Page 65 of Savage in the Sweets

Everyone raises their glass to toast my newly formed family, even Colin, who decided the special occasion was worth a glass of champagne.

His uptight ass has substantially relaxed.

April, who decided to dress as a princess-warrior to be my flower girl, raises her cup with her tiny pinky poking out, clinking her glass to Michael’s.

Looking around at the room full of people toasting us fills me with joy. I really am gonna have it all.

After Irene strong-armed the school board into letting me back on the property, I received a lot of apologies, and eventually, Donald and Stacy fell out of favor, leading to all types of chatter, with the word ‘scandal’ being flung around many circles.

And he’s totally seeing at least two other women behind her back.

I take a sip of bubbly, then turn to Colin and ask, “Are we really doing this?”

“Well, you already said ‘I do,’ so it’s a bit late to be having second thoughts.”

Carolyn, who is already pretty toasted, leads the rush to the dance floor, where Colin and I join.

I wrap my arms loosely around his neck while his hands find my hips, and we sway to the music, staring into each other’s eyes.

“It’s going to take a lot of dancing to work off that cake you made for us.” Colin grabs my hand and surprises me with a twirl, then an unexpected dip.

Stuck in time, we say more with our eyes than we ever have with words, our complete and utter devotion to each other clear to anyone looking on.

Our lips connect, sending a tantalizing sizzle of electricity coursing through my body. I still can’t believe that after today, I get the family life I’ve always wanted, always dreamed of.

And I get to keep my family’s legacy alive.

He finally pulls me up out of the dip and into his arms, leading me across the floor, and we spend the next hour exchanging partners as we work up a sweat.

Eventually, I’m launched back into Colin’s arms, and after one last dance, he whispers, “I think I need some alone time with you,” into my ear.

Stephanie has already agreed to take Michael for the night, though we’ve decided to bring both him and April with us on our honeymoon, which some would consider crazy, but none of us can stand the thought of being apart.

We sneak away, hurrying up to our hotel room, barely getting the door closed before we’re struggling to undo buckles, buttons, and clasps.

Soon, my dress is a pool of silk and lace on the floor, and his tux is a scattered mess leading to the bed.

“You’re sure about this?” he says cautiously.

I told him earlier that I wanted to forego protection, throwing caution to the wind.

“Nothing between us anymore,” I insist. “Unless it’s not what you want?”

“Oh, my Candy Queen, I’ve been waiting a long time to sprinkle a baby inside of you.”

I place a firm hand on his chest. “Was that supposed to be funny?”

After a moment, we both burst into laughter, but it’s short-lived as our lips connect again, and he fires off a series of passionate kisses.

I’m on my back.

He’s hovering over me.

My hands are taken into his, our fingers entwining.

“I love you, Lacy Savage.”

“And I love you, Colin Davers.”

And together, we take the plunge.

The End