Hard Limit

by Meredith Wild

  He’d spared no expense furnishing the space. A large executive desk filled the room, along with a small couch and an enormous whiteboard. Small items that I’d stashed in a box back home decorated my desk the way they had at the old space.

  “Thank you for all of this. Thank you for everything. This is truly amazing.”

  “And private,” he murmured, curling an arm around my waist.

  I closed my eyes, devastated by the smallest touch. Weeks had gone by, and I was ready to lose it. I turned to wrap my arms around his neck. I crashed into him, kissing him with fervent passion. He returned my eagerness, backing me up gently to the desk.

  Grateful as I was for the space, the world had ceased to exist beyond the two of us in that moment. “I want you, Blake. God, I’m dying wanting you.”

  “I know.” He kissed me, softer tender brushes of his lips over mine. “But let’s wait.”

  I gasped. “Wait?”

  “We’re getting married in a few days. An army couldn’t come between me and making love you to on our wedding night. We’ve waited this long. What’s a few more days?”

  I sighed almost painfully, willing the surge of desire to ebb away. A few more days. An eternity when so much time had passed without intimacy. I closed my eyes, relenting. “Okay.”

  He smiled and tipped my chin up. “I will be making good use of this desk in the future, though. Rest assured.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The sea rolled in with the tide. Warmth and the promise of change mingled with the ocean air. Turquoise and gray clouds slid across the autumn sky, revealing the clear blue above. A perfect day.

  Someone called my name. Alli leaned over the Landon’s deck, waving me inside. The giddy smile that marked her features today hadn’t changed. The knot of anticipation in my belly grew, threatening to explode every few minutes.

  Today was the day. Today I would become Blake’s wife. Today we would bind ourselves to one another, for always.

  I joined Alli and the other girls. Caterers and family friends buzzed around Blake’s parents’ house. Alli pulled me into one of the large bedrooms where everyone was getting ready.

  Fiona was already dressed, a picture of perfection in her strapless flowing lavender bridesmaid gown. Alli and Simone rotated between distracting me from being nervous and telling me what to do next. Makeup, hair, and smiling for the ever-present photographer capturing our casual moments.

  We were light, champagne bubbling through us. Everything about today was surreal. Each moment moved in slow motion but slipped away too quickly. Blake’s mother fussed over us. Fiona rushed around after every detail, ensuring perfection for a day that she’d spent so much time helping to plan. Alli doted and directed me, making sure I was everywhere I needed to be. We laughed and fought tears. I wanted to tuck each moment away, so I could remember it forever.

  Blake and the boys were nowhere to be found. No one wanted to fess up to where they were hiding out. I missed him, but I honored tradition and resolved to wait. We’d waited so long. I could wait a little longer.

  Marie arrived before everything was about to begin. She was stunning, in a shimmery espresso dress that hugged her lithe figure. She came close and hugged me tightly.

  “You look beautiful. Thank you for being here,” I whispered.

  She smiled warmly, tears shimmering in her eyes. “So do you. And there’s no place I’d rather be than here with you, baby girl.”

  “No crying!” Alli barked. “Her makeup is perfect. Hold it together, people.”

  We both laughed, Alli’s order adding some levity to the moment. Marie and I had made our amends. We were both sorry, for our pride and for everything that had pushed us apart. She was still mourning Richard, still in shock that he’d not only betrayed her, but had also been ripped from her life so suddenly. She’d loved him, I had little doubt. The tears she fought each time we met since the shooting told me so.

  He’d been at the wrong place at the wrong time, but so had I. I wanted to blame Daniel, but I could have easily blamed myself for naively bringing him into my life months ago, thrusting myself into his dangerous world and not knowing the consequences of my choice. Life had played out, but too much had happened to carry grudges. Richard had lost his life, and I’d almost lost mine. Marie was too important to me, and life had proven too short to put any more distance between us.

  “You ready for all this?” she asked.

  I laughed. “I think so, yeah.”

