by Smith, Wendy
“You look so beautiful,” I whisper.
Her smile grows. I’m so in love with her, and I want the whole world to know it.
The celebrant clears her throat, and we both look up.
“Corey and Constance are here to celebrate their love for one another, and to be joined in marriage …”
I don’t even hear what comes next because all I can see is my bride. This day was always going to be overwhelming.
“The couple have written their own vows, which they’ll now share with each other. Corey.”
I turn to Constance. “Constance. I knew from the moment you walked into my life that you were something special. You make me feel whole, and you get me like no one else ever has. And you gave me the great gift that is our son, Eli. You’re my whole heart, sweetness, and you will be for the rest of our days.”
She looks at me through teary eyes. I just want to take her in my arms and kiss her.
Constance licks her lips. “Corey, when I met you I didn’t know what to make of you.” She smiles, and I squeeze her hands. “I soon learned that this mountain of a man was kind and caring, sweet and loving. And you were everything I ever wanted. I’m so grateful every day for coming through that fence and ending up in your arms. And I’ll always want them around me.”
“That can be arranged,” I murmur.
“Can I have the rings?” The celebrant’s voice breaks through, and I look at Adam.
He hands over the rings and steps back.
When Constance slides my ring on my finger, my chest feels like it’s about to burst with pride. There’s something quite primal about me placing her ring on in return. This is a symbol of my love, and a warning sign to anyone who even looks twice at her.
“Corey, you may kiss your bride.”
I sweep her into my arms and claim her mouth. Everyone claps, but they fade into the background as I hold Constance tight. There was a time in my life when I had no plans for any day like this. As much as my solitude mattered to me, it was lonely on that mountain.
Now I have it all.
A wife. A son. A family of my own.
Everything I never thought I’d have.
* * *
After photos, we head to Dad’s place. We’re not doing speeches or anything formal. All we wanted was to hang out with everyone we loved for a while.
There’s food, and the one traditional thing we will do is cut a cake. Owen grumbled at having to put something together at the last minute, but after some teasing he outdid himself.
Once we’ve cut it, everyone swarms to eat cake and then the music starts.
“It’s your turn next.” I grin, looking at my brother.
Ginny pats Owen on the chest, and he nods. “We know. It won’t be too far off.”
“Won’t it?” she asks.
He turns to her, disbelief on his face. “I thought we agreed.”
She grins. “We did. Just testing.”
Owen shifts his gaze back to me. “She’s always testing me. It’s the teacher in her.”
I laugh. “Nothing wrong with keeping you on your toes.”
Ginny nods. “There’s a pop quiz later.”
Owen just shakes his head, rolling his eyes. “Now you’ve done it.”
“I haven’t given you the rules yet. There are punishments when you get the questions wrong.” She laughs.
I look between them. “You two keep that stuff behind doors. I don’t want to know.”
Owen kisses the top of her head. “No chance of any of that happening when there are children in the house.”
“I dunno. Constance and I do quite well.”
He shoves me. “Now look who’s talking about what goes on behind closed doors.”
Laughing, I take a seat and watch my wife. My wife. She’s holding Eli, and dancing with Lily and Hayley. He’s beaming at his beloved mother, and it makes my heart swell in response.
We’re so far away from where we were when he was born. After all the upheaval in our lives, we’re finally settled.
She turns, her eyes scanning the room, and I just know she’s looking for me. Standing, I walk toward her.
“There you are.”
I bend, giving her a lingering kiss on the lips.
“Are you two ready to go?” Lily asks. Eli’s having his first sleepover tonight at Lily’s place. He’s so young, but it’s just one night, and I trust Lily more than almost anyone else.
“You’re that anxious to get your hands on him?” I ask.
She laughs. “Well, it’s been a little while since I’ve had a baby in the house. It’ll be good practice.”
Con’s mouth falls open. “You …?”
Lily nods. “It’s not public knowledge. We just found out yesterday, and I didn’t want to look like I was trying to overshadow your day. But it’s time, and we’re ready for one more. I think this’ll be the last one, though.”
“Congratulations.” I lean over and peck her on the cheek. “Any time you do want to practice taking care of a baby, you know where we are. I could do with some alone time with Constance.”
Constance snuggles in as I wrap an arm around her.
I press a kiss to the top of Eli’s head. “Now. You be a good boy for Auntie Lily. And if you’re going to take a dump, do it while Uncle Adam’s holding you.”
“Corey.” Constance laughs. “That’s so gross.”
I shrug. “I’m sure Adam can deal with it.”
“Oh, Adam’s got to get used to changing nappies again anyway.” Lily winks, and reaches for Eli.
With one last cuddle, Constance hands over the baby. I see the reluctance in her face, but once I get her home, I’m sure I can distract her for a few hours.
She’ll have her hands and her body full of me.
