Two Truths and a Marriage (The Rory Brothers, #1)

by Nicole Snow

“I’m insane for you, Sweet Stuff, and it’s your fault. Don’t tell anyone,” I rasp against her lips before I devour them again, claiming her bottom lip with my teeth.

Picture the perfect partner, a Prince Charming made flesh, a man who actually gives a damn about you every minute, and you have him.

“There’s a reason your little sham was so successful, you know,” Nana continues, and I look at her through wet, burning eyes. “Whatever you two told yourselves, your feelings were more honest. Your lips didn’t lie. That man is right for you, Junie, no doubt about it.”

I don’t want this stupid pretense to be over even though it’s null and void. I don’t want to face a life without her. Because I love her.

“And I figured out two things. First, sugar can’t be so awful if it saved my skin. I never appreciated the sweet stuff, but it’s a little like art, right? It makes food something beautiful. It’s the kick that starts your morning or the best way to end a fancy dinner. I realized I could use more sweetness in my life. Hell, a lot of it.” He takes my hand then, holding it between his so tenderly my throat goes tight. “Just like I tried to prove today. If you give me the sweet stuff, Sweet Stuff, I promise you I won’t take it for granted again.”

“That’s not how it works, Dex. It isn’t that easy.” I swallow. He’s giving me everything I wanted to hear—so much more, really—but this hollow ache in my chest won’t let up. “You can’t just force yourself to like something you can’t stand.” “Like hell. I can learn to appreciate new things. I can see them, taste them, feel them in a different light. I’m just sorry it took this long.” He takes my hand, squeezing my fingers so hard I can feel his pulse.

“Life is fragile as hell,” he tells me, more of that warmth in his voice spilling out until it drowns me. And baby, I go down willingly. “Didn’t realize just how much until this past week when I could’ve lost it all. When I almost lost you.”

“I love you, Juniper Winkley,” he says, and his face has lost its smile. He’s deadly serious as he looks at me. “I’ve known it for a while, but I pretended I didn’t because we told ourselves it was make-believe. Now, I’m not afraid. It was always real to me, and if you’ll have me, I want to find out how sweet life can be. Together.” “Dude, stop. I’m out of tears,” I warn him, fighting my trembling lips. But he pulls me into him for a second time and I let him.

Dexter has my whole heart in his palm, but instead of crushing it, he’s giving it new life. “But I love you, too. You overbearing, irritating, unromantic—” His kiss shuts me up. Perfectly timed.

So this is what love is supposed to feel like. “I don’t usually do second chances,” he mutters against my mouth. “But I think we deserve it this time. Don’t you?” I tug his face back down to mine, so giddy I’m grateful he’s holding me so I don’t float away. “Of course. Now shut it and kiss me again.”

“It’s real now, Junie. Realer than the colors on these trees. Realer than my own pulse. That’s why I’m here, down on one knee, getting my pants soaked and asking for forever.” I shift my leg—that part wasn’t just me being funny, the grass really is wet. “Needless to say, I’ll always be here for you, woman, even when you interrupt me. I’ve loved you almost as long as I’ve known you, and I knew settling for a fake ring and playing house wouldn’t do. I figured out fast I needed to spend my life with you.” “I never—” “Let me finish, dammit,” I growl. She mimes locking her lips and throwing away the key. “I love you, Juniper Winkley. More than I ever thought I could love anybody in my life. Enough to believe love isn’t just this cruel obsession that wrecks a person the minute it’s snatched away. We’re here to love on borrowed time because that makes it so precious. And I don’t want to waste another minute without knowing you’ll be my wife. So, sweetheart, will you marry me?”

“The first time doesn’t count, Dex. It was business. This is the first and only time that matters, I think.” “You need to stop talking, Sweet Stuff.” I kiss her again, sliding my hand into those gorgeous red curls. I know every inch of her, but I’ll never want to stop exploring. “This may be the only real proposal, but I’m glad as hell they were both with you.”

“I love you, Dex,” I whisper. Dexter glances down with a smile just for me. “I love you so much it hurts,” he tells me, and together we face the priest again.