Wounds to Bear (Heart of The Bear #1)(22)

He stiffened against her, and shouted her name as he climaxed. His release triggered her own, and they held on to each other as they fell over the edge together.





***





They spooned together on the blanket, sweaty and breathless.

Jenna took the hand draped at her waist and lifted it to her breast, moaning when he brushed his thumb over her still hard nipple.

“That was—”

“Too much?” He sounded anxious.

“Perfect. I’ve never done that before, and you made me feel sexy.”

“Does that mean you’d—”

“Make love like that again? All you have to do is ask.”

He leaned in and kissed her, his cock twitching. His growl rumbled through his chest. “You set me off, Doc. I want you again.”

“I’m happy to oblige.”

He chuckled, and teased her nipple as he started stroking her, slowly. The chuckle turned to a low growl, and he tucked his legs up, changing the angle of his thrust, taking himself deeper.

She gasped, her body clenching around him, needing him to move faster.

“God, Jenna.” He nipped her earlobe. “Marry me.”

“Okay.”

He stilled, and she looked over her shoulder.

“Just like that? No hesitation?”

“My life is here, Roman, with you. I’ve known that since the first time you kissed me. So, yes—I’ll marry you, with no hesitation and no regrets. Now make love to me, so I can have that other piece of cake.”

His laughter vibrated through her, and he started moving inside her, touching her more deeply, loving her with more tenderness than any man she’d ever known. When her climax overwhelmed her, he held her tightly, kissing away her tears. And let her know that she would never be alone again.





Nine





A cool wind lifted Jenna’s hair as she held tight to Roman’s hands. Lindy stood with them under the arbor in her garden, facing Roman’s huge family. They had all jumped in to plan the wedding, and in less than two weeks, everything was ready.

As mayor, and the leader of their clan, Lindy was the official at every wedding. She smiled at Jenna, then spoke over the rising wind.

“I am overjoyed to be a part of this joining, to welcome Jenna into our family. The only thing that would give me greater pleasure is the news of their first cub.”

Jenna let out her breath, and smiled at Roman. He lifted her left hand, kissed it, then slid a silver ring on her finger. It was a simple band, but the inscription on the inside brought tears to her eyes every time she thought of it.

“My heart, my love, my life.” Roman spoke what he had inscribed on the ring, and she blinked back fresh tears. “I never thought I’d find a woman who could accept me, flaws and all.” Laughter rippled through the crowd. “But in spite of them, you love me, and that is a gift, more precious than any you could ever give me. I promise to love, protect, and cherish you, no matter what life may throw at us.”

She followed his example, kissing his hand before she slid on the thick silver band.

“Roman Black. You were a surprise—in more ways than one.” He smiled down at her as his family laughed again. “I had given up on men before I moved here. My heart had been bruised enough, and I didn’t think I could let someone in again. But you were stubborn, and relentless, and so gentle, I couldn’t say no. I loved you from the first kiss, and I will love you after the last. And I promise this, with all my heart, no matter how many mistakes you make along the way.”

That earned her loud laughter from his brothers.

Lindy raised her hand, and they quieted down. “Now that they have given each other their rather unconventional vows,” she raised an eyebrow, and Roman smiled. “I would like to present to you all, Jenna and Roman Black. May they love long and give me many grandcubs.”

The applause and cheers threatened to deafen her. She forgot about them when Roman lifted her off her feet and kissed her. Under the clamor, he whispered to her.

“Hello, Mrs. Black.”

“Hello, Mr. Black.” She swallowed. “I have something to tell you.”

“What?” His smile faded. “What is it?”

“I’m going to give your mom a grandcub sooner than she expected.”

His eyes widened, and she nodded. He carefully set her on the ground, then spread his hand over her belly. “How long have you known? When?”

“I found out yesterday, but I’ve known for a few days. I just needed to have it confirmed by the doctor. If the doctor’s calculations are right, we conceived that first night.”

He let out a shaky breath and laid his forehead against hers. “I wanted that, after our first time together. I wanted to know our love created something.”

“It did—we did, and you’re going to be an amazing father, so stop looking at me like a terrified man.”

“I’m—okay. I am,” he insisted. “You’ll be there to fix any mistakes I make along the way.”

She laughed, her own words thrown back at her. “I love you, Roman Black.”

“I love you, Jenna Black.” He kissed her. “But I’m letting you tell my mother, when I’m not in the room.”