InHap*pily Ever After

by Kim Desalvo

  Lexi sat curled up under Bo’s arm beneath a beautiful array of tropical flowers and palms that seemed to dance in the gentle breeze. The moon swelled in the sky, and the stars were out in all their glory. The sounds of frogs and crickets mixed with the music in the background and she added her sigh to the harmony; a mixture of contentment, joy for her best friend, and a new sense of hope for what tomorrow could bring.

  Coming here was so much more than she’d expected, and she had known it was going to be incredible. She was so thrilled to see her best friends in the world find the happiness that they so deserved; especially in light of all the pitfalls they’d encountered along the way.

  What she hadn’t expected, though, was that she and Bo would realize that there was more to their unabashed flirting than either of them had been able to admit; that there were real feelings there. She felt the flutters of a schoolgirl crush in her stomach as she smiled and snuggled closer to him, feeling his strong and capable arms pulling her in. They hadn’t talked yet about what would happen next, after this incredible weekend, but they both knew that what they shared was not just a little fling. She smiled at the thought, and hummed deep in her throat.

  “Mmmmmm,” she sighed. “This feels really good. It was such a gorgeous wedding—I’m so happy for Tia and Dylan.”

  Bo pulled her up onto his lap and kissed her. “It was pretty awesome,” he agreed. “You’re pretty awesome, too, Lexi, and this thing with us…” his voice trailed off as he searched for the right words.

  “…was a happy and unexpected surprise for me, Bo. It feels so natural, so easy.” She smiled back at him. “It’s made an incredible weekend even more incredible than I could have ever dreamed possible.”

  “I was thinking,” he said. “Do you think you could get another week off of work? I don’t have anywhere I need to be right now, and there are a lot of very romantic islands around here where we could explore the whole thing further…” he waggled his eyebrows at her, and she couldn’t help but laugh. She loved that they could still joke about pretty much anything, and was thrilled that he wanted to extend their time together.

  “Didn’t Tia tell you? I’m currently unemployed, so I’ve got all the time in the world. I hear The Virgin Islands are nice this time of year,” she said.

  “Hey,” he teased, “if we do this, I don’t want there to be anything virginal about it. I was thinking more of Aruba, or maybe Trinidad—something sexy—you know, worthy of the two of us.”

  “I like the way you’re thinking, handsome,” she smiled, leaning over and pressing her lips to his.

  “I wonder if Jessa might look into a few things for us—she’s got the magic touch when it comes to things like that. Should we head back to the party and see if we can talk her into it?”

  “Mmmm,” Lexi moaned. “I like it right here, thanks.” Bo tilted his head and raised his eyebrows. “Oh, all right,” she groaned, “I guess we are the maid of honor and best man—we should go join in the celebration.”

  Just then, Jessa came around the corner and made her way into the garden. “There you are!” she said, out of breath. “They’re going to toss the bouquet and garter soon, and they both want you to be there!”

  Lexi peeled herself off Bo’s lap and smoothed her dress. “I’m coming,” she said with a smile. “We were just headed that way anyway.”

  “You are going to make a try for that bouquet, right princess?” Bo winked at her. “Couldn’t hurt to have a little luck on our side, right?”

  “I will do my best. You’re going for the garter, then?”

  “Are you kidding me? I’ve been visualizing it all night,” he swirled his hands around his head, his fingers wagging. “It’s in the bag, sister.”

  Lexi giggled and wrapped her arm around his waist, while Jessa shook her head and groaned. “Oh hell,” she said. “One of you InHap boys in love is hard enough, but two of you will be impossible!”

  Bo detached himself from Lexi and wrapped his arm around Jessa. “Now, now, little one,” he said smoothly, “you know I never ask for much. I’m always easy to please!”

  She stopped and turned, looking at him suspiciously while Lexi giggled. “OK, Collins, what do you want?” she asked, hands on her hips. Bo shrugged and pasted an innocent look onto his face. “Spill it,” she insisted.

  “Well, now that you mention it—speaking of mentioning, did I tell you how stunning you look tonight? Positively gorgeous!”