  “I think so too.” She smiled. “You’re going to be beautiful, Erica. But I’m going to seriously lose it when I see you in your dress.”

  “Hold that thought,” Alli said.

  She’d emerged from the adjoining bathroom with a large garment bag containing my wedding dress. The well of happy tears surged behind my eyes again. I took breath after steadying breath, determined not to ruin the makeup she’d spent hours perfecting.

  A few minutes later, I stepped into the dress and Marie carefully zipped up the back, sealing the fabric tightly around my chest. There wasn’t a spare inch anywhere. I couldn’t imagine how the dress could fit me any better. The gown was a light cream with a sweetheart neckline, a thousand tiny little beads embroidered into the lace that overlaid the layer of soft satin beneath. Elegant and understated. Delicate and feminine.

  I would become Blake’s wife in this dress. I’d say our vows. Our vows… I closed my eyes, imagining all the things I wanted to say to Blake. How much he meant to me, and how that would never change.

  Alli gave my shoulders a little squeeze. “I'm dying right now. I hope you realize that.”

  I laughed. “Why?”

  A warm smile lit her eyes. “Okay, I’m insanely jealous, but it all pales in comparison to how totally happy I am for you both. I just can’t believe this is really happening. I feel like this is the happiest day of my life, but it’s yours.”

  I nodded quickly, my vision blurring with tears.

  “It is a beautiful dress,” I admitted. The girl wearing it was a wreck though. Only another hour and I’d be in the clear.

  “What can I say? I have awesome taste.”

  I skimmed my hands down the delicate lace that hugged my waist and tapered off at my thighs. “You do. Thank God you came back to Boston. I’d be hopeless without you.”

  A knock came at the door, jarring me. Fiona opened the door and frowned at a dapper looking Heath, dressed in a sharp tuxedo. “What are you doing here?”

  “Special delivery.”

  Alli’s eyes lit up, as if he’d been the groom and this was the first they’d laid eyes on each other. I wanted to see that day, and I prayed Alli would have it. Heath circled around the door.

  “A little gift, from the groom.” He winked and set a large flat box on my lap before disappearing out of the girl’s den.

  Simone squealed a little and came closer as I opened it up. Inside, I uncoiled a decadent string of diamonds. Gasps and awes faded into the background.

  “Holy shit,” Simone muttered under her breath. “Are those diamonds?”

  I swallowed hard. “I’m pretty sure.” I couldn’t begin to fathom the price of the piece, but I’d never seen anything so beautiful.

  I handed it to Simone who fastened the shimmering necklace around my neck. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and matched the other gifts—my ring and bracelets—in such a meaningful way.

  A few more minutes of bustling and preparing and we started our way through the house. Beyond the windows facing the ocean and the sprawling yard, I could see the guests and wedding party waiting in the warm October sunshine. I trembled at the sight, excited but in disbelief.

  “Erica.”

  I spun and Elliot approached. Beth was by his side, and Clara and Marissa too, in sweet matching white dresses.

  “Oh my goodness, don’t you look beautiful,” I said.

  The girls smiled, excitement lighting up their eyes. Alli bent down, handing them flower petals and our rings, reminding them of the ta
sks we’d practiced the night before.

  Elliot caught my hand, squeezing gently. “You ready?”

  I released a nervous breath. Yes. Nerves aside, I had never been more ready to be Blake’s wife. I wanted to step through the doors and run to him. I wanted to marry him the moment I laid my eyes on him. In my heart, I already had.

  I nodded and linked my arm through Elliot’s, letting him escort me the rest of the way.

  I walked toward Blake, seeing only him. I was floating, every moment taking me closer to the love of my life. And now, there was no fear in my heart. No doubt, not a shadow of it.

  The ceremony passed like a dream. Blake, breathtaking in his tuxedo against the backdrop of the ocean. His family and mine, our friends witnessing what we’d known for so long, that we wanted forever with each other.

