Nick wasn't home. He’d stayed at Paul and Joss's house, letting me have a girls' night at ours to get ready for our big day. I wasn't sure how he was going to react. I'd jokingly said I wanted kids after he put a ring on my finger, and now we were walking down the aisle in less than an hour. We'd opted to stay in Nevada for our wedding, given the last wedding we’d attended practically turned into an episode of Dateline. But neither of us wanted to get married on The Strip, and I'd always thought the red rocks on the outskirts of Vegas were pretty, so we booked a venue where we could marry with the giant rocks behind us at sunset.
Everleigh paid for everything. Two months ago, she and my parents moved to Vegas, and the dry heat had been working better for my father's lungs. They found a doctor in LA who was a specialist and so far, so good. We were taking it one day at a time.
There was a knock on the door of the suite in the hotel where our wedding was being held, and then Joss entered. "Everyone is ready."
"Great," I replied, and my gaze met her baby bump. She was only three months pregnant, and soon, she and Paul would welcome their own bundle of joy.
And then Nick and I would.
"Ready?" Everleigh asked.
I turned from the mirror and beamed at her. "Ready."
We left the suite and headed toward the area where my father was waiting. "You can still back out," he joked.
"I'm good."
He kissed the side of my head. "Good, because I like Nick very much."
I grinned. "So do I."
Music started to play, and I took a deep breath and walked outside. Immediately, my gaze met Nick's, and just like the first time we'd met, my heart skipped a beat. He was so handsome in his black and white tux, and with each step, I knew this was who I was meant to be with. Needless to say, he was the best purchase I'd ever made.
"Snookums," he whispered as I got to him.
"Bad boy lover." I giggled.
Dad handed me over to him, and then Nick's boss, Mark, started the wedding.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Nicholas Hawkins and Ashleigh James. I can say that each couple I have married are still married, so there's nothing any of us need to worry about when it comes to these two."
People snickered, and Mark continued the ceremony. Nick and I said our vows at the appropriate times, and then I finally heard the words I never thought I would hear.
"Nick, you may kiss your bride."
He didn't hesitate or give me a light peck. He went for it, devouring my mouth like he'd done so many times before. People started to clap and cheer, and we turned to walk hand in hand as husband and wife back down the aisle.
When we got back into the building, Nick pulled me to him again and kissed me once more. "Are you happy, Mrs. Hawkins?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
"Will you go to the store at three in the morning when I'm craving sour worms and ice cream?"
His brow furrowed. "I'd do it in a heartbeat."
"Good. Because, Mr. Hawkins, you're going to be a father."
* * *
The End.
* * *
Gabe – Angels & Whiskey
Paul – Tequila & Lace
Seth – Champagne & Handcuffs
Vinny – Rum & Coke
Brad – Gin & Jewels
Nick – Paradise & Vodka
I feel as though my acknowledgements are always the same because I have my tribe that help me with each book. So, Mr. Knight, my editor, Jennifer Roberts-Hall, Laura Hull, Leanne Tuley, Stacy Nickleson, and Amber Garcia, thank you so much for all the time you helped invest in this story to make it what it is today. I appreciate each of you.
To my Steamy Knights: Thank you for your continued love and support. You all rock. I love how I can share my personal life with you as well as all things Knight news!
To all the bloggers and authors who participated in my cover reveal, release day blitz, and review tour: thank you! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of you who are willing to help me spread the word about my books. Without you, I wouldn’t be living my dream.
And finally, to my readers: Thank you for believing in me and taking a chance on my books again and again. Without you guys, I wouldn’t still be writing and bringing you all the stories that captivate my brain on a daily basis.
Club 24 Series – Romantic Suspense
Perfect Together – The Club 24 Series Box Set
Halo Series – Contemporary Romance
Saddles & Racks Series – Romantic Suspense
By Invitation Only – Erotic Romance Standalone
Sensation Fantasies – Erotic Romance Novellas
Dangerously Intertwined Series – Romantic Suspense
Burn Falls – Paranormal Romance Standalone
And more …
Kimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the mountains near a lake in California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and daughter, who keeps Kimberly on her toes. Kimberly writes in a variety of genres including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. Her books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love before she throws you curve balls you never see coming.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
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www.authorkimberlyknight.com
Paradise & Vodka (Saddles & Racks Book 6) Page 17
