~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On the Sunday before Memorial Day, Chaz and Stephanie, along with their immediate family members, arrived at Phailin’s house for brunch and a Tea Ceremony. The couple had chosen the Asian custom as a way of honoring their parents and affirming the purity, stability, and fertility of the marriage. The private event would also serve as one additional opportunity for the families to bond since they were meeting for the first time that weekend. Of course, Karen, Victor, and their son were also included.
A very pregnant Phailin, whose baby was due to be born at any minute, led the ritual. She took time to make sure everyone understood the significance of the order in which the tea was offered and to say blessings over the couple and their families.
When the ceremony was complete, but before anyone was invited to partake of the buffet brunch, Chaz and Stephanie had an announcement to make.
“Actually, we have a confession.” Chaz smiled down at his wife before addressing their parents. “Traditionally, the tea ceremony happens after the wedding. So, now is the perfect time to tell you that this is not our wedding day.”
At the confused expressions, Stephanie clarified. “For several reasons, Chaz and I got married in November. We kept it a secret because we didn’t want to deprive any of you of having this day with a big wedding and reception. Because we love and respect you so much, we didn’t want you to feel left out of our committing our lives to each other. So, you can consider today’s event as a renewal of our vows.”
Expectantly, the mothers complained about not being entrusted with the secret. The fathers didn’t care. Stephanie’s brother and sister-in-law, along with Karen and Big Vic, were amused. The three nieces were more interested in getting to the food. Phailin flashed a knowing smile, and her husband, David, decided it was time to lead everyone to the sun room where the buffet was spread.
Later that evening, with the dark sky visible through the glass roof at the Atrium Hotel, and under an arch draped with blue, purple, and green tulle and yellow lilies, Chaz and Stephanie exchanged vows in front of a minister, their families, and about 150 guests. The reception was held in a conference room similarly decorated and with elaborate candle centerpieces, again representing the colors of their auras. While Stephanie anticipated that some people would comment that the venue wasn’t an upscale hotel downtown, she was extremely pleased with the atmosphere the hotel staff had helped them to create. It was everything she could have wanted.
“Have I told you today that you’re amazing?” Chaz held his wife close as they swayed on the dance floor and he softly kissed the side of her face.
“No.” Stephanie pretended to frown. “Don’t think you can slack off now that we’re publicly a married couple.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” His arms wrapped more tightly around her. “But, I’m a little tired of the public part of the day. Let’s go upstairs.” He kissed her neck.
“Okay, you two; it’s time for me to butt in so that you can stop making my wife jealous.” Logan laughed and held his hand out for his sister to change partners. “You owe me a dance, Stephanie.”
“All right, if I must.” She sighed dramatically and stole one last kiss from her husband.
“It’s nice to see you so happy,” Logan commented as his brother-in-law moved off the dance floor.
“Thank you. Chaz is an incredible man.”
“He must be; otherwise that psychic gift you have would have scared him off by now.”
“You’re right.” Stephanie smiled up into golden-brown eyes that matched hers. “Do you want to know when I knew he was the perfect man for me? The day I told him that I have dreams that come true, he didn’t even blink. He didn’t laugh. He didn’t look at me like I was insane. It didn’t bother him at all. Five minutes after that, he asked whether I was afraid to be with him because this was right after he’d been shot. Can you imagine that—me being afraid of him?” She shook her head. “I knew then that I didn’t want to be without him. Funny how that works, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it is. You definitely seem to be right about your destiny with him. You’re good for each other. I knew it, but seeing the two of you together makes it even more real.” Stephanie laid her head on her brother’s shoulder. “So, where are you going on your honeymoon?” he asked.
“I have no idea. Chaz even packed my suitcase last night so that I wouldn’t have any clues to help me figure it out.”
Logan let out a loud laugh and held his sister at arm’s length. “You’re kidding right? The woman who has visions doesn’t know where her husband is taking her? You don’t have any clues?” After a second of contemplation, Stephanie shook her head and joined in the laughter. Pretty soon, Logan was recounting all of the surprises she’d ruined throughout the years and the two of them were holding their sides from laughing so hard.
