“Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
Michael disconnected the monitor leaned over and kissed her. “Happy now?”
“Yes! The longer it went on…I just knew you were…I was worried this wasn’t going to work out.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“Don’t be. You just said what we were both feeling. I was too intimidated to say anything.”
“You intimidated? No. You want this much more than I realized. But there’s only one thing missing.”
“What?”
“Hold on a minute, I’ll be right back.” He stepped out of the conference room. When he returned he was with a short, gray-haired man with wide brim glasses. “Janine, this is Mr. Schwartz.”
She stood and shook the man’s hand thoroughly confused. “Hello Mr. Schwartz.”
“Hello, Ms. Powell. I understand we must find the perfect ring for your upcoming nuptials.”
“Michael?”
“You’ve been so busy planning all the wedding details we haven’t stopped to get the rings. So, I asked Mr. Schwartz to bring a few selections for you.”
“You’re kidding,” she was welling up and drew her shaking hand to her mouth.
The jeweler sat down placing his briefcase on the table. Inside was a stunning array of diamond rings and wedding bands. She couldn’t get over it. From plain platinum and gold bands to intricately engraved ones, they were all beautiful. The diamond rings were minimally one carat and went up in gem weight and sizes she couldn’t begin to fathom. But her eyes were drawn to one simple platinum but elegant bridal set.
“Pick whatever you want and he’ll have the ring fitted and ready for the wedding.”
“I can’t believe you did this. They’re all so beautiful.”
Leaning over and kissing the faint tears running down her face, he whispered, “Pick one.”
She took a deep breath saying, “May I try that one?”
“Certainly. That’s custom made by our jewelers. As you can see, the emerald-cut diamonds are set in a platinum band. The engagement ring has a total weight of two carats. This is the matching groom’s band.”
“They’re beautiful.”
“Is that the set you want?” Michael asked.
“Yes. I love them. They’re absolutely perfect!”
He smiled broadly and his eyes seemed to sparkle. “I thought you might like them. Look inside.”
Tilting the ring, she read Now & Forever engraved inside. “You had these made?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t even know what to say.”
“Just say ‘I Do’ when the time comes.”
CHAPTER 15
The past few weeks had been a blur. Plans for a small ceremony had turned into something entirely different than they originally conceived. The guest list now included their parents’ friends, some members of the church, several of their friends and colleagues. If she and Michael hadn’t put a stop to the ever- expanding list, it could have easily been over three hundred guests at the wedding. Even at one hundred fifty, it seemed too much.
Fortunately, her cousin Sheila proved a Godsend. Aiding her mother, they managed most of the arrangements in Charlotte. They found the bakery, caterers, and reception location. The floral arrangements, bouquets and boutonnieres were more beautiful than she imagined. Arriving for the rehearsal, she was delighted with the stunning church decorations. Everything seemed perfect.
Mr. and Mrs. Josey insisted on hosting a rehearsal dinner for the entire family and wedding party. With forty-five people, they rented a lovely room in one of Charlotte’s finest eateries for a meal that was beyond extraordinary. After dinner, they all headed back to the hotel or their homes. She and Michael gathered in the hotel bar with their friends. But at midnight, she was whisked away, banned from seeing him until the ceremony.
He sat quietly as Dave poured the last of the Eagle Rare Bourbon. Jamal puffed away on a Patron Reserve cigar when Michael’s brother Rick shifted their conversation.
“I don’t want to get too sentimental, but I can’t believe you’re finally doing this.”
“Just had to wait for the right one.”
“And she sure made your ass wait!” Jamal chuckled.
“I’m still trippin’ on J moving to D.C. That says a lot right there. I’m happy for both of you, man,” Dave added. “You two have always had something special.”
“Hell, it was bound to happen once they got their shit together. I gotta give it to you though. Y’all some stealth muthafuckas. Y’all been getting together more than we knew about over the years, huh?”
Michael just laughed sipping on his bourbon neat without uttering a word.
“Uh huh! See that right there? Stealth! I’m gon miss watching MoJo the Pussy Whisperer in action though.”
“Here we go!” Dave laughed.
Leaning forward in his chair, Rick said, “That’s one I haven’t heard.”
“C’mon man! Let it go,” Michael retorted.
“You know I ain’t lying on you, Mike! Rick, let me tell you something. I don’t know what your brother got…hell you might have it too. We’d go out and women were slinging their shit at him. He’d lean into ‘em, whisper in their ear and panties be dropping!”
They all howled with laughter.
“Didn’t know you were a playa,” Rick teased.
“That’s just it! He wasn’t doing the chasing. They were lining up.”
“Looks like we gotta cut you off again, Jamal! You always talking shit when you get good liquor,” Dave joked.
“Naw man, I’m good! I’m good!”
“So where are you going for the honeymoon? Back to Belize?”
“No. Big Sur, California.”
“Nice. Let me guess, The Post Ranch Inn?” Rick asked.
“Yeah.”
“I took Joyce for our tenth anniversary. I’m sure a lot’s changed since then. Does Janine know?”
“No. I told her it was a surprise.”
