Katie's prediction was right on the money. The next three weeks after the first night she and Kieran shared together were, in a word, magical. The phrase might sound childish, but that's how it seemed to them, especially Kieran. Each day with Katie was a brand- new adventure. She always seemed to have something exciting and fun planned for them to do, and he wondered more than once just how long she'd been planning to seduce him.

The most likely answer was "quite a while." Kieran didn't mind, though. If anything, it was almost flattering just how much thought she'd put into the trip's itinerary, how much work and effort she'd put into taking him as her man. But that was Katie, through and through. She never left anything to chance and put all her heart into everything she did.

The first week of the trip was spent visiting and then-revisiting each Disney park. He and Katie rode just about everything in the Magic Kingdom—and each other—at least three more times that first day, and later that afternoon, when they were on their way to a dinner reservation at the Liberty Tree Tavern inside the park, he ducked into a nearby shop and purchased a small necklace in the shape of Cinderella's carriage. It was rather expensive for his tastes, but the moment he saw it, he knew Katie would love it. When she came out of the restroom, he held the small box out to her in the palm of his hand.

"I know it's not a ring," he said, scuffing a foot along the floor shyly. "But I hope it'll do for now."

Katie opened the box and sucked in a breath. Her impossibly blue eyes brimmed with tears. "Oh, Kieran," she breathed. "It's beautiful! I love it!"

She threw her arms around him, pulling his face toward hers for a passionate kiss that made several bystanders stop and stare. "Can you put it on for me?" she asked. "Those clasps are tough to do by yourself."

Kieran nodded and she turned, pushing her hair aside to expose the nape of her slender neck. He draped the necklace around her throat and secured it with a mechanic's deftness.

"I'll never take it off," Katie promised him, kissing him again with tongue this time. "God, I love you. You're just...you're just the best guy ever."

She meant it, too. Katie, true to her word as ever, didn't remove that necklace once during the entire trip. Not when she slept, not when she ate, not when she and Kieran were in the shower and not when they fucked. She wore it day and night with unmistakable pride, as if eager to show the world the small token of his affection.

The next day they visited EPCOT. Kieran quite liked the World Showcase, though he enjoyed the Mission to Mars ride even more. Next was the Animal Kingdom, which to Kieran was the best one of the four. The Expedition Everest roller coaster was absolutely thrilling, though he enjoyed seeing the animals on display just as much. He was particularly fascinated with the gorillas. He and Katie spent over an hour just standing there and watching them. The fourth day of the trip was spent at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where Kieran--after considerable prodding from Katie--agreed to go on the Tower of Terror. Katie didn't go with him on account of her newly-pregnant status (she hadn't taken a test yet but was absolutely certain of it) but she cheered him on from the sidelines.

Their to-do list wasn't just limited to Disney, though. They also spent several days thoroughly exploring Universal Studios Orlando, and when they were done with that, Katie still had a long list of items left on her to-do list. They drove the marvelous Porsche she'd rented out to some of the area's most pristine beaches--Orlando itself didn't have any, but there were some really good ones only an hour or two away--and together they explored tidal pools, waded into the surf, and swam in isolated lagoons. On more than one occasion they swam in nothing but their skin. Katie quickly developed something of a fetish for having sex in the water.

Not that he complained, of course.

There was yet more they shared together on that fateful getaway. Kieran and Katie went snorkeling and parasailing on a chartered boat, browsed boutique shops and stores, and made love like it was going out of a style. Katie filmed videos for her Instagram page, though she assured Kieran she'd only post them once they were officially married. She took other videos, and photographs too, but a good portion of them could never be shared due to their nature and content.

Every night, Katie took him to the finest restaurants to eat. Every morning, she woke him by sucking him off or fucking him or pleasuring him in some other way. And at every possible opportunity, she went out of her way to show her how much she cared, how much she genuinely and sincerely loved and wanted him. Katie used the phrase "I love you" after almost every sentence, and relished telling everyone she came across, be they waiters, hotel staff, theme park employees, or simply random passersby, that the two of them were engaged. Kieran found all the attention rather embarrassing, but didn't tell her to stop.

How could he? Why would he? The three weeks he spent with her in Florida were...there wasn't even a word for it. He was utterly, deliriously, feverishly happy, happier than he could ever remember being before. Every moment, every second he spent with her was precious beyond measure, and though he'd never imagined himself married at 18, he found he quite liked the idea as the trip wore on. Katie was, quite simply, the most extraordinary woman--the most extraordinary person--he'd ever met.

