The caterers arrived mid morning, setting up three full bars and several food stations. Harper called and asked if I needed any help, but I told her I was headed to the gym in just a few minutes. Ross came downstairs looking like death warmed over. Being in the desert for so long, he wasn’t used to drinking as much as he had.
“Hey, Doc, any magic cure for a fucking hangover?”
He grumbled as he took a seat at the bar, accepting the fresh cup of coffee I poured for him.
“Yeah, avoid getting drunk.” I teased, receiving his middle finger back as a thank you. He closed his eyes as he savored the hot liquid, leaning back and staring out into the open field.
“Promise me something, Logan.”
“Sure.”
“My wife never hears about how drunk I was.”
“Sure, bro, what happens here stays here.”
The plan was for Ross to stay upstairs until a particular song came on over the speakers. I planned the party early enough so the kids can enjoy their dad and he and Amanda could go home and enjoy each other once they were asleep.
With the relatively short notice, none of my team had been able to get away to come. However, this morning I had received an invitation to Zack and Kennedy’s wedding, and everyone confirmed by text they would be there. I needed Harper to meet them, show her the caliber of men I would be surrounding myself with. There was time for all that, I still have a few months left in my contract with the military, but as soon as it was over, I was joining my team.
“Logan you ordered plenty of food, right?”
My mother was the first to arrive, pulling into my driveway shortly after I got off the phone with Harper. She had her design friend in tow. Jacques had been a big help when picking out fabrics for the house, but I drew the line at touching anything associated with this party.
“You can always send the extras to the homeless shelter.” My mother fails to remember how I have attended more than my fair share of her parties where there’s more food than people invited.
“Yes, ma’am,” kissing her cheek, showing her the respect she was unquestionably due. “After all, I learned from the best.”
“Would you listen to that, my little boy is developing a southern accent.”
“Give it a rest, Mom. The military taught me ‘ma’am’, not the state of Virginia.”
Her attention was soon captured by the staff, who was setting up the bars to close together in her opinion. While she was correcting them, I made my way back upstairs to get ready. Harper called me as soon as she left her house, making sure I didn’t need her to stop anywhere and grab anything. I wanted to get this party over as quick as possible, getting these people out of my house and a few hours alone with my girl.
By the time I made it back downstairs, my party was in full swing. I hadn’t realized how many people my mother had invited until it became difficult to walk around, even with the massive size of my house. Not surprising, the guys I invited from my new unit had all congregated on my deck, taking full advantage of the stocked bar out there.
“Hey, handsome.”
Harper’s soft voice called to me, as I was about to step onto the deck. Her radiant smile and mischief-laden eyes made my heart skip a beat, and I wasted no time separating the distance between us.
“I’m so glad you’re here, beautiful,” Pulling her in as close as I could, not wanting a fraction of a centimeter to separate us. She was my world, and I wanted to celebrate everything about her, show her all the many ways I wanted to love her. “I have a surprise for you.”
With a tremendous amount of self-control, I pulled away from Harper, the smile at the corner for lips dropping slightly in confusion. Knowing the sooner I got Ross and his family united, the quicker I could get Harper upstairs and in my bed.
“Alexia, play song three.”
A heavy beat filled the air as I turned Harper around to face the stairs. Planting my face into the area between her neck and shoulder, losing myself in the smell of her perfume. I wanted to worship her neck; kiss, lick, and bite every square fucking inch of it. I wanted to bathe in the moans, which I knew I could elicit from her.
“Logan?”
My name came out in a wanton whisper, her ass grinding into my pelvis, kneading the rock hard erection I had waiting for her. One of her hands grips they hair at the nape of my neck, pulling just enough to coax a sliver of pain, which travels directly to my now aching cock. Sliding my hands around her waist, my thumbs brush the edge of her firm breasts. Just as I’m about to capture her earlobe between my teeth and her soft mound in my hand, I hear the words that act like a bucket of ice water being doused over the top of my head.
“I’m home, bitches!”
Ross practically dances down the stairs. Amanda’s scream is enough to shatter all the glass in my house, but as he picks her up and twirls her around, the smile on Harper’s face makes it all better. “Did you do this?” She spins in my arms, taking my face between her palms.
“Yes, this was my friend I told you about. I didn’t want to lie to you, Harper, but Ross is my friend, and he wanted to surprise you and Amanda. But I will tell you, he’s home for good.”
Ross had such a charisma about him, meaning even people who had never met him were laughing and joining in on his antics. I introduced Harper to everyone I recognized, and she returns the favor for the ones she found familiar. I wasn’t ready to unleash the men I would work with on her just yet, saving that for a time when I knew more of what to expect from them.
I’ve never seen Harper as happy as she was, surrounded by her family. Playing with her nephews and cuddling with the baby, which admittedly, created a few ideas in my head. This was how life was meant to be, surrounded by those you loved and planning for the future.
Harper was safe within these four walls, surrounded by those who cared the most about her, but I knew of the evil that lurks in the shadows outside. Those who took great pleasure in the pain of those they inflicted it upon. I would destroy those people, do anything to hear the laughter that made my heart sore, to keep the girl who owned my heart right where she belonged.
