CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
Nora
MY MOM CLOSES the final clasp of my dress. I can’t believe I’m in my wedding dress, it feels so serial. I’ve been so focused on planning the wedding and going through the adoption interviews and paperwork, I haven’t had a moment to let it all sink in. Now that it’s finally here, I want to shout it from the rooftops that I’m getting married.
“Nora, you look absolutely breathtaking. You did an amazing job on your dress.” My mom smiles at me through the mirror. With the small time frame we had for our wedding, I knew I would have to make my own dress. Even if we had a year to plan, I would have still made my dress. I had a vision of what I wanted in my head, antique lace with tulle and a trumpet flare, and a sweetheart top. Romance mixed with a bit of sexy.
“I had the best teacher in the world.” I return her smile. “Thank you for everything Mom. We couldn’t have done any of this without you and Daddy.” My parents have been a huge help in getting us to this day. My mom and I spent many late nights sewing bridesmaids’ dresses, making invitations and centerpieces. My dad and my brothers hung twinkle lights on every tree in the backyard, covered every surface with flowers and lace, and my sisters have been in the kitchen all morning making food. It means the world to me to have their support. This day wouldn’t have come together without them.
“It was our pleasure, my love. We are so happy for you and Hank. The two of you took a very tough road to get to this point.” She pauses to collect herself and fans her eyes to fight back the tears. Seeing her this emotional gets the tears starting to well up in me too. “But now you have each other and sweet little Colby. Together you can get through anything.” She wraps her arms around my shoulders and gives me a big squeeze.
“Mommy, you wook beautiful,” Colby says as she walks into my parents’ bedroom.
“You look very pretty too,” I say. Colby does a little twirl showing off her flower girl dress with her matching fairy wings. She wanted her dress to match mine, so I used the leftover lace and tulle to make her a frilly, glittery dress that Tinkerbell herself would be proud of.
“Mom, could you give me and Colby a moment?” I ask.
“Of course, I’ll see you both downstairs.” She smiles.
“Come here Colby, I have something for you.” I walk over to the bed, reach into my bag, and grab out a small wrapped box. I carefully lower myself to my knees, resting back on my heels, and set Colby on my lap.
Colby tears through the paper and opens the box revealing the silver fairy necklace inside. “This is a very special necklace. Do you see this blue stone?” I point to the polished piece of sea glass dangling from the fairy’s feet.
“Yes, it wooks like the one I have,” she replies.
“This is the one you found on our first trip to the beach. The one you wished on for me to be your mommy. Now you can keep this with you all the time, to help bring you even more luck.” I take the necklace out of the box and clip it around Colby’s neck.
“Thank you, Mommy, I wuv it.” She beams. She pinches the stone between her fingers and closes her eyes. A moment later, her eyes pop open and a sly grin tugs at her lips.
“Let me guess, you wished for a puppy.” I snicker.
“Nope, I wished for a baby sister.” She giggles.
My head falls back with laughter. We’ve created a wishing monster. “All right silly girl, it’s time to go downstairs, so Mommy and Daddy can get married. Go tell Papa it’s time.”
* * *
The music begins to play, announcing my arrival. My dad hesitates for a brief moment before we start to walk down the flower petal covered aisle. I give him a reassuring smile, letting him know I’m ready for this next step. I look down the aisle and there is Hank in his dark navy blue suit with tears in his eyes as I walk toward him. The world around us fades away, and it’s just the two of us. Every choice I’ve made, every bump and swerve in the road, has lead me to this very moment. It was a struggle, but I would go through it all over again to get to Hank.
At the end of the aisle, my dad gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek before he turns to give my hand to Hank. “Take care of my girl.” He slides my hand into Hank’s then takes his seat next to my mom.
Hank’s other hand cups my cheek as he presses his forehead against mine. I reach up and sweep away his tears. “I can’t tell if I’m dreaming or awake,” he softly whispers.
“This is real my love,” I assure him. His lips seal over mine. The crowd awes at how sweet we are.
* * *
Hank slowly unbuttons my dress, his warm lips leave a trail of kisses down my exposed skin. The lace and tulle fall at my feet. Hank sweeps my hair to the side, his lips are at my ear. “My beautiful wife,” he whispers. His hand dips inside my bra, fingers flicking over my nipple, tongue gliding up the nape of my neck.
“Say it again,” I whisper. I will never get tired of hearing Hank call me his wife.
“My wife.” His tongue licks the shell of my ear while his other hand slips inside my panties. “My wife, my best friend, my partner in crime. Love of my life.” Each word is punctuated with a strum of his fingers over my clit. My hand reaches between us and unzips his pants. A deep growl rumbles in his chest as my fingers wrap around his hard length.
“Your wife really needs you to fuck her. I want you inside me all night,” I softly demand. It’s our first night as husband and wife, and I want to spend every minute wrapped in his arms devouring each other.
“Whatever you want my love.” He pushes me down on the bed, and I land with a giggle that quickly turns to a moan as his hand lands hard across my ass.
I roll onto my back, unclasp my bra, and slide off my panties. I sit back, leaning on my elbows, and watch Hank’s every move as he peels out of his tux. The ring on his hand beams in the light. This gorgeous, sweet man climbing over me is all mine. He keeps his focus on me, telling me how much he loves me, as he fills me to the hilt. He loves me and only me. I was stupid to ever question his devotion. The way he looks at me, touches me, makes me feel so loved. I will spend every day of my life making him feel as loved as he makes me feel.
Hank rolls onto his back, keeping himself buried inside me. His hands grip my hips, guiding me up and down his hard length. I slide a hand around the back of Hank’s neck and pull him up to my lips, kissing him deeply. My mother was right, this job was destined for me. A simple job interview changed my life forever. It gave me the purpose I’d been looking for, and the family I have always dreamed of.