The Trouble With Us: A Second Chance Love Triangle (The Forbidden Love Series Book 2)

by Kat T. Masen

  “Will you relax?” he tells me, pulling me into him. “I was dreaming of you on all fours while I ate that sweet pussy of yours.”

  I feel my shoulders relax. “Okay, you’re lucky this time. But there’s just one problem.”

  “What?”

  I place my lips on his tempting mouth, rolling my tongue against his. “It wouldn’t hurt you to fulfill that dream of yours. Now, would it?”

  Our stay on the West Coast came and went in the blink of an eye. Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye. It was always hard to leave home; I’d grown up here and while being in the city is exciting, there is nothing like views of the canyons and basking in the Californian sun.

  Dad is due to fly over in a week. He has many meetings scheduled with Will, so I assume I will barely see either of them. The takeover is going to take all their time, but not wanting to pull the selfish card out just yet, I kept quiet on my boyfriend having to travel over the next few months.

  “I hate saying goodbye,” I confess to Mom.

  “Not for long. Now, remember, any questions if Nikki isn’t around, just call me.”

  “I will, promise.”

  We say our goodbyes, but before we head to LAX, we detour for lunch at one of my favorite restaurants as per Will’s request. He mentioned something about coming here years ago and enjoying the food.

  Two hours later, we finally board the plane. When we’re in the air for less than twenty minutes, the pilot informs Will of needing to make an emergency landing in Vegas because of some light that came on.

  “For the love of God,” I panic, fastening my seatbelt, “Please buy a new plane because this is the second time this has happened.”

  Will kisses my hand with a reassuring smile. “How about we take the opportunity to spend the afternoon walking around. A nice walk on the strip, have some dinner until they’re sorted?”

  I nod, agreeing, then gesture the sign of the cross to pray we land safely.

  The pilot informs us he will need a few hours to solve the problem and gain clearance to fly again. Will organizes a car to take us to the strip. It’s been two years since I last visited, and absolutely nothing has changed. Tourists are everywhere, and casinos are lit up with people trying to get you to come inside with all these offers of shows and free drinks.

  We hold hands, walking down the strip. I enjoy the simplicity of being able to be with Will out in the open without the worry of being caught.

  Upon seeing the wedding chapels, I laugh to myself, remembering a bit from some movie. I’m unable to remember which movie, but it was something with two people completely drunk who stumble into a chapel and end up getting married.

  “There’s this movie….” I begin laughing until Will stops walking, and I’m forced to turn around. “What’s wrong?”

  His eyes glaze over with a dreamy stare while he stands quietly. I start to worry, wondering why he won’t move.

  “Amelia?”

  I swallow the lump forming inside my throat. “Yes?”

  Will reaches out both his hands, standing tall in front of me, looking incredibly handsome dressed in his denim collared shirt and khakis. His dark hair, normally styled when dressed in a suit, is loose and making him look like one of those bad boys you see driving a motorcycle.

  “I’ve spent days racking my brain of how perfect I wanted this moment to be. But no matter what I came up with, it all seemed insignificant. You see, wherever we are, together, is perfect because when you are by my side, nothing else matters.”

  “Will…” My voice begins to quiver. “What are you trying to say?”

  I watch with wide eyes as he slowly bends down onto one knee. Around us, people have stopped to observe, a few taking out their phones.

  “I promised you it was all in—no turning back. I love you. I’ve always loved you. Marry me, here, tonight.”

  He produces a box from his pocket, opening it, and inside sits Mom’s emerald ring. I throw my hands over my mouth, hiding my smile while exhaling the deepest of breaths. Carefully, he removes the ring from the box and slides it on my finger, without even waiting for me to respond.

  “I could wait for you to say yes,” he gazes at me with an arrogant smirk, “But we know you were always meant to be my wife.”

  I’m unable to speak, and with a burst of excitement, I take his face into mine and kiss him deeply as people around us applaud.

  “Yes, a million times over,” I sputter while grinning hopelessly.

  “Do you trust me?”

  “Of course, I trust you, Will.”

  “Then follow me, please.”

  He takes my hand as I follow him inside the chapel. When the door opens, my entire family is there, all of them with bright smiles on their faces the moment they see us. My parents and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, and even Eric and Tristan.

  “What?” I turn to him, shocked at seeing everyone. “How did you plan this without me knowing?”

  “It’s all Charlie and Adriana,” he praises, with a beam in his eye.

  I shake my head, trying to calm myself down to be able to think straight. “Wait, so we’re getting married here?”

  “Only if you want to. I know it’s not grand, and if that’s what you want, we can do that later. I didn’t want anything to stop you from finishing your degree, but I’m a selfish man. I want you to be my wife now. I’ve waited too long.”

  He leans down, kissing me softly.

  “It’s perfect, Will. We have waited too long. As long as our families are with us, nothing else matters.”

  “Okay,” Aunt Adriana interrupts. “Can I steal you now?”

  “Steal me?”

  “Well, you ain’t getting married in a pair of jeans and a midriff tank.”

