Sublime Resistance

by Charlene Zapata

  “I’m going to take all your clothes off now but I need you to stand perfectly still. Can you do that?” I have to clear my throat before I can answer because I am so turned on right now.

  “Yes.”

  He peels every article of clothing off my body until I stand before him completely naked. I’m panting rapidly, anxiously awaiting what he is going to do next. He glides his fingers up my ribcage causing my entire body to quiver. I can see the pleasure my reaction causes in the smile slowly spreading across his face. He puts his hands on my lower back as he leans into my body. The heat I feel building between us never gets old. I want him just as much now as I did the first time we were together.

  His lips come down to meet mine, as he takes his time exploring my mouth. I didn’t even realize we had moved until I feel the bed behind my legs. He lays me down gently before he removes the last piece of his clothing. That’s a sight I will never get tired of seeing. He returns his attention to my body, touching and caressing every inch until I can’t take it anymore. He brings me to my breaking point before we even really begin. While I’m in the aftermath of my orgasm, I feel his body shift before hearing the familiar sound of the condom package tearing open.

  I can feel the warmth of his body pressing into me as he slowly starts to make love to me. The connection we have can’t begin to compare to anything else I’ve ever experienced. We finally find our release together, panting and dripping with sweat.

  “I don’t think I will ever get tired of making love to you.” I smile up at him in complete agreement.

  “Let’s come back here every year. It can be a tradition we start together.”

  “Sounds good to me. Now maybe we should get some sleep. We do have to drive home tomorrow and get back to reality.”

  “Don’t remind me. I just want to enjoy this a little longer.”

  “Whatever you want, birthday girl.”

  Epilogue

  Several months later…

  “How are you staying so calm? If I was you, I would be a nervous wreck.”

  “What’s there to be nervous about?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Just the rest of your life?”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Amanda.”

  “I have to agree with her. You seem eerily calm for someone who’s about to…”

  “Heather, you should know better than anyone, that when it’s right, it’s right. Now if you two could stop freaking out, I would really like to finish getting ready.”

  “Fine.” They say in unison. It’s kind of funny but I don’t dare laugh. They are both in a mood today. This is going to be a fun ride.

  After the three of us finish getting ready, we climb into my car to head to our destination. I have to be the one to drive because they don’t know exactly where we are going. I’m the only one who knows how to get there. After about an hour of listening to the complaints of my two best friends, we pull up to my favorite place in the entire world.

  “Are you serious? You two couldn’t have picked a more ideal place? This is going to be torture. How the hell am I supposed to walk over all this brush in heels?” Amanda is such the drama queen.

  “Will you please stop complaining! And look, the boys made a perfectly manicured path for us. So come on.”

  We hike our way through the trail that Joey and Tommy must have made for us. I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day. It’s the beginning of June so the air is still cool and crisp in the evening breeze. I still can’t believe we only have one more year of college. It’s amazing how time goes by when you are happy. I have loved every minute of living with Vince. Even the fights over who gets the shower first. So what I’m about to do doesn’t scare me in the least. I’m so ready for the next chapter in my life.

  We make it to the trees that line the creek and I see one of the most important men in my life. Standing tall and oh so proud is my Grandfather dressed in his best suit. I look down at his feet, noticing the white runner along the ground. Vince thought of everything.

  “Oh Maggie. It’s beautiful! I’m sorry I complained.” Amanda hugs me with tears in her eyes.

  “It’s just perfect. Exactly what I would expect for you two.” Heather gives me hug but no tears for her. She is one tough cookie.

  “Are you two ready?” My Grandfather says in his gruff voice.

  “Where are we supposed to go?”

  “Just follow the path. Asher and Tommy should be waiting on the other side of the trees.”

  The girls go ahead of me, holding their bouquets tightly, their arms interlaced. I turn to my Grandfather because he looks like he has something to say.

  “You look absolutely stunning, Maggie. You picked the perfect dress and this place is truly the perfect setting for today.”

  “Thank you Grandpa. I can’t tell you how much it means to have you walking me down the aisle.”

  “I just wish your father could see you now.”

  “I have a feeling he’s watching. I don’t think he would miss this for the world.”

  I slide my hand through his open arm, waiting for the signal. When I hear the song that we picked coming from Keri’s cello, we start our procession. Once we break through the trees, I see him. The man I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. He is waiting by one of our huge rocks in his black suit with a white tie. He looks perfect.

  The scene is breathtaking. Martina is standing next to Amanda and Heather. The minister is in the middle with Vincent to his left. Standing tall next to my future husband are Joey, Asher and Tommy. Keri is off to the side playing the most beautiful music. I squeeze my Grandfather’s arm because he’s about to let me go. We stop just a few feet in front of our small wedding party. There are no other guests. It’s just family. My family.

