by Kennedy Fox
“Wouldn’t most wives appreciate that?” I arch a brow, grabbing her hips as she rocks on top of me.
“Of course, but sometimes, there’re only ten minutes to spare, and you’re more of a…teaser and pleaser.”
I snort, then groan as she moves her panties to the side and rubs her pussy along my cock.
“Alright, if you want fast and dirty, I can do that.”
She lifts slightly, giving me enough room to grip my dick and slip it inside her entrance. Bending my knees, I thrust up hard and deep, squeezing her breast with one hand and rubbing her clit with the other. I keep up my pace until she’s gasping and hanging on by a thread.
“Like this, baby?” I breathe out, panting.
“God, yes. Don’t stop. I’m so close…” Her head tilts back as I pinch her little bud, and she falls off the ledge, exploding on my cock. Moments later, I follow behind and release inside her tight cunt.
Gemma collapses on top of my chest, breathing hard and nearly gasping for air. “Holy shit.”
“You wanna take your words back now?” I brush my fingers through her sweat-filled bedhead.
“Don’t get cocky, but yes. Best. Quickie. Ever.”
I bring my hand to her ass and give it a hard slap. “Now, go pack,” I demand.
“Shower first,” she pleads.
Grabbing my phone off the nightstand, I check the time and blow out a breath. “Alright, but it’s gotta be lightning fast.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She sticks out her tongue before climbing off me and running toward the hallway. I leap off the bed and follow behind, racing her into the bathroom.
Once we’re under the warm water, I pull her to my chest and press a kiss to her nose. “I can’t wait for you to finally meet them. Maddie’s gonna be all over you, so just a warning.”
“I figured, but that’s okay. She’ll spill all your secrets and tell me all about your days living together.”
“Okay, never mind. We’re not going.”
She grabs my face and lowers my mouth to hers. “Stop worrying. I’m already in love with you, and I’m already your wife, so there isn’t anything she can say that’ll make me change my mind. But I’m betting it’s all good stuff anyway.”
Wrapping my arms around her waist, I smile against her lips. “As long as you ask Liam about all the times I kicked his ass in the ring.”
Gemma giggles and looks up at me. “And I plan to tell them how amazing you are and that when I needed you the most, you were there for me. Loyal, honest, hardworking. The sexiest traits in a man that I could ever want.”
“My cock doesn’t even make the top three?”
She rolls her eyes, then grabs my shaft and starts pumping it. “You have four minutes to prove to me why it should be.”
I spin her around, and when she places her palms on the shower wall, I thrust inside her tight pussy and do just that—though I make it happen in three minutes, which earns me her number one spot.
“Oh my God!” Gemma squeals as our plane lands in Sacramento. “I’m so nervous now.”
I squeeze her hand and smile at her. “Don’t be. You’ll be ready to move here before the end of the week I bet.”
“Everleigh and Katie would kill me. And I think Ruby would be devastated if you left.”
“Hmm...I don’t know. I think she’s pretty occupied with her new girlfriend right now.” I chuckle because Ruby doesn’t commit, but the woman she’s seeing has become serious over the past month. She freaked out when I told her we’d gotten hitched, and Gemma claims that inspired Ruby to want something more serious. Of course I laughed, knowing Ruby, she doesn’t do commitment longer than a few weeks. But never say never.
Though it’d be nice to get her out of Alabama and farther away from her psycho ex-fiancé, it’s not really a concern anymore. Robert’s completely out of the picture. After their fake marriage became one of the biggest scandals of Lawton Ridge, he moved three towns over and brought the secretary who stopped us at the Harvest Festival with him. Apparently, they’re engaged now. I roll my eyes at the thought, wondering what he did to make that happen. Probably blackmailed her too.
Once we deplane and grab our luggage, we get our rental car. Liam offered to pick me up, but I didn’t want to inconvenience them. Plus, this way we can surprise them when Gemma walks in with me.
“It’s chillier here than I was expecting.” She turns the heat on in the SUV, and I laugh.
“That’s because you’re a Southern heat baby.”