Twenty-one days. Twenty-one carefree, magical days. Twenty-one days of sun, fun, and the kind of passionate sex only two people in love can share. Kieran wished it would never end.

But it did, of course. It had to. Exactly three weeks after getting on the plane to Orlando, Kieran and Katie got on the plane to leave it. Kieran felt like an entirely new person, a better person, and for the first time in three bitter, grief-filled years, he had something to look forward to other than going to school and going to work. There was a lightness in his heart, a spring in his step that hadn't been there before.

Katie held his hand and didn't let go of it until the plane landed. Dropping Kieran off at his house once they left the airport in an Uber was the hardest thing she'd ever had to do. She didn't want to be apart from him for a single second, but she knew it was only temporary. For now, for just a little longer, they had to keep up appearances. But not for long. Not for long at all. She'd already made an appointment with the courthouse downtown for a marriage ceremony. She and Kieran would head over there as soon as school let out to tie the knot, and she was almost beside herself with glee.

"I'll text you as soon as I get home," she promised him as he prepared to get out of the car. Then, without warning, she grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and yanked him close for goodbye kiss.

"I love you, Kieran," Katie whispered.

He cupped her cheek. She loved it when he did that.

"I love you too," he said quietly.

When he exited the vehicle, Katie felt like a part of herself immediately went missing. He turned, waved, placed a hand over his heart, and pointed back at her. Katie responded by blowing him a kiss.

Her parents were still up when she walked through the front door of her lavish, luxurious house. Katie glanced around her, taking in its familiar details with a touch of melancholy. Soon, she'd move in with Kieran to make a home of their own, and leave all of this behind. It was a bittersweet thought.

"Hi, sweetie!" her mother said, hurrying over to greet her as soon as she finished dragging her suitcase into the foyer. "We've missed you so much! How was your trip? Tell me all about it!"

"Oh, it was lots of fun," Katie said. She embraced her mother, who returned the gesture with a tight squeeze.

"Who did you wind up going with?" Laura Petersen asked. "I don't think you ever mentioned the name."

"Oh, just a friend from school. I don't think you've met them, but they're really nice," Katie said vaguely.

Some mothers might have questioned such a non-specific response, but not Katie's. To Laura, her little girl had never been anything other than a perfect angel, and so she had no reason to suspect what her daughter had actually been up to. She had no idea of the truth.

Yet.

"Well, I'm glad you had a good time," the older woman said. "Your father and I are so glad it went well. Do you have some pictures you could show us?"

Katie bit her lip. She had lots of pictures, but there quite a few on her cell phone that she didn't want her parents viewing. She needed time to upload them into her personal encrypted cloud, where none but she and Kieran could view them.

"Yeah, but is it okay if I show you tomorrow or something? It was a long flight and I'm very tired."

"Of course," said her father, rising from his favorite armchair. Gregory Petersen was a tall, broad-shouldered man, handsome in a classical sort of way, the way a regent's face on an old coin is handsome. He was tall, very tall, and though his days of law enforcement were behind him, he still carried himself with an air of self-assured authority. It was a trait that had served him well since going into politics.

"Get a tan, did you?" he teased. "Lots of time at the beach?"

"Lots," Katie confirmed with a wink. "Among other things."

"Well, you go upstairs and get some rest, and you can tell us all about it tomorrow," Laura assured her. "Welcome home, sweetheart."

"Thank you," Katie said, hugging them both one last time before heading up the stairs. But this isn't my home anymore, she thought. My home is with Kieran, by his side, wherever that might be. I hope you'll understand that.

Her bedroom was just as she'd left it, and after dropping her suitcase onto the carpet, Katie went into the bathroom and locked the door behind her. She found the pregnancy test kit she'd hidden under her sink, and opened the box with fingers that shook. She was so sure, so utterly sure, but she needed to see it. She needed to hold the proof of it in her hands.

Three minutes later, she was. The sign on the little stick was unmistakably positive.

Katie's entire world tilted on its axis. She clapped a hand to her mouth, smothering a screech of joy. All the work, all the effort, all the sacrifice, all the years of careful planning...in that one singular moment, everything she'd done for the past six years was utterly and thoroughly vindicated.

Katie Peterson was pregnant. More, she was pregnant with the child of a man she loved, a man she was going to spend the rest of her days with. It was all so much, almost too much. Katie's heart soared, her blood pounded in her ears. She wasn't scared, intimidated or having second thoughts in the slightest. She was elated, and she knew Kieran would be too. She couldn't wait to tell him the news!

