Savannah Series Boxed Set: Four Full Novels and One Novella

by Jamie, Danielle

  With our fingers laced together we walk hand in hand down to the beach where the Reverend is waiting.

  “You nervous yet?” Brooklyn asks, as she trudges through the sand beside me.

  I am more nervous than a whore in church! We have over five-hundred guests who’ll be at our reception tomorrow and witness our little surprise we have planned.

  Glancing at her momentarily, I drag my eyes back towards the crashing waves. “I’m a tad nervous, but mainly about everything going smoothly. I’m a wreck over our surprise for tomorrow. I swear I’ve played everything over in my head at least a thousand times today.”

  Laughing, she bumps her shoulder into mine, “Don’t be nervous, it’s going to be so much fun!”

  I give her a weak smile, “I hope so. The last thing I want is to make myself look like an ass at my own wedding!”

  Kayden squeezes my hand gently and pulls me against his side as we approach Reverend Gordon, who is waiting for us by the Alter. “Tomorrow is going to be,” bursting with excitement and channeling his inner Barney Stinson, he yells, “legan-wait-for-it-dary, baby! I for one cannot wait to surprise the hell outta everyone!”

  Shaking my head I smile up at him, “You are a lunatic; I swear you have nerves of steel!

  I spot our wedding planner Heather and her assistant Caroline talking with the crew. They are hard at work setting up our wedding alter and all the chairs for tomorrow’s wedding. I am so glad Mya suggested I hire her, because she’s been a God send these last few months. In a matter of months, she’s managed to bring the perfect wedding I imagined in my mind to life.

  I give her a quick wave as we join the rest of our wedding party. Dixon is Kayden’s best man and the groomsmen are Jax, Braxton, Reagan and Ryder. Dixon’s nephew Toby is our ring bearer and our flower girl is Ryder and Kylee’s daughter Evelyn.

  Brooklyn’s my maid of honor and my bridesmaids are Mya, Rebecca, Dixon’s sister Lila, and Kylee. After Mya introduced Kylee to me a few months ago, we have become great friends. She and Ryder live in San Diego, but she comes to Houston all the time to visit her family and she always takes time to contact me for a get-together when she’s in town. I’ve come to look forward to her visits and miss her when she’s away.

