Logan grabbed it and it’s in their room.”

  “Tristan, I told you, we don’t have to do this. There’s no rush.”

  “You see, that’s where you’re wrong. The rush is calling you my wife. I fell in love with you slowly, then spent so much time longing to be with you. I don’t ever want to be away from you again. The best way I know how to do that is to marry you. This week, here in Hawaii.”

  “But it’s Stacy and Cole’s special week. We can’t take away from that,” she counters.

  “I asked them first. They’re on board. Hell, they would’ve let us get married today. Say yes, Ren.”

  She nods, more tears falling.

  “That a yes?”

  “Yes,” she whispers as my lips claim hers.

  I reluctantly pull away after a few seconds and we head to the small reception to celebrate one of my brothers and his new wife. My day will be here soon enough.

  The wedding was beautiful—what part of it I actually got to see. Apparently my fiancé had other plans. I can’t believe we’re getting married in less than forty-eight hours.

  These past few weeks have been a whirlwind for me: the pregnancy, telling Tristan, him accepting me and the baby with open arms, the house, moving to Nashville, the engagement, and now this. An outsider looking in might say we’re rushing things, but I know him. Better than I know myself, in some respects.

  I can’t believe I ever thought he would reject me or the baby. I know that’s not the kind of man he is. Fear makes you do stupid things. I’m just glad I only waited two weeks; any longer and I’m not so sure he could’ve forgiven me as easily.

  “Tired?” Tristan asks as we walk back to our bungalow.

  “It’s been a long day,” I say, covering a yawn.

  “That is has,” he agrees, opening the door for me.

  I drop my shoes and start taking off my jewelry. “I need a shower.”

  “Let me.” His hot breath caresses my neck as he slowly lowers the zipper on the side of my dress, letting it fall and pool at my feet.

  I’m wearing a matching emerald-green lace bra and panty set. It’s sexy and with the way my bump’s growing, I won’t be able to wear it much longer. My breasts are already spilling out of the cups. His hands slowly trail up my back, and I shiver. He releases the clasp of my bra and I take a breath. I didn’t realize how uncomfortable it was until this moment.

  “Lauren,” he says disapprovingly. “You can’t wear that anymore, babe.” Guiding me to stand in front of the mirror that hangs over a small table in our bungalow, he raises my arms. “Look.” He points out deep red marks from my bra.

  “I know, but I just wanted to be sexy for you. You know, before I blow up like a balloon.”

  Standing behind me, he places his large hand over my baby bump. “You know what’s sexy? Knowing that a part of me is growing inside of you. That a little piece of each of us is going to be here in just a few short months. No lingerie is going to be able to complete with that.”

  “How do you do that? How do you always know what to say?”

  “I say what I feel. No bullshit with us, Lauren. I’ve never been one to pull punches. I don’t see the point in leaving you guessing when I can just tell you. You’re beautiful, and I love you, and our baby. Nothing trumps that, Ren. Nothing.”

  Turning in his arms, I wrap mine around his neck and pull his mouth to mine. He lifts me and I wind my legs around his waist. He holds my weight like it’s nothing, something he won’t be able to do in the coming months. He takes control and slows the pace, kissing me torturously slow.

  When he finally pulls away and rests his forehead against mine, we’re both breathless.

  “I lose my head with you.”

  “I was going to shower,” I remind him.

  “Right.” He gently lowers me to the ground. Once I’m steady on my feet, he kneels before me and slips my panties over my hips and down my legs. Bracing myself on his shoulders, I lift one leg and then the other before stepping out of them. He kisses my belly and stands back to his full height.

  “I’ll be quick.” After being in that tight bra, and out in the sun with the sand, I just need to wash off the grime of the day before bed.

  Stepping under the hot spray, I immediately begin to relax as it massages my sore muscles. Tilting my head back, I close my eyes and let the water soak my hair.

  That’s when I feel him.

  The shower is huge and doesn’t have a curtain or door, just a glass wall. His hands rest on my hips and he pulls me into him. Slowly I open my eyes and am shocked by the intensity in his. We stand there, in the steaming shower, not saying a word. Tristan reaches out and cups my face, bringing his lips to mine. He begins to make love to my mouth, slowly swirling his tongue against mine, nipping and sucking at my lips. It’s unlike any other kiss we’ve ever shared. I feel him in every fiber of my being.

  He pulls away but no words are exchanged; instead he turns us so the spray is on his back and my back is to him. His hands on my shoulders begin to work out all the kinks before traveling down my arms until he links our hands together. His front presses against my back, his wet skin aligned with mine as he crosses our arms in front of me. His lips find my neck, where he traces the slope with his tongue.

  I can feel his hard length pressed against my back, and it’s turning me on like nothing ever has. Pulling away, I step forward and lean over, bracing my hands on the built-in bench seat.

  “I want you,” I say over my shoulder.

  His hands are in fists at his sides as his eyes take their fill of me. I’m ready to stand, thinking I read him wrong, when his strong hands grip my waist.

  “You want me?” His voice is rough with desire.

  “More than anything,” I confess.

  Turing back toward the wall, I close my eyes and just feel as he runs himself over me, then slowly, painfully so, pushes inside.

  “Fuck,” he groans. “Never,” he pants, holding still, his grip on my hips tight. “Fuck, Ren, I’ve never been bare. I’m not going to last. I can’t fucking move.”

  I tilt my hips, forcing him to go deeper, and I moan. “I need more,” I gasp, knowing it’s not going to take much for me either.

  “You sure?” he asks, swiveling his hips.

  “So s-sure,” I moan when he pulls out, then thrusts back in immediately. “Yes!” I need this, need him just like this.