We talk for the hour drive and so many memories come to the forefront. It feels like a lifetime has passed since I lived here.
“We’re here,” I call out.
“Wow. This house is beautiful.”
“You should see the inside. Maddie went crazy with décor, and Liam loves her too much to stop her.”
Gemma looks at me and smiles. “I have a feeling Liam’s a lot like you.”
I shrug, then turn off the engine. “Maybe a little.”
Once we’re out, I grab her hand and give it a little squeeze, trying to calm her nerves.
We step onto the porch and ring the bell. Moments later, Liam swings open the door, and his eyes widen in excitement.
“Tyler! You made it, man!” He immediately pulls me into a hug and slaps my back.
Laughing, I bring Gemma to my side. “I brought a guest. Hope that’s okay.”
“Absolutely!” He puts his hand out, and she hesitantly shakes it. “I’m Liam.”
“It’s great to finally meet you, Liam. I’m Gemma.”
“The Gemma, huh? Wow.” He brushes his fingers through his hair and chuckles. “You’re gonna give Maddie a stroke. I hope you prepared her.” He looks at me, then at Gemma.
“The best I could,” I admit.
“Well, come on in. I was just cleaning the kitchen. Tyler made a huge mess at lunch, and Maddie’s getting the boys down for their naps. She’s gonna blow a gasket.” He chuckles again, ushering us to the living room. “Hold on. I’m gonna have fun with this. Sit on the couch, and I’ll blindfold her.”
“Didn’t you tell her I’d be here?” I ask, taking a seat with Gemma on one of the sofas.
“Of course not. She would’ve driven herself—and me—crazy with cleaning nonstop, and this way, I get to take credit for you being here,” Liam boasts.
“It wasn’t your idea,” I retort, grinning.
“But she doesn’t have to know that,” he says pointedly.
“Okay, hang tight. I think I hear her coming down the stairs.”
Gemma gives me a wary look, and I bring her knuckles to my lips and press a kiss to them. “I told you they were a crazy couple.”
“Liam! What are you doing?” I hear Maddie screech. “Why do I need my eyes covered? This is dumb. I’m gonna trip over a toy.”
“Baby, I have a huge surprise. Trust me, you’ll love it,” Liam reassures her.
Maddie releases a deep sigh. “Is this like the time you surprised me with caramel sauce on your cock and a whipped-creamed bra?”
I quickly cover my mouth to hide my laughter as Liam and Maddie come into view, and Liam’s face falls. “No,” he says sharply. “Possibly better, though.”
Liam motions for us to stand, so we do, and I brace myself for her to flip her shit.
“Alright, sweetheart...” Liam uncovers her eyes, and when Maddie’s gaze lands on me, she screams.
“Oh my God! Tyler!” Within two seconds, she charges for me and wraps her arms around my waist. “What are you doing here?”
I hug her back and laugh. “To see you, of course.”
When she draws back, she’s wiping tears from her cheeks. “I can’t believe it. You came back to visit!” She slaps my chest. “How could you not tell me? My house is a fucking mess.” She moves her hands to the top of her head. “Not to mention, I haven’t brushed my hair yet.”
“We didn’t come here to judge your house, Mads. I wanna introduce you to someone, though.” I wrap an arm aroun
d Gemma and close the gap between us.
“Am I finally getting to meet your sister?” Her voice goes up an octave.
Gemma chuckles and holds out her hand. “I’m Gemma.”
Maddie beams. “Gemma Gemma? The one you’re ‘just friends’ with?” she asks, using air quotes.
“Well, not anymore, but yes, that Gemma,” I say.
Liam comes closer and gives Maddie a hug from behind. “I think they’re finally together,” Liam mutters to her.
“It’s about goddamn time!” Maddie blurts out. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for him to finally admit he was in love with you. Even when I told him to go after you, he was all she’s engaged…blah blah blah. What the hell changed? And why didn’t you say anything?” she scolds, flashing me a scowl with her hands on her hips.
“It’s a long story,” I explain. “But Gemma isn’t my girlfriend.”
Maddie’s face drops.