  For the actual ceremony here in Galveston, we only have about two hundred guests attending. We tried to keep it to just family and close friends. Then back in Sugar Land we’re having our reception which will have roughly five hundred people attending. Between our family, friends, co-workers and my friends in the music industry, it’s going to be huge. We’ve already had paparazzi popping up throughout the day trying to snap pictures of us at our beach house and of the wedding preparations down on the beach.

  ~~~

  Rehearsal went perfectly; the kids did fantastic and were too cute. I thought it’d be harder getting them to cooperate but they rocked it. Fingers crossed it runs as smoothly tomorrow for the real thing.

  It’s now my turn, and even though I know it’s only practice, I still get lost in the moment. Seeing Kayden as he’s watching me make my way down to him causes all the air to leave my lungs, and my heart to slam rapidly against my ribs. I take in long sharp breaths as I walk along the white fabric rolled out in front of me. With each step the sand shifts beneath my feet; this is why we picked flip-flops instead of heels.

  Stopping beside Kayden, we turn to Reverend Gordon and listen to him go over our ceremony for tomorrow. I don’t know about Kayden, but I’m only half listening. My mind is drifting off as I daydream about our real ceremony tomorrow…at noon I’ll become Mrs. Savannah Knox. It feels as if it’s taken forever to get here, but at the same time it also feels like it’s flying by. It’s the most surreal feeling.

  After finishing up our rehearsal, we all head back to the houses to get ready for our rehearsal dinner.

  The Hotel Galvez is an upscale Hotel and Restaurant. It was built at the turn of the century and the only structure to survive the hurricane of 1900. It’s one of the few places that still require dress attire, so Kayden decided on a charcoal grey suit. I couldn’t help but smile when I noticed the Longhorn cufflinks I got him last Christmas, and the mint green tie that he was wearing the night of the Envy party last November.

  I decide on a black cocktail dress and chandelier earrings as the only accessory, before pulling my hair back into a sleek ponytail. Slipping on my black Louboutin peep-toe pumps, I quickly do a once over in the mirror to make sure I look okay. I touch up my lip gloss, and spray on some perfume before heading down to my Maserati with Kayden.

  “You smell delicious, like candy rolled in honey.” Kayden husks into my ear leaning over towards the passenger seat and fluttering kisses along my shoulder.

  Sinking into the leather seat, I relish in the few moments of peace and quiet we have. It’s been a crazy twelve hours and tomorrow is only going to be more intense. I cannot wait to get away on our honeymoon, it’ll be just Kayden and me; no one else for miles.

  “Thank you. You smell quite intoxicating yourself, Knox. Oh and don’t think I didn’t notice the tie!” I flash him an impish grin and slide my fingers over the satin green tie. “Of course you wear it when you know damn well it won’t get used tonight.” I purse my lips at him as I slowly move my eyes over his torso before my blue eyes meet with his green. That’s another reason why I love this tie so much; it makes his eyes even more vibrant.

  Starting the car, Kayden gives me a cocky smile before shifting into drive, “Who’s to say the no sleeping together the night before the wedding rule won’t be broken?”

  Spinning in my seat and facing him, my voice goes a few notches higher, “You better not let that thought cross your mind, Knox. We don’t need any bad luck, we’ve had our fair share over the last several months, and I want tomorrow to go off without a hitch.” I tell him matter-of-factly, making sure he hears the seriousness in my voice.

  Rolling his eyes and letting out a husky chuckle, keeping his eyes on the road he tells me, “But Baby, rules are made to be broken, and that’s one rule I would rather enjoy breaking. Over. And. Over. Again.”

  I instantly feel the heat rise in my chest, and my face turning red.

  “You’re blushing, my sweet Savannah. You know how much it turns me on when you get all bashful. I love naughty Savannah, but nothing is sexier than when you get all shy on me.”

  Oh my God. He is sex on stick…a walking, talking, temptation that slowly pulls me in to his sinfully sexy reality. My mind is screaming at me to lock his ass out of our bedroom tonight and not risk temptation. But then my heart tells me to just let him sneak in tonight, and fuck me seven ways to Sunday one last time before we officially become husband and wife.

  Ugh! Shaking my head, I push the naughty images flashing through my head to the back of my mind and focus on changing the topic.

  We spend the remainder of the car ride talking about our surprise tomorrow. I think Kayden is more excited about this than I am. Now we just have to hope and pray it all goes as planned.

  ~~~

  Last night was amazing. We all had a wonderful time at dinner, it was so nice to have all of our family and friends together and have a drama free night. After dinner our entire wedding party went out to Vertigo to party it up. I made sure we all watched our alcohol consumption, no hangovers for us or our wedding party!

  When we got home, I gave Kayden a sweet kiss goodnight, before heading to bed. I thought for sure he was going to sneak up to our room, but he surprised me and stayed downstairs in the guest room all night.

  I know it sounds silly but I was happy we didn’t sleep together. It makes today even more exciting, knowing I won’t see Kayden until our eyes meet as I’m making my way down the aisle to him.

  My bridal party, my mother, and Kayden’s mom are all up in my bedroom getting ready for the ceremony. I’ve yet to leave the room since I awoke this morning. My girls joined me for breakfast while the guys ate downstairs with Kayden.

  It took everything in m
e to not sneak down to the kitchen and see Kayden one last time before our ceremony. I just kept telling myself, the anticipation will make that moment when his eyes land on me in my wedding dress even more memorable.

  Our master bedroom is bursting at the seams with my entire bridal party. Toby and Evelyn are outside running around; kids have it so easy. I just hope Evelyn doesn’t do anything to her flower girl tutu dress I got from Bailey Booper’s Boutique. I had it handmade so she’d look like a little country princess as she tosses her rose petals.

  Thank God we have a massive bathroom. Quinn, Fionna and their new girl Chelsea are busy working their magic on everyone’s hair and makeup. Of course I went first so I could get my dress and veil on.

  “In less than an hour you’ll officially be my daughter-in-law.” Lorelei says cheerfully, as she helps me with the buttons on my wedding dress.

