Wildest Dream (Redfall Dream #4)

by B. B. Miller

  Pressing a kiss to his lips, I slide my hand down his neck to his chest. “You made Sydney’s day,” I murmur, pressing my hand over his heart.

  “Once she got over the shock.” He grins at me. “Your face was a picture, too. What was running through that head of yours when you saw me?”

  “That you’d lost a bet. Or your mind.” He pouts and I take his plump lower lip between my teeth. A growl escapes him, and I let my hand slide lower as I kiss him again.

  “Losing my mind doesn’t seem like a bad idea just now.” Reaching under the blankets, he grips my hips and pulls me atop him. “Do you like it?”

  Grinding my hips against his, I feel his hardening cock between us. “This?” He groans softly, his lips moving against my jawline. “I like all of you. I can’t wait to see what you look like.”

  He laughs through his nose. “Don’t be too eager. It was such a violent color, even carrots felt sorry for me.”

  I can’t help my giggle. “You know, it may not be that red anymore. Is Sydney’s hair the same as it was when she was little?”

  “No. It’s much darker now.” He palms one of my breasts and kneads it gently. “Did you have a good day?”

  I nod, a soft sigh escaping me. God, that feels good. “I did. I got a good idea of what Sam likes and was able to make some preliminary sketches.” My breath catches when his hand moves down between my legs. “I can’t wait to make Hannah’s dress. She’ll steal the show.”

  “She already does.” He stills, but his breath is hot against my neck. “I’m sorry we won’t be able to—”

  “Hush.” I shift so I can look at him fully and place two fingers over his lips. “We have an incredible life ahead of us, Sean. Whatever happens, we have options. We can do anything, be anything we want. I’ll always love you, regardless.”

  The deep emerald of his eyes softens to a mossy green. “I’ll always love you, too, my Fly-girl.” I squeak out a laugh when he suddenly grabs me and flips us over. Blocking out the starlight, he sheaths himself in me, and my laugh becomes a moan as his whispered words resonate in my heart. “For now, let’s enjoy the ride.”

  Murphy’s Ultimate Law: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Take the leap. Dance and make a fool out of yourself. Enjoy the journey. Say yes to the things that scare you, and you’ll do what you’re supposed to do—you’ll live your life.

  Sean

  THE OPPRESSIVE HUMIDITY OF A New York summer gives way to glorious fall, and before we know it, the leaves turn and the nights are blessedly cooler. It’s a week before Syd’s wedding and all that can be done has been.

  I’ve got no idea how Syd has managed to keep it together over the last couple of weeks as she’s dealt with the minutia of planning this wedding. Eloping on the down-low like Kennedy and Abby did is looking better and better by the minute.

  I’m currently relaxing back on my elbows, legs stretched out in the grass with Cass resting her head on my lap whilst Krupa basks in the sun and attention he’s currently getting from the Saunders family. It’s become our Sunday tradition after meeting the family a few weeks ago when we had Krupa out for a walk in the park.

  Nancy and Joe Saunders have two boys: Max and Chris, aged five and eight, who love life and everything dog-related. One look at Krupa, and they were all in, trying to teach him how to catch a Frisbee. Sadly, it’s not to be. Krupa’s little legs are way too short, and he only succeeds in tripping over the Frisbee.

  The Saunders’ German shepherd, Bullet, has also given up trying to show Krupa the ropes. He just lies beside Cass, enjoying a belly rub—the lucky fucker—and occasionally looking on in disbelief at the spectacle of Krupa’s shocking inability.

  “You okay?” Cass glances up at me. The light breeze catches her hair, and I brush it away from her face.

  “I’m always okay, Fly-girl.”

  She gives me a dubious look. “You’ve been quiet since the appointment.” Ah, yes, my lovely monthly check-in with Dr. Perez. Let me tell you there’s truly nothing that will make you feel more capable and worthwhile than hearing, “The odds of you having a baby are remote at best.”