  “Who gives this woman to this man?”

  “I do.” My Grandfather kisses me on the cheek before passing my hand to Vincent. He steps aside, taking his place next to Martina.

  Vincent takes my hand into his as we say our vows. We picked the perfect time of day, the sun is starting to set over the horizon, giving a glow to everything around us. The water is streaming over the rocks quietly as the leaves bristle softly in the background. It’s like magic. In the moment before my lips utter the words that will forever bind me to this man, I feel my father’s presence. I don’t know how, but I know he’s here with me now.

  Vincent places his hands on my face gently, saying his words of commitment with such clarity and strength that I could never doubt his promise to be mine forever. He leans down, pressing his lips softly on mine, sealing our fate to become one. Just as he pulls away, I see complete satisfaction on his face.

  Before the minister has time to announce us as Mr. and Mrs. Moreno, our entire family embraces us in a group hug. Martina is sobbing next to me, Asher and Tommy are high fiving, while Amanda and Heather just keep telling me how beautiful I look. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think I even see a small tear in the corner of my Grandfather’s eye.

  “Now, let’s all pile back in the cars and get this party started!” Joey yells over everyone’s congratulations. Martina agreed to throw our reception at her house. Being two very broke college students, we opted for the most affordable. Besides, there isn’t any place I would rather celebrate.

  Vince helps me into his car, which is now covered in white letters that spell out “Just Married” with tin cans tied to the back bumper. I’m sure the guys had a blast decking it out for us. After Vince gets in his seat, he turns to me.

  “You look so beautiful Mrs. Moreno. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  “Say it again. The part with my name.”

  “Mrs. Moreno.”

  Vincent

  I wasn’t sure if the creek was the best place to get married but Maggie insisted. I didn’t want everyone to know about our very private spot that we’ve shared so many monumental moments. But she argued that we had to have the wedding here for that very reason. I hate to say it, but she was r
ight. It feels right. Like we are meant to be here.

  The last year has had its ups and downs. Living together wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be. She still yells at me every time I leave my dirty clothes on the floor or the rare occasion I forget to put the toilet seat back down. Add in a roommate to the mix, and I’ve been outnumbered. I’m so glad Heather has agreed to move out. Don’t get me wrong, I like her and everything but we need our privacy.

  The guys and I got to the creek a couple of hours early so we could prepare everything. I told Maggie I would take care of it and not to worry. I want her to take her time getting ready. I still can’t believe she wouldn’t let me see her dress before the ceremony. Stupid superstitions.

  “I can’t believe you dragged us into this. Whose brilliant idea was it to get married out in the middle of nowhere?”

  “Maggie’s.” Joey and Tommy say in unison to Asher’s complaining.

  “Of course it was. Can’t you say no to her?”

  “Can you say no to Heather?”

  “That’s a whole different situation. Nobody says no to Heather.”

  “The faster we get done the sooner we can go get ready. So stop complaining and get back to work.” I still can’t believe those two are together. They drive each other crazy but they seem happy.

  I brought some lawn equipment to speed up the process. I don’t want the girls to have to walk through tall grass getting their dresses all dirty. I would never hear the end of it from Amanda. She’s probably going to be pissed that we went with an outdoor, woodsy wedding anyway. After we finish up here, we head to the closest restaurant to clean up and change.

  “Are you getting cold feet?” Joey says to me while we change in the cramped bathroom.

  “Not even a little.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Joey, when you almost lose the most important person in your life, you know you will do anything to keep them. I love her. I will always love her. I don’t want anyone else.” I think sometimes I forget that Joey lost our dad when he was just in middle school. I guess it’s my job to teach him about certain life lessons. “Look, when its right, you’ll know. Trust me.”

  “Thanks Vinny.” I let his annoying nickname slide because it’s my wedding day and I don’t want to mess up my suit.

  “I just wish Dad could be here.”

  “Me too.”

  My mom is supposed to be meeting us at the creek in twenty minutes with Maggie’s Grandfather. I’m so glad she has someone to walk her down the aisle. Keri should be here any minute. How lucky are we that she plays an instrument. Maggie planned it out perfectly. The air isn’t muggy or hot yet, the breeze is nice and the sun is going to give us just enough light.

  Tommy and Asher roll out the runner I picked up earlier. I wanted to add a touch of elegance to our rustic wedding. Keri shows up so I help her set-up off to the side of where the rest of us will be standing. We don’t have any seats because, well, it’s a creek. There really isn’t anywhere to sit. After everyone else arrives, I coordinate where they will all stand. Maggie’s Grandfather will wait for her just on the other side of the trees. Everything is in place when I see Heather and Amanda walk through the opening, telling me that my bride is here.

  “You ready for this?” Tommy says over Joeys shoulder.

  “I’ve never been more ready.”

