Page 141 of Too Far

My attention flits back to Decker. He’s wearing an expression I’m all too familiar with. It’s equal parts amused and exasperated. It’s hisJosephineface. I bite my tongue to stop myself from reminding him that this was his idea.

“I, Decker Crusade, take you, Josephine Meyer, to be my lawfully wedded wife. My wife,” he repeats, his tone sharp. Then his expression softens. “I’ll try harder. I’ll be better. I’ll hold you in the dark and honor you in every way. I’ll do whatever it takes to make this the life of your dreams. I’ll love you forever and shelter you through every storm.”

Hunter whistles low as I wobble in the heels Decker brought for the occasion.

His vows were perfect.

Everything I could have ever hoped to hear.

Even so, it’s too late. The damage has been done.

I blink back tears as the minister declares us husband and wife.

I let him kiss me, and I fight like hell to keep my emotions in check as I silently pray that this idea works, and that my heart will survive the whiplash of being loved by Decker Crusade.

Chapter 63

Josephine

Sweetscentsoflavenderand honey waft off the water as I soak. Little jets along the bottom of the tub keep the bubbles thick and foamy and also keep the temperature piping hot.

My skin is starting to wrinkle, but I don’t care. This is the most relaxed I’ve been in weeks.

For the first time since we arrived, I’m truly alone. Kendrick filled the tub in the bathroom attached to the Den and insisted I relax. He and my other guys are around here somewhere.

Decker promised he’d have Hunter home before dark. Since Greedy’s place is on the opposite side of the mountain, that means they had to leave more than two hours ago.

Sighing, I skim both hands over the bubbles, collecting them into a massive pile in the middle. We didn’t even have a bathtub growing up. It’s wild to think that soon, I’ll own the very one I’m soaking in now.

I’ve already decided I want Decker to buy this place.

Kylian has a space he feels comfortable in here. It’s one of Nicky’s favorite places in the world. After just a few days here, I totally get the appeal.

Visions of holidays spent at the cabin wash over me.

I want to make so many memories here, with my boys.

A soft knock at the door pulls me from my reverie.

“Okay in there, Mama? You know Kylian’s worried about your safety in two feet of water.”

I snort. “I’m fine,” I call back. “Almost done.”

“Take your time. We’ll be ready and waiting.”

Ready? Andwaiting?

My curiosity piqued, I pull the plug to drain the tub and run clean water to rinse off.

I get out and wrap myself in a robe Kendrick left in the towel warmer and practically melt as the plush cloth encircles my body.

My hair is still pinned up in loose curls from earlier. My makeup is still mostly intact, too. I love getting dolled up. Even if it’s for less than thrilling reasons.

When I open the door to the bedroom, I stop dead in my tracks.

The room is filled with candlelight—battery operated candlelight by the looks of it. Dozens of flickering candles in all sizes cover every surface, emitting a warm glow.

White flowers are strewn about, creating a path from where I stand to the bed; the delicate, asymmetrical petals are as fragrant as they are unique.