Epilogue: A Wedding

Elaine

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Sheer black lace stretched over my breasts, fastened by a little tie behind my neck. It was the top half of a one-piece lingerie set. The bottom was a thong that had high legs and a sheer-lace front. I stepped out of the bathroom into our master suite, and a little thrill moved through my stomach as Patrick’s eyes immediately widened.

“Damn,” he groaned, pushing himself up straighter against the headboard.

I could’ve said the same. My fiancé was stripped down to his boxer briefs, putting his toned chest, broad shoulders, and ripped arms on full display. Patrick had a gorgeous body.

Instead I gave him a sassy smile and a wink. “You like this, cowboy?” I turned, stopping so my back was to him, and looked over my shoulder. My blonde hair swept to the front, giving him the full view.

“Shit, yeah.” The predatory tone in his voice tightened every muscle in my body, and I had to stay focused or I’d give in to the growing wetness between my thighs.

“It’s only the beginning.” I quickly dashed into the bathroom and closed the door, slipping off the black one-piece. Up next was my favorite.

A cream-satin strapless bra that tied in a bow at the back. I pulled it tight so it pushed my breasts up into nice rounds at the top. The bottom was lace-overlying cream satin with little ties on each side. Two pulls and it was gone.

I stepped out, and laughed as another low groan met my ears. “You’re killing me, babe. Can I please fuck you now?”

I pranced over to the chair where his pale-straw cowboy hat was tossed. Picking it up, I put it on my head then I leaned forward on the bed, pressing my arms against each side of the bra so my breasts nearly spilled over.

“You’re not enjoying the show?” I made a little pout and instantly strong arms went around my waist, dragging me against his chest to the headboard.

“I love it,” he growled, burying his face in the side of my hair and kissing my neck.

“Patrick! Wait! I’ve got one more!”

His arms relaxed, and I slipped of his lap, giving his erection a little stroke in the process.

“Why are you torturing me like this?” He was grinning, but that bad boy sparkle was in his eye. I was torturing myself a little, truth be told, but it was so sweet.

“One of these will be under my dress Saturday.” I did a little swish as I returned to the bathroom. “You can be wondering which one while we say our vows.”

“Shortest service in the history of weddings.”

I jumped into the bathroom giggling. This last one was just for fun. Black lace boyshorts, zero bra. I stepped into my high-heeled cowboy boots and walked out, one arm draped over my breasts.

His eyes darkened, and I knew this was as far as we’d go. Turning my back, I leaned forward to poke the fire, arching my back and wagging my ass. “I’ll just make sure this doesn’t go out.”

“Hmm...” His low rumble met my ears, and when I looked over my shoulders, the boxers were gone. His erection rose in his hand, and he made slow passes up and over it.

Heat flooded my core, and I stood, walking slowly toward him, watching the motion of his hand working his cock. It was absolutely erotic.

My black satin robe was at the foot of the bed, and I took the belt, sliding it out of the loops. It was a long, black sash in my hand. “I can imagine several uses for this.”

I was beside him now, and his low voice sizzled under my skin. “I can think of several uses for your beautiful mouth.”

The sash slipped to the floor, and I crawled up between his legs, allowing the tips of my nipples to brush his thighs. The light hairs tingled them and made me shiver. Kissing his hand, I peeled back his fingers, replacing them with my tongue. His head dropped back as I took the mushroom tip in my mouth, giving him a hard suck.

“Fuck.” He groaned, and I caught the base with my hand and pumped it up and down.

Another hard suck, and I let him pop out, sliding my tongue around the tip. I could taste that he was close. Dipping my head, I pressed my lips to his scrotum and sucked. His hips jerked, and I had to glance up to see if he’d finished. Our eyes met, and he motioned for me to come up.

“I can’t hold on much longer.” He took my arm. “Lie on your back.”

Rolling over, I sighed as he gripped the sides of my panties. I still had my boots on, so they wouldn’t go down.

“I’ll get you a new pair.” It was the last thing I heard before the stinging rip of fabric tore across my ass.

“Oh, shit!” I cried out.

My own orgasm sparkled just below the surface, and his sudden roughness amped it up even more. I was a goner when he caught my hips and pulled me to his mouth. “Give me that pussy.”