  “Hold on,” Nikki comes between us. “We need a quick trip next door to obtain a marriage license. We’ll be back in five minutes. I’ve already spoken to Joe, and he is waiting for you.”

  We head next door to see the Clark County, but my head is elsewhere, half-listening but not really caring as I sign the documents required. The entire time, Nikki is chatting away and before I can even get a word in, we are back inside the chapel.

  Before I leave to get changed, I place my hands on Will’s chest while taking a deep breath. Lost in his loving gaze, there is no doubt he was always meant to be the one.

  “See you at the alter?”

  “I’ll be there.” He winks, kissing me one more time. “Last kiss as a single woman. How does it feel?”

  “It feels like time is too slow, and I just want you to be my husband,” I tell him excitedly.

  Aunt Adriana takes me to the back room but asks me to close my eyes. When we enter, she tells me to open them, and hanging from a rack is a stunning ivory laced dress in a mermaid silhouette.

  I run my fingers over the delicate lace, admiring the detailing around the neckline, then turning it around to see a low back hem. The design takes my breath away, something I never imagined I would feel over a wedding dress.

  “Do you like it?”

  “I love it,” I choke, unable to hide my emotion. “It is perfect.”

  Aunt Adriana claps her hands. “Well then, hurry up. Let’s get you married!”

  The dress, of course, fits perfectly. Ava does my hair and makeup, keeping it minimal. Beside me, Mom sits quietly but never without her adorning smile.

  “You’re beautiful,” she tells me softly. “Your father is nervous.”

  I take a deep breath, not from nerves but from excitement. An hour ago, I was complaining about Will’s malfunctioning jet and wondering what I should wear to the office on Monday. Now, I’m moments away from getting married.

  “Are you nervous?” Ava asks, touching up my cheekbones.

  “I’m excited. I just want to marry him.”

  Ava leans in with a knowing grin. “It’s the spark. You guys have always had it. Even when you thought you hated each other’s guts.”

  There is a gentle tap on
the door as Ava finishes up on my face. I look into the mirror and see my father in the reflection. He is dressed in a tuxedo, despite us getting married in a Vegas chapel. I turn around and stand up, moving closer to him.

  His eyes fall upon me with a shallow sigh following. I reach out my hands for his, then squeeze them tight.

  “I’ll always be your little girl,” I remind him gently. “That will never change.”

  In my entire life, there’s been a few times when my Dad expressed any sentimental emotions. It didn’t mean we didn’t feel loved. He was just always in control and knew what to convey through words rather than expressions.

  But standing in front of me, his eyes glass over—a mixture of sadness and honor.

  “You look beautiful, Amelia,” he croaks, followed by a smile. “Are you ready?”

  “Been waiting a lifetime…”

  29

  AMELIA

  As I walk down the aisle inside this Vegas chapel, my heart beats to a harmonious melody—all my dreams are coming true at this very moment.

  It’s almost as if time stands still and no one else matters besides the person standing at the altar beside the minister. There is a euphoric state of mind, every sense is heightened, and nothing in the world will ever compare to the moment when two people officially become one.

  With every step I take, my handsome soon-to-be husband is inching closer. Somehow, he is dressed in a tuxedo with his hair perfectly styled. And while his beauty will forever render me speechless, I capture the frame of the smile adorning his face, knowing I’ll never forget how his eyes fell upon me as I walked toward him.

  How, in one simple stare, he’s climbed into my soul and made us a home.

  We reach the end, where my father gently places a kiss on my cheek. I draw a breath, excited to get through the formalities so I can officially be married.

  Our minister, an older man wearing an all-white suit with alligator patterned leather shoes, begins the ceremony while I stand beside Will, desperately trying to keep my hands at bay and not touch him.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join William Rockford Romano and Amelia Grace Edwards in Holy Matrimony.”

  I stand still, a smile fixed on my face while I try to focus on the minister.

  “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

  My parents both stand up, and behind me, they say, “We do.”

  Unwillingly, my stomach flutters at the sound of my parents’ voice. My smile, while continuous, masks the sudden wave of emotions. I beg myself not to cry. Nothing will change between my parents and me. If anything, they’re welcoming a son. So why does this feel like an end of an era? Like I’m flying the coop but used my wings years ago to attend Yale.

  “William Rockford Romano, will you have this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?”

  “I do.” Will grins.

  “Amelia Grace Edwards, will you have this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto him as long as you both shall live?”

  My lips curve upward as I murmur, “I do.”

  Andy and Ava both join us, handing us each a platinum wedding ring. The rings are exquisite, and I wondered how the hell my family pulled this entire wedding together without me knowing. More importantly, how did Ava keep this a secret.

  “The marriage ring seals the vows of marriage and represents a promise for eternal and everlasting love.”

  The minister continues to read out the passage for Will to repeat.

  Will turns to face me, his blue eyes twinkling as he takes a deep breath.

  “I, William Rockford Romano take thee, Amelia Grace Edwards, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, for as long as we both shall live.”

  He slowly slides the ring onto my finger, lifting it gently to seal it with a kiss.