* * *
I’m not sure if my truck is that romantic a vehicle to drive home from our wedding in, but it gets us there. Constance is already feeling Eli’s absence. It’s written all over her face.
When we come to a stop, she reaches for the door handle.
“Wait. I’ll come around.”
She laughs. “What are you doing?”
I climb out of my side, and walk around the truck, opening the door. When she steps down, I scoop her into my arms.
“Corey …”
“I’m carrying you over the threshold.”
“Why? I live here.” She buries her face in my neck.
“This is the first time you’ve been here as my wife, though. That’s something special.”
She raises her head and palms my cheek. “That’s so sweet.”
“That’s the side of me you get right now.”
“Right now?”
I lick my lips. “Well, once we get inside, I’m not sure if sweet is the word I’d use.”
Constance laughs. “What words would you use?”
“Hungry. No, not hungry. Starving.”
“You ate at the reception.”
“I’m not hungry for food, Con.”
Her eyes shine with happiness. “You’d better get me inside, then.”
She laughs as I carry her up the steps to the house. I still have the keys in my hand, and balance her while I slide one into the lock and turn it. The handle is a bit trickier, but I get the door open and carry her inside.
Placing her gently on her feet, I grin as she cups my face. “Come here, Mr Campbell.”
She presses her lips to mine.
“I have this problem.” I sigh.
Her eyes fill with concern. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“I’m not sure if I can ever get enough of you.”
Con’s lips spread into a smile. “Well, it’s funny you should mention that.”
“Really?” I wrap my arms around her waist.
“I’m not sure if I can ever get enough of you.”
“Is that right?”
“You constantly amaze me, Corey. You’re such a good man who does whatever it takes to support his family. The fa
mily you didn’t plan for.”
I smile. I’d do anything for this woman. She’s who I was always destined to be with—we were meant to be together.
“You gave me life, sweetness. You and Eli. I feel like I found myself when I found you.”
Tears well in her eyes. “You always know what to say.”
“It’s easy with you. Everything’s just so easy. Even when we argue, I know everything will be okay because you and me, we’re for life.”
I can’t hold back anymore. I need her.
Just like I’ve always needed her.
* * *
Lily made such a beautiful dress. I manage not to tear it as I unzip Constance and push it to the floor.
She sighs. “I love that dress so much.”
“You looked beautiful in it. But I have to say, the view is much better now you’re out of it.”
She laughs as I pick her up and deposit her gently on the bed. Her panties go flying one way, her bra the other. And I sink myself onto her pussy like I’m starving.
“Corey,” she cries, her long fingers raking through my hair.
I roll onto my back. “Come here.”
She straddles me, and I catch a glimpse of her wedding and engagement rings glittering in the dim light. She’s mine. All mine.
I guide myself into her, and her lips part as she gasps. This is something I’ll never get enough of—watching her fuck me, seeing that blissful look as she falls apart.
She throws her head back as I explore her with my thumb, stroking her clit, touching where my cock meets her pussy. With my other hand, I hold her hip. She rides me, rocks me, consumes me.
If I live to be a hundred, I’ll never have enough of her.
She comes right before I do, falling beside me in a glorious mess of sweat and hair all over the place.
I laugh, pushing her hair off her face, finding her lips with mine. “Love you, wife.”
She grins, letting out a pant as she tries to catch her breath. “Love you too, husband.”
I pull her into my arms, and close my eyes.
This is my world right here.
Now and forever.
40
James
Corey and Constance left about half an hour ago, but the party continues without them. I sit at a table, and watch the dance floor.
Ava and Rose dance with Mia, who’s having a ball. Lily gets control of the music, and Mia gasps at the kids when ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” starts. I grin at Ava’s giggle.
Holding hands, the three of them swing their arms. Mia spins them both around and back again. I love seeing her so happy. I love her.
She’s laughing, and although the rest of the family slowly join them dancing, Mia is all I see. She’s free of the past. I’m her future.
I stand, and make my way toward her. Her eyes widen as I approach, and she turns to the girls. “Look, it’s Uncle James. Should we let him in to dance with us?”
Rose nods.
Ava shakes her head and giggles.
“I’m so hurt, Ava.” I place one hand on my heart.
Owen swoops in, and Ava squeals as her father sweeps her into his arms. “There you are. We’re going home. Say goodbye to James and Mia.” He grins. “Will we see you before you head off?”
“Depends on how late we sleep in tomorrow.”
He laughs. “Fair enough. If we don’t, I’m sure we’ll catch up again soon.”
“Definitely.”
With a wave, he carries Ava off over his shoulder, and Mia and I laugh as we watch. Rose runs toward Adam, and for a moment, I just watch her.
“Enjoying yourself?” Mia asks.
I nod. “It’s been fun. The wedding was …” I fumble for words.
“Short and sweet?” she asks.
“Very Corey.”
“He couldn’t wait to get her out of here.”
I grin. “I think I can understand that.”
