Falling into You

by Jackson, A. L.

  Looking sharp in his suit, the man grayed at the temples and his face worn rugged from his years spent out on their ranch.

  His smile was out of this world when he saw his daughter standing there.

  My heart leapt.

  Not quite sure how to stand under the magnitude of this beauty.

  Amor. Amor. Amor.

  My daddy had always taught me that’s what this place was. That it bled it. Rooted it. Grew it and heightened it.

  I’d never been so sure of that truth than right then.

  The music changed, and a furor rippled through the air.

  Palpable.

  Lifting chills on my flesh.

  “Are you ready for this?” I whispered to Emily.

  “I’ve never been so ready for anything in my life.”

  A wistful smile pulled to my mouth. I could remember so clearly feeling the exact same thing.

  No reservations.

  All the bridesmaids got into place. Mia started up the hill. Mel paced behind her, then Maggie trailed behind. I gulped down a steeling breath when I knew it was my time to follow. I walked up the incline where we were hidden at the base of the sweeping hill, inhaling a sharp breath when I crested the top and the meadow came into view.

  Rows of chairs covered in white fabric sat on either side of the tree with an aisle running down the middle.

  Abundant bouquets made up of roses, lilies, and peonies with an assortment of draping greenery sat at the end of each one. Bouquets I’d handpicked the last two days and painstakingly worked to piece together.

  A blessing issued with each one.

  At the center of it was the massive tree with its stately branches that stretched out to form a ceiling, rising high toward the twilight sky, casting the entire place in its protection and warmth.

  Royce stood on the right waitin’ on his bride.

  The man rocked back on his heels with his hands linked behind his back.

  Anxious.

  Purposed.

  But it was the man standing at his side that ripped the air from my lungs and sent my axis tipping.

  That compass pointed directly at him.

  I might as well have been gazing on him for the very first time.

  Face chiseled, every distinct, glorious line glinting in the shimmering light of the fading day.

  A beautiful protector.

  A savage lover.

  He watched me like he was having a hard time standing still and not making his way for me.

  Sage eyes traveling from my face and slowly drifting down.

  I swore, in the distance, I saw him gulp. Clearly, the man appreciated the dress.

  Energy zapped through our atmosphere.

  Shockwaves.

  Wrapping me in chills and warmth.

  Hope and need.

  I bit down on my bottom lip and tried to focus on not tripping over my own feet, and decided it would be much safer to be glancing around to take in the faces that had shifted in their seats to watch the wedding party come up the aisle.

  A ton of faces I recognized.

  Some I’d only met.

  A few I’d never seen before.

  My heart swelled with an onslaught of adoration when I saw where my mama and daddy had been seated in the second row behind Emily’s family, Daisy sitting on her knees backward and holding onto the back of the chair next to my mama so she could see.

  Richard had undone me again.

  An hour ago, he’d been there to carry my mama’s frail body all the way from our house and out to the meadow. Her wheelchair was placed off to the side so she could be moved into it after the ceremony where she could enjoy the night before the exhaustion set in.

  Mama smiled in her wistful, loving way.

  Tender and knowing.

  My spirit thrashed, and I smiled back, right before my gaze was being drawn back to the man.

  To the man who was watching me as if he couldn’t look anywhere else.

  And I trusted.

  Trusted the care.

  Trusted the concern.

  I trusted in the beautiful heart that lived underneath the ghosts that covered him like a howling shroud, concealing the secrets he told me he couldn’t yet give.

  But I chose to believe.

  To believe in him.

  To believe in us.

  I wondered if he felt it.

  The way my spirit cracked wide open and a torrent of devotion went flooding toward him.

  The way that big body itched in that sexy suit that fit better than should be allowed.

  The way my mouth watered, and my stomach somersaulted, and I was physically aching to take part.

  He tugged at his bottom lip with his teeth, fightin’ a smirk.

  A shiver toppled and twisted down my spine.

  Yeah.

  He felt it.

  I guessed I was far too excited by the prospect of him reminding me of it later.

  I moved over to my spot and turned around to face the aisle.

  As soon as I was in place, the violinist shifted her song. Everyone stood in anticipation.

  A second later, Anna came dancing up between the chairs.

  Grinning shy but tossing her petals into the air and letting them rain down around her.

  Ooohs and ahhs rippled the space.

  Daisy waved at her, and she waved back.

  Adorable and sweet.

  When she got halfway, she went racing for her father who’d knelt to catch her, the man sweeping the little girl into his arms and tucking her to his side.

  The two of them stood waiting for Emily.

  A moment later, she was slowly coming into view as she and her father made their way to the top of the hill.

  A collective round of gasps went up. Their lungs held in a moment of reverence.

  The bride striking awe in the guests.

  Royce held the little girl tighter, eyes eating Emily up with such a divine adoration that it brought tears to mine.

  The way her own expression flared and flamed and softened.

  Their love so apparent and clear.

  When she made it to the end of the aisle, her daddy leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek, whispered something that none of us could hear. She nodded, her smile so soft, and he stepped back, bringing the fingers of both hands to his lips and blowing her a kiss.

