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His soft laugh shakes us both. “Well, you put a fast stop to it. Our kids won’t ever get away with shit.”

“Is it crazy that I can’t wait for that?” I work my nails up his collar, then turn so our lips nearly touch.

His poor nose is already starting to swell. I bet he gets two black eyes from my dad.

“No, it’s not. I want it all with you, Lib. The ups, the downs, and every moment in between.” His hand drifts up to tuck a stray hair behind my ear. “I just know I don’t want to sleep away from you ever again.”

I almost can’t breathe with the crush of raw emotion. Tenderly, I brush his bruised mouth with mine, careful not to cause him any more pain.

But he wraps his palm behind my neck, pulling me into the fever of his kiss. “Don’t ever hold back on me, my little hurricane.” He rests his forehead against mine. “I want you to love me violently, full force, unstoppable. Because that’s how I feel about you.”

How many times can I marry him? Holy shit, this man.

There’s a light knock on the door behind him, then Dixon appears from the dark void. “Devon’s here. It’s time.”

His authoritarian voice booms over the crowd, quieting the room.

He’s the bar’s daddy today.

When he announces us, suddenly my legs feel like noodles and don’t want to work.

But Blue’s solid grip guides me onto the stage.

Is this what he feels like every time he sings? Like a million eyes are watching him? Judging him?

When he turns me to face him, I have no doubt he can see the relief in my expression.

I focus on him as Dixon begins. Blue has become my safe space. My harbor.

“So, now that I have the blessing of her father—” Blue jokingly points at his nose, still with toilet paper wads sticking from his nostrils.

A low laugh runs through the people seated in the tables below us.

But then he pulls me closer, his voice dropping.

“From the moment I met you, I saw your fire. Your passion for life, and the fierce loyalty you showed to those you love.” His palm moves to my hip, then the small of my back until we’re slowly swaying together. “You’re the sun, Lib. So bright and hot, warming every room you’re in, I thought for sure you wouldn’t want me to shade your light.”

His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “I’m thankful every day that your rebellious heart made you ignore the doubters, and your dad—”

“Hey, now,” Dad groans from the quiet room.

But Blue continues on, only looking at me. “—to give me the chance to truly see you. To show me just how damn amazing it is to experience life with you.” His lips brushmy forehead, then his knuckle tips my chin so he can stare into my eyes.

His icy-blue irises fade into dark pools. “Marry me?” he whispers.

Tears pour down my cheeks, blurring the handsome vision before me. “Yes,” I squeak out as he slides the slim gold band over my knuckle.

My own vows disappear, lost in the perfection of my man.

“Do I really get to keep you?” I manage to stammer, knotting my fingers into the front of his blood-stained shirt.

“Forever, baby,” he murmurs, then pulls me in for a kiss that makes the noise of the cheering crowd dull until all I can hear is the pounding of my own heart pulsing in my ears.

“May I introduce, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce.” Dixon’s voice carries over the applause.

I don’t want to let go of Blue, but bury myself against his chest.

He nestles me into the hollow of his neck, covering the back of my head with his hot palm.