His Every Desire (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

by Alexis Winter

  I roll my eyes. “No. The moment when you say something sweet to me and slide my ring on like I did yours.”

  Her mouth drops open. “I have to propose?” She points at her chest.

  I nod once and smile. “That’s right. Let’s see if you can woo me.”

  She snorts. “Do I have to do it naked?”

  “Trust me. There’s no better way to woo me.” I hand her the ring, and she climbs onto the bed.

  “Okay.” She wets her lips nervously. “Trent, I’ve had a lot of people come in and out of my life, but there’s only ever been one constant. When I needed a shoulder to cry on, you were there. When I needed a friend, you always showed up. You’ve always been here for me in one way or another. Whether it was a call, a text, or just randomly showing up. You’re the one thing I could always count on to have my back. I don’t remember what I said to you the first time, but I hope I expressed how much you mean to me in every sense of the word. You’re my everything, and I’ve always known that you would always be my everything. I love being your wife, and I’m hoping you’ll continue to be my husband. So… will you?” she asks with a nervous laugh.

  “Yes! Yes! A million times, yes!” I yell, joking around and acting like a dramatic bride-to-be.

  She laughs and slides the ring onto my finger.

  I wrap my arms around her. “But seriously, you’re never getting rid of me. You know that, right?” I ask, lowering my mouth to hers.

  “That’s what I’m counting on,” she says, kissing me back before pushing me down and climbing up my body.

  13

  Mia

  TWO WEEKS LATER…

  * * *

  TRENT cuddles me from behind, waking me from the deep sleep I’ve been in for the last couple of hours.

  “I love you and all, but I seriously need sleep,” I whine, rolling over to face him.

  He laughs. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t my fault you just went to sleep a couple of hours ago. You’re the one who wouldn’t stay off of me last night,” he jokes.

  His hand gently lands on my cheek as he directs my lips to his for a long, slow good morning kiss.

  “I wish you didn’t have to go,” I mumble, wrapping myself around him.

  “Didn’t I tell you?”

  “Tell me what?” I ask, pulling back enough to study his face.

  “I quit. Yesterday, actually.” He smiles wide, causing his deep, dark eyes to light up.

  “You?”

  He nods. “Levi found my out. I sent an email to my boss yesterday, and I just received his reply. He said he completely understands my reasons for quitting, and he’s happy I stayed as long as I did—most guys only work there for a year or so just for the experience. Nobody likes being away from their families that long.”

  I can’t hold back my squeal as I roll myself on top of him. He hugs me close and peppers my skin with hot kisses.

  “Yep, I’m officially unemployed.”

  “That’s okay. I have enough money saved to keep our heads above water for a while.”

  “I’m not broke, Mia. In fact, I have enough money that I don’t ever have to work again.”

  “What’s that now?” I ask, sitting on top of him and looking down to meet his eyes.

  His hands squeeze my hips. “When I graduated from college, I was given my inheritance. I used a little bit to get me started, but the rest, I saved and invested. I bought vacation homes and condos that are currently being managed by travel agencies. I’ve invested in a few different businesses here in Chicago. All that is just extra income. Between the investments and the amount of interest my savings account has accumulated, we’re set. I just enjoy working and never wanted to be one of those directionless yuppies that live of their inheritance and do nothing with their life.”

  “Wow. Look at you. Who knew you were actually responsible?” I can’t hold back my laugh. I never would’ve guessed that Trent had ever invested in anything in his life. He always seemed like the fun-loving party guy. But he does come from a wealthy family, so I’m not entirely surprised that he knows how to manage his money so well.

  I lower my mouth to his, and he kisses me softly. “Come on. Let’s take a shower and find some breakfast before that stomach of yours starts rumbling.”

  I’m just stepping out of the shower when my phone rings. I quickly answer it.

  “Hello?”

  “Mia, I have the whole thing planned out. I couldn’t sleep a wink last night,” Dani says.