“Patrick! Oh!” Electricity roared through my legs as his tongue followed a slow, insistent trail around my clit and down to my wet opening, taking a dip then heading back up to complete the circle. My back arched, and I moaned as he gave me a forceful suck, driving two fingers deep inside me.

I was trembling on the edge, and he rose to position his tip at my entrance. Gripping the headboard, he drove in with a forceful thrust that left me screaming his name. A large hand covered my mouth, and he dropped to his elbows beside my face still rocking me.

“Shh,” he laugh-groaned, kissing my ear. “You don’t want to wake my mother.”

“Ahh!” I couldn’t stop jerking my hips. His cock massaged my clit, stretching every part of me in the most delicious way.

“She’s on the other side of the house,” I gasped.

He caught my earlobe between his teeth, and I jerked again. “You’re wailing like a banshee.” His voice was thick, and he pushed harder into me.

Eyes squinted shut, my entire body shook as waves of pleasure exploded through my midsection. “Oh, god!” I cried out again, and I felt him coming with me.

His voice grew ragged, and his thrusting more frantic. Two more hard pushes, and he stilled, pulsing inside me, making low noises as he gasped. We held each other a moment longer, then he rolled onto his back, staring at the ceiling as his chest rapidly rose and fell. I curled to him, and strong arms hugged my shoulders.

“God, you’re amazing.” My ear tickled with the vibration of his voice, and I smiled, kissing his salty skin. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”

“So you liked my little fashion show?”

He rolled me onto my back, hovering over my face. “I loved it. Sorry about that last pair of panties.”

Holding his cheeks, I rose up to kiss him deeply, shoving my tongue into his mouth and chasing his. He leaned into it, pressing my head into the pillow and devouring me.

We broke apart and his lips moved to my cheek, then to my ear. “I’m looking forward to using that belt.”

A little thrill skated across my stomach. “I’ve been practicing my knots.”

“I’ve been thinking about blindfolds.” His gorgeous hazel eyes twinkled at mine, and I couldn’t resist.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I hugged him as tightly as I could. “I can’t wait to be Mrs. Patrick Knight.”

He kissed my shoulder. “I’ve been trying to make it happen since the day Lane was born. What finally won you over?”

“All of it.” His brow lined. “Having Lane, how things have gone with Kenny, being here, seeing your mom and Bill...”

“Mom and Bill?”

“They’re clearly in love, and yet they’re still apart. It made me see I don’t want to waste any more time starting our life together.”

“I agree.” His lips trailed across my jaw, and I traced my fingers along the lines of his back.

“Plus I love your mom. I’m ready to join the family.”

His head rose, and those naughty eyes caught mine. “You’re saying these things, but I know you better. It was all the cowboy sex. Admit it.”

Laughter burst from my throat, and I hugged him again. “It’s true! That day in the loft when I rode you like a bronco. It was the moment I knew. This was the place.”

“Damn, that was hot.” I felt him stirring against my thigh. “You ready to ride me again? Your boots are still on.”

“Maybe I’ll rope you first.”

He was up and moving down my body, pausing at my breasts to pull a nipple into his mouth. A hard pull and a little bite, and I moaned. Heat rose between my legs. His mouth continued lower to my ribs, lightly tickling me, sending sparkles shimmering under my skin.

“I’m going to tie you like a calf and fuck you senseless.” He flipped me onto my stomach and I squealed. “Please do!”

He held my ankles, spreading my thighs and dragging me onto his cock from behind. It was rough and demanding, and I pushed against the mattress. He dropped beside me on the bed kissing a line up the middle of my back. It sent excruciating waves of pleasure all the way up my scalp. Then he rolled us to the side, his chest at my back, and grabbed my thigh, lifting me open.

“Patrick!” In this position he was so deep, pumping fast and hard. His mouth moved from my shoulder up my neck.

“Think I can make you sore tomorrow?”

“Oh! Yes, don’t stop!” I moaned as he hit deeper, bucking me with all his force.

I wailed and he spoke in my ear, “Come on.” Hard thrusting, his fingers circled my clit fast. Sparks of light broke out behind my closed eyes. “Come for me.”

Two more pushes, and my orgasm shot me to the moon. I jerked and arched, doing everything I could to move even though he had me pinned against his body by the strong arm across my breasts.

“Yes, yes...” My voice was ragged as the trembling continued in my thighs. He kept pumping, still going strong. I was limp like a rag doll as he finished with a shout, pulsing into me.