  The minister directs his attention to me, repeating the passage.

  I stare into Will’s loving gaze as I say the words to make us one.

  “I, Amelia Grace Edwards, take thee, William Rockford Romano, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, for as long as we both shall live.”

  My hands reach out for Will as I slide the ring on his finger, sealing it with a kiss as he had done. We continue to hold hands, the warmth of his touch making it impossible to let go.

  “We who have come together today and have heard the willingness of William Rockford Romano and Amelia Grace Edwards to be joined in marriage. They have come of their free will and, in our presence along with God, have declared their love and commitment to each other. They have given and received a ring as a symbol of their promises. Therefore, by the power vested in me by the laws of the state of Nevada, I take great pride and pleasure as I declare them husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.

  Will tilts his head and cups my face to whisper, “I love you.”

  “I love you too, husband.”

  Our lips touch together softly, making our first kiss as husband and wife absolutely perfect. My heart is beating steadily, all for the man who I can now officially call my husband. We pull away, grinning like fools, as I squeal with excitement while squeezing his hands.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. And Mrs. Romano.”

  There is applause from our family, Uncle Rocky being the loudest with a whistle in tow.

  We both turn around, grateful for the love and support all in this room. My sisters run up to hug me first—all four of us embracing, which of course, onsets Mom’s tears. Uncle Noah and Kate’s family come next. Kate is wiping a tear from her face with a tissue Jessa handed her earlier.

  “You made me cry. Everyone knows I don’t cry,” Kate teases.

  “That’s a lie, Mom,” Sienna calls her out. “You cried when we watched that movie with the stepmom and the mother diagnosed with cancer.”

  “Well, excuse me for having a heart,” Kate complains, to only pull her daughter in for a hug.

  “You look beautiful, Amelia,” Uncle Noah tells me with a proud grin. “Who would have thought you’d wear a wedding dress one day? I thought you’d get married in your Batman cape.”

  I touch his arm gently with a small chuckle, then hug Nash who is standing beside him. “Hmm, that would have been interesting.”

  Uncle Julian and Aunt Adriana come up next with their family. Luna and Willow both hug me tight until their mother begs for my attention.

  “You did it!” Aunt Adriana cheers. “Next, you’ll be a soccer mom driving a mini-van. Just make sure to wear underwear.”

  Uncle Julian rolls his eyes beside her. “Please do not listen to my overly-dramatic wife. Congratulations, the ceremony was perfect.”

  Andy and Jessa both hug me at the same time.

  “How did we get from the Hamptons to here?” Andy questions while Jessa pokes him in the arm. He scowls, only to dig his own hand into her ribcage.

  “True love?” I respond with a spirited smirk. “Don’t worry, you two, now that my love life is sorted, I can help you with yours.”

  “I’m off to Brazil with Dad.” Andy winks.

  Jessa lowers her gaze. “And I’m kind of seeing someone on campus.”

  “You are?” Andy blurts out, then straightens his shoulders.

  “It’s new.” Jessa plays it off while I stand here in amusement, watching them. “We met through a mutual friend, but it turns out we have a few classes toget
her.”

  Andy’s demeanor changes. I’ve known him my whole life, so I know he is annoyed by the revelation. His eyes do this glassy stare thing when he cocks his head to the side, and his lips press into a hard line, though he will never admit it even if I probe him.

  Eric and Tristan bump their way in, making a scene. I haven’t seen Tristan in a while, but he still looks as handsome as the Hollywood star who graces our screen.

  “Congratulations, gorgeous.”

  “Thank you, Tristan.”

  Beside him, Eric is waving his hand across his eyes, trying not to cry.

  “Now you listen here, missy, I’m going to say this one time, and one time only. The true key to marriage is morning blowjobs.”

  Tristan shakes his head with disappointment while I try not to laugh.

  “In most divorce cases, the women never even swallowed!”

  “Jesus Christ, Eric,” Nikki complains as she appears beside him. “You have no data to back that up despite you saying you do.”

  “I gotta agree with him, babe,” Uncle Rocky argues with a playful grin. “Most of my divorced buddies say the same thing.”

  “Well, count yourself lucky you’re not part of the men’s divorce club, but after this weekend, I wouldn’t be surprised if circumstances change,” Nikki notes in dark amusement, then turns her attention to me, holding onto my hands with a proud smile. “This was always meant to be, couldn’t have asked for a more perfect daughter-in-law plus hopefully one day partner at the firm.”

  “Yeah,” Will’s younger brother, Beau, comes up beside his mom. “Best sister-in-law ever. Do I get exclusive pick at your single hot friends now?”

  I laugh, leaning in for a hug. “Wait in line, Andy and Nash claim first place.”

  “Bastards,” he complains, jokingly. “I hate being the youngest.”

  Uncle Rocky pushes his son out of the way. “Come here you.” He throws me into one of his big bear hugs. “Get me those grandbabies. I’m waiting to get my GILF on.”

  “For the love of God, Dad,” Will says behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Don’t even start with that.”