  “What? Are you serious?”

  “Yep. In one week, you and Trent will be standing in front of Buckingham Fountain, saying your vows and having a wedding neither of you will ever forget.” I can almost hear the proud smile she’s wearing.”

  “One week? Can everything be done that soon?”

  “You two just focus on the honeymoon and leave the wedding up to me.”

  “Thanks, Dani.” I hang up the phone and turn toward Trent, who’s now stepping out of the shower.

  “What do you think of having a wedding at Buckingham Fountain?”

  He runs the towel through his hair. “Sounds perfect.” He leans in, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

  “Dani has the wedding handled. Now, we just have to plan the honeymoon.”

  He smiles wide. “You can just leave that up to me.”

  “No Vegas, right?”

  He lets out a deep laugh. “Right.”

  Trent and I have a nice breakfast before heading out to my ultrasound. I’m exactly twelve weeks along today—the end of my first trimester. Trent has yet to see the baby, and instead of showing him a picture for the first time, I thought I’d let him see the real thing.

  “And there’s the baby,” the ultrasound tech says, pointing at the screen.

  “That’s it?” Trent asks, “Looks more like an alien to me.” He laughs.

  The tech smiles. “Would you like to hear the heartbeat?”

  “Yes, please.” I smile, happy and excited to hear our baby.

  She turns the sound on, and a quick pitter-patter fills my ears.

  “Do you hear that?” she asks.

  I smile and nod.

  She picks up a small radio and speaks into it. “Dr. York, would you mind coming into room four, please?”

  “Is everything okay?” I ask, panic flooding my voice.

  She smiles. “Everything is fine. The baby is completely healthy,” she assures me.

  A long breath leaves my lips as I settle down at her words.

  The door opens, and the doctor walks in. “How can I help?” he asks, walking up behind the ultrasound tech.

  She turns the sound back on, and everyone listens.

  “Well,” he says with a wide smile. “I don’t know about you, but I hear two heartbeats.”

  I think my jaw drops. “Two? As in, mine and the baby’s, right?”

  He laughs and shakes his head. “No, as in two babies. One must be hiding behind the other.”

  “What? How’s that possible?”

  “I assure you, it happens all the time. Let’s try doing the vaginal ultrasound to see if we can get a better look. Shall we?” He looks at me and the tech.

  She removes the wand from my stomach and wipes off the gel. Soon after, I’m being probed for a better look at the babies.

  “Okay, this is baby A,” he says, pointing to the screen. He moves the wand around, and you can see a light flutter. “This is baby B. Congratulations. You two are having twins!”

  Trent and I look at one another, completely dumfounded.

  The doctor laughs. “This part of the job will never get old.”

  We don’t say anything as we walk out of the office. I think we’re both in shock. Two babies? Two? How did this happen? There are no twins in my family! Isn’t this the type of thing that runs in the family, to the point where you can count what generations will be cursed? Two babies?!

  Trent picks up on my fear, and he takes my hands in his as we’re sitting at a table outside my favorite res
taurant. “This is a good thing. Twice as much love. Twice the first steps, first words, hugs.”

  “Twice as many diapers, twice as many mouths to feed, twice as many crying babies, and that means we get no sleep, and I’m going to be twice as huge!” Tears fill my eyes and spill over. I don’t even bother trying to hold them back. Now, I’m just a blubbering mess sitting on the side of the road with people walking by, gawking at me.

  Trent laughs. “Everything will be fine.”

  “We have to move! My apartment is barely big enough for me, you, and Della. One baby was going to be tight, but two?”

  “It’s fine. I’ll find us a place and hire moving men. You won’t have to lift a finger. You can sit at your desk, ignoring the world with your headphones on until they pick it up and move it along with you.”

  I laugh. “Well, I guess a new place wouldn’t be so bad. A new place to celebrate our new lives.” I’ve lived in my apartment since I was in college. It’s tiny, and the rent is cheap, but I think I’m ready for my first adult apartment. One that’s all new and fresh and doesn’t have Purple Passion vomit stains on the carpet from that time I got too drunk at a football game.

