The sliver of space between Zane and me jabs at my chest, and I tug on his arm. He loses his balance and topples over me.
Our gazes meet, and out of all the time we’ve been together today, at this very moment, my heart bolts like a horse on a racetrack.
Zane’s grip on my waist tightens, and I lean forward at his touch.
A throat clears.
And then once more, as if Sophia isn’t sure we can hear her. She clears her throat for the third time.
Holy crap! What was I doing?
I suck in a breath and straighten, hiding my gaze from everyone else’s. Zane stays by my side, and when he repositions, I’m partially sitting on his lap.
“I told you guys the honeymoon period isn’t over.” Zach pats Zane on his back. “I’m proud of you, bro. You started late but are definitely not losing the game.”
I only half-register Zach’s words, trying to fight the embarrassment, when I feel Zane stiffening beside me. When I glance up at him, his furrowed forehead slowly relaxes.
Thankfully, Chloe chooses that moment to release a loud wail, and everyone’s attention slides to her. It’s Alex who reaches her first and softly coos, trying to calm her down.
Kristy and Rose bite back a smile, and when I look at Sophia in confusion, she whispers to me, “Alex apparently wants to marry Chloe when they grow up.”
“Oh my!” My huge smile grows as I imagine if this childhood dream were to come to life. Alex isn’t related to Chloe by blood, he was adopted by Rose and Zander.
“These Teager boys love nothing more than becoming husbands,” Beast mutters, throwing a pointed look at Zane.
A giggle shoots through me, especially when I notice a small curl on Beast’s lips. Zane’s hand resting on my hip tightens, and still smiling, I glance at him.
There’s a mix of relief and surprise behind his stoic face.
“We’re here to give you guys your wedding gift.” Zander leans forward and slides an envelope on the table toward us.
“But you already paid for the wedding dress,” I say.
“And the w-wedding,” Zane adds.
Oh my God! I didn’t even know his family paid for our wedding. Our fake wedding.
“And this is the last gift.” Zach grabs the envelope and places it on my lap. “The sooner you open it, the sooner we’re gone, and you two can be alone.” Mischief dances on his face when he waggles his eyebrows at Zane and me.
I look back at my husband, who seems just as stunned as me, before he slowly nods his head for me to open the envelope.
My heart crushes at the sight of plane tickets, a hotel booking, and a lunch reservation.
I can’t effing believe it.
“That’s… Frauenhuber!” I gasp.
“We might have stalked your Instagram account,” Rose says bashfully.
I turn around and explain to Zane, “This is one of the oldest coffee houses in Vienna.”
“B-but—”
“No buts. This is for your honeymoon and you’re going.” Kristy levels us with her gaze.
“Kr-risty—”
I grab Zane’s arm, halting his stuttering words. I know he wants to give multiple reasons, lie for me and explain to his family why we can’t go. But just for one night, I want to imagine a honeymoon with Zane in one of my favorite cities in the whole freaking world.