She reached for her phone, but stopped herself from opening up the messaging up. Simply telling him over text didn't feel right. Such momentous news deserved to be shared face-to-face. Kieran deserved that much, and infinitely more. Katie would never be able to repay him for the precious gift she now carried within her, but she was more than willing to spend her life trying.

Love--for Kieran and for her child--welled up inside her like a river flooding its banks. Katie wept, not from sorrow or anxiety but from the strength of the love she felt for her unborn child and the man who'd made it with her. She knelt on the bathroom floor, tears coursing down her face, her whole body shaking from head to toe.

I'm going to have a baby. I'm going to have a baby! I'm going to have a baby! I'm going to be the best mom ever, I can't wait to see if it has Kieran's eyes and hair, I can't wait to get my first sonogram and hear its heartbeat! I can't wait to see my baby taking its first steps and hear it say its first word! I'm having a baby! I'M HAVING A BABY!

It took a long, long time for Katie to get a grip on herself. It was difficult to rein in such raw, powerful emotions. But eventually she got to her feet, carefully disposed of the pregnancy test to ensure it wouldn't be found by anyone, and climbed into bed. She fired off a quick text to Kieran.

KP: Thanks for the most amazing three weeks ever! I can't wait for us to start our lives together. Love you so much!

A few minutes later, Kieran replied.

KC: I'm the one who should be thanking you. You're the most amazing girl I've ever met. I love you too, Katie.

He followed this up with a string of heart emojis. Katie smothered a giggle and put her phone aside. Tomorrow she would tell him, and by the time she got home that evening, she would officially be his wife. Hopefully, that would help mollify her parents when she told them.

Even if it doesn't, they'll soon come to see Kieran the way I do. He's perfect for me in every way. They'll realize that eventually. Katie's lips firmed into a thin line as she began to drift off.

But even if they don't, it won't make a difference. I'm going to be Kieran's wife, and I'm going to be the mother of his child, and I'm going to do those things with or without their approval. She hoped beyond hope it wouldn't come to that. But she wouldn't back down if it did. This, all of it, has been my choice. I choose to be his wife, and I choose to have his baby. I choose him to be my partner. No one else, not even my parents, has the right to make that decision for me.

And heaven help anyone who tries.

Over at the Callaway house, Sean Callaway immediately noticed that there was something different about his son the moment Kieran walked in the door. The moment his son came inside the house, his parental instincts picked up on it. There was a confidence in the way Kieran walked that hadn't been there before, and he stood straighter, taller, than he had the last time Sean saw him. There was a glint in his eye that was new as well, as was the broad smile on his face.

"How'd it go?" he asked. "Did you have fun down there?"

"Oh, yes." Kieran's smile grew wider. Alarm bells immediately began going off in Sean's head. "It was incredible--the best three weeks ever!"

"I see." Sean put aside the book he'd been reading. "Tell me about it. What'd you enjoy doing most?"

"I couldn't pick one," Kieran admitted. "Everything was like a dream, Dad. Katie is...I've never met anyone like her. She's intense and driven but also really kind and sweet, and..." His face turned red and he realized, too late, that he'd already said too much.

"I see." Sean didn't try to make his son feel embarrassed. "Son, let me ask you bluntly: did anything happen between you two on that trip?"

"D-Dad!" Kieran flinched. "What the hell? Why would you ask that?"

"I'll tell you why. Because that spring in your step, the way you're smiling, the way you look rather pleased with yourself like a contented cat..." Sean smirked. "I was exactly like that after the first time your mother and I were together. I know how it feels, in the aftermath. You feel tall, strong, like you can do anything. You feel proud of yourself, and you're already wondering when you can get more." He leaned back in his chair. "Am I right or wrong?"

"I...I..." Kieran averted his eyes. He couldn't bring himself to lie, but he didn't want to come out and just admit it, either. He had to think about Katie and what this might mean for her. What if his father told her parents?

"Son." Sean rose to his feet and placed a hand on Kieran's shoulder. "I'm not judging you and I'm not angry. But what I want to know is, was this just a fling, or is it something more? Do you feel more than lust for Katie?"

"Yes." The word was out before Sean even finished speaking. "God, yes. We..." He let out a breath. "We're definitely serious. I can't...I can't tell you everything right now, Dad, because I made a promise to her. We've got some...things to take care of tomorrow after school, but after that, I'll come clean. Is that okay?"

"I can work with that. If you're serious about this girl, I'd never make you break your word to her. Without trust, you two have nothing. As long as you two are on the same page and she makes you happy, I won't interfere."