  “I’m going to need my own office, though,” I add on.

  He laughs. “Of course.” He nods. “We will find a five-bedroom.”

  “Five?”

  “Well, we’ll need a bedroom, both babies—I know they’ll probably sleep together for a while, but when they grow up, they’ll want their own rooms—and then we’ll both need an office.”

  “Why do you need an office, Mr. Unemployed?”

  He laughs and takes a sip of his coffee. “No way am I staying unemployed long. I’ll go crazy. In fact, I was talking to Levi the other day. You know his friend Bennet?”

  I nod.

  “Well, he owns his own race car company, and he’s looking to build a whole new custom-designed motor, and he wants some of my engineering skills and help to make it hit top speeds. He thinks it’s something he can possibly patent in the future and turn into a full-scale business of its own.”

  “That’s awesome. He’s paying, right?”

  He laughs. “Of course. I told him we’d try to get out there later today for a meeting where we can put everything on the table.”

  “Do you know anything about race car engines?” I ask.

  He snorts. “I’m a genius. Or have you forgotten?” he says, pulling me in and planting a kiss on the top of my head.

  The week passes by quickly. With Dani running the show, she’s kept me busy every second of every day. She’s even brought everything to me, so I didn’t have to leave my apartment. Today is finally the day I’ll marry my best friend, a wedding that we’ll both remember for the rest of our lives.

  I don’t know how she managed to pull this off so quickly, but everything is set up and looks beautiful. She even invited the whole Vegas gang. Dani is my maid of honor, and Levi is Trent’s best man. Everyone else is sitting in the wooden chairs scattered around the fountain.

  “I can’t believe my baby is finally getting married,” my mom says when she runs up to me.

  “Mom!” I call out as I pull her in for a hug. My mom lives in Florida, and we rarely get to see one another; however, she knows all about my past with Trent and how in love with him I’ve been for years. But she doesn’t know that we’re already married and have been for some time now. That is a little secret that will stay within our group and Vegas, of course.

  “You’re absolutely glowing!” Mom says, pulling away but keeping me at arm’s length.

  I smile. “That’s because I’m thirteen weeks pregnant, Mom.”

  She smiles wide. “I know, and with twins!” She shakes her head. “Man, who saw that coming?”

  I laugh. “Yeah, a warning would’ve been nice.”

  “Are Trent’s parents here?” she asks, looking over her shoulder at the guests that are already sitting down and waiting for the wedding to start.

  “No, they’re in London for the next few weeks.”

  “London?” Her brow lifts.

  I nod. “They live there part-time and here the rest of the time. They’re not really the sentimental family type, so it’s no big surprise they couldn’t make it.”

  “Well, honey. I’m going to get seated before all the good seats are gone.” She kisses my cheek and squeezes my hand before running off.

  The music starts up a little while later, and Dani turns to me. “Are you ready?”

  I nod and plaster on my smile. “As I’ll ever be.”

  “You look amazing. Trent is a lucky guy. Remember that.” She quickly hugs me before turning and walking down the aisle.

  It’s times like this that make me wish I had a father. I’ve never felt like I was missing anything growing up, but a wedding day is the one day a girl needs her daddy. Unfortunately, mine passed away not too long after I was born when he was in a car accident. I don’t know how my mom did it on her own all these years, but she’s my inspiration. If she could raise me on her own, I know I can raise these two babies with Trent by my side.

  I take a deep breath and push myself forward. My white dress drags on the ground behind me, and having my hair and makeup done makes me feel beautiful—like a princess. When I come into view, everyone stands, and I can’t help but look over each and every smiling face.

  Dani did an amazing job. There are rows and rows of white folding chairs with peach flowers lining the aisle. At the altar stands the preacher and Trent under an archway that’s decorated in more white and peach roses and sprigs of ivy. The big fountain behind them is beautiful, tying the whole picture together perfectly.

