by Alicia Rae
My eyes roamed down his bare chest, and it made me miss being pressed up against him with his arms holding me close and tight.
He slipped the material over my head, and I maneuvered each of my arms into the sleeves. I said, “I came to see you,” when I could see his face again.
“And?” he questioned softly, urging me to keep going.
I had to be sure before I got on a roll. “You talked to my parents, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” His voice was raw, and it made my insides melt into a heaping puddle.
I knew it was him. All the love I felt for him that I’d buried deep within my heart and soul came crashing down over me, consuming me. The look in his handsome blue eyes seemed as though he wasn’t sure if I was going to give him a handful of wrath or verbalize my gratitude at his omission.
“Thank you for what you did for my family.” I felt my emotions building again. “I don’t know how you were able to affect them so or what you said to make them see the light, but I just can’t thank you enough for what you’ve given me.”
He raised his hand, flipped it over, and gently stroked his knuckles down my cheek. Those intense blue eyes were locked on me, and I drank them in.
“I did it for you, Audrey.”
“Why though?” I asked aloud before I could retract the thought.
“Because I love you,” he said.
He was still keeping his distance from me, and it was throwing me for a loop because Blake always hauled me in his arms every chance he had.
I pointed to the space between us. “Then, why are you all the way over there?”
Blake released a boyish grin, creating a dimple in his left cheek. “Because I’m breaking up with you.”
“What?” I asked, deflating faster than a popped air balloon. My knees were about to give way, and I thought I would collapse on the floor at any second. All of my oxygen was gone. My heart completely left me.
“This just isn’t going to work between us,” he kept going, not affected by my inconsolable expression. “I want someone who will love me with all that she has to give, the very same way I love her.”
I do…
But the words wouldn’t come.
“I want her to move in with me, so we can start building a life together. I want to get married and make a family with her, so I can walk through these front doors and see all my little blonde-haired, green-eyed babies—”
I leaped into his arms and wrapped my legs around him. “You are such an ass,” I breathed against his lips as he caught me.
“It took you long enough.” He smiled against my mouth.
“I’m so gonna make you pay for teasing me like that,” I added, feeling my heart pick up rhythm again.
He held my bottom with one hand as he lifted the other hand to his ear and repeatedly tapped it. “I’m still waiting to hear three little words from you, woman.”
I closed the distance and captured his lips for a slow, sweet passionate kiss. “I”—another kiss—“love”—another kiss—“you.”
Both of his hands cupped my ass as he moved us inside. He kicked the door shut and pinned me against the living room wall. Pure desire simmered in my belly, aching for his touch.
He sucked my lower lip into his mouth. “Not as much as I love you, Audrey.” When he let go of my lip, he rubbed his nose against mine. “I’ve been waiting for you my whole life. And now that you’re mine, I won’t ever let you go.”
I loved the possessiveness in his voice. “Fine by me,” I hummed with appreciation.
“That’s enough talking for now,” he said, moving us toward the bedroom with sudden speed. “All I can think about is making love to you.”
“You practically read my mind.” I grinned. My arms were already yanking his hoodie from my body.
Once in his room, he laid me on the bed and came on top of me. My arms found his chest and started exploring every muscle on him all over again as he made quick work of removing our clothes until I was naked to his eye.
“You stole my heart long ago, woman,” he said in a lowered, intimate voice, raking me in with his eyes. His erection brushed along my sex, continuing an upward trail and spreading my moisture over my nub. “Saying I love you doesn’t even begin to describe what I feel for you.”
Friction coiled in my core as he teased me. I reached for his face, caressing the soft stubble on his cheeks and strong jawline. “Only you, Blake,” I whispered. “Only you have ever made me feel so much love in my heart.”
I reached for him and guided him inside me. There would be no time for foreplay. I needed him more than I needed to breathe.
“What about the condom?” His breathing was deepening with each forward movement, sending shocks of pleasure down my spine.
I shook my head. “I only want it to be you and me.”
A primal growl tore from his chest as he gripped my hips and fully seated himself. His lips seized mine, as if owning them. I gave him everything I had, ardently pouring my heart into our embrace, so he would know just how much I loved him. When he pulled back, I felt breathless and dizzy.
“Yes, only you and me,” he said adamantly.