“She’ll love it.”
“I think so.”
“It’s late. We gotta make sure he gets his ass down that aisle in the morning,” Jamal said.
“Worry about yourself. I’ll be there.”
“One last round then?”
“Sounds good.”
Raising his glass as the others joined in, Dave toasted, “To the future Mr. and Mrs. Josey!”
It was a good night. By the time he got back to his suite, it was after two. The wedding was at eleven so he had plenty of time to sleep. Lying across the bed, he couldn’t help thinking about her as he drifted off to sleep. It was the first time in months he’d slept without her and he didn’t like it.
The bridal party arrived around nine. Much to her surprise, she wasn’t the least bit nervous— a little anxious, but not nervous. The women laughed and teased doing their best to keep her relaxed. After having makeup and hair done, they dressed in the cramped ladies lounge of the church. Kelly, Monica, Sheila and her mom were waiting for her when she stepped out in her gown.
“Oh, Janine! You were right when you said you found a fabulous dress. You look amazing. ”
“Thank you, Kelly!”
“I can’t tell you how much I’ve wanted this for you...and him. If two people ever belonged together it’s you and Michael.”
“Ain’t that the truth! This is meant to be,” Monica said.
“Are you ready, Honey?” her mother asked.
Taking a deep breath, “Yes.”
There was a light tap on the door.
“Who is it?” Sheila asked.
“It’s Carolyn. May I come in?”
“Of course, please do!” Janine was surprised her future mother-in-law had come. She assumed she was with Michael.
“You look absolutely lovely, Janine!”
“Thank you, Mrs. Josey.”
“We’re going to have to work on what you call me when this is over. But for now, I was wondering if you had everything y
ou need.”
“Yes, I think so.”
“I know it’s old-fashioned but I mean, do you have ‘something old, something new’…you know.”
“Um, actually…no.”
“Then we need to fix that!” Sheila said grinning.
The women came in close, held hands around her and said a short prayer led by her mother. When they concluded, each pulled out silk pouches of various sizes. She had no idea they conspired for this moment.
“Baby, I want to give you something old. It’s the handkerchief your grandmother gave me when I got married.”
“Thank you Mom!” She hugged her tightly.
“And the Jenkins-Powell families pitched in to buy you something new…real pearl earrings and a necklace to match your dress,” Sheila said removing the costume jewelry Janine had hastily purchased at the last minute. She replaced it with the exceptional pearls.
“For your something borrowed, I’d be honored if you wore this.” Mrs. Josey placed a stunning diamond bracelet around her wrist. “Ben gave it to me as a twenty-fifth anniversary gift. You may borrow it until your twenty-fifth anniversary. Then it’s officially yours.”
“I don’t know what to say except thank you. For everything,” Janine hugged her tighter than she ever had.
“Being your friends, well you know…we’re true blue!”
Janine certainly had other friends from high school, college and work, but these two women-above all-she considered her closest, dearest and best. There was no question they’d serve as her Matron and Maid of Honors along with Sheila.
“We suggest you use both, but only pull one out right now,” Kelly teased.
Inside the pouch was a light blue garter belt with dangling miniature handcuffs attached. There was also a small blue “bullet,” sex toy. She just giggled knowing they had no idea the additional significance of their gifts.
Her laughter shifted to tears of joy. “Thank you! Y’all gon make me cry and mess up my makeup!” Her deep Carolina accent slipped out.
There was another tap on the door. It was the usher letting them it was time to begin. Checking her face for any smudged makeup, she was ready.
“I guess this is it. See you on the other side.”
With her grandfather proudly taking her down the aisle, she thought of nothing else than the sight of Michael waiting for her. Through it all, the ceremony went without a hitch. There wasn’t one dry eye in the church, especially after they exchanged personal vows. In the end, all the planning came down to a ceremony lasting less than a half hour. She was ecstatic, relieved and deliriously happy. They both were.
After a swirl of photography, they finally had a moment alone as they got into the limousine on their way to the reception. Initially, they just smiled impishly at one another holding hands. Michael finally reached over pushing the button letting up the partition.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
With a seductively wicked expression he asked, “Who are you?”
“NO! No, no, no, no,” she said scooting away from him as if there was really any place she could go.
“No? Hmmm. Wrong answer.”
He moved closer to her, kissing her far deeper than they had in the church. As the kiss ended, his eyes seemed to penetrate her core going straight to her clit. Containing her widening smile was far easier than containing her rising desire.
“We can’t.”
“You just told a church full of people you’d obey me,” he teased as his hand found its way under her dress, slowly moving up her thigh. “So I’ll ask you again. Who are you?”
“Yours,” she said softly as her breath grew heavier in anticipation.
“Again, wrong answer.”
“What do you want me to say, Sir?”
“You’re Mrs. Michael David Josey.”
She threw her arms around his neck, kissing him with every fiber of her being. He gently cradled her head against his chest, laying her across his lap. His hand resumed its search up and between her thighs finally reaching her smooth mound. It pleased him to discover she’d done as he asked and refrained from wearing panties. Softly rubbing her clit with his thumb, she closed her eyes allowing herself to be lost to his touches. He eased his middle finger inside slowly moving in and out. With hips writhing to meet his expert fingering her moans grew more pronounced.
