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“It’s great to see you too.”

“I’m going to say hello to Stella. I haven’t chatted with her in a while.”

Thea waved good-bye to her friend as Brett found his way to her side. He slid one arm around her waist, pulling her in to press a soft kiss on her temple.

“Are you having fun, Mrs. Patton?” he whispered.

“I can’t believe all of these people are here for us,” Thea said.

Brett scanned the room with a smile. “They all love you.”

“They loveus,” she corrected. “You’ve been making friends since you were in diapers. I’m just getting the hang of it.”

Brett looked one way, then the other, before whispering close to her ear, “Come with me.”

A shudder ran down Thea’s back at his warm breath on her ear. She’d follow him anywhere. “Okay.”

Brett took her hand and led her through the crowd. It still blew her mind that all of these people were here to congratulate them on their marriage. They’d been officially married for a month, and the newlywed stage wasn’t even close to wearing off.

She had a feeling it wouldn’t fade much. Brett wasn’t ashamed to flaunt her around town, letting everyone know he had the best wife in the state.

It was laughable, but his adoration kept Thea’s cheeks pink around the clock.

When they reached the small hallway leading to the offices, Brett looked over his shoulder before leading her into the alcove.

As soon as they were hidden behind the wall, Brett slid his hand into her hair and pressed his lips to hers.

She immediately melted into his arms. A firm hand pressed the small of her back, pulling her closer.

Her mouth moved against his, and she wrapped her arms around him. Her ribs were healed, but Brett’s adoring kisses still left her breathless.

He pressed her back against the wall and his strong hand slid down the side of her neck. She tilted her chin up, and his kisses moved to her jaw, then her neck, leaving a tingling fire in its wake.

“You are so beautiful,” he breathed against the sensitive skin of her neck.

He said something else, but she was gone–completely lost in his touch. “What?”

Brett lifted his head and pressed his forehead against hers. “I said I love you.”

“I love you too,” Thea said quickly. “Have I told you that today? If not, here’s your reminder. I love you. I love you. I love you.”

It felt good to say exactly what she felt. When her heart was full to bursting, she could turn to the man she loved and let it pour out. Loving Brett was easy and beautiful.

It was also fun when he still asked to carry her everywhere. She’d decided to take him up on those offers. She’d also been saying yes to the cupcakes a lot more lately, and she didn’t have an ounce of regret.

Brett pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear and let his warm gaze run over her face. “I loved you first.”

“Have you seen Brett and Thea?” Everly asked nearby. Apparently, she hadn’t spotted them yet.

Brett pressed a fingertip against Thea’s lips, and she stared into his hazel eyes. They were almost all green today. She noticed they were lighter when he was happy and playful.

“She’ll find us,” Thea whispered, brushing her lips against the rough skin of his finger.

“But I’m not ready to let you go yet,” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of her cheek.

“But we have our whole lives together,” she said, practically giddy to remind herself of the same thing.

“It’s not long enough.”