  There were kisses. There were tears. All I knew was that he was mine. My love for him now was a tattoo written on my heart, for all of time.

  * * *

  I leaned my head against Blake’s shoulder while the party ensued. The day had been long, but adrenaline kept me awake. The heated tent set up in the Landon’s yard was filled with our small party. Laughter and music and talking. Happiness surrounded us.

  Elliot’s girls were dancing with boundless energy on the dance floor around Blake’s parents who looked into each other’s eyes with a love that warmed my heart. Blake’s mentor, Michael Pope, had come too. We didn’t speak of Max, but I could see the pride in his eyes when he congratulated us. He’d been like a second father to Blake, and I could only feel his regret that Max had failed us all with his appalling actions.

  Still, nothing could dim the celebration. More people came than I had expected. Our “small” affair had grown in size in my absence, but in the happy embrace of Blake’s extended family and friends, I could not have felt more love and acceptance. I smiled, all the way down to my very sore feet. Today had been nothing short of perfect.

  I leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to Blake’s cheek.

  He looked down, trailing lazy caresses up and down my arm. “Let’s take a walk and get some fresh air.”

  “What about our guests?”

  He stared out at the party, which had grown increasingly loud over the past hour as glasses were refilled and the night wore on. Simone was talking loudly and Alli was laughing.

  “They’re having a blast without us. I’ve had to share you all day. Now I want you for myself.” He brushed his thumb across my cheek. “I don’t know about you, but I’m anxious for the honeymoon to start.”

  I bit my lip, and he flashed me a loving smile.

  The thrill of being in his arms again warmed me, filling me with contentment. My entire body seemed to buzz with happiness, elation that I was now Blake’s and soon, hopefully soon, I’d be even more his.

  “Where are we going?”

  “I know just the place.”

  He winked and caught my hand, leading me out of the tent and down the wooden stairs to the beach below. I glanced back at the wedding party. Simone’s voice rang out from her perch on James’s lap. He was smiling, looking up at her with adoring eyes. No one was missing us.

  The sun had set and the ocean breeze blew cool over my skin. I held my dress and shoes up with one hand while Blake held my other. We walked, anticipation seeming to steal our words. I looked ahead to the rocky incline that always ended our journey when we walked the beach at his parents’ house.

  “Where are we going? My feet are killing me.”

  “It’ll be worth it, I promise.” His eyes sparkled as if he were holding a secret behind them.

  We slowed as the sandy beach turned to pebbles and stone. Blake wrapped his arm around me. I shivered and huddled into the warmth of his embrace. We stared out at the dark horizon. Above us, a soft glow lit the homes scattered along the shoreline.

  “I love it here.” Next to the Vineyard, Blake’s parents’ stretch of home on the ocean was nothing short of heaven.

  He pointed up to the house perched above the cliff ending at our feet. “What do you think about that one?”

  “It’s breathtaking.” Everything about the home was impressive. While Catherine and Greg’s home was more modern, this home had all the charm of a historic house. It sprawled across manicured gardens and a yard overlooking the endless ocean.

  He squeezed me closer. “I want to give it you.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “The house?”

  He grinned. “Yes, the house, among other things.”

  “Please tell me you don’t plan to walk in and make them an offer.”

  He laughed. “No, I don’t think so. Come on. Let’s take a closer look.”

  He started ahead of me and turned back for my hand. I hesitated, trying to imagine how I’d scale the small cliff with my current attire. “I’ll ruin my dress.”

  “Who cares? You only get to wear it once.”

  “What am I going to do with my shoes?” I lifted them up. He grabbed them and tossed each one high up to the grassy yard of our destination.

  “Blake,” I laughed. “I’m sure these people don’t want us poking around looking in their windows.”

  “Nonsense. No one’s home.”

  I shook my head and took his hand, making my way up the rocky incline. Blake helped me up onto the yard that plateaued at the top. The dewy grass felt cool on my feet as we walked around the perimeter of the house. He led me to the front door, a grand entryway framed by white columns and ornate lighting.

