8

After two months, Kiera got a letter from her father telling her it was safe, and she could come home. Jared gave a breath of relief. He couldn’t wait for the two of them to be separated and to get away from Olivia. He only hated that he promised to stay for the wedding, which was just in a few weeks.

He was thankful that the ladies worked on wedding planning most of the time. He and Garret and James spent most of their time with target practice or sparring. Garret was good and for once he was thankful, they were friends. Monica grew more nervous as the day got closer. She was panicking the afternoon before the wedding and Kiera saw her.

“Monica? Is everything alright?”

“Just nerves, I think.”

“You are hyperventilating. What’s wrong?”

“James has been my best friend forever and now I’m going to be his wife. We have snuck a few kisses here and there, but…”

“You are worried about the sex part?”

“Is that stupid?”

“No. I get nervous when I think about it.”

“Really? How do you manage to calm down?”

“I talk to him about it.”

“Really? And how does that usually go?”

“He reassures me. He can be a brute and downright terrifying sometimes, but I know in my heart he would never do anything to hurt me. Although I am told that the first time always hurts, Garret promises to be as gentle as possible.”

“You just talk about it?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t worry too much. James adores you and would protect you at all costs. If you get married tomorrow and decide you are not ready for that or you are nervous, just talk to him. Being open and honest can go a long way.”

“You and Garret?”

“Know everything about each other. No secrets.”

“You’re right. I should talk to him.”

“You’ll feel better if you do.”

“Thanks, Kiera.”

“You’re welcome.”

Monica felt better knowing that even as close as Garret and Kiera were, they both still got nervous. She relaxed and prepared for the morning.

James was beside himself. He was deep into his cups when Jared and Garret found him.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m getting married to best friend tomorrow, what do you think?”

“Why are you so nervous? Most would be ecstatic.”

“Oh, I am.”

“Then what is it?”

“I’m no virgin. That’s a known fact. She is. The first time she has sex will be with me and I don’t want to fuck it up for her.”

“I’m sure you won’t.”

“I heard her pacing early and was going to go talk to her, but I heard Kiera talking to her about being open with each other and that if she was nervous or going to freak out, she should just talk to me.”

“It works for us. We talk about it all the time. Try it. It’ll do wonders for you two.”

“You think so?”

“You to have talked sex?”

“Hey, we are helping James. Back to big brother duties tomorrow.”

“Fine. But I think he is right. Just talk to each other.”

“Should I do it now or wait until tomorrow?”

“That’s up to you.”

The two went to bed and James stared pacing. Finally, he worked up the nerve to go up to see if Monica was still awake.