Take Me To Bed: Bedtime Quickies

by Alex Grayson

  Tommy continued to laugh as images of Bridgette, Olivia and Moira driving Tristan mad with wedding ideas. From color swatches for dresses to decoration ideas, bright hues of fancy tulle, wedding bells, and crepe paper hearts. All of Cole and Tristan’s relatives were well-meaning, and even though they might have a billion and one totally unique and amazing ideas, each and every one had fallen on deaf ears. It wasn’t that Cole and Tristan didn’t care what their family thought. The truth of the matter was that Tristan and Cole had quietly planned their wedding to match their own tastes and personalities. Before anyone had spoken up about a single idea, Cole had already paid the vendors with the money he and Tristan had saved up. Despite Tristan’s father, Jack’s offering to pay for the wedding, Cole insisted upon footing the bill.

  Jack had already done so much for them, Cole thought. From letting me stay on his land in Tristan’s house before the wedding, to gifting a new house to my Dad and Jenna after our home in Elkhart was torched to ashes. Jack Morrow had done more than his fair share of giving. It’s my turn to earn my keep. I fully intend to give Tristan the wedding she wants… The wedding she deserves.

  Cole Piedmonte was not a stupid man. He figured Jack would put up a fuss. But when Tristan told him that Cole was going to pay for everything, Jack gave them a bewildering expression. His lips curled up into a wild grin. He then winked at his future son-in-law, and said, “Mmmhmm. Okay.” Cole remembers vividly as he attempted to continue the conversation. He intended to ask Jack what his reaction meant. But as Jack walked away with a song whistling from his lips, Tristan shook her head as a nonplussed expression formed upon her face. “Stubborn ol’ goat, I swear.”

  Cole laughed as the memory crossed his mind. “They know that all the planning is done, and everything is paid and accounted for.”

  “Ahhh,” Tommy exclaimed. “Let them have their fun. They’ve been waiting for this day for a long time.”

  “They have,” Tristan agreed. “I know they mean well. I’m just excited for the day to get here. I hope everything goes well.”

  “It wouldn’t be a Morrow affair without a little drama…” Tommy commented.

  Tristan shrugged her shoulders. Even she had to admit that her brother had a valid point.

  Morrow Manor was a flurry of activity. With just hours to go until Tristan and Cole were to be married, their united family was more than a little bit excited. Their level of anticipation was to be expected, though. Despite all of the odds that the pair had faced, all of the turmoil and tragedy, threats and catastrophe, Tristan and Cole remained rock solid. When the adults panicked at the challenges and devastation that they had faced, Tristan and Cole remained two of the calmest at the homestead. It didn’t mean that they didn’t have fear. Their courage under fire was evidence that they would survive, and they did so together, always looking out for each other, and their family members. The lines between friend and family between the Piedmontes and the Morrows had been blurred for years. Now, Cole and Tristan were finally making it official.

  Bridgette, Moira, Olivia and Jenna sat around the long dining room table as excited expressions danced in all of their eyes. You don’t need a crystal ball to be able to guess what the topic of conversation was. Frank and Jack, who were normally knee deep in the conversation around the dining room table, were suddenly nowhere to be found. In fact, all of the male occupants of Morrow Manor were giving the dining room a wide berth, as much as possible, until the wedding was over. There were only so many conversations about flowers and ruffles and lace that the fellas could stomach. The ladies, however, had not had their fill yet and appeared to be plotting something.

  Suddenly, the door of the dining room swung open, and Frank swept through. He kept his eyes diverted to the floor, hoping to avoid making eye contact with any of the ladies.

  “Don’t mind me. Coming through. I just need coffee…”

  But suddenly, his wife and his mother-in-law narrowed their eyes upon his face.

  “Frank,” Moira called.

  “Francis!” Bridgette cried out. She had a ginger haired baby on her lap. Her expression seemed to be pleading with her husband.

  Stopping dead in his tracks, Frank winced at the sound of his name being called.

