Without a Hitch(115)

Love I could never have imagined just pours from this woman. “We?”

“I’m not letting you face the twatsicle alone, Lochlan. Plus I think she’s a little scared of me now, and that makes me crazy happy.”

“Your events?”

“I’ve hired enough employees for The I Do Crew to run things for a few days. They’re truly amazing. Wait until you see them in action.”

I regard her fondly. She’s built this business from the ground up and refuses my help at every turn.

Except for the venue access and the built-in clientele searching for those specific spaces, she’s built a remarkable company and has increased reservations at my hotels by twenty percent in three months.

I’m in awe of her every day.

“I’m sure they’re amazing.”

“They really are.” Her smile lights up the entire room. “I’m so proud of them, Lochlan. Every event has gone off without a hitch.”

“Without a hitch? That could be your slogan!”

“Hmm, it should be. Maybe I’ll start a new blog with it.”

When she partnered with me, she shut down her blog. She didn’t want to be accused of favoritism, but I know she misses the community she’d built. “You should. People love you, Tilly. And no one knows more about weddings than you. Speaking of which, can we set a date now?”

She giggles and walks past me into our home. “There isn’t any rush, lover. We’ve made the promise. That’s all I need.”

The irony of this conversation is not lost on me, but Jesus, I need that piece of paper. I want her to be mine in every way, and my inner caveman grunts wildly every time she puts it off.

“Tilly?” My tone is harsh, but I scrub my face with my palm to make sure my expression stays neutral. “Set a date. I want a date. I don’t want to wait anymore. Never in a million years did I think I’d desire that legal bond tying us together, but I do. I require it more than my next breath.”

“Lochlan, are you sure?”

“For fuck’s sake, woman. Yes! Yes, I’m sure. Please, please set a date.”

“Well, it just so happens I have May twenty-eighth blocked out at the winery next year.”

“You do? For what?”

“In case a certain mercurial man decided a legal contract was something he really did want.”

My eyes go wide with incredulity. “You’ve been testing me?” I move toward her with panther-like precision.

“No. I’ve been giving you time and not pushing.”

“Push, darling. Always push,” I growl before hauling her off the floor in a bear hug that leaves her feet dangling at my shins.

“There will be a lot to do. A lot of parties, plans…”

“The only thing I care about is that we say I do. The rest is just details.”

“Oh, but lover, the details make the day!” She glows with happiness, and for the first time in my life, I truly believe in magic.





E PILOGUE

LOCHLAN

Washington/O’Malley Wedding

“Y ou have to stop running, Tilly. Seriously, what are we even doing here?”

“I told you, Sybil is a friend I made a long time ago in the bathroom of a bar.” She shrugs like that’s an explanation.

Pulling at my T-shirt, I jog to keep up with her. “But you haven’t seen this woman in how many years?”

“I don’t know. Two maybe? But we text all the time.” Tilly comes to a quick stop at a bungalow on the beach and knocks. I stand behind her, trying to understand why she’s in such a hurry.

The door sweeps open, and squeals I was not prepared for have me stepping back.

“OMG!” the small woman shrieks again as Tilly leans in for an embrace.

“It’s so good to see you.” I hear the emotion in Tilly’s voice and smile. She really does feel with her whole heart.

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.” The woman lifts her gaze to me, and I give an awkward wave. “Is this your husband?” she stage-whispers.

Tilly glances over her shoulder and smiles. “Yep, he’s mine. Lochlan, this is Sybil. Sybil, meet Lochlan.”

Sybil’s eyes shine with tears as she stares at me. “I hope you know how special your wife is. She literally gave me the courage to walk away from an engagement I knew in my heart of hearts was all wrong. It’s because of her I was free to meet Connor, and I’ve never been happier.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Tilly interrupts before I can respond. “I’m just popping in to tell you my friend Hadley is on her way. She’ll be my other bridesmaid wrangler. Between the two of us, we’ll keep your mother and stepmother from ruining your day.”

Sybil had called with a last-minute emergency, and Tilly was unable to pull any of The I Do Crew from other jobs, so Hadley stepped in.

Another squeal has me shrinking back.

“You are the absolute best.”

“Right back at you! I’m going to meet Hades now. We’ll be back in the morning to kick things off.”

The two women exchange another hug, then Tilly’s hand is in mine, and I feel her relax. “She seems to be one of the many who attribute their happiness to you, my beautiful wife.”