Page 114 of Shots Fired

“Like this,” she repeats. “You and me, living in our peaceful bubble. No outside noise, just us.”

My lips brush over hers. I’m in so far that I feel sure my love for Darcy rests at the bottom of the deepest ocean. “It’s always been just you and me, Darcy. Even before you knew it. We’ve been falling in love for a long time, in secret. Preparing for our first child together, in secret. And tomorrow afternoon, in Miami, I’ll make you my wife, in secret. The truth is, we don’t need a witness or for anyone to validate the way I love you. I’ll take whatever’s coming from your brother and Coach on the chin because despite what they might think, I know I’m the only man for you. I’m going to light up your already-bright world every damn day, for the rest of my life.”

I’m back to kissing her jaw when she shifts slightly. “I want to tell my mum now, but I’m going to wait until we get back. I’ve asked her to keep enough secrets from Jon when they usually tell each other everything, and it feels unfair to burden her with something else. Same with the girls—I’ll tell them when we get back. Anyway, Kendra is in Spain at the moment, watching her brother’s football game. Sorry, soccer game,” she corrects, shaking her head at the constant debate we witness between Jack and Kendra over what the sport is actually called.

Holding her in my arms, I spend the next few minutes making out with my girl. Languid kisses that pull me deeper into her world.

“I know this might not be the wedding you wanted,” I say, resting my forehead against hers when we finally break for air.

“Hey, look at me, Archer.”

With our eyeballs practically touching, I do as she asks.

I’ll do anything she asks.

“What exactly defines the perfect wedding? Because I, for one, think it has nothing to do with the day and everything to do with the person you’re marrying.”

I can’t help but smirk. “I’m not sure your stepdad would agree. I’ve heard he’s all about the grandeur.”

Darcy rolls her eyes, sinking further into my body. “I think he’s almost as crazy as you are.”

Tipping her chin up, she looks at me, and we share another kiss that I’m desperate to turn into more, but we’re already running short on time.

“We need to head to the airport,” I murmur against her mouth. “I booked a private jet, and it leaves in two hours.”

Throwing the duvet back, she bolts right up in bed. “Oh Jesus. I haven’t got anything packed, Archer. Not even my toothbrush! And what am I going to wear?”

I wrap a hand around her arm, pulling her back down to the bed. “I’ve got it all handled. Your bags are packed and set to one side in my closet.”

“B-but … I don’t have many clothes here and …”

I silence her rambling with a finger to her lips.

“I bought you an entire new wardrobe.” Her eyes flare when I smooth my thumb across her bottom lip. “Jimmy Choo, Prada, Gucci. All of it. I have your engagement ring already, but I have a plan for that too.”

“Are you for real?”

Rolling onto my back, I pull her on top of me before cocooning us under the bedsheets. “It’s funny you should say that. Because I’ve been thinking that exact same thing about you.” I pull my bottom lip between my teeth, plastering on a pained expression. “I do need you to know something before we do this though, about me.”

With one brow raised, sass rolls off her. “Is this another Archer Moore lesson?”

I chuckle. “Yeah, I guess you could think of it in that way.” I take her hand in mine. “I know this is going to be difficult for you to take, but I genuinely believe we can work through it.”

“Archer,” she drawls, “what the fuck are you about to tell me?”

I blow out a long breath. “I-I can’t stand tea, any kind of tea. It makes me gag.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

DARCY

Collins: I know you’re all aware of how much I hate birthdays—or just celebrations in general, to be honest. However, this year, Sawyer is determined to throw me a party. He says since it’s my last one as a Mackenzie, I should make the most of it. He also wanted to do invites, etc., but I drew the line. He’s already getting carried away with wedding plans. So, consider this text as your invite.

Kendra: Where is this party?

Collins: Sawyer’s hiring out a fancy place or something. The entire team and their partners are invited.

Jenna: You sound so thrilled, Collins.