Turning to Gemma, I ask, “You wanna tell her?”
“We’re married.” She clings to my arm and smiles up at me. “Got hitched six weeks ago.”
“Shut. The. Fuck. Up.” Maddie’s booming voice is so loud, I’m shocked she doesn’t wake the kids. “You got married?”
“Dude, congrats!” Liam pats my shoulder. “I’m guessing this story is gonna call for some whiskey.”
“I want all the details!” Maddie exclaims as she starts picking toys and random items off the floor. “After I shower and clean up this mess.”
Gemma and I help tidy up so Maddie can get clean and change.
An hour later, we’re sitting on the deck, sharing the story of how Gemma and I got married. We talk about Robert, Jerry and the garage, and all the drama that unfolded with Victoria.
Maddie’s shaking her head at me in disbelief. I know she’s thinking about her sister Sophie and her crazy ex-boyfriend who kidnapped and tried to kill her. Liam, Mason, and Hunter found her just in time.
“That’s batshit insane!” Maddie’s jaw drops. “Why didn’t you punch in his face?”
Gemma chuckles. “He wanted to and offered plenty of times, but he knew with his record, he had to be extra cautious.”
“Especially in small towns. Everyone knows you and your business,” I explain.
“And the gossip flies around faster than mosquitos at a summer barbecue.”
“Aw…sounds like a Hallmark movie. Who doesn’t love a small-town romance with drama and gossip?”
“God,” I groan. “I forgot you’re horny for Hallmark, too.”
“I love it,” Gemma tells Maddie.
“I already have ten Hallmark Christmas movies recorded! We’ll make the boys cook while we start one.”
“Putting me to work already, Mads?” I flash her a wink. “I’m on vacation, you know?”
Maddie smirks with an eye roll. “Oh, puh-lease. You’re here to cook for me. Don’t even deny it.”
She’s not wrong. I anticipated being in the kitchen, and I don’t mind. It gives Liam and me some alone time to shoot the shit and catch up. The girls can drink their wine as they watch their corny holiday movies—as long as I get my wife back by the end of the night.
By Saturday, the entire house looks like it vomited Christmas decorations. I helped Liam put up a real tree, and Maddie’s sister and even Serena and her son came to help decorate. They all brought their kids and packed all the rooms. It was great to reunite with Mason and Sophie too.
That night was their annual sisters’ Christmas dinner and gift exchange. I helped cook a ham and turkey, and Gemma offered her not-so-great baking skills. Though she tried, which was cute. I didn’t think I could be any happier, but being here surrounded by my closest friends and new wife, I’m nearly bursting at the seams with joy.
Perhaps it’s because it’s a special time of year, but also, it’s the first Christmas I’ve celebrated in over five years.
And so far, it’s been one to remember.
“I brought one of your gifts,” I whisper in Gemma’s ear when I come up behind her.
“You did?” She spins and faces me. “I didn’t pack one! Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to exchange presents here?”
“Don’t worry. It’s an early one. We can still do ours Christmas morning, but I want you to have this particular one now.”
“Okay.” She smiles as I grab her hand and lead her to the tree.
Everyone quiets as they watch me kneel in front of her and reach in my pocket for the velvet box.
“What’re you doing?” she whispers.
“Giving you what you deserve.” I take her hand and smile up at her. “A real proposal and a real ring.”
She tilts her head and tries to smile through her tears. Though she’s already said she doesn’t need anything fancy, I want to show her how much she means to me and how much I love her.
“Gemma, sweetheart. After everything we’ve been through, I can’t imagine my life without you in it, and I hope I never will again. You’re the woman I always want to fall asleep next to and wake up to. We might’ve gotten hitched unconventionally, but I’d marry you again in a heartbeat.” I open the box and show her the ring. “Will you marry me again?”
She wipes her cheeks and immediately nods. “Of course.” She bends down until our lips collide. “I can’t believe you bought me a ring.”
“Well, technically, I didn’t…” I take it out and slide it on her finger. “Your dad gave me your mom’s engagement ring, and I had it set on another band.”
