Merry Ever After (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #2)

by Tessa Bailey

A married woman. Of course I told a married woman she’s one of a kind. I’m surprised her husband hasn’t shown up with a shotgun yet to put a bullet in me. I wouldn’t even blame him. If she was my wife, I’d put the fear of God into anyone who showed her interest. Especially out loud, like I did.

Ah, Jesus, she’s got nice sturdy hips. A lot of men don’t notice that type of thing, but a man my size does. She would handle me well.

Wow!

As the oldest of four siblings, I’m the one who goes out of my way to make sure everyone has what they need. I’ve never had anyone do the same for me. The gesture makes me feel unsettled, like I don’t deserve such a gift.

This is so real actually

A man could fall in love and stay there with this one. Stay there forever.

And I reckon that tells me a lot about this woman: she’ll bleed to make a point.

“Friends with benefits.”

So that’s not gonna last

“You’ll decide what this is and how fast it moves, but I’m going to do everything I can to help you decide in my favor. You, Evie, are in my goddamn favor. In whatever capacity you allow me.” He holds eye contact long enough to make my pulse feel fizzy. “But I’m going to say something for the record one time, just so it’s clear: you’re a package deal with your boy. I’m not scared of that.”

I wish I was wearing a hat so I had something to fuss with right now. My hands have no idea what to do with themselves. “I’m hoping you’ll use it to come see me at the farm, Evie.”

“How many grilled cheeses should I make you?” Evie asks me then, totally nonchalant. “Three or four?” That seals it. I’m marrying her, come hell or high water.

“I’d rather die than scare you or push you for more than you’re ready to give. But I’ve made my position clear. If you want to be mine, if you want me to be yours, you know where to find me.”

“Forever sounded less and less scary every day I spent away from you.”