Then, we were lost in each other. There was no telling what was him and what was me. We seemed to be moving together as one, and having him bare inside me made it all that more sensual. He rocked his hips with perfect precision and hit the tender flesh of my core. My arousal drummed through every inch of me, like rapid fire spreading out of control. I bowed upward to take his offering deeper.
He took my mouth with such fierceness, kissing me until I felt every ounce of his love to the depth of my soul.
Then, he drew back. “Let go with me, Audrey,” he breathed against my neck.
I tightened my hold around his nape, and I let go. My orgasm washed over me with a rush, intensifying when I heard Blake cry out, saying my name just once, as he filled me with his release.
He collapsed at my side, still cradling me close, as we steadied our breaths.
“Just you and me,” he repeated.
I smiled and nuzzled into him. “Yes, just you and me—always.”
The Wedding
~Audrey~
I ran my hands down the front of my baby-pink bridesmaid dress that ended a few inches above the knee, giving myself a once-over in the mirror. My long blonde hair was curled with thick waves and swooped to the lower left side of my nape with a pearl barrette, exposing the skin on my back. Matching pearl earrings shimmered, reflecting off the yellow bathroom lighting.
Three small pink flowers made a strap that began at the upper right line of my chest and went up over my shoulder, like an elegant sash. Nude pumps gave me a few inches of height and coordinated with my outfit. It was all so beautiful and perfect for the two weddings today.
I forced quick breaths in and out, not wanting to ruin my makeup just yet. I was just so happy for Abbey and Gail and their special day that would begin a new chapter for each of them.
“Hey! No sniffles in there!” Lily’s voice was light with amusement as she gently banged on the door. “If anyone gets to cry first, it’s the girl with the elevated hormones.”
I opened the door to see Lily standing a few feet away. Caroline and Pearl were at her side. All three of their same-styled dresses looked gorgeous.
“You all look so lovely,” I said.
“You do, too,” Lily beamed.
I frantically scanned the room. “Where is Miss Natalie Ann? I thought you were bringing her today.”
Lily waved a hand in a calming motion. “Slow down there, lady. She’s just with her daddy and Gram.” She chuckled softly. “Last I heard, they were fighting over who got to hold her.”
“I got dibs on Grace winning,” I said, referencing Kyle’s mom who was now Gram these days.
“Me, too.” Lily chuckled again. “She can be something fierce when she wants grandbaby time.”
“Fierce?” Pearl asked in confusion. “Grandma’s not fierce. Grandma’s the best b
ecause she always has chocolate chip cookies and brownies and a great big swimming pool for Daddy to throw Mommy in.”
I perked a brow, lost at the last line, so I looked to Lily for help.
She was covering her mouth to hide her hilarity. “You don’t even want to know about that one, but I’ll tell you later anyway!”
Commotion sounded behind us. We all whipped our heads around to see Abbey and Gail walking into the room through the double doors adjoining a separate room. The pastor who would soon be performing the ceremony was chatting quietly alongside them.
I gave them a perplexed stare, hoping everything was going as planned. I had expected them to be done already. After a few moments, Abbey politely nodded at him. He looked over at me and smiled before returning his attention to Abbey and kindly excusing himself.
“Pearl, come here, sweetie.” Abbey looked over at Caroline and motioned for her. “You, too, honey.”
“Yes?” they said in unison, both walking over.
“We need to talk with the grown-ups about something really quick. Can you give us a little while?”
Pearl reached up and kissed her mom. “Yes, Mommy. We’ll go visit Daddy for a few minutes.”
“All right, that sounds wonderful. I’m sure he’ll want a few moments with you, too.”
Caroline kissed Gail on the cheek before walking out hand in hand with Pearl.
The atmosphere in the room felt as if it was altering, and I wondered what could possibly be happening. The thought freaked me out.
Once alone, I glanced between Abbey and Gail, waiting for someone to clue me in. “What’s going on?” I finally asked.
I met Lily’s stare next, and she shrugged it off.
“You always seem to know about as much as me.” Lily laughed. “We are clearly the odd ducklings out.”
“No one’s an odd duck.” Gail lightly rolled her eyes. Then, her eyes went soft. She pulled out a manila envelope and extended her hand to me.