Gemma gasps as she stares at it, holding out her hand and watching it sparkle under the light. “Oh my God.” She barely gets the words out before she falls to her knees. Wrapping her arms around me, she cries into my neck, and I hold her tightly against my chest.
Even though over a dozen eyes are on us, it feels as though we’re the only two people in the room. I know how much this means to her and how special this ring will always be to us.
“This is unreal,” she mutters. “I can’t believe you did this.”
I tilt her chin until our gazes lock. “I love you, more than anything.”
When I mentioned to Jerry that I was saving to buy Gemma a wedding ring set, he said he had something even better than an expensive diamond. He told me the story of how he proposed and how special his wedding day was. After five years, she lost the ring, so he bought her a new one. It wasn’t until after she passed that he found it and kept it in an old jewelry box. Jerry planned on giving it to Gemma but was waiting for the right time, and he told me the time was now.
“I can’t take all the credit, though. Your dad offered it, and I ran with it.”
“I thought she lost her solitaire ring.” She stares at it in awe.
“Not this one,” I tell her and plan to tell her the whole story later when we don’t have an audience.
“You better invite me to that wedding this time, Tyler!” Maddie blurts out, and everyone laughs.
“You got it, Mads.”
“We should do it on our one-year anniversary. Give us time to plan something amazing,” Gemma suggests, and I nod in agreement.
“I love that idea. A fall November wedding,” Maddie gushes.
“With lots of pumpkin spice,” Gemma adds.
“Of course.” I smirk, then kiss the top of her nose. “Anything for you.”
We end the night tangled in the sheets, proving my quickie skills have been moved up to the expert level—three orgasms in five minutes.
The next morning, I wake up before Gemma and sneak into the kitchen to start the coffee. I’m surprised when I see Liam sitting there with a cup already.
“Hey, morning,” I say quietly. “Up early?”
“Yeah, thought I’d hit the gym before the kids get up.”
“Wow. Good for you, man.” I open the cabinet, grab a mug, then fill it full.
“You still thinking you’d like to buy the gym in your town?”
“We’ve talked about it, but not right now. Gemma wants to wait until Je
rry retires so we can focus on it together. It’d need a complete remodel and new equipment. She wants to add tanning beds.” I snort. “So perhaps in a year or two.”
“That’s great, Tyler. I couldn’t be happier for you.” He grins. “But I do miss you.”
“I miss you guys too.”
“I still can’t believe Mickey found Victoria in Lawton Ridge, and they’re all dead. Blows my goddamn mind, but then again, it doesn’t. He was crazy as fuck and overly jealous. He nearly killed me, and I wasn’t even into her like that.” Liam sips his coffee and shudders. “Glad it’s all in the past.”
“Me too,” I admit. It still feels surreal. “So glad.”
After an incredible week at Liam and Maddie’s, Gemma and I have to return to Lawton Ridge. Maddie cries as we hug goodbye, and she exchanges phone numbers with Gemma. I love that they became friends and grew close this week, but I have a feeling Maddie will be in my business even more now. I’ll get texts full of wedding ideas for the next eleven months.
“I love your friends,” Gemma says as we’re on the plane. “I wish we were closer.”
“You say that now,” I tease. “No, they’re great. I’m glad you and Mads hit it off.”
“So I have to ask something, but you can’t get mad.”
I arch a brow. This can’t be good. “Okay?”
“Did you and Maddie ever…” She lets the word linger, and I wait. “Hook up?”
I nearly choke on air as I look at her in shock. “You think I’d still be alive if I touched Liam’s woman?”
That causes her to smile, and she shrugs. “Well, didn’t you say you two were in a cabin in the woods or something? That sounds kinda romantic.”
“Trust me, it wasn’t. Victoria was watching our every move. I had to cut the power just to get us out of there, and since she had backup generators, it gave us only a few minutes before they came on. We barely escaped. Maddie and I have only always been friends,” I reassure her.
“Okay. Just had to ask.”
“She’s really friendly, that’s all. Maddie’s easy to love and knows how to get you to spill your guts even when you don’t want to,” I recall, remembering all the times she got me to admit shit.