  Oh goodness. So sweet.

  Then he turned and shook Royce’s hand, and then the man reached out for the little girl that he’d just met. Pulled her into his arms. Hugged her tight and carried her over to where Mabel was sitting.

  A statement.

  A proclamation.

  Like they were offering their own vows.

  Accepting her into their precious family.

  My chest stretched so tight, and that burning at the back of my eyes was at full force.

  The minister began, opening in the typical way, talking about marriage and what it really meant. Why it was sacred.

  When he finished, Royce fumbled into his pocket to find the vows he and Emily had written. There was no missing the way his hands were shaking as he unfolded the piece of paper. He swallowed hard, shook his head, overcome with emotion.

  His voice clogged with the immensity of it.

  “Emily. My love. My soulshine. I give you my life. My days. My love. My devotion. My loyalty. Everything I do, I will do for us. For our marriage. For our family. I know you know I’m not perfect, but when I make mistakes, I promise to learn from them. I promise to hear you. To see you. To never forget you in the times when it matters most and in the moments that seem insignificant. Because every second with you is significant. You are my life. And I stand here, offering you mine.”

  Emily sniffled, laughed through her joy, and touched her nose with the back of her hand.

  Trying to gather herself.

  While my mind raced back to that evening seven years ago, to the man who currently stood like a fortress of fidelity behind Royce.

  Staring at
me.

  My mind whirred with the memory of what he’d promised. The way his voice had tremored and shook as he’d read the words he’d written for me.

  “It’s funny when you meet someone, and you just know. Funny how your heart instantly recognizes someone who was meant for you. Violet Marin, you opened my eyes to so many things. Our love came on fast, this wedding faster. But I have zero hesitation standing here before you now. Know we talked about this—about what it takes to make a marriage work. We’ve discussed our parents who are still loving each other to this day, wondering how they did it when so many people never seem to get that far. We came to the conclusion that we have to want more joy for each other than we want for ourselves. That a love that lasts is an unselfish love. It’s a giving love. And we know that ideal has to go both ways or it’s just not gonna work. But standing here, Violet, under this tree, I promise every day of my life I will wake up wanting to give you more joy than you had the day before. I will wake up and sacrifice for you, whatever it takes. I will wake up with respect. I will wake up with devotion. Every single day, everything I do, I’ll be doing it for you.”

  Emotion tightened my throat, and I swallowed, hoping my knees didn’t start knocking right there.

  Richard’s jaw clenched, teeth grinding, and I wondered if he wasn’t reiterating those words all over again.

  Emily and Royce’s hands swung between them, their bond unending, moving between them and covering those who had gathered to share this day. Emily attempted to clear the roughness from her voice, but her words were hitched, lumbering with the emphasis.

  “Royce. My love. My joy. I give you my life. My days. My love. My devotion. My loyalty. Everything I do, I will do for us. For our marriage. For our family. I know you know I’m not perfect, but when I make mistakes, I promise to learn from them. I promise to hear you. To see you. To never forget you in the times when it matters most and in the moments that seem insignificant. Because every second with you is significant. You are my life. And I stand here, offering you mine.”

  The minister pronounced them married, and Royce was sweeping her off her feet and swinging her around and kissing her fierce and hard and soft.

  A seal of every promise they had made.

  Everyone cheered.

  That little girl went running back to him. He hiked her up into his arms, and Emily reached out and took her hand. The three of them walked back down the aisle together. I followed to the spot where I was supposed to meet my escort.

  My life.

  My husband.

  Richard was there, so tall and fierce, extending his elbow.

  I grabbed it.

  Held on for dear life.

  Not understanding his sacrifice.

  But knowing it was true.

  * * *

  Twinkle lights glittered from where they were wound in the branches above. The rows of chairs had been moved out and round tables set in their place, the centerpieces glowing and gorgeous in the middle of each.

  A makeshift dance floor had been set up in the middle, and a two-foot stage was on the far right.

  The delicious dinner had just been cleared away.

  Emily was glowin’ where she sat directly across the table, Royce glued to her side, his hands all over her every second, never breaking their connection.

  I guessed I could say the same thing for the man beside me.

  I glanced to my right. Richard shifted to look at me the second I did, no doubt sensing me peeking at him.

  Since we were surrounded by the rest of the wedding party, Richard squeezed the hand he had rested on my bare thigh under the table.

  It hadn’t taken him long to find that high slit, taking advantage of the situation, not that I was gonna complain. His fingertips kept making leisurely passes up and down my leg.

  Flesh tingling.

  Lifting with chills.

  My stomach in constant knots of needy anticipation.

  A smirk ticked up at the corner of those lush lips, and Richard dipped down to whisper in my ear, “You have any idea what this dress is doin’ to me?”

  I gave him an innocent look.

  He chuckled low, and his mouth went traipsing along my jaw, teeth nipping at my earlobe. “If you aren’t sure now, don’t worry, I’ll be showing you later.”

  Need sloshed and spun and throbbed between my thighs. A tangible, perceptible flush.

  One that Richard felt.

