I grabbed it from his hand and watched as he began writing something on the board.

I, Drake Stagliano, take thee, Molly Woods, as my lawfully wedded wife.

He looked over to me and nodded at my hand that was holding the chalk.

I, Molly Woods, take thee, Drake Stagliano, as my lawfully wedded husband.

As I finished writing, he took both of my hands in his. Molly, I dont need a fancy ceremony. I dont need the flowers, the big cake, or even the cheesy music. I just need you. I only want you. And if that means writing our vows on chalkboards, then its exactly what I want.

Youre really laying it on me tonight, arent you? I chuckled nervously, slowly rubbing under my eyes once again. I clenched his hands back in mine. I dont need that either, Drake. I just want you.

His hands flanked to my face, pulling my face to his. Our mouths met, and I couldve sworn fireworks went off. Every moment with Drake was magical, but this" this was beyond anything I could ever imagine. It was just me and him. Him and me. I didnt need anything else. My life was now complete.

He broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against mine, panting.

I have a few more promises, he whispered. I watched as he grabbed the chalk again and began writing.

I promise to make you breakfast in bed every Sat.u.r.day.

I laughed and began writing my own.

I promise to eat it, even if its awful.

He laughed and began again.

I promise to ma.s.sage you in the tub as often as you want.

I promise to let you.

He smirked, c.o.c.king his head at me.

Okay, okay. I laughed.

I promise to always be honest with you. No more secrets.

I promise to stand by your side. In good times and bad.

I promise to be always faithful.

I promise to love you. Always.

I promise to love you. Always and forever.

Always have to up me, dont you? He c.o.c.ked his eyebrow.

I held up one finger as I continued writing.

I promise to always challenge you.

He grinned. Sounds like the perfect life, to me.

I do.

I do too. His eyes sparkled back at me.

He brought his lips back to mine, starting the kiss out softly. His tongue brushed against mine, begging for permission. He tasted amazing, and I could never get enough of him. He tasted a blend of mint and strawberries. It was easy to get lost in him, lost in the kiss. But we had guests downstairs, and I didnt want someone going on a manhunt for us.

You are beautiful, Mrs. Stagliano. His smile reached his eyes.

Thank you, Mr. Stagliano.

It didnt matter to me that it wasnt official. We promised each other forever, we made our vows. Thats all that matter to me.

We should get back, I whispered softly, reluctantly breaking the kiss.

Yes, I suppose we should.

As we made our way back downstairs, the party seemed to be in full force. People were taking advantage of the champagne and food and genuinely seemed to be having a good time.

Ill be right back. I nodded as Drake kissed me once on the cheek. I found Michael and Trey standing nearby and walked to their corner.

Well, well, well. Michael eyed me suspiciously. I know what a just f.u.c.ked face looks like.

Apparently you dont, I spat back. We were just kissing, thank you very much. Not that I need to explain myself.

Hey, if you wanna ditch this lame a.s.s party, I dont blame you, he snorted.

I turned my attention to Trey. G.o.d bless you for being able to handle this man. I laughed. Michaels face turned a bright shade of red. Hey, you started it.

I was only playing, sweetie. The partys fine. Its all the uppity-business looking people that scare me. His lip curled up in disgust. I laughed, unable to deny it. I had gotten used to this, being around business people and having to listen to their business talk.

Well, make sure you keep Mom and Dad company, while I go mingle, k?

No worries. Stella stole them away an hour ago.

Just as I went to find Drake, I saw him. I blinked several times, not believing what my eyes were showing me. What the h.e.l.l was he doing here?

8.

Drake Watching Molly from afar would never get old. I watched as she and Michael bantered over something. There relationship still doesnt make sense to me. They fought like brother and sister, but loved each other as husband and wife"or rather gay husband and straight wife. Either way, it was cute.

She flipped her hair as she moved swiftly across the room. Our eyes locked for a split second before her eyes dart to something else. Just as I was about to walk back up to her, someone approached me from the side.

Drake, darling. Violet. And shes wasted. The only reason she was invited was that I invited Stanley and Dan. Shes been pretty harmless, which I know I have Stanley to thank for that. Hes been a great influence on her, making sure she always acts appropriately.

Are you alright, Violet? I asked, letting her lean on me for support.

She ignored my question and began stuttering. I just"just want you to k-know how happy I am for you!

Her eyes are glazed over, and I could tell shed had way too much champagne. Thank you, Violet. However, I think you need to stop drinking now. I looked around for Stanley, hoping to get his a.s.sistance.

I was such a b.i.t.c.h to you, she spit out. Im so sorry I ever let you go, Drake. Really. Youre a great guy. I never shouldve acted that way.

Thanks, Violet. I appreciate that.