Still inside, he held me spooned against his chest. My eyes were squeezed closed as the afterglow washed over us like warm water. Our breathing descended together, back to this planet, and his hand spread over my stomach.

“Nope. Never enough.”

A satisfied smile curled my lips and I laced our fingers together. He kissed my shoulder softly, and I drifted to sleep wrapped up in the man I loved.

* * *

The first person in my arms when the Yukon XL pulled up to the ranch was Lane. “Mommy!” I laughed and kissed his neck, his ear, his head, every spot I could get to as his little body wiggled in my arms.

Kenny and Slayde were next out of the truck, followed by...

“Mariska!” I jumped and released my wiggly little boy, dashing forward to catch Kenny and her in a big hug. “You came! Kenny said you wouldn’t!”

Her pretty cheeks flushed, and she looked down. “Yeah, I wasn’t going to, but...”

My mouth dropped open when Stuart opened the driver’s side door and stepped out.

“Hey, sis.” His low voice carried a note of something new... Happiness.

I let out a little squeal and ran to hug him. “I’m so glad you’re here! You didn’t leave!” I couldn’t help a sigh. “Everything’s perfect now.”

“So after two years of putting him off, you decided to marry my little brother in two weeks?” He smiled, putting an arm around Mariska’s waist. She flushed, and it was such a handsome sight.

“It’s all this freezing fresh air, I guess.” Stepping toward the vehicle, I grabbed Lane’s bags. “Get these inside before we turn into icicles!”

Mariska picked up her duffel, but Stuart took it from her. “I can get this. Head inside with the girls.”

She blinked up at him, and just like that, he leaned forward and kissed her. Another sigh pushed through my chest, and I twirled on my heel, the biggest grin splitting my cheeks as I hustled inside.

Kenny and Slayde had beat us in with our little boy. Patrick had Lane up on his shoulders and was running around the living room as his son squealed and laughed. Sylvia chased them waving her hands and looking frantic.

“Patrick!” She cried. “You’re going to hit his head! Oh! You’re going to drop him!”

I rushed over to save her from a heart attack. “Give him to me.”

His daddy stopped, and Lane slid down complaining into my arms. Kenny emerged from the hall where we were staying. Slayde followed, hands in his pockets, hanging back.

“Do we just pick a room that’s empty?” She asked, and Lane kicked out of my arms. I put him down, and he scampered into hers.

“Mommy, Daddy a bronco!”

My eyes cut to Patrick’s, and his were dancing. Kenny didn’t miss a bit of it.

“I don’t even want to know how that got started.”

“That goes double for me!” Sylvia cried going to her. “Hand me my grandson.”

He went meekly into his grandmother’s arms, and I answered Kenny in the affirmative. Mariska stood behind the sofa where Patrick flopped, and the sounds of Stuart banging in the door interrupted everything.

“Shit!” Patrick jumped up. “I can help with that.”

His mother’s lips pursed, but I shook my head. “We thought you two could stay on the wing with us and Lane.”

“We’ll alternate who he sleeps with each night.”

“Right!” I nodded. “Mariska, you and Stuart can stay on that wing with Derek, Melissa, and Dex.”

Stuart stepped up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “Sounds like a good setup. When are they getting in?”

“Thursday.”

“Even better.”

Mariska blushed, but I couldn’t resist. “That gives you two nights to have all the loud monkey sex you want.”

“Lainey!” Mariska gasped, but I jumped forward catching her hand.

“Please. Sylvia’s thrilled you finally tamed her lost boy. The only thing missing is Amy.” The youngest member of the Knight clan was in Europe, but she’d made it known loud and clear she was pissed I was marrying her favorite brother without her being here. “Well, and my dad and older brothers...”

My impulsive optimism dimmed, but Patrick smoothed his hands over my waist. “They’ll be all right. We can reenact it for them.”

Spinning around, I kissed his cheek, giving him a tight squeeze for restoring my joy. Then I pulled Mariska up. “We have to get busy. I’ve made three pin boards of wedding ideas. I want the whole thing to be Western Boho, and if anyone can help me with that, it’s you!”

A quick glance back at Stuart was all she managed before the three of us were crammed around Bill’s iMac going through dresses.

“It’s going to be way too cold for these,” Kenny complained, examining the photos of light-rayon, assorted-color gypsy dresses. “They’re all spaghetti straps and thigh high.”