I hope that's still true once I've told you the details, Kieran thought a bit ruefully. Still, he was glad that his father wasn't giving him the third-degree. Sean had always given him room to live his own life and make his own choices, and it was one of the things he appreciated most about him. When our baby comes, I'll make sure to do the same, he thought.

He missed Katie. He missed her so much. Just being away from her for a few hours was almost unbearable. He wanted to see her, hold her, touch her. But he reassured himself that he'd see her again tomorrow morning.

His phone buzzed with a text from her. Kieran's heart leapt when he saw it, and he eagerly tapped out a reply. His bed felt empty without her lying beside him in it. He'd gotten used to the sound of her steady breathing as she slept, the warmth of her body against his own. But after tomorrow, she'd always be there.

After tomorrow, I'll be married. And I'll get to see her and be with her every single day. It was electrifying just to contemplate it.

Why me? That was the million-dollar question. There was nothing, to Kieran's mind, that made him stand out from the crowd. But for some reason, for some incomprehensible, delightful reason, Katie had chosen him. She'd chosen to have his child. She'd chosen to be his wife.

Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.

He slept fitfully, and when his alarm went off, he couldn't roll out of bed quickly enough to suit him. Kieran showered, threw on some clothes, and swiped some waffles from the toaster in the kitchen.

"See you tonight," Sean said. He was getting ready for work, just like he always did, clad in denim overalls, a white t-shirt and sporting a belt that hung heavy with a wide variety of tools.

"Yeah! See you!" Kieran waved as he ran out the door. In a trice, he was in his truck and heading down the familiar route to school.

Katie was already there, waiting for him, when he arrived. But then, of course she was. She ran to him as he got out of his truck and threw her arms around his neck.

"Hey!" she said brightly. "I missed you!"

God, I know the feeling. "Me too. Did you...did you sleep well?"

"Like a baby," Katie replied. "And...I have some news."

"What is it?"

She leaned in to whisper in his ear. "It worked. It worked, Kieran. I took a test as soon as I got home last night. I'm officially pregnant."

Kieran's knees threatened to give way from under him. The ground seemed to shift beneath his feet and his head spun. He had to brace himself against the side of his truck for support, but he didn't feel angry or upset. He felt...well, fucking terrified, certainly, but not just that. He felt excited. He felt thrilled. He felt a sense of satisfaction that was deeply and fundamentally male.

"Then it's a good thing we're getting married today," he said, with a breathless laugh.

"Not a moment too soon," she agreed with a wink. "Seriously, though. You're...okay?"

He nodded. "I...I think I will be. It's a lot to wrap my head around, but...I don't regret it. I don't regret spending those three weeks with you, and I don't regret deciding to do this either."

A hungry gleam entered her eyes. Kieran knew her well enough by now to recognize it for what it was. "Then let me show how grateful I am," she purred. "We've got about fifteen minutes before the bell and no one's going to linger in the parking lot long enough to see us." She tilted her head at the seat of his truck. "You game?"

In response, Kieran hopped into the driver's seat. Katie, smirking, joined him and settled onto his lap. Her hands worried frantically at his belt buckle.

"I'm so fucking horny and wet for you," she said crassly. "I think I'm physically unable to go without your dick for more than a few hours at a time." She freed his length and massaged it with her palm a few times, then hurriedly pulled her panties down, discarding them on the floor near his feet.

There was no time and no patience for foreplay. Katie all but jumped onto his shaft, taking his entire length inside her in one swift movement.

"Oh, yessss," she hissed through gritted teeth. "That feels so fucking good..."

She began moving, and he moved with her, rolling and bucking his hips. The tip of his cock began slamming into her G-spot with every stroke, and Katie's face rapidly became flushed with excitement, pleasure, and undisguised lust.

"Oh, my god!" she said, gripping his shoulders so hard her knuckles turned white. "Yes! Right there! Right there, baby! Harder! Faster! Please!"

Her words fueled him, and he drove into her harder, deeper, the sounds of their breathless grunts and moans filling the cab of the truck. He could feel the familiar tightening in his loins, the telltale warning that he was close, and he could tell she was too.

"K-Katie," he gasped, groping her breasts through her uniform shirt. "I...I..."

She silenced him with a deep, passionate kiss, riding him all the while. "I know," she whispered. "I--Oh, fuck, I'm getting close! I'm almost there! Bring it home, Kieran! Please, please, please!"

He knew just how to push her over the edge. His hands gripped her hips, guiding her movements, as he thrust harder and deeper, grunting with effort. The cab of the truck seemed to rock and sway with the force of their lovemaking, and Katie cried out his name as she came, her body tensing and shuddering around him, clamping down on him so hard it was almost physically painful.

