He whirled around toward his sister. “What? Why?”
“She’s pregnant, like four months along. Has organized a quick wedding within a couple of weeks. This thing with you and her is kind of a … done deal, but she doesn’t seem to think that. She’s assuming you’re going to dump her and run off into the sunset with someone else.” Blair rolled her eyes. “I told her I’d come and see you.”
“I’m going to her.”
“You really do love her, don’t you?”
“With all my heart.”
“That’s good, ’cause I would’ve hated to have to kick your ass for breaking her heart.” Blair sighed. “Try not to have sex. I got her hair all nice and ready.”
Blaze didn’t promise anything and made his way toward their bedroom. The ceremony was taking place on the ranch. He’d already gotten one of the guys who was able to do weddings to oversee theirs. All the paperwork was handled. Nothing could be a problem, as long his bride turned up.
He knocked on the door. “Fay, babe, it’s me.”
“Blaze, you can’t come in.”
He opened the door, but she suddenly pressed against it.
“Fay, I want to see you.”
“It’s bad luck. I don’t want you to see me in my wedding gown. Please.”
“At least you’re here.”
There was silence for several seconds. “Why wouldn’t I be here?”
“You could have left me.”
“Blaze, I’m four months pregnant with our child. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ve been in love with you my whole life. Trust me, I won’t leave. Are you … having cold feet?”
“No.”
“You didn’t even think about the question.”
“I don’t need to think about it. I love you, Fay. Love you more than anything else in the world. There is no one I want more.” He reached around the door. “Hold my hand.”
Her hand brushed his, and she locked her fingers with his.
“You have me, Fay. No one else. I’m yours. I hope you don’t forget that.”
“I’m … huge.”
“You’ve got my baby inside you, of course you’re huge.”
“Blaze, that doesn’t help a woman on her wedding day.”
“I can’t wait to see you in your dress, and tonight, I’m going to tear it off you. It doesn’t matter what you wear. I’d still marry you in a trash bag.”
“I never knew you could be so romantic.”
“I’m full of it. Now, I’m going to head downstairs. It’s nice and warm outside, and I’m going to wait for you.”
“Okay.”
“I love you, Fay Griffin.”
“I love you too.”
He gave her hand a squeeze, hating that he couldn’t look at her. This tradition was the worst part about marrying her. Last night, they’d spent it together, and he held her in his arms. He wanted her back there. So badly.
After stepping away from the door, he made his way toward the stairs, nodding at Blair, who smiled at him. He headed downstairs, and then outside toward the guy from his gym. Nodding at him, he took his stance and waited.
Epilogue
Five years later
“Ready or not, here I come.”
Fay smiled as she listened to her son scream for everyone to play. She hid behind the shed that Blaze had built several years ago to store all his tools.
She glanced around the shed to see their son, Ben, going toward the playhouse that Blaze had arranged for his birthday party.