I retrieved the envelope. Audrey, My One and Only was written on the front. I didn’t need to know his handwriting to know it was from Blake.
Abbey exhaled shakily with tears in her eyes.
“What is this?” I choked, paralyzed from moving. Endless thoughts filled my mind, pondering what it could be.
Abbey and Gail both smiled the most beautiful smiles.
“Just a little something Blake had us running around for this morning,” Gail said first.
Abbey held her hands together at her center and nodded. “If you want to find out, then you’ll have to read it.”
I let out a deep breath and opened it with a hastiness that surprised even myself. All the while, my heart pounded harder and harder with each passing second.
AUDREY,
THIS LETTER IS GOING TO CATCH YOU BY SURPRISE, AND I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE FOR THE LAST-MINUTE NOTICE.
BEFORE YOU GET TO THE END OF THIS LETTER, JUST REMEMBER, I LOVE YOU… AND IT’S JUST YOU AND ME, BEAUTY.
AFTER HAVING YOU BACK IN MY ARMS LAST NIGHT, I STAYED AWAKE NEARLY ALL NIGHT. ONLY ONE THING KEPT RUNNING THROUGH MY MIND OVER AND OVER, AND THAT WAS YOU, AUDREY. JUST AS I TOLD YOU ON MY FRONT STOOP YESTERDAY, I WANT IT ALL. I WANT A LIFE WITH YOU. I WANT TO WAKE UP AND KNOW THAT YOU’LL BE BY MY SIDE TO LOVE ENDLESSLY, DAY IN AND DAY OUT, ALWAYS.
THEN, I REALIZED ALWAYS DOESN’T SEEM LONG ENOUGH. I WANT MORE WITH YOU.
WHEN I CAME HOME NEARLY THREE MONTHS AGO, I BARELY KNEW WHO I WAS AS A PERSON. THEN, I MET YOU. YOU HAVE MADE ME SMILE, LOVE, AND EVEN DREAM A LIFE FULL OF LOVE. IT IS BEYOND ANYTHING I COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED FOR MYSELF. YOU ARE MY ONE AND ONLY FOR ETERNITY.
IT WAS THEN I REALIZED I DON’T WANT TO WASTE ANOTHER SINGLE DAY WITHOUT YOU BEING MINE IN EVERY WAY.
SO, TODAY, ALONGSIDE MY BROTHERS AND SOON-TO-BE SISTERS-IN-LAW, I ASK YOU TO STAND BESIDE ME FROM THIS DAY FORWARD AND TAKE MY HAND IN MARRIAGE.
MARRY ME, AUDREY. YOU’RE MY DREAM COME TRUE, AND FROM THIS DAY FORWARD, I’LL SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE MAKING YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. WE’LL DO IT TOGETHER—JUST YOU AND ME.
I KNOW WE’VE ONLY KNOWN ONE ANOTHER FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT FAST AND FULL SPEED IS THE ONLY WAY I KNOW HOW TO GO WITH YOU BECAUSE I KNOW YOU’RE MY ONE AND ONLY, AND MY LOVE FOR YOU WILL ONLY GROW WITH TIME.
AND IF YOU TRY TO SAY NO OR IT’S TOO SOON, I’M COMING IN THAT ROOM AND CARRYING YOU UP THE AISLE MYSELF. DON’T LET YOUR RESERVATIONS HOLD YOU BACK. ONLY FOLLOW YOUR HEART, AUDREY, FOR IT CAN NEVER STEER YOU WRONG.
IT’S JUST YOU AND ME, WOMAN, AGAINST THE WORLD.
,
BLAKE
A huge tear rolled off my cheek and landed right on the lopsided hand-drawn heart he had above his name.
“Oh. My. Gosh.” I wept, unable to catch my breath. I felt dizzy and faint.
“Oh, I can’t take it anymore! Give me that letter!” Abbey cried, taking the letter I’d just finished reading.
She and Gail began crying within seconds.
“Oh my, Audrey.” Abbey’s chest rocked with a cry.
“It’s like poetry,” Gail sobbed.
“It’s so sweet and romantic,” Abbey added, wiping tears from her eyes.
Gail did the same.
“Isn’t it the most beautiful, heartfelt letter?” I cried. “But I think I fell in love with a man who is certifiably crazy. He’s almost loony-bin crazy.”