“I see you two are cutting up,” their mother remarked as they passed her on their way off the dance floor.
“He started it!” Stephanie pointed at her brother. “He’s so juvenile!” Then, they both laughed some more.
From where Chaz stood at the cash bar, he saw how happy his wife was. She was glowing. He’d have to make sure she spent time with her family more frequently. But for tonight, he was done with everyone. He kissed his mother goodnight and went to claim the only person he wanted to spend any more time with. The woman he would spend the rest of his life with.
Stephanie was shocked the next morning when they checked out of the hotel and Chaz had arranged for a car to take them to the airport. The shock intensified when he produced tickets to New Orleans. It was someplace she’d always wanted to visit.
“How did you know?”
“I actually listen when my wife talks to me. I think you mentioned it that time we went to Niagara Falls and got a chance to act like normal tourists even though I was undercover and not supposed to be with you.”
“That was over a year ago!”
“Uhm hmm.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead.
“And, I wasn’t your wife.”
“You may as well have been.” He tucked a curl behind her ear and looked directly into her eyes. “The connection between us was so strong that I already knew I’d never let you go.” His lips brushed hers very lightly. “I would be lost without you.”
The rented car arrived at the departure terminal and pulled to a smooth stop. When the driver opened the door, Chaz stepped out and offered his hand to help his wife. She knew that people were watching and wondering whether they were anyone important, and that made her smile. They were important, and there was no one in the world happier than she was at that moment.
While in New Orleans, they only spent about half of their time sampling the cuisine and visiting the tourist sites. Much of the time was spent laying in each other’s arms talking about nothing or speculating on how they would react once their daughter arrived—they’d finally had the doctor confirm the baby was a girl.
“Karen thinks we should name her Amanda.”
“Really?”
“Yep. It’s important to pick a good name. I looked it up and it means ‘worthy of love.’ What do you think?”
“I don’t know.” He changed positions on the bed so that he could put his hands on Stephanie’s stomach. “What do you think, sweetheart? Do you like the name Amanda?” He put his ear at her belly button. “Hmm? Really? I should tell her that’s fine? Oh—your middle name should be Anne like your mommy’s? Okay, I’ll tell her.”
Chaz straddled Stephanie and, hovering over her, kissed a path from her belly to her lips while she laughed and ran her fingers across his unshaven face.
“Amanda Anne Lawson.” His lips rested against hers. “She likes it. What do you think?”
After he released her lips from a breathtaking kiss, Stephanie agreed on the name. To punctuate the decision, Amanda stretched and the couple felt her move between their bodies.
Every day of their honeymoon was relaxing like that. Slow. Easy. Low-key.
All too soon, it was over and the plane was landing at the Greater Cincinnati Airport late on Saturday afternoon. In what seemed like no time at all, a taxi was depositing them in front of their house.
Phailin and Karen had made sure that the wedding gifts and cards were stacked in the dining room and the top layer of the cake was appropriately put away in the freezer to await the first anniversary. Stephanie was sure that her mother had been the one to wash all of the linens and restore each guest room. She’d even turned down the bedding in the master bedroom and left a silk rose on each pillow.
“We’re home,” Stephanie sighed as she sat at the foot of the bed and removed her shoes.
“Yeah, we’re home.” Chaz leaned against the door frame of the walk-in closet and watched his wife. “I don’t think I’ve said it recently, but thank you, sweetheart. Thank you for coming into my life, not running when it was dangerous, taking a chance by relocating to be with me, marrying me, and carrying my child. You’ve given me everything I needed but didn’t even know I wanted.” He walked over and knelt at her feet. “Whatever we face, we’ll always do it together; and I promise that nothing will ever come between us.”
“I know.” She leaned forward and placed her hands on either side of his face. “Do you know what I’m thinking?” He shook his head. “I’m thinking that I really, really, really want to climb into bed with a banana split with tons of whipped cream.” Her lips stretched in a broad smile.
“I guess that means I need to go to the store to buy bananas.”
“Do you mind?”
