Chapter Twenty-Seven

Staring at everyone in my room it hits me. My knees begin to shake and I have to sit down. “You okay?” My mom comes to me.

“It’s happening.” I try to hide the crack in my voice. Two years ago I wasn’t sure this was gonna happen. I was in Prague, licking my broken heart while he was here oblivious to my pain. Full fucking circle.

“It is.” She wipes my tears and chastises me.

“If you ruin your make up I’m gonna cut you.” Emberlee’s hormones haven’t leveled yet. Or it could be her lack of sleep.

“Do you kiss your husband with that mouth?” Bethy asks her. Caden’s mom and my mom have been by my side the entire morning.

“Among other things.” Emberlee quips and Bethy cackles.

“Ahem.” My dad clears his throat and Emberlee’s face flames. Serves her raunchy ass right.

“Okay. Let’s do this.” Saylor hands me a box. “This is your something new.” I unwrap the gift and my fingers lift the delicate pendant— the tears won’t stop. My mom picks up my flowers and takes the ornament, pinning it to the front. It’s a photo of the art I did in his closet and the tattoo decorating his flesh.

“Might as well do it all now so someone can fix her makeup.” Emberlee huffs. “Here is your something old. I get to hand it to you but it’s Bethy’s.” I lift the top and gasp.

“They were my mom’s and she gave them to me on my wedding day. Now, I give them to my daughter and you can do the same.” His mom wraps me in a hug. “I love you, baby girl.”

“Can I?” My mom hesitates. I nod and pick up my hair so she can clasp the strand of pearls.

“This is your something blue.” She smiles as I take the bag. Peeking through the tissue paper I can’t help but laugh as I pull the sapphire blue paint from its wrapping. “It always seems to be in your hair. Why change tradition?” She shrugs.

“No. No ma’am.” Emberlee stomps her foot. “Don’t do it, Avery.” I open the tube and reach for a Kleenex. Dabbing the tissue in the top of the tube, I smear it on the velvet top of my shoe and shoot her a grin.

“Better, Commander Coochie?” I see her eye roll and my dad clears his throat— again. I’m surprised he isn’t hoarse.

My mom looks to my dad and he takes her hand as they sit on either side of me. “Here is something borrowed.” My mom gives me the jewelry box.

“It’s borrowed just like you are. I’m loaning you to Caden. For the rest of your life.” His eyes are bright and I know he’s struggling. Opening the black velvet, I squeal. His ruby cufflinks. I played with them when I was younger. It was the first thing I painted— a replica of the duo he wore for every business meeting. My mom, once again, pins them against my flowers, flanking the pendant. It highlights it perfectly.

“Time to get you dressed.” She ushers me into the bathroom and this is our moment. I hear Bethy scattering everyone from the room and once the door shuts I exhale.

“Momma.” I sob. “I love you.”

“Baby, we love you. Calm down. Today is the day you walk the first steps of the rest of your life. Enjoy it. Savor it. Call upon it in times of struggle.” She nods and begins to help me dress.

“Ready.” I beam.

“You most certainly are. Beautiful, Avery. You’re stunning.” She cups my cheek and we walk into the room so she can let my dad back in. He stops just inside the doorway and puts his hands up.

“I can’t talk.” He pushes from his throat. “Love you and you’re gorgeous. My baby.” He loses the battle with his tears and it forces my own to erupt.

“Stop.” My mom fusses and cleans my face, fixing the damage I’ve done. “I’m going to take my seat.”

The music begins and my dad turns to me. “I can’t believe this day is here.” I know my childhood is playing through his mind. “And I couldn’t be prouder of your choices.”

I offer him my hand and he tucks it into his arm and begins the descent to give me to Caden.

I have no idea how I’m going to speak after his vows. It wasn’t just the words— it was the conviction, the love, and the truth in them.

I suck in air and release it through pursed lips. “Caden, I don’t know where to begin because you’ve been a part of my life, a chunk of my heart for as long as I can remember. I knew I loved you but until we found each other, I didn’t know how much I loved you. Experiencing love and understanding love are two different things— and you’re both to me. You were the experience, the change, that made me understand how deep and true love can be. You’ve loved me at my worst, which makes me give you my best. You hold my hand, which allows me to walk without stumbling. Your faith in me allows me to flourish. Create. You give me a piece of myself— art. Without your love, your faith, your encouragement, I’d be crippled. Blocked. You bring the vibrant colors and love to life. With your love I know anything is possible.”

He has a death grip on my fingers and I see the pull of emotion coursing through his body. “Love you.” His voice is husky.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.” His lips meet mine and the trance is broken.

“That’s some horseshit. They tried to cut that outta my wedding. Breck, we’re asking for a refund.” Mason’s outrage is real— as real as the laughter coming from me and the frustration radiating off Caden.

“Are you serious?” Caden seethes.

“He is. That’s our friend.” I admit.

“I’m thinking you’re on to something with the saint shit.” I roll my eyes.

“Not when you refer to sainthood as shit. That’s why I get all the days.” He laughs and captures my mouth again— this time he seals the deal. Amid cheers. Grumbling. And throat clearing.

Reminiscent of Saylor and Deacon’s wedding, our parents have taken to the dance floor. And the bar, if I’m not mistaken. Sara’s receptionist is caring for the kids and nobody is pregnant.

“Two more years and this is gonna be our life again.” Caden wraps me in his arms.