  He groaned, and his fingers twitched on my leg. He gripped me tighter.

  I heaved out a shaky breath.

  Rhys was suddenly there, draping his arms around both of our shoulders and poking his head between us. “And what are you two up to over here?”

  He cracked a cheeky grin.

  Redness flushed.

  Richard elbowed him in the gut.

  Rhys howled, ducking back, laughing and guarding the spot. “What’s wrong with you, man? I’m just coming over to say hi. Be friendly and genial. And you go around gettin’ violent.”

  “I’ll show you violent.”

  He clapped Richard on the shoulder. “Oh, I think you were definitely gettin’ ready to show us something until I intervened.” Rhys shot me a wink.

  Embarrassment went racing.

  “Huh. Funny you were watching. You lookin’ for lessons?” Richard tipped him a smirk.

  These two.

  Rhys howled with laughter and curled his arm tighter around my shoulders. “No, man. Just worried for our beautiful Vi, here. Need to make sure your sorry ass knows what he’s doing. Poor girl.”

  My head shook with the flush I was choking down, and I couldn’t stop the smile when I looked up at the goof grinning down at me. “Don’t worry, Rhys. I’m just fine.”

  “Just fine?” Richard challenged.

  I shrugged a tease.

  His nostrils flared.

  I laughed.

  Feeling free.

  Light.

  So different.

  So right.

  “Well…” I said, the ribbing twitching all over my mouth.

  Those fingers were sinking into my thigh again, and Richard dipped his face down close to mine.

  “You’re gonna pay for that later.” His eyes danced and played.

  My teeth clamped down on my bottom lip. “I sure hope so. I wouldn’t want to walk around bein’ just fine for all my life, would I?”

  Melanie cracked up. “Oh, Vi. I love you. Thank God you took this sorry sucker back.”

  Yeah.

  Thank God.

  I smiled at him.

  He shook his head, lips fighting their smile.

  Amor. Amor. Amor.

  I felt it shimmer and dance.

  Rhys grabbed Richard’s arm and tugged at him. “Was actually here for a reason other than pointing out that you’re a wet noodle in bed. It’s time.”

  Richard’s brow lifted in warning.

  Rhys grinned. No shame. “Come on, let’s do this.”

  Richard gave me another little squeeze before he pushed to standing. “I’ll be right back.”

  I frowned in confusion.

  “It’s a surprise,” he added low.

  That was right about the same time a bunch of different people started popping up from the tables spread around the meadow.

  Rhys and Richard started it.

  Leif pushed back from the table where we sat and stood with them.

  At the next table over, the rest of Royce’s band, A Riot of Roses, stood, chugging their beers and setting the empties on their table before they joined the group that gathered.

  The members of A Riot of Roses—Van, Arson, and Hunter—gave off this unruly vibe. This disordered crew who were ridiculously tight.

  Best of friends that carried their secrets like mysteries on their skin.

  Covered in mayhem. Rough and raw. Screaming of trouble and big city. But man, did they make something to look at in their fitted suits, tats twisting out from their sleeves and necks.

  They all st
arted to climb to the small stage.

  Off to the left, almost the whole table stood.

  Sunder.

  I’d gotten to meet them earlier.

  Austin Stone.

  Lyrik West.

  Ash Evans.

  Zachary Kennedy.

  Their original lead singer, Sebastian Stone, had joined them.

  His wife Shea was at his side.

  All of them were superstars who were so down to earth that it hardly made sense, and I realized that Richard would soon be like them.

  Recognizable at every turn.

  It was like we’d been hidden out here at my small farm, in our tiny town that could hardly be considered a city, the country so far from the stardom that Richard had reached that it didn’t seem real.

  Out of touch with the fame.

  But it was impossible not to recognize it then.

  Not when Richard climbed to the stage with everyone and the hired band stepped aside. Everyone picked up their instruments.

  Excitement rippled through the air.

  Every person attuned as the sound of feedback came through the speakers.

  They quickly set up, and Richard moved to the mic as he slung the strap of his guitar over his head.

  Oh god.

  I was not gonna make it, seeing him onstage.

  Not when it was all so new.

  Not when I was still reeling.

  Not when I was still trying to catch up to the sudden shift in my life.

  But this wasn’t about me, and he was pressing that gorgeous mouth to the mic, saying, “Emily and Royce, please report to the dance floor.”

  He winked at that.

  Everyone laughed as Emily pressed her hand to her mouth and tears sprang to her eyes.

  The woman totally surprised.

  Royce stood and offered her his hand. She took it, his bride shaking all over as he led her out into the middle of the dance floor.

  The guests gathered around the three sides to witness their first dance.

  A thrill that drew us to the boundary.

  Mesmerized, I watched as Richard wrapped his big hand around the neck of his acoustic guitar and strummed a single chord.

  It resonated right through the middle of me.

  “We figured since there were a whole ton of people here who could serenade you two on your wedding night, we’d better make good use of it. This is something we put together for y’all. A gift. Our blessing. Our prayer that your lives are filled with all the love the two of you deserve. That all your days are a love song.”