“I’m only crazy for you, woman!” Blake’s voice sounded through a speakerphone.
I jumped slightly and rotated my head to the sound, seeing Lily holding her iPhone with a very guilty expression on her face.
I gawked at Lily, feeling a feeble sense of betrayal.
Lily shrugged innocently. She pointed at Gail and Abbey, and I looked to see they had a mixture of a smirk with a gooey smile on their faces.
“They made me do it, and I had to swear to secrecy,” Lily whispered at last.
“I made them swear to secrecy,” Blake added, taking the blame.
I’d have to find a way to deal with my friends later. I shook my head, unable to stifle the ridiculous grin on my face, as I gazed back at Lily’s white iPhone.
“We can’t get married yet,” I finally responded into the cell, my responsible side kicking into gear. “It’s too soon!”
“Ahem,” Blake cleared his throat quietly. “Refer back to the note, woman. Don’t make me do it. You know I’ll come in there, and it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”
I rolled my eyes. It was no wonder he’d left me a note on the fridge this morning, insisting I ride with the girls because he had emergency things to help Damon and Jason with. My feelings had been kind of hurt that he hadn’t woken me up to say good-bye.
Well, it all made sense now, so I teased, “You lied this morning!”
“Damon shared some wisdom with me. He told me that a surprise is hardly a lie.” Blake’s deep chuckle filled the room.
Gail covered her mouth and quietly chuckled. “Yes, that’s something Damon would say.”
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, making all four of us girls jump with a startle.
“You’re taking too long, beauty. I need a yes or a no.”
I glanced between the door and the phone. “Is that you at the door?”
“Yes.” His voice came from both directions.
I let my feelings flow freely, knowing I was running out of time. He would come through that door.
“I do love you, more than I ever imagined I could feel for another person, and I will marry you.” I smiled, glowing from the inside out. “But today is Abbey’s and Gail’s day.”
“We want to share it with you,” Abbey and Gail both said in unison as if they had recited the line. They took a synchronized step toward me. “If you love him, and we can see you do just as we see how much he loves you,” Abbey started to say, and Gail added, “then there’s no reason to wait.”
“Love doesn’t need a calendar or a clock, Audrey,” Lily chimed in. “It just needs two people to take a leap
of faith and follow their hearts.”
Three sets of eyes affectionately held mine.
Abbey said, “Today just wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“I don’t have a dress.” I furrowed my brows together.
“Open the door, Audrey,” Blake said, his voice persistent, as he tapped the door softly.
The girls nodded at me.
I cracked the door only a mere few inches. The crinkling noises of plastic resounded as a bag came into view. I reached forward to grab it. Gail came forward to help me unzip the side and pull the contents out of the bag. She gently took the dress and held it by the hanger for me to see.
“Oh my…” I threw my hands over my mouth and gasped as I set my eyes on the most beautiful wedding gown.
It was a white silk halter-top dress that came down into a perfect V at the chest line before flowing into a slender waist. Then, it widened just enough for my curvy hips and gracefully lengthened in the back for a medium-sized train. It was lustrous and contemporary yet so simple and humble.
Wow, he knows me so well. I couldn’t have picked a better dress for myself.
“It’s so beautiful, Blake,” I cried.
“I picked it out for you this morning after the girls helped me with your size.” He paused a beat. “You really like it?” he asked with a sincere hopefulness in his voice.
“Yes! Of course!” A new set of tears filled my eyes. “It’s perfect in every way,” I said truthfully, knowing he had chosen it for me and that made it all the more precious to me.
“I have one last surprise for you,” Blake responded, his tone full of emotion.
“Another one?” I asked in complete awe.
“Yes, it will be arriving shortly after I leave the doorway.”
I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. I had no idea what it was, but I was grateful for it anyway. No matter the surprise, he had already made today so special.
“Thank you,” I cried. “I love you.”
He outstretched just his hand around the door. His golden skin contrasted the white of his dress shirt, and I had a faint view of his black tux. I twined my fingers with his, and he carefully lifted my hand to his lips.
With one tender kiss, he breathed, “I love you more.” I could hear the smile in his tone. “See you at the altar shortly, my beauty.”