As I bid goodnight to the last guest to leave, I found Harper asleep on one of the deck chairs. My original plans of loving her until she forgot her name were temporarily placed on hold. As I carried her upstairs, being careful not to wake her, I pondered what it would be like when the girl was much smaller and a product of the love I wanted to share with her mother. I wanted a family with Harper, with as many children as she would bless me with.
With the surprise of bringing her brother back to her complete, I couldn’t wait to see her face when I showed her what I had in store for her next.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Harper
What is it about weddings that put everyone in a good mood? Is it the anticipation of two souls joining together? Or perhaps it’s the nostalgia of those who remember when it was their special day? For me, it’s about finding the one special person who brings out the best in you. The one who will let you laugh at yourself, and holds you when you cry.
When I woke up this morning, nestled deep in Logan’s bed, I knew today was going to be spectacular. Last night, as I watched my brother jog down the steps, something told me Logan was my one. All his recent endeavors had a common goal, keeping me happy. Helping my brother surprise Amanda, solidified what a great man he is. He could’ve woken me, testing the waters to see if I was willing to sleep with him. Instead, he ignored his own desires and tucked me into bed, holding me all night.
As midday approached, I dragged my feet, not wanting to leave his house and pop the bubble he’d created. I wanted to thank him, let him know his generosity and selflessness had not gone unnoticed. But I had made a promise, and by extension, so had he.
Avery and Cole had chosen St. Luke’s Catholic Church as the place to start their new beginning. While the church wasn’t the newest or the grandest inside, it was perfect for them. She wanted the ceremony to be simple yet elegant. W
ith the church’s high ceilings, marble tile and stained glass windows, I think she chose well.
The ushers were dressed in Navy dress uniforms, each so young, I found myself questioning if they had started to shave yet. With the low number of invites, Avery and Cole chose not to have the traditional bride and groom division of the room, allowing everyone to choose their seat. The handsome usher who showed me to my pew called me ma’am and wished me a good day. I winked at him and told him I planned to.
As the light filtering through the stained glass windows grew dim with the setting sun, the ornate lights and glowing candles increased the romantic setting of the church. Surveying the room and admiring the way couples sat together, my heart sank, I knew Logan was about to sit down to the dinner portion of his ball. How I wish I could’ve joined him, sat beside him and held his hand.
But I reminded myself, this is the beginning, and another wedding will surely come our way. I tried not to think about who he chose to go with him tonight. Which leggy blonde would raise the eyebrows of the men he would be working with? Penelope would have an opportunity to remind him of the life he had in New York and Lisa was comfortable for him, someone he knew like the back of his hand. Tonight was for sharing in Avery's happiness, I would deal with the aftermath tomorrow.
Cole and his groomsmen came out from the side door, each dressed handsomely in their Navy uniforms. The priest, whom I was not familiar with, took his place at the end of the aisle. As the music began, one by one Avery’s attendants came down the aisle, each wearing a pale yellow dress and carrying bouquets of white daisies.
Finally, the priest motioned with his hands for everyone to stand, and a murmur floated across the guest’s eager to catch a glimpse of the bride. Turning to look at the back of the room, the doors to the foyer now closed. Anticipation built in my chest as the organist began the wedding march. With a nod from the priest, the two ushers opened the doors revealing an angelic looking bride. Even on my best day, and with all the magic in the world, I couldn’t have looked as beautiful as Avery did.
Marrying Lance would have been one of the worst things I could have ever done. He allowed me to remain stagnant, never growing, never failing, and never living. I shivered to think of what would have happened to me had I continued in the relationship. Maybe someday, he too will find happiness, preferably not at the end of a line of cocaine .
As Avery passed me, her bright eyes and white smile reflecting every ounce of happiness she had in her tiny body, she blew me a watery kiss. Had I not met Logan, I would be green with envy right now, saddened by the lack of a true companion. But all I could feel was immense joy. She glided as if on a cloud, her dress flowing behind her just as I had pictured when I purchased originally it. There was no sadness for me, the right girl was wearing that dress.
Avery took her place beside Cole, handing her bouquet to her maid of honor. I wasn’t sure if I could decide whose smile is bigger, his or hers?
“You may all be seated.”
The priest took the couple's hands, guiding them to the steps on the altar. After instructing them to face one another, he opened his massive bible and began to read.
“Dearly beloved—”
I nearly screamed as a hand touched my right shoulder. Looking up into the owner's eyes, I came face-to-face with suit-clad Logan.
“Hey, beautiful. Anyone sitting here?” He whispered as he moved around the end of the pew, forcing me to scoot to the left.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m attending the wedding of a friend.” His blue eyes danced, as he pulled me into his side. Crossing his right leg over his left, his ankle resting on the opposite knee.
“Seriously, Logan, are you crashing this wedding?”
I hissed, looking around as if the wedding police would come marching up the aisle to arrest him.
“No, Harper, I’m an invited guest.”
“Who?”
The priest had begun the exchange of vows, and the woman seated three pews ahead of us looked over her shoulder and scowled. Logan pulled me closer, leaning down into my neck, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear.