  “I don’t need any of your sugar, Bo. Just ask. You know I’ll help you if I can. I can always squeeze in some time for you, you know that.” Bo kissed the top of her head affectionately. “So, what do you need?”

  Bo pulled her into a friendly hug. “You’re the best, you know that? We’re all lucky to have you. I mean that.”

  “Uh, sugar?” she reminded him. “Don’t want it, don’t need it. Give me something to do.”

  Lexi broke in and took Jessa by the arm, leading her back to the reception. “Bo and I are thinking of extending our little vacation, and were hoping you might be able to get us some info on some good destinations.”

  “I see,” she said with a knowing smile. “I can definitely help you out with that. Tony’s been impossible; I can’t wait to see the look on his face when I tell him I have to steal away for a bit and find some stuff for you. You want to stick in the Caribbean?”

  “Might as well; we’re already here,” Bo said. “I want something quiet and romantic; private, and with a view.”

  “You want activities and excursions, or just something…with a big bed?” She smirked and shook her head. The two of them together wasn’t a big surprise—not to her at least. She’d guessed a long time ago that there was more between them than a casual flirtation. It was overpowered when Dylan and Tia were in the room, but it was there—she’d seen it.

  Lexi and Bo shared a devious smile. “Maybe both?” Lexi said. “I don’t know that we’ll make too many excursions…”

  “I’d like a private sunset cruise,” Bo interjected, “and maybe something a little adventurous—horseback riding? Zip lining?” He looked at Lexi. “How does that sound?”

  “I’m up for it if you are,” she said, smiling.

  “I’ll see what I can do for you in the morning,” she said. “But for now, you go work on catching that bouquet!”

  They climbed the stairs to the enormous open air deck where the reception was still in full swing. Lexi caught Tia’s eye and made her way over.

  “I didn’t miss anything good, did I?” she asked.

  “It was pretty interesting watching Tony and Jessa on the dance floor, that’s for sure,” she smiled. “But other than that, I haven’t noticed much besides my incredibly fine husband,” she giggled, and knew she’d never get tired of saying that.

  “He does look damn amazing,” Lexi agreed, “and so do you. Marriage agrees with you both already.”

  “It does, and I know it’s terrible of me, but I want to get the formalities out of the way so we can sneak out of here a little early and…” a grin spread across her face. “…you know.”

  “I do,” Lexi agreed, “so just toss me that freaking bouquet and get it over with already. Eat some cake, make a toast to thank everyone for coming, and get out of here. There’s not a single person here who isn’t going to understand that.”

  Dylan sidled up and wrapped his arms around his bride. “I missed you, sexy wife,” he said, kissing her on the cheek. “I’m ready when you are.”

  “I’m working on it, husband,” she smiled. “We have to do the bouquet and garter, cut the cake, and make one more round of goodbyes, and then we’ll be done.”

  “Not done,” Dylan said with a sly smile. “Just getting started, baby.” He leaned over and nibbled on her ear.

  Tia grabbed his hand and started for the stage. “Let’s hurry, then,” she said breathlessly.

  She climbed the steps and took the mike, and Dylan joined her. Immediately, the silverware started clinking against dozens
of glasses, and Dylan happily obliged.

  “Whew!” she said into the mike. “I will never get tired of that!” The guests cheered, and raised their glasses. “So listen,” she started. “We want to thank each and every one of you for sharing this incredible time with us. We both feel so blessed to have you all in our lives, and couldn’t imagine this day without you. Many of you came halfway around the world to be here, and we are so grateful. It’s been the best day of my life so far, and we are both looking forward to starting our married lives together…”

  “As soon as possible!” Dylan called into the mike, a few whistles and catcalls coming from the floor.

