Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

IVY

One year later…

Standing in front of the mirror, I twist and turn, straightening my dress. Sometimes, I'm shocked at the crazy things that have happened this past year. I can accept the ways it has changed me and for the better.

Often, I think back to our road trip to Bald Head Island and the promise Colter asked me to make him. The words he spoke that day were why I made my changes. He knew what I needed to hear and, most importantly, how I needed to learn to love myself.

"Absolutely stunning." A deep growl echoes from the other side of the room.

I look over my shoulder to find him standing in the bedroom entrance, adjusting himself as his eyes burn a path down my body. "What? This old thing?"

"You know damn well what that dress does to me." His brows drop low, like the sound of desire in his tone.

Pivoting on one heel, I give him the extended version of showing him how the material clings to my body. I love this dress and was surprised it still fit. I watch as he shifts and his nostrils flare.

I decide to tease him a little more and run my hand over my collarbone, dragging it down between my breasts. He follows my hand, parting his lips ever so slightly as the tips of my fingers brush over my full bust.

"You like watching, huh?" I quietly utter the words before wetting my lips.

He nods, his chest heaving, but his eyes never leave my trailing fingers. "You know I do; I worship you."

"You know, a man once told me I deserve a man to worship me." I run over my growing belly.

A smirk works on the corner of his mouth. "I would say he's a wise man."

"He is," I wink at him. "that's why I fell in love with him."

He points to my hand. "Is he responsible for this?"

"He sure is," I saunter over to him. "I can hardly wait to allow him to do it again."

He wraps me in his arms, kissing me madly. "I have loved you for so long; I still can't believe this is my life."

"I'm your wife, Colter," I say fondly.

"Make no mistake, Ivy." He presses his lips to mine once again before pulling back. "You are the love of my life, and I'm so thankful that you're my wife."

"I love you, and I'm grateful to have you to love me and this miracle growing inside me."

"We did this," He runs his lips across mine. "we deserve this life and love we've created together."

"Happy Anniversary, my love." I rush his mouth before he can say another word.

Love comes in many ways; sometimes, it's easy, and sometimes it takes work. But there's one thing I've learned: find the love you deserve and build your life around it.

Life is too short to not be loved the way you deserve, and love is too important to live without it. And remember, no one has the right to tell you how to live or love.

The Beginning.