It sure had been. The moment Valerie agreed, the wheels were spinning in his head. The day after she’d agreed they both decided they didn’t want a big wedding. The only way that was going to happen is if they didn’t tell anyone. He worked his schedule around at the restaurant telling everyone Valerie needed to get away after all the drama she’d been through, secretly buying the ring and booking the flight. He wasn’t about to give her time to change her mind. They’d been married the day they arrived in Bermuda then spent most of the rest of their time there in their suite. Honeymooning.
After a round of hugs and a few kisses for the bride from everyone, they sat around the bar for a celebratory drink.
Sarah sat with Valerie, demanding every detail of their small but very romantic wedding. Valerie was doing her best to oblige.
Sal stood behind the bar in front of Alex. “I can’t believe you did this. What’s with everyone all of sudden? My buddy Jason’s just got engaged, too.”
Alex took a drink of his beer. “Really? I thought he was still in school.”
“He is,” Sal lifted his shoulder. “I guess he just couldn’t wait.”
“Hey!”
Alex turned to see Romero walk in the restaurant holding Isabel’s hand. “What’s the big surprise?”
Valerie told him in the car she texted Isabel to meet them at the restaurant. She hadn’t mentioned that she told them there was a surprise. He exchanged glances with her and she gave him a devilish smile. Valerie lifted her finger in the air. Isabel’s eyes opened wide. She turned to Alex then back at Valerie. “You’re engaged?”
Valerie stood up shaking her head with a big grin on her face. “We got married.”
“Get out!” Isabel hugged her as soon as Valerie reached her.
“Hey, man.” Romero shook Alex’s hand and clapped him on the shoulder. “How come you didn’t tell me?”
“We didn’t tell anyone. Everyone just found out. Have a beer. Celebrate with us.” Alex turned to the bartender and held up two fingers.
“Man, you Morenos are dropping like flies.” Romero took the beers Alex handed him and turned to Sal. “That means you’re next, chief.”
“Hell no,” Sal took a swig of his own beer. “I have too many plans before I even think about settling down.”
Romero rolled his eyes before walking toward Isabel with her beer. “Yeah, we’ll see.”
“What are you talking about?” Sal smiled. “You’re probably the next one to go down.”
Valerie walked toward them. “Hey, I heard that.”
Sal came around from behind the bar and held out his arms. “I’m only kidding. I couldn’t be happier for you two. I know how much you mean to this big lug.”
He squeezed her a little too tight, rubbing his hands all over her back and smirking at Alex.
Alex reached out for her hand. “Alright, that’s happy enough.”
Sal laughed, letting her go. “You’re too easy, little brother.”
“Funny,” Valerie smiled as Alex pulled her to him. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone refer to you as little.”
Sal laughed, about to say something when Angel walked up behind Valerie and interrupted. “You two sure there’s no other reason for this sudden marriage?”
Valerie turned to him, obviously not understanding what he was getting at. Alex squeezed her hand and shoved Angel. “No, ass. But now that we’re married I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t visit that idea.”
Finally getting it, Valerie laughed. “No way. One thing at a time.”
Alex laughed and kissed her. They hung around for few more drinks then said their goodbyes. The happiness he felt was a bit overwhelming. Life couldn’t be any better.
He’d been pissed when Valerie got a call from Luke on their honeymoon. But after hearing the voicemail, it more than made up for it. Valerie had gone on her second interview the day before they left. Luke called to tell her she got the position. Alex would have to put up with her working with him for only a few more months.
Once in the truck he leaned over and kissed her, “You know, I wasn’t kidding in there about us having a baby.”
Valerie’s mouth fell open. “Alex, I swear, you’re too much. Can we get used to this marriage thing first?”
“What’s there to get used to?”
She laughed aloud, putting her hand on his thigh then sliding it up a bit more, her expression becoming more serious. “I do want to have babies, Alex. Lots and lots of them. I promise. Just not yet.”
He’d had her day and night to himself for the past five days straight and her touch still singed him. “Lots and lots uh? Sounds to me like we’ll need lots and lots of practice making them then.” He kissed her again, as if he hadn’t in ages.
It was a good thing they were married now, because somehow he couldn’t imagine ever getting his fill of her.