Zion is the only one who knows we’re having twin girls. Griff, Levi, Ivy, and Claire only know I’m pregnant. Levi immediately started his campaign to be the coolest uncle. As soon as he found out, a five-foot teddy bear was delivered to the penthouse. Griff sent me to a day spa for a day of pampering in a surprisingly effective counter to the giant teddy bear.
“I haven’t thrown up in thirty-six hours, so they’re doing a good job in there.” I say with a little pat on my minuscule baby bump.
He stands back up to full height and gives me his arm. “Let’s do this.”
CONNOR
I lose my breath as Lily walks through the open doors of the library. Her dress is perfection, lace over a sheer bodice that is tight from her bust to her hips and then flares out dramatically. Her shoulders are bare, but the dress has long lace sleeves. Her hair is swept up in a fancy but relaxed way. She’s wearing the necklace from Dad and the ring from the three of us but no other jewelry. I can see the slightest bump showcasing our daughters, but I’m pretty sure no one else would even know.
The man marrying us says some shit that I am not paying any attention to because all I can do is think about how lucky I am to be marrying this beautiful woman who I also call my best friend. There’s no giving her away statement because, in her words, she’s not an item to be given from one man to another.
Griff gives a little cough, reminding me to speak when it’s my turn to say the vows I’ve written.
“Lily, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were going to be the very best kind of trouble. The kind of trouble that keeps me up at night with equal amounts of love and desire. The kind of trouble that never backs down, even when you should. The kind of trouble that looks me in the eyes and demands that I do better. I promise that I will work every day to be the man you and our daughters deserve. I will be your partner, your lover, and your best friend through this life and every life thereafter.”
We share a smile as everyone around us gives a surprised gasp at the news, and then it’s her turn to say her vows.
“Connor, I loved you before I liked you. Sometimes, I still have to work on the liking you aspect,” she pauses for chuckles, “just kidding. There are so many things to love about you. You are the most determined, loyal, and protective man I’ve known. I’m lucky to stand beside and grow with you. Your love gives me freedom to grow and make mistakes, knowing I’ll always have a safe harbor in your arms. I cannot wait to see where life takes us because as long as we’re together, I know it will be a beautiful journey.”
I don’t wait for permission to kiss my wife, and I don’t give her a lame PG kiss. I pull her to me, kissing her with all the deep passion and love I hold in my soul for her. She owns me entirely. We kiss for much longer than is probably socially acceptable for a wedding. I give zero fucks; I could kiss this woman until my lips bleed, and it wouldn’t be enough. She finally pulls away with glazed look of her desire in her eyes. The first empty room we find is getting christened tonight.
GRIFFIN
“They’re so happy,” Claire says from beside me at dinner as we watch Connor dance with his mom and Lilith dance with Frank, who had asked if he could be Michael’s stand-in for the father-daughter dance. “I’ve never seen Con smile so much, it’s disturbing.”
I chuckle and risk looking over at her. Ever since she and I kissed last summer on the yacht one night after everyone went to sleep, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her. She felt so perfect in my arms, like she belonged there all along. Her lips were so soft and sweet, a complete contrast to the ice princess vibes she gives off. It took every ounce of self-control for me to set her down when she wrapped her legs around my waist and ground her barely covered pussy over my throbbing dick. I get a semi just thinking about it.
Lilith is undeniably beautiful, but the brightest light in this room tonight is sitting beside me with her hand on my thigh. Claire Volkov is the ultimate forbidden fruit, and I’m not sure I can fight the urge to take a bite any longer. She locks those deadly green eyes on me and, with a challenging smile, grabs a bottle of champagne from the bucket on the table.
“Let’s give ourselves one night to be bad, Griff.”
Acknowledgments
I want to start by thanking every reader who has picked up my books this year. It’s been a crazy year with so many horrible things but you folks have been the highlight for me. Knowing that my books, my words, my imagination have given you an escape is both satisfying and touching. To those readers who have left reviews, good or bad, thank you so much. I read every single one and strive to do better with each of my books.
All of the bookstagrammers and booktok-ers who have promoted my work with their amazing videos or awesome book aesthetic edits I cannot thank you enough. It makes my day to see them. You are all so talented and I am constantly in awe of your vision of my books.
Thank you to my beta team. Valerie, you keep me motivated to work and I love discussing which books we’re currently reading outside of the Titan world. Sherry, your