  “I think I’m going to stop seeing Dr. Perez.” Cass lifts her head and sits up beside me. Bullet follows suit, trying to shove his nose between us. “At least about this baby business.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  I watch Krupa wipe out in the grass at another failed Frisbee catch attempt. “Because I don’t want this to become a thing, Cass.”

  Cassidy sets her hand on my cheek, coaxing me to look at her. “Sean…”

  I take her hand between both of mine. “I know what you’re going to say, but I need you to know something. Dwelling on this, letting it consume me or you, isn’t going to change anything.” She slides her hand against the back of my neck, studying me. “I don’t want us to live our lives around IVF and blood tests and hormone injections, and worry about spending too much time in a hot tub.” I see that little crease form on her forehead as she listens to me. “I love my life, Cass. I’m lucky to do what I love with people I truly care about. I have a wonderful and forgiving—thank Christ—family, and most importantly, I have you.” She slides her free hand against my hair, fiddling with the short strands. It’s just starting to grow out, and right now, mimics the burnt orange of the changing leaves in the trees.

  “Yes, you do have me, and you always will.” Cass presses her forehead against mine.

  “I know. That’s why I know that whatever happens, whether someday we have our own baby, or adopt, or decide not to, we’ll be okay. Whether we get twenty more corgis, or I decide to get a parrot.” She laughs, and I lean back to meet her gaze. “I know that this doesn’t define who I am or who we are together.”

  “I know,” she whispers, arranging her sweet self so she’s straddling my lap. Bullet seems to take the hint and trots off to join Krupa and the Frisbee fiasco.

  I tighten my arms around her, and she melts against me, clasping her hands around the back of my neck. I just breathe her in, this woman who has filled me up and fully accepted me—flaws and all. Emotion threatens to steal my breath, and I can only manage to whisper, “You’re everything I need in my life.”

  It’s dusk at a park close to my parent’s place in Knightsbridge. The park has been decked out with a thousand little white lights and more pastel flowers than I knew existed. It’s ethereal, dream-like, as if fairies may magically appear.

  Tucker and his amped-up security have kept the crazy fans and photographers who seem to find out everything at bay. I’ve still not uncovered what secrets he’s keeping in California, but I’ve not given up on this bet yet. I’m sure he’s gone and got himself a girl, and I’m going to enjoy every second of proving I’m right.

  The photos of the wedding are going to be stunning, and Sydney is glowing. The masterpiece of a dress designed by Cassidy is beyond perfect. Mum is a weepy mess as she hugs Syd once more.

  “My baby girl.” Mum sniffles, her hands fluttering about as she tries to ward off another rush of emotion.

  “Mum, don’t ruin your makeup,” Syd says on a shaky breath. I pass Mum a handkerchief from the inside pocket of my jacket, and she lifts it from me.

  “Thank you, dear.” Mum does a double take at the inner lining of my suit, her eyes widening at the Union Jack pattern. Cass was the one who suggested it, saying the pin-stripe suit she created needed a pop of something.

  “You look so handsome.” Mum pats the lapel of my jacket.

  “This old thing?” That gets a laugh out of her. “Found it lying about, thought it would do for this shindig.”

  “And you’ve gone back to basics, I see,” Dad adds as he takes his place beside Syd, motioning to my hair. We’re out of view from the buzzing guests, and it’s almost time.

  “It’s good to get back to your roots now and again, you always tell me, Pops.” I clap him on the shoulder and pause to give Syd another hug.

  “Be happy, Syd. That’s all I want for you. If Phili
p ever gets out of line, you tell me and I’ll kick his arse.” She laughs and pushes me forward as I make sure the rings are secure in Krupa’s collar. He’s decked out with a Union Jack vest, handmade by Cassidy. I told her she should start selling them, and she just laughed at me. I’ll have to see what I can do to make that happen. People will go crazy over custom-designed outfits for their beloved pets.

  “Go! Find your girl. I need a minute here.” She shoos me away, and I crouch down to ruffle Hannah’s hair. I’m fairly certain my eardrums busted with the squeal Hannah let out when Syd asked her to be in the wedding. She’s positively angelic in the soft pink dress Cass designed.