“For my pregnant wife? Not at all.” He kissed her forehead and got to his feet. “But, you’re going to have to share,” he said as he was walking towards the hallway.
“Then, it better be a very big banana split.” She laughed. “While you’re gone, I’m going to take a shower.”
“Great. I’ll expect you naked and under the covers when I return.” Stephanie could hear him chuckling as he started down the stairs.
Out of nowhere, the thought hit her that being back home meant they were almost back to work. Chaz had never mentioned the meeting he’d had with Roy and Steve about the promotion, but Stephanie suspected that was because he hadn’t wanted to worry her before the wedding or during their honeymoon.
She listened to the garage door rise and Chaz’s SUV back out of the driveway as she headed to the bathroom to take her shower. Phailin had told her many months ago that whenever Chaz had a choice, he would always choose her. His words repeated in her mind: Whatever we face, we’ll always do it together; and I promise that nothing will ever come between us.
This is the way things should be. This was their destiny. She smiled and turned on the steamy water.
It was another déjà vu moment.
The End
COMING IN SEPTEMBER 2015
Heart Shadows: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book 3
ALSO BY THIS AUTHOR
Detour
Time for Tenderness
Monica’s Healing
Premonitions: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book 1
If you enjoyed this book, please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads.
You can also find out about current works, contests, and events by following Brynette L. Turner on her blog at www.brynetteturner.blogspot.com, on Twitter @btromancewriter, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brynettelturnerauthor
ABOUT THE OTHER BOOKS:
PREMONITIONS: Dream Catcher Series - Book 1
Available on Amazon at http://bit.ly/btpremonitions
Stephanie is drawn to Chaz in a way that she has never experienced—by a connection through dreams that tell her things she isn’t supposed to know. While those dreams expose Chaz’s secrets and pull Stephanie into his dangerous world, she’s willing to follow the attraction to see where it might lead.
Chaz knows better than to get emotionally attached, but he can’t resist seeing her again. He can’t fight the spiritual force that binds them, and he doesn’t want to. When his life is threatened, he must make difficult choices and find a way to protect both of them as he handles his mysterious job.
DETOUR
Available on Amazon at http://bit.ly/btdetour
Jessica is on a mission to purchase a company that she can run as part of her training for an executive position in the family business. Everything will be set for her successful career; and Marcus is waiting in the wings to be the man in her new life.
However, she veers off course when she stops at a small-town diner and finds Jake and a healthy serving of instant attraction. As she revamps her career and life plans to include this blossoming love, she must face her own ambition, conflicting loyalties, and a new path that's different from the one she has always traveled.
Determined and organized, Jessica quickly compiles a new game plan; but the road to fulfillment isn't as easy as she had always thought it would be.
TIME FOR TENDERNESS
Available on Amazon at http://bit.ly/bttenderness
Valerie loves Tony; but she has spent the past three years pretending otherwise because she had serious doubts that their love could survive all of her flaws and fears. Regardless, Tony knows Val is the only woman who could ever make him happy. When she agrees to marry him, she believes they can build a life for their young daughter that’s better than how Val was raised and more realistic than what Tony has always expected. She trusts him to accept her and to always be her partner.
Unfortunately, the drama and destructiveness from her past inserts itself into their world in a way that Tony can't accept. No matter how hard she tries, Valerie can't shake the fear that maybe love does not conquer all; and the couple must discover whether they are really able to survive through anything.
MONICA’S HEALING
Available on Amazon at http://bit.ly/btmonica
The Weston family has endured dishonesty, rejection, and humiliation; but no one seems to have been as emotionally wrecked as Monica. She is damaged, hurting, and alone—for the time being.
Patrick wants to change that. He's spent the last two years trying to convince Monica that what they share is special; and she has been running from him the entire time. Now, as she is struggling to build a life after her mother's death, she hopes that his love is as strong as he says. While Monica and Patrick try to cope with their changing world, old hurts, stubborn habits, and family drama threaten to destroy everything they are creating.
While this novel can be enjoyed on its own, it is the sequel to Time for Tenderness.
Loving Night: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book 2 Page 17