“Mine’s asymmetrical.” I pinched her leg, garnering a squeal.

“They’re really beautiful.” Mariska gave me a worried look. “Kenny’s right, though. It’s fourteen degrees outside.”

“We’ll just stay inside then, and Bill can make a huge fire in the hearth.”

“Whatever you want.” Kenny shrugged, leaning back and propping her black Doc Marten on my chair. “It’s your big day. What will the guys wear?”

“Cowboy boots and hats, of course, with jeans, button-downs or Henleys...”

“I love it!” Mariska, sighed.

“You’re going to have to trade in the stilettos for boots,” I winked at Kenny. “But they can be high heel boots.”

“I’ve always wanted a pair of those.”

“Good, because I have a pair coming overnight delivery.”

“Show me!”

We spent the rest of the evening making calls and express-ordering hair scarves, silk flowers, and pastel woolen knee-highs for us to wear with our boots and short dresses. Despite the season, or because of it, we got guaranteed delivery by Saturday, when the fairytale would come true.

* * *

Two Chinook winds so close together in the same year never happened. As in never, Bill said. Sylvia blamed Global Climate Change, but I knew it was my wish on a shooting star come true.

The day dawned frigid then everything changed. A strong wind blew in from the west, and in an hour the snow was gone. Temperatures had risen into the fifties, and we moved everything outside to the barn.

Bill secured a local minister, who was on stand-by in case we got a heavy overnight snowstorm, in which case we’d planned to have the ceremony, and make it official the next time we could make it to town.

The Impossible Chinook changed everything.

Waiting in the living room for the minutes to count down, Sylvia stepped forward. “Elaine,” she said, catching my hand. “This is for you.”

From her pocket, she produced a delicate silver bangle with a dark-blue Cabochon like the necklace she’d worn her first night here.

“Oh!” I gasped as she slipped it onto my wrist. It accented the ivory chiffon dress I wore perfectly. “It’s so beautiful!”

“Patrick’s grandmother gave it to me on my wedding day, so I’m passing it down to you.” She smiled, smoothing my hair over my shoulder. It extended just to the top of my eyelet bodice. “Now you have something old and blue.”

“I loaned her my favorite elephant ring!” Mariska stepped forward, and I hugged her, imagining the day when we’d be sisters.

“And here’s the new.” Kenny handed me a Tiffany-blue box tied with a white-satin bow.

“Kenny!” My eyes went round. “How?”

“Don’t worry about that part.” Melissa stepped forward, holding her shoulders and smiling. “It’s part wedding gift, part thank you gift for being such an amazing mom to my little boy.”

I slid the white ribbon away and lifted the lid. Inside was a silver necklace with two heart pendants. The word “Mom” was printed on one. My eyes flooded, and we hugged each other.

“It’s been a long road,” I whispered, squeezing her.

“You ladies ready?” Bill stuck his head in the door, and I straightened. He wore brown slacks and a cream-colored button down with a brown tie. His thick grey hair was combed back, and when he saw Sylvia, he passed a hand over his mouth under his mustache. Stuart was behind him, wearing dark jeans, a light-green button down, and a maroon tie.

Kenny whistled loudly, Mariska cleared her throat, and my tears gave way to laughter. “You guys sure clean up good!”

Melissa stepped forward touching away the tears under my eyes with a handkerchief. “You look amazing.” As my maid of honor, she handed me a bouquet of wild flowers. “Ready?”

I nodded and moved to the back of the line where Bill took my arm. “Derek and Slayde are on their way.”

He was still speaking when the door opened and Derek walked in, stunning as usual in grey slacks and a light-blue button down with a navy tie. His dark hair was away from his face, just grazing the top of his collar, and his blue eyes went straight to Melissa. They stayed on her until he was at her side, and I was pretty sure I saw my best friend shiver.

Slayde was with Kenny, dressed in a brown shirt open at the neck, Wranglers, and boots. Kenny caught his shirtfront and kissed him hard. It was perfect.

“Mom?” Stuart held his arm for her.

She caught it and rubbed his bicep. “So glad you’re here with us.”

He squeezed her hand, and glanced at Mariska. “I’ll be back for you.”

Her cheeks flushed. “Okay.”

Bill and I exchanged a knowing glance. He leaned into my ear. “Wedding number two, coming right up.”

I squeezed his arm, and it seemed like no time passed before his nephew was back for her, leading us from the house to the barn.