Kieran saw white and his cock erupted like a severed artery. His cum spilled into her in waves, pulsing and gushing until it flowed out from between their joining and dripped onto the floor.

She fell against him, and for a few minutes neither of them spoke. The only sound in the cabin was their mixed breathing.

"I missed that," Katie said softly. "I missed you. All last night, I dreamed you were there with me, beside me...touching me."

Kieran kissed the top of her head. "I missed you too, Katie. I'm so excited to start our life together."

She looked up at him, her impossibly blue eyes filled with desire. "Then...wanna go again? If we're late to homeroom, I'll say you were helping me with something."

Kieran grinned. "Sounds good to me."

"Good." She freed herself from his cock and directed him to scoot over so she could lie on the seat, her legs spread wide and eager for him. "Let's try it this way, stud," she said, unbuttoning her white blouse and reaching behind her back to undo her bra.

The sight of her perfect breasts always took his breath away, and this was no different. Kieran stared at them hungrily for a moment before taking his shaft in one hand and positioning himself at the entrance to her slick folds. Cum was still dripping out of her, but he didn't mind. He'd clean up the mess later.

He thrust forward, feeling her tightness engulf him as he slid inside. Katie cried out in pleasure, arching her back and gripping the headrest of the seat. Kieran began moving, faster and harder than before, his hips slapping against hers in a fast, steady rhythm. Katie looked up at him adoringly. She could see the concentration on his face, the effort, the undisguised desire he had for her. Kieran was so perfect and he was all hers.

Her breath came in short, ragged gasps as they moved together, unified in the most primal, most intimate way. Her breasts bounced and jiggled in time with his thrusts, and it was all Katie could do to hang on for dear life. No matter how many times she and Kieran did this, it never stopped being fucking amazing.

"I love you," she gasped. "I don't regret anything, Kieran. I'm so happy to be with you, thank you for everything, oh god you feel so good I can't even oh fuck fuck FUCK!"

Her nails dug into his shoulders deep enough to leave little red marks in their wake, but Kieran was way past caring. All he could focus on was the growing tension in his balls, the incredible feel of her tight, newly-pregnant pussy around his cock, and the unbridled beauty of Katie's body. No one else ever had or ever would get to see her like this: red-faced, mewling, writhing beneath him in a frenzy of lust. Everyone else knew Katie as the good girl, the star athlete, the over-achieving student all others should strive to emulate. Kieran was the only person who got to see this other side to her.

And what a glorious sight it was.

Kieran thrust into her, feeling his cock swell, the head pressing against her cervix, her walls gripping him like a fist. She cried out in a wordless, animal howl and came even harder than she had a few minutes before, her body tensing and shuddering around him. Kieran threw his head back and lost himself in the glory of his own release. His whole body shook like a leaf in a storm, so powerful was his orgasm. His thrusts became spasmodic, instinctive, as thick, ropy strands of his seed lashed her insides. It left him feeling drained, spent, but also wonderfully alive at the same time.

He collapsed on top of her, their sweaty, sticky bodies pressed together. They lay there for a long moment, gasping for air, their hearts still racing wildly. Kieran brushed a piece of her hair away from her face.

"Wow," he finally said. "That's...that'll never get old."

Katie giggled, her breath warm against his neck. "You're telling me. God, you've gotten really good at this really quickly. You're like a machine!"

"No, I'm just an 18-year-old guy," he said with a dry laugh. "The rest kind of takes care of itself."

"I'll say." She kissed his neck, cheek, and finally his lips. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Kieran Callaway. I know I've said this before, but I'm honored to be carrying your child. I'm going to be the best wife and mother ever."

He smiled, and oh, how it made her almost melt! Those warm brown eyes, she thought with a mental swoon. I hope our baby has those eyes.

"I know you will," Kieran said. "I just hope I'll be able to keep up and not be, like, a burden or anything."

"You won't. Look how good you got at sex in just a few weeks, stud. You'll be mastering dad-skills in no time flat!"

She leaned in and kissed him again, her tongue dancing with his, and the feel of their bodies pressed together made Kieran's heart skip a beat. He loved how right it felt to be with her like this. They fit together in a way that seemed so natural, so meant to be.

"We should probably head inside," Katie said with obvious reluctance. "As much as I'd like to go for round three, we can't stay out here forever, and I want to announce our relationship to the whole school once we've gone to the courthouse this afternoon. Until then, though, I want to keep it quiet." A smirk played on her lips. "The better to surprise the hell out of everyone."