  “What do you think of this pattern?” Bridgette asked as she held up a delicate piece of fabric.

  “Oh, no you don’t!” Frank said as he rushed out of the room. “Nope! Nope! Nope!”

  Quickly, the look on Bridgette and Moira’s faces changed from ones of muted concern to expressions of outright amusement.

  “That’ll keep him out of our hair for the rest of the evening,” Moira whispered.

  “Good. Then maybe we can get this finished in time,” Bridgette added with a chuckle.

  “And what if Frank or Jack or one of the others come back in?” Jenna asked with a laugh.

  “Trust me,” Bridgette said. “The guys are terrified that we will make them help us do whatever it is they think were doing in here.”

  “What exactly do they think we are doing?” Olivia asked as she took a swig of her coffee.

  “Lord only knows!” Moira said as she tossed her hands up into the air. “That’s not important. What is important is that they stay out of our hair so we can get this done.”

  “And what about Tristan?” Jenna asked.

  Bridgette threw her head back with laughter. “Have you met her? Trust me! Tristan wants nothing to do with arts and crafts. If she’s not out riding her horse or catching up on her studies, she’s either hanging out with Cole and the boys or she has her nose deep in a book.”

  “There’s hope yet that we can pull this off, then,” Moira said as she scribbled notes onto a legal pad. “We better get to the mall before its too late.”

  2

  Late Afternoon

  Morrow Manor

  Fox Hollow, Pennsylvania

  June 23, 2004

  The front door of Morrow Manor crashed open as Tristan, Tommy and Cole stepped over the threshold. Expecting to hear a cacophony of noises coming from the dining room, they were surprised when they realized that the house was completely silent. Well, completely silent other than the sound of someone sawing wood from the parlor.

  “Wonder where everyone went…” Tommy said as he scratched his head.

  Tristan stared around them in bewilderment. “This is the quietest the house has been in months.”

  “Good. I could use a break from all this wedding stuff,” Cole admitted.

  The three of them walked together into the dining room. Tommy approached the liquor cabinet and immediately retrieved a bottle of bourbon and proceeded to pour a splash into three ornate glass tumblers. As Tommy carefully replaced the bottle of bourbon back in the wooden cabinet from where he got it, a deep voice cleared from just behind him. A sly smile grew upon Tommy’s face as he reached back into the cabinet and poured a fourth glass of bourbon.

  “That’s better,” Jack said as he took one of the tumblers from his son.

  “I thought you were sleeping…” Tommy admitted as he clinked glasses with his father.

  “You know I’m a light sleeper,” Jack admitted. “What happened to the craft committee that was in here?” Jack asked as a sarcastic glint in his eye shone back at his children.

  “I was wondering the same,” Tristan added. “But I’m glad for the temporary reprieve from all things wedding related.”

  “Not having cold feet, are you?” Jack asked, giving his daughter a concerned look.

  Tristan looked taken aback. She reached for Cole’s hand and squeezed it tightly. “No way, Dad. I’m just saying it is nice to take a night to relax in the midst of all this wedding prep. I can’t wait to marry Cole. I just want everything to go well.”

  Jack nodded approvingly at his daughter just before winking slyly at Cole. “A word, please?”

  “Uh oh…” Tommy said in a teasing fashion.

  “Oh, shut it,” Jack said with a chuckle as he left the room.

&
nbsp; Leading Cole into the living room, he motioned for his future son-in-law to have a seat on the couch.

  “Is everything okay Jack?” Cole asked as he cast a nervous gaze over at his fiance’s father.

  “Couldn’t be better,” Jack admitted. “I just wanted to have a chat with you before things get too crazy around here.”

  “Oh, uh, sure… Uh, what did you want to talk about?” Cole asked, stammering every inch of the way.

  “Tristan is my only daughter. My baby girl,” Jack began as he cast a more serious gaze towards Cole. “And you know I’m a bit protective…”

  “A bit?” Cole said as a joke. But when he saw the serious gaze his future father-in-law was giving him, he immediately stopped with the jokes. “Uh, sorry.”