  “You’ve got this, Poppet.” Hannah beams at me and then gives me a little shove. “You heard Auntie Syd: we need a minute.” I leave her with a laugh and a gallant bow. I’m nothing if not a gentleman.

  Krupa bounds up the aisle in front of me just like Cass and I trained him to do. He dutifully sits on a mound of petals and waits, preening at the ohhs and ahhs he gets—little attention whore. I wonder where he gets that from.

  Finding Cassidy is easy. She’s at the front with the rest of the girls and my bandmates. Cass beams at me as I take my seat beside her. “How’s she doing?” Cass squeezes my hand when I take hers.

  “She looks fabulous, thanks to you.”

  Cass waves me off. “It’s just a dress. It’s the bride who makes it shine.”

  “Spoken like a true designer, love, but don’t sell yourself short.” I cast a glance over her own lavender dress that she put the finishing touches on just before we flew to London. It’s lace and flowy perfection, and she looks good enough to eat. I bend my head to whisper against her ear, adjusting the matching purple hairpin that holds back a few strands of her hair. “You’re stunning. I can’t wait to get you out of this.”

  She tightens her hand against my thigh, a seductive warning.

  “You know,” I continue, “There’s a minister or whatever he is right here.” I nod at the fine man of the cloth, looking stoic as he patiently waits under an intricate flowered arch that looks like it came out of Narnia. I’m sure Syd built it herself. “We could lock this down tonight.”

  Cass leans back, her eyes full of mischief. “You can’t upstage your own sister. She’d never forgive you,” she whisper-hisses. I think she’s trying to be quiet, but Matty’s got superhero hearing or something.

  “What’s this now? Who’s not forgiving who?” Matty leans across the row.

  I open my mouth, but Cassidy’s hand comes up to cover it. “Nothing. It’s nothing. He’s being ridiculous,” Cass answers.

  Kennedy laughs. “Tell us something we don’t know.”

  “Shhh!” Abby and Tess both scold us as a harpist starts up and all two hundred guests stand. I remember what Cassidy said about wanting to see the groom’s reaction, so I watch Philip as he tries unsuccessfully to hold back tears. I may never be best mates with the man, but it’s obvious he loves Sydney, and that’s all I could ask for.

  Hannah is the perfectly adorable flower girl, practically glowing, and gently tossing pale pink petals along the grassy aisle. Cameron gives her a thumbs-up when she stops under the arch.

  There are collective gasps when Syd comes into view with Mum and Dad both walking her down the aisle. “That dress is so beautiful,” Sam says in awe, and I squeeze Cassidy’s hand.

  What follows is simple and heartfelt; it’s two people who found each other and can’t imagine spending life apart.

  A few hours later, the party is in full swing. We’ve survived teary speeches and so many photos that my cheeks actually hurt from smiling. I’ve ditched my jacket to the back of a chair and won a dance-off with the groom himself. Didn’t think Philip had it in him, to be honest, but that’s one of the wonders of life—it just keeps surprising you.

  Abby currently has her feet in Kennedy’s lap, and he’s massaging them for her. She leans back and glances up to the star-filled sky. “God, that feels good. Why do my feet hurt so much? It’s not enough I have a basketball in my stomach—I can’t even see my feet! I want to see my feet again.”

  “Babe…” Kennedy begins. “You’re in the homestretch now.”

  Abby grimaces at him, waving a finger in his direction. “No more sports metaphors. You’re not the one who pees when you laugh. And my ankles are all swollen and huge.”

  “Thought you said you couldn’t see your feet,” Matty says like a nob, and Abby shoots him a murderous look.

  “I’ll go get you something from the dessert table.” Tess tugs on Matt’s arm. “Come with me.”

  “On it. We’ll be back with cake; it fixes everything,” Matty says with a grin.

  “Some of those little éclair things,” Abby calls out, and Matt waves in acknowledgement as he and Tess make their way across the park to the dessert area.