"I think that's a good idea," Kieran agreed. "You go first, and I'll follow you in a few minutes."

Katie nodded. "Copy that." Then she looked thoughtful. "Hey, mind if I announce our relationship on my social media once we're officially married? I could post it on my Twitter and such, and I could post some of our pictures from Florida too--but only the ones where we're both wearing clothes," she added slyly. "The other ones are for our eyes only."

Kieran grinned. "Sure, that's fine. Go for it. The more people who know, the better. You'll have everyone green with envy."

"So will you. Every guy in school will wish they could have some of this." Katie gestured at her body as she hurriedly dressed. "But they can't. Only you can. You're the only one who gets to touch me, kiss me, taste me, and fuck me."

She stood up and slipped her bra on, followed by her panties and uniform skirt. "I know it's cheesy, but I really do feel like we were meant to be together. From the moment I first saw, I just...I knew." Katie's blue eyes sparkled with humor and affection. "I saw who and what I wanted, and I fucking went after it."

"You did," Kieran laughed. "And I'm glad you did, too. Because it means I get to be like this with you for the rest of my life." He took a deep breath, and then let it out slowly, feeling his heartbeat slowly returning to something resembling normal.

Katie gave him a parting kiss, a kiss made sweet by the knowledge that it wasn't forever, just for a few hours. "You're going to be the best husband ever," she whispered. "And our kid is so, so lucky to have you as its dad. We're gonna be a dream team, Kieran, you and me. You watch."

With that, and with a final stroke of his cheek with her soft hand, she reluctantly got out of the truck and headed inside, looking none the worse for wear after their passionate coupling. Kieran watched her go, then sighed with utter contentment and began to dress too.

Katie's best friend, Hannah, was waiting for her when she got to homeroom. "Glad to see you made it back safely," she said. "How was Florida?"

"It was...life-changing," Katie replied.

"Uh-huh." Hannah arched a knowing eyebrow. "Care to elaborate?"

"Nope." Katie said. "Keep wondering. Don't worry, though--you'll know soon enough. Everyone will."

"What are you talking about, Katie? It's not like you to be so...mysterious and stuff. Who'd you go on the trip with?"

"You'll see." Katie winked. "Just trust me on this. It's gonna knock your socks off. It'll surprise everyone. Keep an eye on my social media this afternoon, and you'll see what I mean."

"Noted." Hannah cocked her head. "Can I at least see some pictures?"

"Sure." Katie had expected this, and was prepared for it. She had a separate gallery of photos of only herself, taken by Kieran with her cell phone, but Hannah didn't need to know that last detail. She showed her friend those photos, and Hannah smiled. "Looks like a lot of fun. You really went all-out!"

I had reason to, Katie thought smugly. I was falling in love with a sweet, amazing, cute guy. "It was a great couple of weeks," she said. "Hopefully I can go back soon." As soon as our kid is old enough to enjoy the trip and actually remember most of it, maybe when he or she is eight or nine.

"And you're still not gonna tell me who you went with as your plus-one?"

"Nope. Not yet. But soon." She took the phone back and gave Hannah a pat on the shoulder. "Like I said. Trust me."

"...You're up to something, aren't you?" Hannah asked.

"You've no idea." The bell rang, dismissing them, and Katie gathered up her things to go to her first class. She saw Kieran in the hall, by his locker, and it took everything she had not to run to him. She wanted to be there, by his side, with him, where she knew she belonged. But she had to be careful. She had to wait, to be patient just a little longer. It wouldn't do to set tongues wagging too early.

He caught her eye and smiled. Katie smiled back. It wasn't nearly enough, but it would have to do. For now, anyway.

School crawled by at a snail's pace, or that's what it seemed like from Katie's point of view. Time itself seemed to pass with infinite slowness, and every time she looked at the clock, she was disappointed. Her loins grew wet with longing, her body ached to be filled in her most intimate place. By the time 4 o'clock rolled around, her horniness and her desire to see him had grown almost uncontrollable. Katie managed to hold out just long enough to find Kieran, grab him by the collar, and push him into the nearest bathroom. Katie was already starting to pull her skirt and underwear down before the door even finished closing.

"I was going to ask how your day was," Kieran said with a shocked laugh. "But I guess you're not big on talking right now."

"No." Katie turned, braced her hands against the wall, and presented her wet pussy to him. "No, I'm not. Please, Kieran. I've missed you all day."

Kieran needed no urging. He freed his cock and pressed it against her entrance, teasing and tickling her, before easing himself inside. Katie was so wet and eager for him that he slipped inside her without any trouble at all.