A slow song comes on, and I look up to see Lily wink at me
“Dance with me,” I say.
I wrap my arms around Mia, holding her close, I move slowly.
“Marry me,” I murmur in her ear.
“What?” She pulls back, her eyes seeming to search mine.
“I didn’t plan on asking tonight, and I don’t want to do one of those wanky public proposals where I embarrass you and you feel obligated to say yes.”
Mia laughs.
“But I love you, and I want to spend my life with you.”
She licks her lips and blinks away tears that have welled in her eyes. “I’d marry you in a heartbeat.”
“Then, let’s do it. Soon.”
“After we move here. Let’s have something like Corey and Constance did with the whole family.”
I grin. “I love that idea.”
“You’ve given me so much, James.” She smiles a wistful smile. “You made me part of a family when I’ve been alone for so long. I want everybody with us.”
I lean over and kiss her. It’s tender and loving, and pretty chaste; we’re considerate that there are kids are still around.
“I love you, Mia. I think I have since the night I found you in the car park. You were so sweet, and you never deserved any of the bad stuff. I promise you that you’ll never get any of that from me.”
She holds on tighter, and I close my eyes, resting my head on her shoulder as we dance.
Mia will be my wife.
41
James
Every day, I worry about Garrett harassing Mia.
But every day, she comes home to me without further incident.
It might have something to do with him having to complete an anger-management course and the community service he was sentenced to. It’ll be a stain on his record forever.
Somehow, we manage to make it to the end of the year, and the moment we’ve been waiting for creeps up quietly. We’re both free to go and live our lives.
With a real estate agent trying to get top dollar for Mia’s house, we pack up all our things and arrange a moving company to take them all to Copper Creek. To our new home.
It’s been on the market for a couple of weeks, and there’s a lot of interest. The auction’s in a month, and then we’ll know exactly how much she gets and how big our budget is to buy a place here.
In the meantime, none of that matters. We’re together and she’s safe. And in a month, her divorce will be final.
Nothing will stop us then.
* * *
When all the boxes have been brought in, we’re left alone in our new place for the first time.
It’s liberating.
“Oh, crap.”
“What?” Mia asks.
“Owen locked the door to the bakery kitchen. No sneaking in for a loaf of bread.”
Mia laughs, rolling her eyes. “That’s probably a good thing.”
“What if I want something sweet? For my sweet tooth?”
She sighs and shakes her head. “I guess you’ll have to walk around and buy something.”
When she turns away, I wrap my arms around her waist from behind and pull her into me.
“What are you doing?”
“You’re sweet. I’ll just nibble on you.”
She shrieks with laughter, turning, her mouth falling open. “Do you think we’ll have to keep quiet with your brother right next door during the day?”
I laugh. “I didn’t think about that. That might be a problem. Maybe we can soundproof the bedroom?”
“At least they won’t be here at night.”
“No, but they start at something like four in the morning.”
“What on earth would we be doing at four in the morning?” She grins.
“I can think of a few things.”
Her eyes shine with happiness. “I love you, James Campbell.”
“I love you too. Let’s get the rest of this stuff unpacked.”
There are still books to put on shelves, and pots and pans to put away, but for today we can get t
he basics out and set up so we’ll be comfortable.
And tonight, we can sleep in our own bed.
* * *
After a takeaway dinner, I flop on the couch and flick on the television while Mia takes a bath. We’ll sleep well. Today has been exhausting.
Closing my eyes, I drift off, sleep tugging at me.
The couch sinks, and I jolt awake, giving Mia a sleepy smile. “Hey. Nice bath?”
She nods. “It was just what I needed.” She chews on her bottom lip, and I frown.
“Are you okay?”
“Umm. There’s something I need to tell you.”
She’s pale, and my heart freezes.
“Mia, what’s going on?”
Mia licks her lips. “You know how we said it was okay if we didn’t have any children?”
“You want one?” I’d give her the moon if she wanted it.
“We’re having one.”
I stare at her. “What?”
She holds out a white stick. “This morning, I realised I was late. I’m never late. So, when we made our toilet stop …”
“You went into the supermarket to get snacks.”
She nods. “And I bought a test.”
I swallow hard. It didn’t matter to me that we weren’t planning on having children, but now it’s right in front of me. I’ll do whatever Mia needs to support her. “How do you feel about this?” I ask.
“That we’ve been through so much together, and this is just one more thing to add to our crazy relationship.” She smiles. “How do you feel about it?”
I pull her into my arms. “I am insanely in love with you, and I promise to rub your feet when they’re tired.”
Mia laughs. “I’m sure it won’t just be my feet that get tired.”
“Hey, I’m an equal-opportunity rubber. I’ll rub anything of yours.”
She rests her head on my shoulder. “I’m happy. I think you’ll be a good father.”
“You’ll be a great mother. We got the life we wanted, Mia. This is just icing on the cake.”