  “With that being said… This is a very important step in both of your lives. I know we’ve talked about this before, but I wanted to make sure that you are prepared.”

  “Jack-“ Cole began, but he was cut off by Jack.

  “Now, son, I trust you, but this is my little girl we’re talking about…”

  “Jack-“ Cole injected again, but it almost seemed as if Jack was too focused on what he was trying to say to hear Cole calling his name.

  “And I just want to make sure you understand the weight and gravity of this big step you are both taking,” Jack continued.

  “Jack!” Cole exclaimed. He had finally got his attention. “Jack, you have nothing to worry about.”

  “That’s easy for you to say. You’re little girl isn’t about to get married.”

  Cole laughed. “No. Seeing as how I have no children; you are absolutely correct. But still – you have nothing to worry about. Don’t you remember the promise I made you, when I asked for her hand in marriage?”

  “I do…” Jack admitted. He knew where this was leading.

  “Do you remember that I promised to care for her, and protect her, and look after her every single day of my life without cease?”

  Jack nodded.

  “Well at the end of my life, when I am old and grey, you can consider that a promise kept. I love your daughter, and there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for her.”

  A gentle smile tugged at the corners of Jack’s mouth. Nodding his head, he said, “And that is exactly what I was hoping to hear. Not only are you ready, but you’ve made me proud. You have always been a man of your word, and that is why I gave you my blessing. Plus, I have it on good word that you come from good stock.

  “Daddy,” Tristan said with a smile as she crept into the room. “Are you grilling Cole again? You’ve known him since he was a baby.”

  Jack smirked. “Just a little, honey. I have to keep him on his toes.”

  In a joking manner, Cole rocked on his feet until his was standing on his tippy toes.

  “Mission accomplished,” Cole said with a soft laugh.

  “Oh, and Cole…” Jack added, keeping his eyes on Cole’s face to watch his reaction.

  “Yes, Jack…” Cole added, giving Jack a look of wonder.

  “For the record, I always considered you to be one of my kids… and I couldn’t be happier that you are joining our family.”

  3

  Early Afternoon

  Morrow Manor

  Fox Hollow, Pennsylvania

  June 25, 2004

  Cole and Tristan were married on June 25, 2004 in an intimate ceremony. On a beautiful sunny afternoon, two childhood friends and high school sweethearts took their love to the ultimate level. Tristan was walked down the aisle by her father Jack, who fought to choke back his tears, while his little girl beamed. Gathering at Tristan’s favorite apple tree in the orchard, and surrounded by their closest friends and kin, Cole and Tristan exchanged their vows and made promises they both intended to keep. As they sealed their marriage with a kiss, a jubilant cry sounded out, and Jack let out a sigh of exquisite relief.

  There was something so unbelievably joyous about the day. Not only had Tristan married her longtime love, but two families that had supported each other through seemingly insurmountable odds were finally united as one. The Morrows and the Piedmontes embraced the happiness that this union provides. Each of them were reminded of how very fortunate they all were to not only have survived the terrors of the past, but also to be surrounded and supported by people who love them. They were reminded of the beauty of friends becoming family, of love enduring all odds, and the simple joy of embracing one another when times get tough and never letting go.

  About AC

  A.C. Williams is an International Best-Selling Author of romantic suspense and mystery novels. She resides in Pennsylvania with her family. She is the wife of an Army Veteran and the proud mom of their three sons. When she is not writing, she is immersing herself in music, reading to her heart's content, and traveling with her family.

  She previously wrote under the pen name Addison Kline and is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association. While she loves to write in a variety of genres, A.C. always says "mystery is her game." Some of her other favorite sub-genres to write include romantic suspense, psychological thrillers, crime, MC and mafia thrillers.

  Some of her greatest influences to date include Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Harper Lee, Gillian Flynn, Emily Dickinson, Jane Austen & James Patterson.