"Oh, God, Kieran..." she moaned as he started to thrust. "You don't know how much I've been craving this, I've missed you and your dick so much. Even a few hours without fucking is too much for me."

Kieran grinned as he leaned in to kiss her. Katie turned her head eagerly to let him do so. "I missed you too, Katie. Every time I'm inside you, it feels more amazing than the last. You're so beautiful and perfect. From that amazing ass..." he squeezed one of her butt cheeks gently. "...To your flawless breasts..." He groped both of them, pinching her tits and making her gasp. "...To your beautiful face." He nibbled her ear, and Katie nearly came right then and there, so intense was the sensation.

He began to thrust harder, faster, his balls slapping against her ass with each stroke. He leaned forward, bracing himself with his hands on the wall beside her head, and looked deep into her eyes as he fucked her. Katie looked back, her own eyes filled with love and desire, her lips parted in a wordless moan as he took her.

"That's it, baby. Let me have you," he growled, his voice thick with lust. "You feel so good." His thrusts grew even harder, his body pressing against her own, their sweat mingling as they moved together in perfect harmony. "I've told you what I like about your body. What do you like about mine?"

Katie smiled through the fog of her lust. "Everything!" she cried. "I love your eyes, how warm and dark they are, like hot chocolate! I love your hair and how it always hangs a little over your eyes. I love your hands, rough from years of hard, honest work! I love how strong and fit your body is, how lean and toned you are!"

Her words seemed to spur him on, and his thrusts grew even harder. He reached around, grabbing her hair in his hand, and tugged her head back gently, forcing her to look up at him. "You're so fucking beautiful, Katie. I can't get enough of you."

Her orgasm built, starting in her toes and working its way up through her body, making her muscles tense and her breath come in short gasps. Kieran felt her inner walls clamp down on him with all the force he'd come to expect, and with a final, powerful thrust, he emptied himself into her, their bodies joined in a perfect union of pleasure and release.

"FUCK!" he shouted.

His cum spewed into her, filling her afresh as Katie's eyes rolled back in her head exultantly. Kieran pulled her to him, feeling her body grow taut and shudder as waves of pleasure racked her over and over.

"Oh, God," she whimpered. "Th-thank you, Kieran. I needed that so much..." Katie looked up at him, her eyes almost glowing the intensity of her emotions. "Let's go get married," she whispered. "Let's go to the courthouse and do it right now. I can't...I can't wait any longer, I've waited all day..." A tear slid down her cheek, but it wasn't one of sadness. "Take me as your wife. Let's make it official."

Kieran answered her with a hungry, passion-fueled kiss that left both of them even more out of breath than they were already. "Yes," he rasped. "Yes. Let's do that. I've been waiting all day too, and I don't want to wait another minute. C'mon, I'll drive."

He pulled away from her, his gaze never leaving her face as he swiftly disentangled himself from her warmth. Kieran's heart hammered against his ribs as he hurriedly pulled on his pants and buttoned them up. He felt an indescribable sense of euphoria, coupled with a sensation of absolute peace and contentment. It was as if his whole life had been leading up to this moment, and now it was finally here. What he and Katie were about to do didn't feel rash or ill-advised at all. It felt like the most natural, most reasonable thing in the world.

They drove to the courthouse in silence. Neither of them said anything, because they both knew it was unnecessary. They were of one mind and one heart, and this was a plunge they'd agreed to take together. There was nothing more to add to it.

Katie barely waited for the vehicle to stop moving as they pulled into the courthouse parking lot. She yanked the door open and hopped out, then pulled open the door on the driver's side and almost heaved him out of his seat. Kieran was unable to help laughing at her eagerness.

"It's okay," he said. "The judge isn't going anywhere, Katie."

They hurried inside, their footsteps echoing on the marble floor. The courthouse was quiet, most of the offices empty for the day. Kieran led her to the marriage license bureau, where a single clerk sat behind a desk, her attention fixed on a computer screen.

"Hi!” she said brightly, causing the clerk to look up from her game of Solitaire. “We’d like to get married, please!”

The clerk gave them both a skeptical look. “You’re awfully young for that kind of thing, don’t you think?”

Katie’s smile became a bit brittle. “We’re both old enough to know what we want. Please, can we get started on the paperwork?”

The clerk peered at her more closely. “Are you…wait, I recognize you now. You’re the governor's daughter!”

“What’s your point?”

“Your daddy know you’re here?”