“You sure?” I don’t wanna get hopeful. He could have a good practice in Nashville.

“Positive. You haven’t asked where we’re going for our honeymoon.” He teases.

“I don’t have to. I know you.” I taunt.

“You think?” He doesn’t believe me.

“Colorado.” I throw the gauntlet and his face is priceless.

“H-h-how?” He sputters.

“Like the back of my hand.” I grin like a cat that ate the canary.

“I’m wearing your ass out tonight. Forget pink, baby. It’s gonna be flaming red.” He nips my ears.

“Promises. Promises.” I play into his hands.

“How much longer?” He groans, pushing his hard cock into my back.

“Cake. Bouquet toss. Done.” I list off our last deeds.

“Thank fuck. Let’s go cut some cake.” He tugs me to the cake and grabs everyone’s attention.

“I’ll take it from here.” I push him to the side. “On your tables there are cards. Inside the cake there will be charms. You may get one. You may not. The meaning of the charms is on the cards.” I motion him back over and we grip the knife and cut.

“Promise.” He mouths. Meaning, no smashing cake in my face. I okay this agreement. There’s only one sticky thing I want staining my skin and it isn’t icing. And it won’t be happening in front of anyone.

He plates our cake and grabs the ribbon, pulling it to see which charm we got. It’s a heart. I hold it up and Breck yells, “true love.” I couldn’t agree more.

Michelle comes over to finish cutting cake for everyone. “I have ulterior motives.” She conspires.

Everyone sits to eat and catch their breath. “Hell yes.” Mason boasts.

“Hell no.” Breck shouts. “How the fuck do I get a highchair? It means kids. Seems like I’m the only one who doesn’t remember how big Nolan’s head was.” I choke on the cake as Mason struts like a peacock. I look at Michelle and she winks. Sneaky little thing.

“Anchor.” Emberlee yells. “Adventure. Hmmm— maybe moving my ass back home in five months.” Brody smiles with her announcement and I think Gerald is tripping trying to get to her.

“I get my grandbabies back.” He whoops.

“Hey. My kids aren’t bad replacements.” Saylor sulks.

“No.” Gerald tries to backtrack.

“Save it, General. My in-laws are glad to spend time with them.” She’s so full of shit. Trying to act mad to see if she can fluster the man. She’s the sole one who’s been brave enough.

“Saylor,” he begins but she can’t hold back her laughter and he plops to his ass with an evil look.

“Rocking chair.” Josh announces. “Long life. And I will say with a full head of hair that isn’t gray.”

“Wishing well.” My mom hollers and looks at me. “Wishes coming true.”

“I’ve decided to do my residency here. Two years of med school to finish, and we’ll be home.” Caden informs her.

“Yes.” Our parents high five and it seems all the charms have been found.

I didn’t throw my flowers— no need and I wanted to keep them how they were. I handed them to my mom so she could preserve them and she assured me she’d keep my dad’s cufflinks pinned there. He won’t care, but it’s nice she thinks she’s thwarting him.

“My wife.” Caden growls.

“My husband.” I moan.

“That stunt with the blindfold wasn’t funny.” I laugh anyway. He spins me so my back is pressed against his chest and my breathing hitches. His fingers trail up my arms and dip to the zipper at the top of my spine. He takes a step back and pulls the zipper. “Blue.” He whimpers.

“Your favorite.” I husk.

My dress pools at my feet and he grips my waist, lifting me over and sits me on the bed. Dropping to his knees he removes one shoe, then the other. “Blue.” His voice is hypnotic. I didn’t waste any effort with sexing it up with garters or anything fancy— he doesn’t need it.

As my final shoe hits the floor, he stands and toes off his shoes, unfastening his belt while stepping out of his socks. I watch, trance-like, as he bares his body to me. His pants sit low on his waist, his fingers unhooking buttons and opening the brilliant white dress shirt to reveal his perfect, tanned torso. My tongue snakes from my mouth, wetting my dry lips, my mouth craving the taste of him. “Impatient?” His cheeky retort does nothing to dull the ache in my core.

“Yes.” I’m unashamed of my want for him.

“Lie back.” I hesitate, wanting to see him remove the last bit of clothing. Once I drink my fill, I let my back fall to the mattress and wait for his next move. This cat and mouse game proceeds to incite my passion.

His long fingers grip my knees; twisting his hands he spreads my legs as they skim up the inside of my thighs. Towering over me, looking at me like he’s trying to memorize every dip and curve, makes my breath come in pants. “Wife.” His voice demonstrates his awe.

I don’t form a response before his knees hit the carpet and his greedy mouth covers me through the lace blue lingerie. His nose nudges my clit, his eyes close with his deep inhale and his tongue licks. Tearing echoes in the silence and his mouth is feasting against my bare pussy, my panties shredded and tossed over his shoulder. This isn’t an act he hasn’t performed but tonight he’s ravenous, acting as though if he doesn’t get his fill, he’ll starve. My legs are pushed wider, his tongue sinks deeper, and his fingers find my clit.

It doesn’t take long until he has me at the pinnacle of release and he slows, drawing my torture and pleasure from me. Sweat beads on my back, hands grip the bed cover, feet digging into his shoulders for leverage and finally . . . he takes mercy.

“Caden,” I come with a shout, full body tingles, and a heart so full I’m suffocating.