Free Grave Delight (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 3) by Lily Harper Hart

have worn … this.”
    Nick pulled her tighter against him. “I don’t care about that, Mad. You’re always going to be the prettiest woman in the world. Besides, I don’t plan on letting you wear it long.”
    “Are we … doing it here?”
    “No,” Nick said, kissing her cheek again. “I just want a few minutes with you before we go inside. I like the sound of the water. It relaxes me.”
    “I’m surprised you don’t want to do it here,” Maddie said, her eyes wide. “It’s beautiful. You lit candles. I didn’t know you were shy about doing it outside.”
    “I’m not shy about doing it outside,” Nick said. “I’m sure we will do it outside. I’ve had fantasies about the lake for as long as I can remember, and we still have some nice summer weeks in front of us.”
    “But?”
    “But this is our first time,” Nick said. “I want our first time to be … perfect.”
     
    MADDIE’S heart swelled at Nick’s words, and her voice caught in her throat because she was so overcome with emotion. “There’s no such thing as perfect when it comes to this,” Maddie said. “There’s just … perfect for us.”
    Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears, and when Nick brushed the imaginary moisture away his face was unreadable. “What are you thinking right now?”
    “Don’t you know?”
    “No. My heart is pounding so hard I can barely think at all. I want to know, though. I want to know everything you’re thinking … and feeling.”
    Maddie wet her lips. “I’m thinking that I never thought this would happen,” she said. “I’m thinking that I don’t deserve you. I’m thinking I’ve never been happier … ever. I’m feeling … nervous. My heart is pounding, too. My hands feel a little sweaty, and I’m worried I’m not going to live up to your expectations.”
    Maddie pressed her eyes shut, afraid to meet Nick’s expressive eyes out of fear she would burst into tears and ruin the moment.
    “There were times I worried this would never happen, too,” Nick admitted. “I always believed … deep down … that you were my destiny. You deserve the very best in this world, Mad, and I’m not sure if I’m the very best, but I can promise you that no one will ever love you as much as I do.”
    The tears started to fall.
    “I’m nervous, too,” Nick said, wiping the tears away and pressing another kiss to her cheek. “You don’t have to live up to anything. You’re all I’ve ever wanted. You’re all I’m ever going to want. This is new for both of us, and I want us to experience it all together.
    “This is just the first time, Mad,” he continued. “I think we both might have built it up to obscene proportions in our minds, and I’m desperate to make it perfect for you and you’re terrified of letting me down. I think … maybe … we’re both being a little ridiculous.”
    “I think so, too,” Maddie admitted, her heart rolling. “I’m just … freaked out. I have no idea why. I’ve never trusted anyone more than you.”
    Nick chuckled. “I know the feeling. Here’s the thing, Mad, I’m going to love you until the day I die. I’ve never loved anyone but you. This is just our next step. Are you ready to make it?”
    “I’ve never been more ready.”
    Nick cupped Maddie’s head and brought his lips to hers, the sensual kiss sending chills through her body as he rubbed her back. When they separated, Nick’s face was a mask of emotion. “I love you, Maddie. I love you now, and I’m going to love you forever.”
    “I love you, too.” Maddie choked on the words as the tears threatened to overtake her again. “You’re my … everything.”
    “Together we’re everything,” Nick said, getting to his feet. He leaned over and wrapped his arms around Maddie’s body, hoisting her up and cradling her to his chest as he carried her back toward his bedroom. “I can’t ever be without you again, Mad. It’s you and me forever.”
    Maddie nodded, words failing