  “Oh!” Abby drops her feet from Kennedy’s lap, her hand on her stomach. “He’s awake.”

  Kennedy smiles, shuffling his chair over beside her. “Must be all that talk of cake.”

  Abby draws his hand over her belly. “Must be. I think he’s going to be a soccer player or something.”

  I feel Cass squeeze my shoulder, and I turn to press a kiss to her forehead. “Want to dance, Fly-girl?” I nod in the direction of the dance floor, seeing Cameron holding Hannah in one arm as he sways with Sam around the edge.

  “Love to.” I take her hand and tug her out of the chair.

  “Save some of those éclairs for us.” Kennedy gives us a salute, and I lead Cassidy to the dance floor.

  She melts into my embrace like she was born to fit there with her cheek pressed against my chest. The DJ is all about old-time love ballads, likely at the request of my dad. When I offered to have the band play, Sydney flatly refused, wanting us to enjoy the day and not worry about playing. What Sydney doesn’t really understand is playing for us isn’t a worry. It’s what we crave, and we would’ve gladly lit up the night for her. We compromised, playing an acoustic set at the rehearsal dinner last night that blew up the internet when one of the guests live-streamed a few songs.

  Holding Cassidy in my arms and swaying to Sam Cooke as he croons about bringing sweet love home, I know now that playing isn’t all my life is about anymore.

  It’s about loving this woman with all of my heart and soul. It’s about being everything to her. It’s about all the highs and lows we’ll get through together. I wasn’t expecting Cassidy to fall into my life, but I learned a long time ago that the unexpected is what turns your life around.

  Under the lights that frame the dance floor, I brush my thumb over her chin. “If you ever change your mind…” I start singing.

  Her arm tightens around my waist as she pulls me closer, staking a claim. “I never will. You’re stuck with me, London. Forever.”

  “Works for me, Fly-girl.”

  Cassidy

  “Aren’t they lovely together?”

  I grin in agreement, hiding a laugh as Sean’s polite smile becomes strained. His aunt has been babbling about the wedding and everything else for hours, it seems. One of the best things about this trip has been meeting Sean’s relatives. He has a huge extended family: aunts, uncles, and cousins galore. Kevin and I would’ve loved having cousins when we were growing up.

  And all his family members have been fascinated with me. Wonderfully gracious and welcoming, but fascinated just the same. Apparently, the Redfall members aren’t the only ones who’ve had bets against their wild musician ever settling down.

  “I hear they’re going to start a family right away,” his aunt gushes. “Your parents are so excited to become grandparents!” She spies someone behind us and her smile brightens, oblivious to the shadow behind Sean’s eyes at the mention of children. “Oh, there’s Livie Babbish. I must go say hello.”

  She totters off, and I slip my hand in Sean’s, giving it a squeeze. I know he means what he says—that our life together is all he needs. I also know that want and need are two different thi
ngs.

  He smiles at me in thanks, and then looks over to where Kennedy and Cameron are charming Sean’s mother and some women I swear I saw among the guests at the last royal wedding. Maybe he really has met the queen. “She’s right,” he says, watching the guests swirling around laughing, talking, and eating. “My parents will be over the moon when Sydney gets pregnant.” He rubs a hand over his dark, spicy red hair. God, I love his real color. So hot.

  When he glances back at me, his smile is brighter. “And we’ll be the most kick-ass aunt and uncle a baby could ever hope for. The little tykes will be clamoring for sleepovers with Auntie Cass and Uncle Sean.”

  I nod and stifle a grin. I decided this morning to wait until after the wedding, but…oh, fuck it. Carpe diem. “Yes, we will. But you’ll have to get used to a different title before you become Uncle Sean.”

  “Oh yeah?” He laughs. “And what would that be?”

  I stretch up to kiss him on his cheek, and then whisper in his ear. “Next time you see your doctor, tell him that you beat the odds.” His eyes narrow in confusion for a beat until he jerks back, mouth gaping. A brilliant smile slowly lights his face, and I nod, sliding a hand over his lapel. “Daddy.”

  The End

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