  Tia punched him playfully on the arm. “So we’re going to toss the bouquet and garter, cut the cake, have one last dance and then make our exit—since we won’t see you again before we’re off on our honeymoon, we wanted to say goodbye, we love you all, and we have loved every minute we’ve spent with you! So, with that, if I can get all the single girls over here…”

  It was Jessa who ended up with the bouquet, much to the delight of the crowd. She stood there dumbfounded—she hadn’t had a real romantic interest in anyone since the horrible break-up she’d had shortly before she’d started working for Dylan; and getting married was the furthest thing from her mind. She felt a blush rise up in her cheeks as she stood there holding the beautiful bundle of tropical flowers, and she looked over to see Tony Granger smirking at her. Who the hell did he think he was, anyway? Mr. High and Mighty, reigning over his little kingdom here, calling meetings with her at his whim to go through pictures and videos so he could profit from this whole event? He did put on a hell of a wedding, though, and it had been incredibly easy to put it all together with his help. He was a pretty good dancer, too, and they’d actually shared a few light moments. Maybe she was being a little too hard on him.

  A thin smile touched her lips before she decided to roll with it, and held the bouquet over her head, doing a little victory dance.

  Dylan made a huge deal out of diving beneath Tia’s dress to retrieve the garter, and although the guests saw the humor in it, Tia shivered as she felt his tongue slide deliciously up her thigh past the garter belt to the edge of her panties. She felt the vibration of his moan between her legs, and had to work hard to keep a light expression on her face.

  Bo did manage to grab the garter, but it wasn’t too much of a struggle for him, since Dylan practically threw it right at him. He waved it in the air, and then pulled Lexi over for a hug, telling her, “Looks like the luck’s all on my side tonight, sweetheart!”

  The music started up and they took to the dance floor once more, Dylan with Jessa and Tia with Bo.

  Bo smiled down at Tia. “You take good care of my man, there, you hear me?” he said.

  “No worries there. You take care of my friend, too, Bo. She’s had some tough times this past year too.”

  “I know it, and I will,” he assured her, and she knew his word was golden.

  “I trust that you will,” she smiled, adding, “I couldn’t be happier, you know, for the two of you. How awesome would it be for this to work out for all of us?”

  “Well now, don’t be getting ahead of yourself now, little missy,” he said with a sheepish grin. “Or I guess now I need to say little missus. I’m very hopefully optimistic, though, you know? She brings something out in me that I didn’t even know was there. I feel like I’m back in grade school with a major crush. It’s a little disconcerting, to be honest, but it feels really good.”

  “I like the two of you together,” Tia smiled, “although I wouldn’t want to be within a five-mile radius if you get into an argument. Neither of you would ever win.”

  “Ah,” Bo said smiling. “The answer to that is to always let her win. I definitely know that.”

  “Well, in that case, there shouldn’t be any problems,” she laughed. They both watched as Tony Granger strolled confidently onto the dance floor and approached Dylan, requesting to cut in on his dance with Jessa.

  “I was hoping to get one more dance with my bride anyway,” Dylan smiled, handing her over as Jessa frowned at him jokingly. Dylan cut in on Tia and Bo, and Bo motioned for Lexi to join him, twirling her around the floor and laughing with her. It was a hell of an end to the evening for all of them as the other guests joined them for their final dance.

  They cut the cake, posed for the obligatory pictures as they fed it to one another, and ran around to hug their guests one last time before heading out and down the path that led to the romantic little villa where they’d be spending their wedding night. Dylan grabbed her hand and tugged her along, and Tia kicked off her shoes in an attempt to match his pace.

  “Are you in a hurry, Mr. Miller?” she asked slyly as they hurried down the path.

  “You better believe it, Mrs. Miller,” he answered breathlessly. “It’s not official until we consummate, you know.”

  Tia picked up her pace and they nearly ran to the bungalow, stopping just long enough for him to pick her up and carry her over the threshold into the well-appointed villa. They stood staring at each other for a moment, getting one more look at their wedding attire, and they both smiled.

  “You are my wife!” he exclaimed, reaching out to run his fingers down her cheek. “Finally.”

  “And you are my husband,” she replied, her eyes lidded. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to say that.”

