Hopelessly Perfect (Perfectly Imperfect Love Series Book 2)
Page 18
“I love you,” Brix mouths.
“I love you, too,” I mouth back.
“By the power invested in me by the State of Maryland, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride,” Judge Maloney says.
Brix leans forward and presses his lips to mine. It feels like home—utter complete perfection.
“Ewww,” Ash’s voice rings out as Brix pulls back slightly. We grin at each other as everyone laughs again.
Judge Maloney leans toward us. “I hate to be presumptuous. Lanie . . . are you taking Brixton’s last name?”
I pause because I hadn’t even considered that, but then I remember that Brixton has his mom’s last name. I decide then and there that, since I’ll never meet my mother-in-law, I’ll honor her by taking her name.
“Yes, of course,” I say with a grin. “We are the Cranes.”
“Well, then. I’m proud to introduce, Mr., Mrs., and Ashton Crane!”
Our families erupt into cheers and everyone comes up and starts hugging us. My mom is crying like a baby as she hugs me.
“I can’t believe you’re married and I have my first grandbaby all in one day!”
I laugh. “I suppose we did pack a lot into today.”
“Can we throw you a reception in a few weeks?” my mom asks.
I nod. “I’d love that.” We are all heading back to my parents’ house for a party for Ash right now, and I want to make the rest of today about him. I suddenly feel a little guilty about getting married on his special day. I look over, and Ash is being held by Kent and getting tickled by Kylie. He sees me watching him, and he squirms out of Kent’s arms and comes over to me.
I lean down to him. “Is it OK that Brix and I got married today? I should have asked you first. Today is your day.”
He gives me a big toothless grin. “It’s OK. And now it’s way cooler because it’s ‘our’ day.” He throws his little arms around my neck, and I pick him up and twirl us around in a circle.
“I love you, Ashton Crane,” I whisper in his ear. He squeezes my neck harder.
“I love you, too, Mom,” he whispers so that only I can hear. I tighten my hold on him and cherish this moment. I kiss the top of his head as I pull back and look at him, not caring that tears are streaming down my face.
“Shall we head over to your grandparents’ house?”
“Yeah! I want to play with Frito.”
“OK.”
“You ready to go?” Brix asks as he comes up to my side.
“Yep.” He gives me a concerned look, but I just smile back up at him.
Ash leans over toward Brix. “Dad, is Mom always this mushy?”
I see Brix’s eyes shoot up and smile at him as his mouth opens and closes before he manages to compose himself. “Uh, yeah. Girls can be mushy sometimes.”
“Hey,” I say poking his side.
“I’ll show you two mushy!” I pull Brix in for a kiss as Ash yells “Ewww” again and covers his eyes. I hear laughter, but I don’t care because right now, the only thing that matters is my husband and my son. We’ll figure out the rest later.
***
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Have you read the prequel story to the Perfectly Imperfect Love Series, Chronicles of a Hot Mess? Download it now for more laugh-out-loud moments!
Acknowledgments
Writing this story challenged me in new ways. It addresses some tough topics like cancer, addiction, and foster care, while also showing humorous moments. That’s a fine line to walk. I hope I did these topics justice, while still telling a fun and lighthearted story. And if those topics are ones that have directly touched you, then I hope you are able to battle through them as my characters did. None of these issues are easy, and this book does not spend a great deal of time on them, even though they play pivotal parts in the plot. I did that on purpose.
I hope I was able to adequately pay respect to those tough topics, while also showing that, even in tough times, life can be funny. Because I know even when I have had tough times, I’ve clung to the humor of little moments. Maybe it’s just how I see the world, but Aristotle said it best, “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”
As I write this, there is a great deal of darkness in the world. But I’m not one to give up; I’m going to keep focusing until I see the light. I hope you will, too.
About the Author
USA Today & International Bestselling romance author, S.E. Rose lives near Washington D.C. with her family. When she's not wrangling her cats or keeping up with her kids, she's plotting her next story.
She loves all things wine, coffee, and cats. In her non-existent free time, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, binging on her favorite shows, and reading, especially if it's a good mystery or comedy.
Learn more about upcoming books from S.E. Rose at www.seroseauthor.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Other Books by S.E. Rose
Deceitful Destiny Series:
Island (Book 1)
Secrets (Book 2)
Bravura (Book 3)
Determination (Book 4)
Home (Book 5)
The Poisoned Pawn Duet:
A Fierce Princess
A Valiant Prince
Perfectly Imperfect Love Series:
Undeniably Perfect
Hopelessly Perfect
Novels:
Chronicles of a Hot Mess
Chronicles of a Rockin’ Mess
The Decoy
Novellas:
Neighbor in Apartment No. 5
The Tinsel Tango
The Fighter
Want to learn more? Visit www.seroseauthor.com.