  Taking in a deep breath I blow it out slowly between my lips, “I am praying I don’t puke before walking down the aisle. Right now I’m a ball of nerves. I barely slept last night; I kept having a nightmare that I forgot my vows mid-sentence.”

  “That’s normal sweetie, you’ll do fine!” My mother says, carrying my veil over to me.

  It’s taken me weeks to get my vows perfect, but now I am scared to death that I’ll freeze up and forget them.

  “I should’ve just gone with the run of the mill vows, just said whatever the heck the Reverend tells me to say. Why did I suggest writing our own vows? I swear my brain is going to turn to mush the minute I step up to that alter.” I can feel a panic attack brewing and I start focusing on my breathing.

  Brooklyn’s sitting on a chaise lounge that’s placed in front of the massive windows overlooking the beach and ocean. She glances behind her and down where the ceremony’s going to take place before turning her eyes back to me.

  “If you get nervous and forget your vows, just wing it. Speak from the heart. You’ll be fine!”

  She has a point. I can wing it if I need too.

  We spend the next thirty minutes getting ready for the beach ceremony. I’m wearing my wedding dress and flip flops. My bridesmaids are wearing burnt orange satin strapless dresses that stop just above their knees with flip flops. Brooklyn’s wearing the same but her dress is hot pink.

  Once we get to Sugar Land, they’ll all change into boots, and I’ll be changing into a short lace dress and boots.

  We’ve lucked out weather wise. The winds are calm and it’s in the mid-eighties with big puffy white clouds helping make the sun a little less intense.

  I sit down on the chaise lounge beside Brooklyn, while everyone’s standing before me looking absolutely amazing. I’m honored to have all my closest friends and family by my side as I get ready to take the next step in my life with Kayden.

  “Before we head down to the beach, we have some gifts for you.” My mother says spinning around and grabbing her purse. Lorelei follows her doing the same.

  My mother goes first, pulling out a small Tiffany and Co. box, “Here is you’re something new.”

  Taking it I slowly pop the lid off of the box and pull out a silver bracelet with a heart charm dangling off of it with a small diamond in the center.

  “Read the back.” She tells me resting her hand on my knee and giving me a soft smile.

  Flipping it over, I read the engraving, “August 23rd 2013” our wedding date and the infinity symbol below it.

  Fighting back the tears I blink rapidly, as I gaze from the bracelet to my mother, “It’s perfect.”

  “Today is the beginning of your happily ever after Savannah. I couldn’t be more proud of you and the man you’ve chosen to spend your life with.” Clasping the bracelet on my wrist, she kisses my cheek and steps back as Lorelei crouches down in front of me.

  She’s holding a small gift bag in her hand, “Here is your something blue.”

  Taking the bag, I pull out a lace garter with white fabric flowers with small blue jewels in the center of them. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and has the same country elegance to go with the theme of our wedding.

  Brooklyn takes it and slides it up my leg, stopping at my thigh, “Thank you! I love it.”

  Never did I think that I’d be so emotional today. I’ve only gotten two out of the four gifts and I’m having to fight like hell to not turn into a blubbering mess.

  Brooklyn leans over and grabs a black velvet rectangular box from under the lounge; I can’t believe I didn’t notice it there.

  “Here’s your something borrowed.” She tells me setting the box in the palm of my hand.

  Popping it open, my eyes grow large as I see Brooklyn’s most cherished possession, her grandmother’s pearls. It’s a three strand pearl necklace attached together with an oval diamond encrusted clasp.

  “Oh my…I’d be honored to wear Grandma Beverly’s necklace, Brooklyn.” Taking the pearls out of the box, Brooklyn clasps them behind my neck.

  I bring my hands up gently fingering the pearls and give her a teary eyed smile, “I love you all so very much”.

  Looking from Brooklyn, to my mother and Lorelei I let out a small sigh, “Y’all are going to make me ruin my make up.” I joke as my mother hands me a tissue to dab my eyes with.

  I’ve gotten my something new, something borrowed, and something blue, but no something old yet. So I look around at everyone curiously waiting to see who’ll be the one to give me something old.

