Page 107 of Saving His Heart

I lead her through the path my brothers formed in the last few days. It takes us straight to the most massive bed I have ever seen.Dexter must have had it custom made. It’s easily the size of two king beds.

“What the?” Emory whispers as I notice a screen rising twenty yards in front of the bed.

A spotlight clicks to life and draws our attention to another corner of the field. A neon light is hanging over a table that says Game Night. Hearing another noise, we turn in the opposite direction just as a light flickers to life, saying Sports Bar. That area is decorated like an Irish pub. In a whoosh, our attention is drawn to the large bonfire Ashton just lit.

“What is all this?” Emory says with a shaky voice.

“All our firsts. Dinner. The movie,” I say, pointing to the projection that is frozen onTen Things I Hate About You. “Game Night, Bar Crawl, Bonfire with S’mores, and Star Gazing,” I say, indicating the bed.

“Holy— This isn’t speed dating, Preston. Speed dating is asking rapid-fire questions.”

“We’re going to do that tonight, too, don’t worry. By the time this night is over, I’m going to know all your hopes, dreams, and fears. Our life is just beginning, Emory. Because of you, my life is starting for the first time in ten years. I’m going to spend eternity showing you how much I need you with me, always.”

“I-I don’t know what to say,” she says through tears. “I don’t need these grand gestures, Preston. I—”

“You don’t need them, but I do. I need to make up for lost time. For time I never thought I would have. Let’s get a drink,” I smirk.

She glances over my head in the direction of the ridiculous bar the guys have set up, and laughs as Easton stands behind it in a vest and tie, scowling, but ready to take our order.

“Doesn’t he look happy?” I chuckle. “What’s your favorite cocktail, Emory? See? Speed dating.” With a wink, I start walking toward East. Emory moves in tandem, and we reach him in just a few steps.

“Ah, I’m not much of a drinker, remember?”

“I do. That’s why we had a special menu made,” I say, handing it to her.

Emory’s head falls back in laughter as she reads the drink names.

“The Broken Heart. The Fixem. The Never Have I Ever Again. The Goldie—”

She breaks off before she reads the last one.

“The Forever After,” I fill in as music starts to play.

“What do you say, Ems. What can I make you tonight?” Easton grumbles.The asshole.

“I-I’ll have The Forever After, please,” she says quietly.

Leaning over, so my lips touch her ear, I whisper, “Good choice, Goldie.”

Taking our drinks, we make our way over to the game table, and both laugh when we find a life-size cut out of GG propped up behind a row of tarot cards.

“She’s absolutely nuts, but she wasn’t wrong, was she?” Emory remarks.

“No, and that scares the shit out of me. Who knows what she’s got up her sleeve next.” Turning a card over, my stomach sinks noticing two babies are now face up.I can’t give Emory children.

Sensing my sudden shift in mood, Emory places a hand over mine. “Pres? I think you made a smart decision having that vasectomy.”

Shocked, I stare into her eyes. “You do? What about kids? Don’t you want them?”

Something similar to sadness crosses her face. “Pres, I have been raising kids since I was seven. I’m not sure it’s something I can do again. I’m not even sure it’s something I’ve ever wanted, but I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything by not having them if that’s what you’re asking.”

I nod, letting her words settle over me.

“Where do you see yourself in ten years?” she asks.

“I don’t. I only see us. Here, happy, living, and loving life. What’s your biggest fear, Ems?”

“Wow, jumping right into the hard ones, huh?” She laughs, buying time before answering. “I guess it’s letting my family down. Letting you down,” she adds so softly I almost don’t hear it.