  Visit her at www.acwilliamsnovels.com

  Dear Juliet

  Danielle Norman

  I use to take calls and give love advice. Now, I'm taking calls and whispering dirty fantasies. Only problem is, it's the same caller, every night, all night.

  1

  Juliet

  "I'm not sure if you've ever seen it, but there is a meme that reads, 'You know you're in trouble if your wife ever says, do whatever you want.' Here's a clue, men--don't. Do not do whatever you want. It is literally a warning. I know they say women speak a different language, but we don't. We speak one language, and it is called sarcasm, so I suggest--" I was caught off guard by a tap at my window and lose my train of thought for a second before continuing, "I suggest you learn it." I glanced at the station manager, who was waving frantically and held up one finger, letting him know that I would be there in a minute. It wasn't the one I wanted to hold up, but I refrained because I loved my job.

  I signaled to my show producer to hold all calls and then returned my focus to the one I was currently talking to. "I hope that answered your question. Thanks for calling in, Derrick." I glanced at my screen and choose a love song. "This is for all of you who are looking but have no clue what you are looking for." I pressed play and let Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper trill "Shallow."

  I bit the inside of my cheek to mask my reaction at being interrupted. I removed my headphones and walked out of the sound studio. My station manager was an asshole and thought everyone should be at his beck and call. Even though my show had outstanding ratings, he held little respect for it. "Hello, Mr. Lennox, what can I do for you?"

  "Ah, Juliet, I'd like you to meet someone."

  I rolled my eyes before I glanced toward the man down the hall who was peering through the glass of another sound room. Even from where I was standing, I could tell he was tall--like really tall. Okay, everyone was tall to me, and I wore four-inch heels just to make myself feel normal size. All right, I was five foot even without heels. No, not four-eleven, I didn't care what the chart at the doctor's office said. Their scale was wrong too.

  "Greyson," Mr. Lennox called.

  The man turned and the most entrancing cerulean blue eyes locked on to mine. It took every ounce of energy I had to force myself to look away. He was wearing dark jeans, like the perfect, made-for-his-body denim, a button-down white dress shirt that was tucked in, and loafers. He was perfection. It was stylish but still masculine. As he neared us, I couldn't help it, I inhaled and wanted to step closer. He was a combination of bergamot, pine, and clean laundry. Would I get arrested if I sniffed him? Okay, it had been a while since I had been with a man. No, we weren't getting into how long or I wa
s sure someone would want to check to see if my cherry had grown back, which was kind of sad since I ran a relationship show.

  He held out his hand. "Hello, I'm Greyson Right."

  Mr. Right? Oh my god, how perfect. "Of course you are."

  "Excuse me?" he asked.

  I just smiled and extended my hand. "I'm Juliet Loveheart."

  "Real name or just for the show?"

  "Isn't she adorable?" Mr. Lennox interrupted. "Juliet runs a little show we have where women can call in and you know complain about their men." Mr. Lennox chuckled.

  Oh, he pissed me off. "First of all, I get a lot of male callers, in fact my last caller was a guy. And yes Juliet Loveheart is my legal name, the one written on my birth certificate."

  "Juliet as in the Capulets? Your mother a Shakespeare fan?" Mr. Right asked.

  "Nope, not Shakespeare, just a love for literature, I have a brother named Darcy." Mr. Right laughed, most people did, but Mr. Lennox didn't. I didn't think Mr. Lennox understood the reference to Romeo or Darcy because he was that much of a doofus.

  Mr. Right followed my gaze to Mr. Lennox. "Darcy is from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice," he said.

  "Oh, I've never seen it," Mr. Lennox added.

  "Read it," Mr. Right and I said in unison.

  "Anyway, I actually have my doctorate in psychology. My little show is a relationship counseling show."

  "Why isn't the station capitalizing on that? Are you PhD or PsyD?" Mr. Right asked. I was thoroughly impressed most people had no clue of the difference.

  "She is a radio host for bored housewives." Mr. Lennox shook his head.

  "I'll be right back, I had two songs queued up." I moved back toward my door.