  Reading my mind, my mother laughs and tells me, “You have your something old.” I give my mother a puzzled look; I don’t remember her or anyone else giving me anything else today.

  Laughing she looks to Quinn, “Do you remember my rhinestone butterfly hair comb that I wore the day I married your father?” She turns to everyone, “When she was little, she loved to play with my jewelry and this is the one piece she loved most. Savannah, I gave Quinn the comb earlier and he placed it in your hair. It is now yours, with one request: you must pass it to your daughter on her wedding day.”

  I slide my eyes from Quinn to my mother; I can’t believe I didn’t notice. “Y’all are very sneaky! I had no idea!” Standing, I pull my mom in for a quick hug before hugging Quinn. I spin around and flash a big smile at everyone, “I can’t thank y’all enough for being by my side today, and for helping make this day special.”

  ~~~

  Standing in the bathroom alone, I take a hand mirror and look at the beautiful comb in my hair which is helping secure my veil. I reflect on my life, my love for my parents and the love they share after all these years. Fighting back my emotions I touch up my eyeliner and lip gloss, and put in the pearl earrings I found in my jewelry box. They go with Brooklyn’s pearl necklace perfectly.

  I close my eyes momentarily and let out a shaky breath, “He’s waiting for me.” I whisper to myself trying my best to keep my tears at bay.

  I hear a knock, and it causes me to jump. “Yeah?” I shout towards the door.

  “You have a delivery waiting for you out here.” Rebecca tells me through the locked door.

  Slipping on my white rhinestone flip flops, I run my hands over my long curls making sure a hair isn’t out of place, and make my way back into the bedroom.

  Sitting on the small end table by the bed are a dozen hot pink, lavender, white and orange roses, our wedding colors.

  “I think Knox sent these up for you, he’s so romantic it makes me sick!” Brooklyn jokes plucking a small card out of flowers and handing it to me.

  I can’t help but roll my eyes at her, “Oh stop. Dixon is just as romantic as Kayden.”

  Brooklyn smirks “Yes, he is and quite the gentleman. He actually pulls the dishes out of the sink, before he pisses in it.” The room fills with laughter and it was just what the doctor ordered to get everyone’s emotions in check. Leave it to Brooklyn to know when things are getting too serious.

  Opening the tiny envelope, I pull out a small card and instantly recognize Kayden’s handwriting.

  Savannah,

  I cannot wait to mar
ry you today. I just want you to know that you’re making me the happiest man in the entire world by becoming my wife. I can’t wait to spend forever with you, Baby.

  Love, your one and only, Knox

  My emotions are getting the best of me once again. A stray tear trickles down my cheek; I quickly swipe it away and close the note, setting it back into the flowers.

  “If you keep crying, soon you won’t have a drop of makeup left.” Lila teases, handing me another tissue. I’ve only met her a few times when she’s been in town, but ever since the day I met her; it’s felt like I’ve known her forever.

  Her, Dixon and Kayden are all close. She’s a year older than Kayden, and three years older than Dixon. They seem more like siblings than cousins.

  She lives in Dallas with her husband and their newborn daughter Sophia. Holding that baby earlier made my desire to be pregnant go into overdrive. She is just the cutest little thing, with skin softer than the finest silk. But it was her sweet little baby smell that did me in.

  My heart tightened when I saw Kayden holding baby Sophia as he fed her a bottle last night at the restaurant. It was just the most amazing thing I’ve ever witnessed. I can’t wait until he’s holding our baby; hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

  I’m ready to start a family with the man of my dreams, but first things first, we need to get this show on the road and get hitched!

  Chapter Seventeen

  The breeze is gently caressing my skin; the sun is warming my arms and face. I can feel the hot sand, warmed from the sun beating down on it over the last few hours. The sounds of the waves crashing onto the surf and the seagulls soaring overhead are soothing, helping me to relax.

  My first sight is rows and rows of white chairs with orange and hot pink ribbons tied around the backs with a starfish attached in the center. The aisle is white fabric that ends at the Alter; which is four wooden poles connected together at the top and buried in the sand for support. It is cover in hot pink, lavender and orange sheer fabric draped along the top cascading down the sides with bouquets of the same colors of roses, peonies, daisies and hibiscus flowers.