  Once Amanda and Heather make it to the front, Keri starts the music. And then I see her. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Wow. Just wow. I’m stunned that even after all this time, she still takes my breath away. And her dress is perfect. Not overdone but just the right amount of frill for this setting. I wish I knew how to describe it but I’m at a loss for words. She is simply stunning.

  Before I know it, she’s standing in front of me. Her Grandfather hands her over to me, the significance of the moment is not lost on me. The sun is shining just enough that I can make out every detail of her beautiful face. The minister starts to talk but all I can do is stare into the eyes of the woman I love. When I’m able to find my voice, I say the words that will make her mine forever.

  “I do.” I don’t even wait for the minister to say anything else before I kiss my wife.

  The rest is kind of a blur until we get back to my mom’s house. I feel like I’ve called her Mrs. Moreno a million times. That or my wife. I can’t decide which one I like better. My mother has really out done herself. Decorating the backyard with lanterns, flowers, white tablecloths, and lights that cover the entire patio. I can see the absolute gratitude Maggie has for my mom. That’s another reason I love her so much. Because she loves my family and treats them like her own. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve this life, but I will never screw it up again.

  I take Maggie by the hand, leading her out to the dance floor Tommy built for us. It’s just big enough to fit the ten of us if we don’t move around too much. But right now, it’s just me and her. Since we couldn’t afford a band, Asher was nice enough to make us some cd’s with our favorite songs. My mom was able to borrow a nice camera from her boss, so she’s our photographer. All in all, I would have to say it’s a perfect day. The only thing missing is our fathers. But something tells me they can see us.

  “I love you, Magnolia Moreno.”

  “I love you, husband.”

  “Say it again.”

  “My husband.”

  THE END

  Acknowledgements

  First and foremost, I want to thank God. Without him, none of this would be possible.

  I want to thank my family. My amazing husband who does so much behind the scenes. He is my formatter, my tech guy, my perfectionist. I love you. To my two beautiful children who brighten my day without even trying. Thank you for being patient with Mommy when she has to write. I love the residual impact my writing is already having on my daughter who now creates her own books and wants to become a published author someday just like her Mommy. You make me so proud.

  I want to thank my beta readers because without you, this story would not be what it is today. So thank you Brenda Zapata, Jessica Lowery, Melisa Marvin, Amberley Johnson and BreAnn Land. Thank you for not only reading my second book but for supporting me along the way. You are all my cheer leading section giving me confidence when I need it the most. I love you all for taking the time to read but also for listening to me go on and on about this new path my life has taken. Thank you!

  Amberley Johnson, my new personal assistant. What can I say other than thank you. You have been amazing and I am so happy to have you on this journey. Everything happens for a reason. I believe that more than anyone. We were meant to meet in Ohio during one of the most difficult times in my life, being brought together out of tragedy but making something beautiful. You are not only a fellow book nerd and PA but a friend. One I hope to have for many years to come.

  BreAnn Land thank you for taking the time to edit my book. Not only did you beta read, and at super speed, but you also did the editing. I can’t thank you enough for making this book what it was meant to be. Sometimes friendships develop in places you never thought possible. I will be forever grateful for the connection books gave us because now I can’t picture my life without you in it.

  To my amazing street team Sublime Society. I didn’t even know what a street team was until a few months before publishing my first book. This journey has taken me places I never thought I would be and allowed me to meet so many people. I am grateful for each and every member. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for promoting my books. Thank you for everything.

  To every family member that has supported me, thank you. To all my friends near and far that have read my book and supported me, thank you. It brings me so much happiness to share this voyage with all of you. To each and every reader who took a chance on a new author, thank you. For everyone that has reviewed my book, thank you. Reviews are very important to authors. They help get the word out about our books. So thank you again and again for leaving a review.

/>   I want to give special thanks to all the bloggers who have shared my page, promoted my books, reviewed my book and supported me. The indie world would barely exist without you. I’m amazed at how much hard work goes into all that you do without much recognition. I would not be where I am today without your dedication and love for reading. Thank you!

  One last group I have to thank. For all the other authors who have chatted with me, shared advice and given me support, I want to thank you. I love being a part of this indie community. I have learned so much. So thank you for always being willing to help a newbie.

  About the Author

  Charlene Zapata lives in Texas with her husband and two children. She attended Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio where she graduated with a degree in Social Work. Although she was mostly raised in Ohio she is a Texan at heart and glad to be back home.

  Sublime Resistance is the second book in the Sublime series. Sublime Wreckage is her debut novel and book one of the series. While Sublime Resistance ends this journey, catch up with Vincent Moreno in Sublime Forgiveness and discover his past, present and future.

  Sublime Forgiveness is coming soon.

  For more information visit her Facebook Page:

  www.facebook.com/AuthorCharleneZapata