“I have to give credit to your brother. When I mentioned we each had plans tonight, he suggested I contact Cole and see if I could persuade him to invite me. It just so happens, my father needs some supplies in Thailand. Cole has volunteered to take the needed supplies to him and Avery will tag along with him.”
“What about your ball?”
“Well, my Captain said we had to attend, but he never stipulated how long.”
“My God, Logan, you’re going to get in trouble.”
“For what? Following orders? He said to attend, he never said stay.”
“What about Penelope and Lisa? Where did you leave them?”
“They left me, jumped back on a plane headed for the south of France. They have a house there.”
Looking at him through confused eyes, I had the feeling he wasn't telling me the whole truth about his relationship with the two of them.
“Lisa and Penelope have been in a relationship for the past three years. Jillian likes to pretend her daughter is straight, hoping she’ll grow out of this phase of liking girls. She tolerates her relationship with Lisa, because of who her parents are.”
Never in a million years would I have suspected Lisa and Penelope were lesbians, as they showed no connection when they were around me.
“Then why didn’t you tell me? I could have waited for you or gone to the ball with you.”
“Because I wanted to see the surprise on your face.” His voice dropping low, the base of it wrapping around my soul and stealing my breath. “Seeing those eyes sparkle and the way your face flushes, makes me forget who I am.”
I turned back to the front just in time to watch the priest pronounce them husband and wife and for Cole to kiss his bride. I wouldn’t question how Logan was here, but enjoy him, all of him.
The reception was held in the church rectory. Logan held my hand as we walked along the broken sidewalk leading to the party. Several of Cole’s friends stood meandering around outside the doors smoking cigarettes and telling jokes. Logan had changed out of his uniform and passed by them with a simple nod. How many of them would call him ‘Sir’ when he returned to work? Regretting any words spoken with the help of alcohol and a lose mind.
The rectory was as old as the church, its character bleeding through the cracks in the paint. A small kitchen sat opposite the entry, a bar to the right, and several tables had been decorated with Avery’s colors.
Strands of Christmas lights flickered from the ceiling, draped between flowing sheets of sheer organza and tulle. The simplicity of the room made me smile, until I noticed a team of men finishing a parquet dance floor. I knew this had to be a mistake, as Avery had commented on having a friend download music to play during dinner, as there was no money for a formal DJ.
“There has to be a mistake,” I mumbled, trying to locate the person in charge.
Logan pulled at my arm, once again leaning over to whisper in my ear. “Harper, I couldn’t sit back and let them have their first dance and not have it done correctly.”
There were no words for the way I felt about this man. His endless generosity, never ending compassion, and it appears he is a romantic at heart.
“You did this?” I questioned, the emotion of the moment threatening to strangle me.
Shrugging his shoulders, “Well, I didn’t know what else to get them for a wedding gift.”
Wrapping myself around him as tightly as I could, I rested my cheek against his, the prickly stubble from his morning shave lightly scratching my skin.
“Do you know how wonderful you are?” Closing my eyes, I wanted to commit everything about this moment to memory.
“Care to dance with me?”
Not allowing me to answer and taking our still clasped hands, he leads me onto the dance floor. Raising our joined hands above my head, spinning me twice as the music began to play
, a soft melody filling the small amount of space around us. The last time I danced with a guy, was with my brother at Ashton and Stacy’s wedding. Ross was more of a prom sway kind of dancer, where Logan knew a variety of steps, moving me around the floor with ease. With his hand on the small of my back and his eyes fixed on mine, I could feel the shift in the air around us. I could almost taste the sweetness of something wonderful.
Logan spun us to the center of the dance floor, tiny squares of light danced off his features. “Harper,” gently gliding his hands to either side of my face, his eyes bore into mine. “You have to know, everything I’ve done; moving here, Horizons, this wedding...” Shaking his head, a glimmer of a smile dancing on the edge of his lips. “It was all for you. All because I love you.”
A smile I had no control over broke out on my face, as incredible jolts of pleasure grew in waves over my body.
“I love you, too.”
The air around us shifted, growing thick with the desperation we shared for one another. Logan’s hand caressed the skin on my face as his eyes held mine in a measured gaze. He dropped his hand and reached into his jacket pocket, his footsteps never faltering as he dangled a silver chain from his index finger.
“I picked this up the other day as I was shopping, it reminded me of the way you make me feel when we’re this close.”
The delicate chain held a tiny heart, the left side of it dusted in what I assumed were diamonds. “I wanted you to hear the words before I gave this to you, having something to remind you of how deep my feelings are for you.”
All those years I unintentionally helped single souls find their other halves, giving a gift there isn't a big enough thank you on the planet to express, until now. Now it was my turn, as I too had found my match.
“Put it on me?”
Logan stopped our progression, ignoring the couples who danced around us. Unclasping the closure, he walked behind me, grazing his warm fingers along the tender skin of my neck. Welcomed chills floated across my skin as the cold of the metal came in contact with my heated flesh. Once the latch was secured, he placed his hands on my shoulders, pressing his pelvis against my back, his lips ghosting along the side of my neck.
Operation SEAL: Book Two Trident Brotherhood Series Page 27