The flower-entwined arbor we’d planned for the living room was arranged at the end of the alley, and Patrick stood near the minister, waiting. Holding his hand, Lane wore jeans and cowboy boots, a plaid-flannel shirt with a little vest, and the cutest cowboy hat.

He called out, “Mommy!” when he saw me, and everyone laughed.

Patrick captured my attention, though. He was gorgeous in dark jeans and a tan button down. His collar was open as well, and his hazel eyes glowed with love. My breath caught, and tears filled my eyes. Bill stopped and as we faced each other, my heart beat so hard, I didn’t even hear Bill present me to him.

Patrick reached for me, and I took his arm, scooting into his side, unable to take my eyes off him.

“I’ve guessed which ones,” he whispered.

My brow lined for a moment, until I knew what he meant. My underwear! I started to laugh, but the minister was waiting on me.

Stammering “I do!” I looked up at him.

He smiled kindly. “We’re not quite at that part yet. It’s time for the vows.”

Everyone laughed as I blushed bright red, and Patrick turned to face me, clearing his throat. We’d written our own.

“Elaine Rose Merritt, I have to start by thanking God for bringing you into my life, even if I almost ruined everything by being an ass before I met you.”

Soft laughter crossed the barn, and he continued.

“You are the sexiest, most beautiful woman, and you don’t just make me happy, you complete me. You’ve made all my dreams come true. You’re an amazing mother, an unbelievable lover, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather spend my life with. I promise to spend every day loving you, taking care of you, and looking for new ways to make you make that little sound you make...”

His eyes twinkled, and I felt the heat rising in my cheeks.

“You know the one? When you—”

“Patrick.” I cut him off, and everyone laughed again.

He stepped forward and said low against my cheek. “I’m ready to kiss you now.”

The minister cleared his throat. “Ms. Merritt?”

My lips pressed into a smile, and it was my turn to go.

“Patrick James Knight...” I took a deep breath to recollect my thoughts as his eyes burned my clothes off. “The first time I saw you in Arizona, I knew you were something special. Only, I thought it would just be a week-long special.”

A little hoot from the audience made me blush. “I’m so glad you proved me wrong. I’m so glad I couldn’t live without you. You make me laugh, you’ve made me cry...” His brow lined, but I pushed on. “You make me swoon, and you are truly my dream guy. Thanks for making my life exciting and fun. I promise to do all I can to keep you smiling, to love you, and to take care of you until the day I die.”

Patrick’s expression turned serious, and as the minister finished our vows, it was like the two of us were lost in our own special place of the declarations we’d made and the promises we’d given. After what felt like an eternity, we heard the words we’d been waiting for: You may kiss the bride.

I was in his arms before the sentence was through, and for a moment, he touched my cheek. “My wife.” I held his cheeks, and his lips covered mine, pushing them apart, finding my tongue. I held his neck as he lifted me, still lip-locked. Applause broke through our haze followed by Lane’s little exasperated voice.

“Mommy, Daddy kissing again.”

Our kiss broke with our laugh, and we turned to face our friends and witnesses as we were declared Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Knight. Guitar music began, and everyone headed toward the back of the barn where tables were filled with finger foods and casseroles. Beer and wine were on hand, and a photographer moved through the group snapping photos. Later this evening, Bill and Sylvia had offered to stay home with Lane and Dex while the rest of us continued the celebration at the Sip-N-Dip in town.

Dex wore a matching little cowboy outfit like Lane’s, complete with boots and a tiny hat, and he was adorable riding around on Derek’s arm.

“The wedding was gorgeous,” Melissa said, hugging me tightly. “I can’t wait for spring.”

“Yours will be just as beautiful.” I kissed her head and looked around as our loved ones laughed and celebrated with us.

“I’m only making one change,” she said, leaning her head against mine. Derek had wandered over to where Stuart stood with Mariska, and Lane dragged Patrick to where they stood with Kenny and Slayde embracing beside them.

“What?” I asked absently, thinking what a great-looking group.

“I’m insisting all the guys be in uniform.”

“Oh my god.” I clutched her arm, my eyes round. “Hot.”

“I know, right?” We laughed and she pulled me. Derek motioned for us to come there, and we ran over to them. Patrick’s arm was around my waist, and it was exactly what I’d wished for. A Christmas miracle.

* * *