  That must be all the encouragement he needs. He leans over me, his chest against my back. Keeping one hand on my hip, the other slides around under and finds my clit. He’s relentless as he presses his thumb just where I need him. I can feel myself building, higher and higher.

  “I need more,” I manage to get out between pants.

  “I need you there, Ren. Fuck, I need you there, because it’s going to be fast.”

  “I’m there!” I shout as he pinches my clit with his thumb and forefinger. I’m not sure how he manages to hold on to me with one hand, but the next thing I know, he pulls out and slams home. I brace myself on the bench and let the sensations wash over me.

  “There,” I croak, but I’m not sure he hears me from the slapping of wet skin, the water still falling, and our combined moans.

  “Yes!” I scream as my body pulses and detonates around him.

  Two more swift pumps and he’s roaring behind me with his own release.

  Without losing our connection, he sits on the bench, pulling me on his lap and burying his face in my neck. “I love you, Lauren. Every fucking part of you.”

  “I love you too,” I say, leaning my head back against his shoulder. We sit there with him still inside of me while we catch our breath.

  “Shit, did I hurt you? The baby? Damnit, I was so consumed with you that I forgot. I’m sorry. Are you—”

  “I’m fine, and the baby is fine. Sex is natural. Unless there are issues with the pregnancy, we’re free to have a healthy sex life up until I deliver.”

  “You’re sure? Should we take you to get checked out?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “I’ll be more careful next time.”

  “Don’t. You didn’t hurt me.”

  “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

  We stand and I hate the loss of connection. Tristan lathers my body, then washes and conditions my hair. I take my turn washing every inch of him. It’s a novelty that’s new to us, but one I plan on repeating often.

  He is going to be my husband, after all.

  Today’s the day. My wedding day.

  I can’t help but shake my head. A year ago, when I met Lauren, I knew she was different, but never did I think for a second that this is where we would end up. Ironically, this is exactly where I want to be. It’s amazing what the love a good woman can do for a man.

  “You ready, man?” Gavin asks.

  “Do you even need to ask that question?” I counter.

  He holds his hands up, laughing. “No disrespect, brother. Just a lot of changes really fucking fast.”

  “For you it’s really fast. For us, it’s been a year. It’s not too fast, and I’ve never been more ready for anything.”

  “She’s one of the good ones.”

  “What about you, G? You ready to give up the bachelor lifestyle?”

  “Honestly, I would follow you fuckers down the path of marital bliss without a second thought, if I were to find one of the good ones.”

  “Haven’t you?” I challenge him. I may have been wrapped up in Lauren this past year, but I’ve noticed he’s no longer going out and hooking up either. Something is up with him.

  “Doesn’t count if they don’t want you.”

  “So make her change her mind.”

  Gavin laughs humorlessly. “Trust me, I’ve pulled out all the stops, insistent that we should be together. She disagrees.”

  “There’s a story there.”

  “Yeah,” he agrees, not elaborating.

  I don’t push, knowing he’ll tell me when he’s ready.

  “How much longer?” I ask Gavin, and he lets out a real, deep belly laugh this time.

  “You got fifteen more minutes before you have to be on the beach.”

  “Fuck waiting, let’s go.” I stand, slip her wedding band in my pocket, and we’re on our way.

  Lauren and the girls are in our room, so I got ready in Gavin’s. Not that I had much to do. I’m wearing khaki shorts and a white long-sleeve shirt, sleeves rolled up to my elbows. Nothing over the top, just me and my girl, changing her name, and living happily ever after.

  When Gav and I get to the beach, it’s covered in purple roses of all shades—that was the one thing I told Stacy and Logan I had to have. They did well.

  I stop and say hello to my parents, who just met Lauren for the first time yesterday but love her already. I hadn’t called to tell them about the baby, just invited them to the wedding. To say Mom was ecstatic is an understatement.

  Moving on, I stop next to my future in-laws. “Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, thank you for coming today.”

  “She’s our little girl,” her mom says with watery eyes.

  “Be good to her, Tristan,” her dad tells me.

  “No other way to be, sir. Ren and the baby are my number one, always,” I assure him. I’m sure I’m not what they wanted for their precious daughter, but I can provide for my family and give them more love than they know what to do with. I’ll prove to them that Lauren did the right thing taking a chance on me. “I love her,” I add, because I can’t seem to say it enough.

  “That’s all we ask. Love her right.”

  “Always.” I shake his hand, then find my way to the front of our guests.

  I’m getting antsy, debating on going to the room and carrying her down here. I’m ready to do just that when I see Stacy come down the aisle and tap Lauren’s dad on the shoulder.

  Showtime.

  Stacy and Logan come in a few minutes later and take their seats. When Lauren and her father appear at the end of the aisle, my heart literally skips a beat. The dress is thin, white and flowing, but with the breeze of the ocean, it’s molding to her baby bump. I stand still, choking back the emotion clogging my throat while I watch my entire world walk toward me.

  Lauren’s dad leads her to me, stopping just a few feet away. “Take care of her, son. Love her as if she’s the air you breathe,” he tells me, his voice thick with emotion.

  I can’t imagine, if our baby is a little girl, giving her over to another man. He’s going to have to prove his worth. I realize I’ve not done that yet. But I will. I’ll show them that no one can love her better than me.

  “With every breath I take.”

  He nods and places her hands in mine.

  “Hey, beautiful.” I bring her hands to my lips and kiss her knuckles.

  “Hi,” she says with a watery smile.

  We opted to keep it simple with traditional vows—it’s not like I gave her a lot of notice to prepare anything. After we say, “I do,” it’s time for the rings. I have a diamond band for her that matches the band of her engagement ring, and we chose a black titanium band for me.