  He pulled her close and slowly undid the zipper on the back of her dress, letting it fall to the floor. She smiled as she watched him take her in, loving the lustful look in his eyes. “You like?” she whispered. The matching bra and panties were a gift from one of her showers, and she wore them as her “something new.”

  “Oh yeah,” he growled back. “I really like.”

  She slipped off his jacket and threw it over the back of a chair, taking her time with the buttons on his shirt. Frustrated, he yanked it off over his head, and pressed his bare chest against her. “Mine,” he said. “All mine.”

  “I’ve been yours all along, Dylan,” she said, repeating what she’d said to him nearly a year ago. “Didn’t you know?”

  They fell onto the bed, and he kissed her, long and deep, his hands sliding slowly up the length of her body to cup her face in his hands. “And I yours, my love.” He brought his lips down to hers and they made love, slow and easy, for the first time as man and wife.

  The music kept playing, and the guests kept partying, long after the bride and groom had left. It was an unreal experience for most of them; a private island in the Bahamas, witness to one of the weddings of the century, and a chance to let loose and have some fun in the beautiful Caribbean. Bo and Lexi danced the night away until they could barely stand, and then, as the night was winding down, Bo whispered, “Stay with me tonight.”

  “I packed the leopard outfit,” she whispered.

  “Oh, hell yes,” he growled, pulling her closer.

  Tia had the best room on the property—the master suite in the main house. It had been cleared out after she’d gotten dressed for the wedding; her bags packed and moved to the villa. She’d told Lexi at the reception that she was welcome to it that evening, if things moved to that level, and that was where she led Bo now.

  She was full of anticipation and nervousness—their relationship would never be the same after this, but she found herself looking forward to the changes it would bring. The air grew heavy—they both knew that this was a game changer—no longer would they be harmlessly flirting; this made them a solid couple. And since their respective best friends were now married, they’d be part of each other’s lives regardless of how their own relationship worked out. They were both willing to take the chance, however, and neither was naïve about how it could affect the ones they loved most.

  Lexi lifted the little rug outside the door and took the key Tia said would be waiting, and turned the lock. She’d been in this room just this morning, but somehow it all seemed new. Tia had obviously anticipated they’d be here—the giant four
poster bed was turned down and sprinkled with fragrant petals, and there was a bottle of champagne chilling on the nightstand. Candles were placed strategically around the room and Lexi set about lighting them, creating an ambiance much different than the room had previously assumed. Bo popped the cork on the champagne bottle and poured two glasses, handing one to her as she lit the last candle. The ambient light flickered over his features, and she took them in one by one as they spoke to each other without words. The thin dreadlocks that fell just below his shoulders, his thick, full lips, chocolate brown eyes rimmed with long lashes, the rich cocoa of his skin, the shortly trimmed beard and mustache, and of course, the mere size of him—six foot three at least, she thought, and bulging muscle.

  He looked deep into her eyes. “Are you sure this is what you want, Lexi?” he asked softly, his own eyes literally dancing. “You know what they say—once you have black…”

  She chuckled in spite of herself, and looked at him. The humor was in his voice, but his eyes told a very different story. This was serious business, and she tried to come up with an equally corny cliché. “Yeah? Well,” she said giggling, “maybe once you have cream, I’ll haunt all your dreams.”

  “You crazy woman,” he breathed. “You’ve been haunting my dreams for a year now. Are you finally gonna make them come true?”

  She felt the heat rise into her cheeks. “I’m going to be yours tonight, Bo, and hopefully for many nights to come.”

  “Then all my prayers are answered,” he whispered, coming to her and pulling her gently into his arms. He took her face in his huge hands, and kissed her gently. She felt her limbs soften as other parts of her throbbed intently, and kissed him back, intensifying the contact. She pressed against him, molding her body to his, and felt her stomach turn in anticipation.

  She wondered for a moment how his kiss could be so soft when every part of him was so hard—and she slid his jacket from his shoulders and dropped it to the floor. As she fumbled with his shirt buttons, he slowly slid the zipper down the back of her dress, and she stepped out of it as it pooled at her feet, kicking it behind her.