Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 79553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Exhausted and knowing I’m close to crashing, we head back to our room after we’re done eating dessert, telling everyone we’ll see them in the morning for breakfast before we check out to go home.
While I know it has to be the same room we left our luggage in before the show, I do a double take when we walk in because it’s been transformed into the definition of romance. Bloodred rose petals in the shape of a heart adorn the bed and are scattered along the floor. There’s a platter of chocolate-covered strawberries on the nightstand, along with several candles placed along various surfaces.
“You did all this for me,” I breathe, turning to Declan, who’s standing behind me.
“I’d do anything for you,” he admits, pressing his lips to mine. “I love you, Kendall. You and these babies…” His hand goes to my belly. “You’re my entire world.”
Tears prick my eyes as a huge messy ball of emotion climbs up my throat.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I tell him. “Everything is perfect.”
“Then why are you crying?” he asks with a laugh as he swipes a tear from under my eye.
“Because you love me.”
“Yeah, I do.” He laughs again, giving me a look of confusion as I try to figure out how to word the million different thoughts and emotions hitting me all at once.
“You did all of this without even knowing if the babies are yours,” I choke out. “But it’s more than just this—the engagement and romantic night. You planned to go to my wedding knowing that you were in love with me.”
He nods.
“And when I climbed out of the window, instead of telling me to go fuck myself, you were my getaway driver, when the fact is, that road trip was supposed to be your way of getting away after my wedding because you were so hurt.”
Another nod.
“And then you made the entire trip about me. The wine walk and Vampire Diaries tour… the lake and mountain…” I encircle my arms around his neck. “For years, I was so caught up on the fact that half of my DNA comes from the shittiest human that I allowed it to dictate my life. Every mistake, every failed relationship, I blamed him.
“Yet you come from a home where they only care about money and reputation, and instead of allowing them to dictate your life, you love harder than anyone I know. And even if these babies aren’t yours, I know you will make sure we’re loved every day for the rest of our lives, just like my dad made sure I’m loved.”
A sob escapes my throat as I realize I’ve had it all wrong this entire time. “I’m capable of being loved and loving someone else. My love might not be perfect, but it’s okay if it’s a little broken because we’re all a little broken. The key is to find someone who can love all those jaded pieces.”
Declan presses his mouth to mine tenderly. “And I love every single imperfectly perfect piece of you.”
He loves me. Just the way I am.
“Marry me.”
Declan laughs. “That’s the idea, baby.” He kisses the tip of my nose.
“No, now. We’re here, in Vegas. Let’s get married.”
“You’re serious?” he asks.
“Forever,” I say. “Always.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
DECLAN
THREE WEEKS LATER
“She belongs with Stefan. The fact that she went to see him instead of Damon says it all.”
I roll over and hover above Kendall, giving her a peck on her lips. “That doesn’t mean shit. She feels obligated to be with Stefan, but she wants Damon. Besides…” I roll onto my side, taking her with me so our bodies stay connected. “Klaus is the real MVP.”
“What?” Kendall cackles. “He’s a monster!”
“They should give him his own show.” I shrug. “I’d watch that shit.”
Kendall smirks. “He has his own show.”
“What? Why aren’t we watching it instead of this teen high school drama shit?”
She rolls her eyes. “You love this teen high school drama shit.”
She isn’t wrong, but I’ll never admit it out loud.
“We have to watch them in order,” she explains. “The Originals doesn’t start until season five.”
“Damn, that’s like a million seasons away.”
“Don’t be dramatic.” Kendall sits up. “We’re almost done with season three.”
“Does Klaus end up with Caroline?” That woman is without a doubt the most annoying character on the show, besides Bonnie, that is. “Maybe if she’d let Klaus hit it, she’d lighten up a little.”
Kendall laughs. “I’m not giving you any spoilers.”
I pout, hoping to get my way, but she isn’t having it. “We need to get going so we’re not late to my appointment.” She edges off the bed and starts getting dressed while I stare at how goddamn sexy she looks carrying my babies. If I have it my way, I’ll knock her ass up a couple more times, just so I can watch her belly grow.
“You going to stare at me all day or get ready to go?”