Darkness Before Dawn

know, Aub. I mean, as nice as that would be, I'm not sure Cole would be okay with it."
    "Just wanted to put it out there, Cowboy. I think you guys should think this through a little. I know you just wanna be married and it doesn't matter where you do it, but it should be memorable, don't you think?"
    I nod my head in agreement before realizing he can't see me. "Thanks, Aub. I'll think about it."
    I stretch my body before getting up to get ready. Once I'm out of the shower, I wrap a towel around myself and step into my closet, stopping at the dying sunflowers on my little table. I smile at the memory as I step into my jeans and put on my blouse before taking out the skeleton key to put around my neck. Aubry's words swim around in my head as I put my hair up in a high bun and I wonder how I should bring it up to Cole.
    "Hey, beautiful," Cole says, making me jump and turn around.
    "Hey," I reply with a smile.
    "You're in a better mood, I hope," he says with a grin as he pushes off of the doorframe and strides over to me.
    I wrap my arms around his neck and stand on my tiptoes, leaning into him when he scoops me up and sits me on the table behind me. I place feather kisses on every inch of his face before reaching his lips and placing one there. Not letting me back away, he grabs both sides of my face and groans deeply as he delves his tongue into my mouth.
    "I love you," he murmurs against my lips. "Even when you're being a pain in my ass."
    I laugh, rolling my eyes and slap his shoulder lightly. "I love you too."
    "I love how that looks on you," he says, picking the key up from my chest before letting it fall back in place.
    "Me too," I respond before clearing my throat. "I have a question," I start, training my eyes on the back of his shirt collar as I pluck it with my fingers.
    He cups my chin to make me look at him. "What is it?"
    "Do you really want to get married at the courthouse?" I ask in a small voice.
    His eyebrows knit together as confused eyes scan mine. "You want a wedding," he says finally, his lips spreading into a victorious smile. "You want a wedding!"
    I feel my own smile broaden as confusion clouds my thoughts. "Why are you so excited about that?"
    "Because you, Blake Brennan," he says flicking my nose with his and placing a peck on my lips, "want to celebrate the fact that you're going to be mine." He places another kiss on my lips. "You, Blake Brennan, want to throw a party," he continues in between kisses. "You, Blake Brennan, want to celebrate something with guests. Do you not see what a big deal that is?"
    I laugh against his lips and wonder if he's lost his mind completely this time, but before I can say anything else, we're interrupted by my rumbling stomach.
    "I guess I finally have something worth celebrating," I respond with a nonchalant shrug.
    His smile falters as he looks into my eyes, caressing my face with the back of his hand. "You're worth celebrating, baby," he says quietly before clearing his throat. "Does this mean we can't get married next week?"
    "Let me call Becky and find out," I reply with an eye roll.
    "Cool. I'll go make you breakfast," he says, setting me down on my feet before walking away.
    I pick up the phone and text message Aubry letting him know that a wedding is definitely on but not to worry about Maggie's house just yet. I think I have the perfect location for our nuptials, and I want to figure out how to keep it a surprise from Cole for once. I dial Becky's number, biting down on my lip to keep from bursting out the news as soon as she picks up.
    On our way to the therapist, Cole and I go over wedding colors, flowers, and honeymoon locations.
    "You wanna get married on the farm?" he asks, slowing down for a red light.
    "Maybe."
    "Maybe, huh?" he asks, trying to stifle a smile as he leans in to tickle me.
    "Stop!" I plead in between giggles. "Just let me get the invitations and then you'll find out where, but the farm is a maybe."
    "Shouldn't I be part of this?" he asks, pressing the accelerator. "Last time I checked, two people are getting married next week and I happen to be one of them."
    "It's going to be small, Cole. Just let me handle it. Please? I've never planned a party in my life," I pout, trying to make him feel guilty.
    He leans in and pokes my rib cage again, making me shift in my seat and laugh. "Don't play that card on me. That's your own fault."
    When he parks outside of the building and turns off the car he looks over at me. "It's your wedding,