And I shouldve told you about Liam. G.o.d, Im an idiot. W-will you ever forgive me? she slurred, her eyes begging for forgiveness.

I gave in, not even certain shed remember this conversation by morning. Of course, Violet. Water under the bridge, I a.s.sured her.

Were not under a bridge, silly. She laughed, playfully as she hit me on the shoulder. s.h.i.t, shes wasted.

Riiiight. I dont know what else to do with her, but I knew she was f.u.c.king hammered. Im going to go find Stanley. You should go home.

No, Drake! Dont leave me, she begged. Stanleys too busy with Don anyway, she slurred again.

Dan, I corrected her.

Well, what the f.u.c.k ever.

I tried not to laugh, but drunk-Violet was hilarious. Okay, Im going to lead you to a chair now before you fall on top of me.

Oh, Drake, I love your dirty talk.

Oh good Lord.

Stanley finally came to my rescue. He knelt down and grabbed her face in his hands.

Violet? Are you okay, sweetie?

Im fine! Why do you all insist Im not? she snapped.

Well, for starters, youre hitting on your ex at his engagement party with his fiance a few feet away, Stanley stated, laying it all out there. And with your boyfriend right in front of you, he added just for good measure.

Ill leave you two alone. I can call a cab if you want, I said, patting him on the shoulder.

Thanks, man. Ill call for my driver.

I nodded and left them to be alone. I finally spotted Molly, and she looked as if she had just seen a ghost. Her face was pale and her eyes were wide open, not blinking.

I walked straight to her, but before I could reach her, Blakely and her date were giving her hugs goodbye. I thanked her as well for coming and shook Colins hand.

Everything okay? I whispered in Mollys ear, taking her hand in mine.

Fine. Just a little tired. Thinking maybe I should sit down.

Okay, I just want you to meet Stanleys new partner real quick. Ive been talking about you for weeks, and hes demanded a face to the name. Otherwise he doesnt believe me. I chuckled lightly.

Sure.

I found Dan amongst the crowd and tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.

Drake! Awesome party. Did you see where Stanley went? he asked before I could do my introductions.

He took Violet home. She was sloshed.

Oh, go figure. She was milking the champagne bar pretty hard. We both laughed.

Well, I want you to meet my fiance, the future Mrs. Stagliano. I took a step out, giving a full view of Molly. Her eyes locked with Dans and her face went pale again. She stood silent, not saying a word as Dan held his hand out. s.h.i.t, maybe she shouldnt be standing up any longer.

Just as I was about to mention she rest, she finally cleared her throat and spoke. Its a pleasure. Dan, right?

Yes. And the pleasure is all mine. He wore a genuine smile. He took her hand in his and was just about to kiss it before she yanked it away.

The jerk of her hand out of his grasp shocked me. I was confused by Mollys reaction. She was always so polite and respectful when meeting my work colleagues.

Sorry, I-I just need to rest. Been standing too long, she insisted.

Of course, Dan replied. Congrats and best of luck to you.

She nodded, tilting her head down without saying a word.

The party went d.a.m.n near perfect. I couldnt have asked for a better turn out. And to watch Mollys reaction was priceless. This whole day was about her. Breakfast, the ma.s.sage, the charm bracelet, the dress, the party"it was all for her. She deserved it and more. She deserved everything.

By the time the caterers left, Molly had long been pa.s.sed out in bed. I hoped she hadnt overdone it with standing too long, but I was happy she was able to enjoy one last event before the babies arrive.

I watched as she lay in bed, peacefully wrapped around her body pillow. Her body was changing rapidly, swelling, and expanding"but she was stunning. I loved watching her body change, growing our babies inside her. Ive never felt anything like it"the overprotectiveness, the love I felt when I would see her rub her belly, the feeling that I might f.u.c.k it all up"it was all jumbled into one large anxiety attack waiting to happen.

I stripped down and carefully, without waking her up, crawled into bed next to her. I just couldnt help myself. I wrapped my arms around her, spreading my warmth against her chilled body.

Her body curved against mine, fitting just perfect together with her body pillow on the other side, holding her in tight. Unable to resist her bare neck, I leaned in and kissed it gently. She mustve showered before bed because I could taste the fruity mix of her shampoo and body wash.

I continued kissing her softly, needing to taste her when she moaned in her sleep and mumbled something. I froze, not wanting to wake her from her dream when she continued wrestling in her sleep.

NoI said no, she whimpered. My lips froze, keeping my ear close to her mouth so I could hear her better. Please, dont! Stop!

She screamed out the last one, jerking me away from her completely. I jumped onto my knees and carefully turned her body over so she was lying on her back. She had tears rolling down her cheeks, her face pale and cold.