“That’s hardly your concern. I’m of legal age and so is Kieran, and there’s nothing stopping us from being married if that’s what we want to do, which it is.” She narrowed her eyes a little. “The forms, please. Now.”

The clerk sighed and leaned back in her chair. She rummaged through her desk for a second, then placed two thick stacks of paper on the counter. “There you go. Please fill all these out thoroughly. When you’re done, I’ll talk to the judge and ask if he can see you.”

Katie took the forms from the clerk, her expression no longer angry but rather a mixture of gratitude and relief. She glanced at Kieran, and he could see the love in her eyes. He took the papers from her and began filling them out, his handwriting neat and precise as he answered the questions about their names, addresses, and parents.

“I wasn’t expecting quite so much,” he commented with a dry humor.

Katie smiled at his attempt to lighten the mood. She glanced over his shoulder as he filled out the forms, her fingers itching to reach out and help him. But she resisted. This was his moment too, and she wanted him to feel just as involved as she did. They filled out the paperwork in comfortable silence, and when they were ready, they handed it in together.

The clerk took their forms and disappeared into the back, returning a few minutes later to inform them that the judge was ready to see them. Kieran took Katie's hand in his, their fingers intertwined, and they followed the clerk down a long hallway to a small, unassuming courtroom.

“Ready?” Katie whispered, squeezing his hand gently.

“Yes.” There was no hesitation in his voice. “I am.”

The judge, a kind-looking man with gray hair and a warm smile, waited for them at the front of the courtroom. He gestured for them to approach the bench, and Kieran and Katie walked hand in hand up the aisle. As they stood before the judge, Kieran felt a rush of emotions: nervousness, excitement, and above all, a deep sense of fulfillment.

"You both seem quite determined to go through with this," the judge said with a chuckle. "I take it you've given this some thought, Katie?”

“Yup!” Turning to Kieran, she explained. “Judge Hawthorn is a friend of my dad’s.”

“Governor Petersen is a good man,” Hawthorn agreed. Humor danced in his eyes. “He really doesn’t know you’re here?”

“Not yet, but we’re going to tell him soon. Trust me, Your Honor: Kieran here is perfect for me. I’m absolutely certain I want to be with him.”

“Oh, to be a fly on the wall for that!” The judge tittered. He looked from Katie to Kieran, then back again, studying their faces for a moment. "Well, then," he said with a smile. "Since you're both old enough to know your own minds, I see no reason why we can't proceed. Let us begin.”

Hawthorn reached into his robe and produced a small, worn leather-bound book. Flipping through the pages, he found the spot he was looking for and cleared his throat. "Kieran and Katie," he began, "you have come here today to make your vows. Do you, Kieran, take Katie to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health?"

Kieran glanced at Katie, his heart swelling with love. "I do," he said, his voice firm and clear.

"And do you, Katie, take Kieran to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health?"

Katie's gaze locked onto Kieran's as she repeated his words, her voice steady and calm. "I do."

The judge smiled. "Then by the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss."

Katie threw herself into Kieran’s arms with enough force to almost knock him over. She kissed him long and heatedly, uncaring of who else saw.

When they finally came up for air, the judge was smiling benevolently at them. "You may now go forth and enjoy your lives together," he said with a chuckle. “May your marriage be a long and happy one.”

Kieran took Katie's hand and led her down the aisle, their steps slow and deliberate as they savored the moment for all it was worth. When they exited the courtroom, the clerk handed them their official marriage certificate. Katie took it with shaking hands and passed it to Kieran before digging put her phone. “Let’s make the announcement,” she said. “I want the world to know I’m yours.”

“By all means,” Kieran said.

At his encouraging nod, Katie took a selfie of them both, then opened up all her social media pages and typed out the news of her marriage with glee.

“I couldn’t be happier to announce that this afternoon, I married the love of my life, Kieran Callaway,” she began, her fingers flying over the keyboard. “We went to the courthouse and made it official just a few minutes ago! I love him more than anything in the world and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. He’s the absolute best--he’ll be an amazing husband and an even better dad! Yes, you read that right: I’m proud to declare I’m carrying his child, and we both couldn’t be more overjoyed! #MaritalBliss #KnockedUp #Mom2Be #LoveMyMan!”

With a final tap of her finger, she uploaded the selfie to the post, then hit the “submit” button.

“That should get the ball rolling,” Katie said. She kissed him again. “Now comes the hard part: we need to go tell my parents. Don't worry, okay? We'll do it together, and no matter how they react, I'm not going anywhere. I've made my choice, and it's you.”

Kieran gulped nervously.