  “Blake!” I uttered a harsh whisper as he tried the door, opening it. Before I could stop him, he scooped me up into his arms, walking me over the threshold.

  He lowered me to my feet when we passed through the entryway. A large, bright white kitchen sat to our right and an expansive open living area to the left. I took in what details I could in the almost darkness. Blake tightened his hold around my waist, bringing me up against his chest.

  “What do you think?” he whispered, delight glimmering in his beautiful eyes.

  “It’s beautiful.” I ran my finger over his lips. “Like you.”

  He moaned and lifted me off my feet as he did. “Like you.”

  I tasted the champagne on his tongue and felt the giddiness from our amazing day rolling off of him. I’d never seen him so outwardly happy.

  “I think you’re a little drunk,” I teased as he set me back down, a broad smile across his face.

  “I’m happy. I’m the happiest man alive right now. I can guarantee it.”

  I returned his smile, unable to argue. I was beyond happy too. He spun me around and walked me up the stairs.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m giving you the grand tour. You like it so far, right?”

  I laughed. “I couldn’t dream up a more beautiful home, honestly. There’s only one problem.”

  He looked back at me and arched his eyebrows. “What’s that?”

  “It’s not ours, and you can now add breaking and entering to your list of illegal activities achieved in this lifetime. If you want to go house hunting when we get back from the honeymoon, you officially have my permission. We should go. I have bigger plans for tonight than jail.”

  “Trust me, so do I.” He paused on the landing, pulling me up to him. “I want to show you one more thing. I want you to close your eyes first though.”

  He lifted me back into his arms, and I sensed we were moving down a long hallway. Night had filled the house, but behind my eyelids I saw light. Panicked that we weren’t as alone as I thought we were, I opened my eyes. We’d entered a large bedroom, about three times the size of our current one.

  Situated in the center of the room was an enormous four-poster bed draped in a silky blue comforter. On the opposite wall, an ornate fireplace was set into the wall and cast off a warm glow from the fire inside. On its mantle and every available surface, candles burned, lighting the large room. What was all of this?

  “Blake.” My voice was barely a whisper.

 
; He lowered me to my feet, keeping my body pressed close to his. I looked up into his eyes, sparkling now more than ever. The mischief there had been replaced by something else.

  “It’s ours. Yours and mine.”

  My breath left me. “This...?”

  “The house. All of it. It’s my wedding gift to you.”

  “A house?” I laughed, incredulous but somehow not at all surprised that Blake had justified the extravagant purchase for our special day.

  “Do you like it?” he asked, his expression tentative.

  Tears formed in the corners in my eyes. “Blake, it’s... My God, it’s beautiful. I don’t know what to say.” A thought occurred to me then that we were literally only steps away from his parents. “Your parents, they know?”

  His hesitation vanished with a grin. “Are you kidding me? Catherine was the one who told me as soon as the neighbors were going to put the house on the market. We had an agreement before they could even talk to a realtor.”

  Wow.

  “I can’t believe you did this.” I was still in disbelief that this enormous, magnificent home would be ours. Ours. “Are you okay being so close?”

  He nodded. “It’ll be an adjustment. But I owe it to them in a way. I’ve spent a lot of time on the fringes, until recently. And I thought it would be good for us to finally be closer to family.”

  I looked down, toying with the rose that poked out of his jacket pocket. “I love them like they’re my own.”

  He lifted my chin, stroking my cheek gently. “They are yours. We’re one family now, you and I. And they love you like a daughter. That will never change.”

  “I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”

  He ran a thumb over my trembling lips, lowering slowly to capture them with a kiss. “I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure that never changes. I want to give you everything...”

  I lifted to my toes, surrendering to the love in his kiss. His hands roamed. He exhaled unsteadily.

  “Are you ready to say goodbye to this dress for the night? Because I can’t wait another minute to make love to you.”