  On my walk up the aisle, Trent’s eyes are locked on mine. He’s breathtakingly handsome in his gray tux. His dark hair is styled neatly, combed back on the sides with a curly mess on top. His eyes are burning so bright that they’re nearly glowing. Looking at him, I can’t hold off the smile as I feel the threat of tears. I know we’ve been married for a while now, but this, this is how it should’ve been. When someone asks about our wedding day, this is the day I will tell them about.

  “You look beautiful,” Trent says as I come to a stop in front of him.

  “Thank you,” I whisper. “You’re not looking too bad yourself.” I shoot him a wink and a smile that makes his grin widen.

  “Everyone, we’re gathered here today…” the preacher starts, but his words are lost on me. All I can think about is Trent, how we met one another many years ago, how our friendship blossomed into something else and then transformed to love, the love we used to make these beautiful, tiny babies inside of me. This is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I don’t know where this new life will lead us, but I know wherever we go, we’ll end up right where we’re supposed to be.

  My mind takes off into a million different directions of where life could take us. I can see us taking our children for a walk around this very fountain, both of us pushing a stroller. I can see us growing as a family, taking vacations, and watching as the children fight all the same fights we had growing up. I can see us in our elderly years, sipping on coffee spiked with bourbon and playing grab-ass as we chase one another through a Vegas casino.

  “Mia,” Trent says, stealing my attention. “I can’t express how happy you’ve made me throughout my life, but nothing compares to these last few months with you. You’ve given me everything I could’ve ever asked for—you’ve given me things I didn’t even know I wanted. Thanks to you, I’m the luckiest man alive because now I have it all. I vow to love you every single day for the rest of our lives. I vow to honor and protect you. I vow to stay by your side through thick and thin. With this ring, I promise you forever.” He slides the ring onto my finger.

  “Trent,” I breathe out his name, nerves washing over me, and my voice quivers. “I never thought we’d be here. But now that I stand here before you and our friends and family, I know this is where we were always meant to be. I vow to stand by your side even when times get tough.
I vow to honor, respect, and love you in every possible way for the rest of our lives. I vow to always be truthful and faithful, and to never put what we have on hold. This family that we’re creating will always come first. With this ring, I promise you forever.” I slide the ring onto his finger.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the preacher says.

  Trent doesn’t waste any time. He pulls me against his chest, and his lips smash against mine. My eyes flutter closed when all the guests stand and start cheering. Two seconds into our kiss, everyone else fades away. I hear nothing but my heart pounding in my chest. I can’t smell or feel anything other than Trent and the overwhelming amount of love I have for him—have always had for him. He’s always been my rock, always strong and ready to catch me. I couldn’t be more excited that we’re finally married—really, truly married, willingly.

  We break apart when we’re both breathless, with big smiles on our faces. Trent takes my arm in his and leads me back down the aisle while our guests toss birdseed at us.

  “Was it the wedding you’ve always wanted?” Trent asks as he pulls me against his chest.

  I reach up, cupping his cheek. “It was, and so much more. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

  “Well, maybe for me to rip this dress off you,” he teases, squeezing my ass playfully.

  “No way! This dress is rented! You rip it, you buy it.” I point my finger in his face.

  He bites his lower lip. “It may just be worth it,” he says with a smirk as he pulls me in for a kiss.

  The rest of the day goes by in a whirlwind. We have pictures taken and then meet everyone for an early, casual dinner reception before we’re carried away in a stretch limo, back to my apartment where I change out of the wedding and grab our bags for the honeymoon. I leave the dress hanging in my closet next to Trent’s tux, for Dani to return while we’re gone.

  “Are you seriously not going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask, pulling my bag up on my shoulder.

  He reaches over and takes it, carrying it for me. “Nope, but it’s not Vegas,” he says with a laugh.