“Say it,” he whispered. “Tell me who you are.”
“Mrs. Michael David Josey.”
“I love the sound of that.”
His insertions became as deep as he could manage pressing against her special spot. He interspersed them with neck kisses and more rapid stimulation of her clit. He wanted to please her. He wanted her to cum. Hard.
“Say it again.”
Nearing her peak, it was very difficult to get the words out. “Mrs.…Michael…Oh Jesus!” she whispered.
There was no question watching her struggle made it harder to keep himself in check. As much as it turned him on, he wanted to stay focused.
“Tell me, Baby.”
“Mrs…Michael David…Josey!”
As her body began convulsing, he kissed her mouth to help contain her orgasmic moans.
When it was all over, she sat up straightening her dress. Flushed, she simply shook her head at him smiling.
“And who are you?” she asked.
“Yours. Forever.”
CHAPTER 16
After a weekend of festivities with friends and family, they said their goodbyes before heading to the airport in the awaiting limo. Whether they cared to admit it, they were both exhausted and relished the quiet now afforded them. Resting her head on his shoulder, she entwined her fingers to his.
“So, where are you taking me?”
“California.”
“That’s a big state. Where in California?”
“You’ll find out when we get there.”
“You’re really not going to tell me, are you?”
“No. Just enjoy the ride, Baby.”
He chuckled knowing it was killing her not having any specifics about their honeymoon. If nothing else, per tradition he wanted to do something special for her by handling all the arrangements. The truth was she’d spent eight weeks planning and worrying over every detail of the wedding and reception. Simultaneously she’d spent countless hours wrapping up professional and personal matters in Indianapolis. Fortunately, her house was finally on the market after an unexpected delay. If all went well, it would sell quickly. But now, he simply wanted her to relax. Hell, they both needed to relax.
The Post Ranch Inn was the perfect getaway. About forty miles south of Monterey, it was tucked in the beautiful Big Sur cliffs with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Lucia Mountains. It was considered one of the most romantic resorts in the world. But with no direct flights from Charlotte, the trip would’ve been close to nine hours. Wanting to spend as much stress- free time together as possible, Michael chartered a private jet to cut the trip time almost in half. He certainly didn’t tell her because he knew she’d protest the cost. But honestly, he also wanted the flexibility…just in case.
He’d been very clear with Lacy and Jack they were not to be disturbed for the next five days. But he knew if anything outrageous happened with Spectra’s case while they were away, he could return if needed. He just prayed nothing happened. So far, Janine was understanding about how much attention he’d given Spectra. But he knew the situation worried her.
As the limo turned towards the corporate hangar, Janine sat erect, staring out the window.
“Michael, what have you done?”
He didn’t answer. He simply gazed at her with a slight smile.
“You chartered a plane? Why in the world did you…”
“I’m taking my bride on our honeymoon. This has been a long time coming so I don’t want to waste time getting there. Now, you can bitch and moan about it, or for once, let me do something special for you.”
She had no words. She just shook her h
ead as her smile widened. “Thank you. This is an incredible surprise.”
“You don’t even know where we’re going yet.”
“It doesn’t matter. If you’ve done this much, I know you have something magical planned for us.”
The limo pulled up to the private terminal where three flight crewmembers greeted them at the door. Taking their suitcases, they were escorted to the plane. Stepping inside, Janine was swept away by its lush interior. She’d flown on the chairman of the Remington Foundation’s private plane, but that experience was much different. The plane Michael reserved was far more luxurious. With tan leather seating, wood paneled accents and a small bar stocked with champagne, it was like a dream. The attendant brought a small tray of hors d’oeuvres as the pilots readied the plane for takeoff. Within twenty minutes, they were airborne.
“You’re amazing. You know that, right?” she said squeezing his hand.
“I’d say the same thing about you.”
“I love you so much. We’ve almost been too happy.”
“No such thing.”
“I’d be lying if I said a part of me isn’t terrified something’s going to go wrong. Just tell me you have no doubts or regrets.”
“No doubts and absolutely no regrets.”
“So what happens next?”
“For the next five days, we’re going to fuck our brains out. Then we’re going to eat and drink way too much and then fuck again.”
“Promises, promises!”
The Post Ranch Inn was less than forty miles from the Monterey airport. The narrow, winding single lanes of Route 1 provided spectacular views of the ocean and cliffs but traffic moved slowly at times as trucks creaked along the road ahead of them. When they finally arrived an hour later, she was overwhelmed by the place’s beauty. After checking-in, they were shown to the Cliff House. She’d never seen anything quite like it. They entered the suite of a two-story circular building through a private and enclosed garden courtyard that was simply breath taking.
Walking through the door, immediately to the right was a wet bar with champagne, assorted cheese plate and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
“I can’t believe you did this! How did you find this place?”
Their Now and Forever (Book III) (The Allen Trilogy 3) Page 11