Kara and Kayla were the same age. Kara had recently gotten engaged and she and Kayla had exchanged contact information so that she and Mik and Kara and her fiancé could get together once things settled down.
Renee went into the dressing area where Amy was making sure that the gowns were properly pressed. As Kayla walked in so that Amy could help her into her dress, she said to Renee, “Mom, Kara is finishing up with Aunt Liza’s makeup and is ready for you.”
“Okay,” Renee looked at Amy, smiled and said, “I’ll see you in a few. I’ll style my hair before we put the dress on and then I’ll meet you back in here.”
Liza had just gone to the dressing room and Renee was now seated in the chair to have her makeup done. When Renee’s makeup was complete, she thanked Kara for taking out of her schedule for her.
Liza and Kayla were completely dressed. Their hair, makeup and dresses were perfect. Liza said, “Do you want us to stay and help you with anything?”
Renee assured them that she could take it from there. Just as she was starting to take her hair out of the twists that she had placed the night prior, there was a knock at the door. She peered through the peephole and saw Matt standing on the other side. He had on his suit and looked so handsome. “Hi, Mom,” he said. “I won’t keep you long. The music is starting to play and Kim is getting everyone in place. Dad wanted me to give you this.” He handed Renee an envelope with her name on it in Elliott’s handwriting. Matt hugged Renee and left the room.
Renee opened the envelope and took out the piece of paper inside. The note read:
I have waited so long for this day. I didn’t know when it would come, but I did know that it would get here. I love you so much, baby. See you at the altar.”
Renee took a few deep breaths and fanned her face so that her eyes would not water. She tucked the note into the overnight bag that she brought with her from the hotel. Once she had regained her composure, she went back to the mirror with a big smile on her face and continued styling her hair.
Once she had finished, she went back into the dressing room where Amy was waiting to help her with her dress. Kim had come in to make sure that Renee was getting dressed. “I’m going to be right outside your door. When you’re ready, just knock on the door and I’ll have your dad meet you here in the hallway.”
Renee finished dressing and after Amy had zipped the back of Renee’s dress, they both stood looking at Renee’s reflection in the full-length mirror. Renee looked, in a word, stunning. Her makeup was minimal, natural and flawless on her chocolate brown skin. Her dreadlocks had a slight wave to them, some pinned away from her face while the rest kissed her shoulders and back.
Amy said “Renee, I’m going to say this in all seriousness to you, and I’m not just saying this to be nice. You are absolutely the most beautiful bride I have had the pleasure of working with. Elliott is a lucky man and he is so going to lose it when he sees you.”
Renee said, “I have you to thank, Amy. You knew exactly how I wanted to look in my gown and you made it happen for me and on very short notice. I can’t thank you enough.”
Shortly after Amy had left the dressing room and made her way outside with the rest of the guests, the music that Renee and Elliott had selected started to play. Renee knocked on the door to let Kim know that she was ready. The first few notes of Gerald Levert’s ”Made to Love You,” had just started to play, indicating that everyone and everything was in place. Dennis knocked lightly on the door and Renee joined him in the hallway. He looked at his daughter, a gorgeous woman, and was filled with pride.
Dennis said to Renee, “Honey, I know you’re a grown woman, but you’ll always be my baby girl. I know that Elliott loves you very much and that he always has and always will. But, if you ever need anything from your old man, you know I’m always here.”
“I love you, too, Dad,” Renee said as she hugged Dennis. After everyone was in place, and the door leading out to the garden had closed, it was Renee’s turn to walk down the aisle.
~~~~
The weather was perfect. The sky was clear and blue, with a few cumulus clouds. The garden was a blend of lilies, hydrangeas, red and white roses and other flowers. The scent was light and easy on the senses. The garden was filled to capacity. When the doors reopened for Renee and Dennis to walk down the aisle, “A Couple of Forevers” by Chrisette Michele started to play. The original plan had been to have only one song, but Renee had contacted Kim while she was in Vegas and asked that the second song be added for her.
Once the doors were open and Renee was visible, everyone stood and there was a collective drawing in of breaths by the guests. Renee didn’t seem to notice as she was only focused on Elliott, whose eyes widened when he saw her. Of course he had seen Renee at her very best and indeed she was effortlessly beautiful. But today was different. Today, she had outdone her own self. She saw it in his eyes, too. A look of love, admiration, and horniness all at once.
Her wedding gown fit her curves perfectly. The gown that Renee wore was not the same gown that Liza, Kayla, and Lena saw. She decided to go with the third gown. It was strapless and the bodice was made of satin and was ruched. This portion of the gown really accentuated her curves. The satin portion of the gown stopped right above the knees and then transitioned into a layered tulle and satin skirt that went all the way to the floor. The cream color of the gown was the perfect contrast for her creamy, chocolate complexion. Liza and Kayla looked at each other and Lena clasped her hands together and said, “Lovely, just lovely.”
When Renee reached the altar with Elliott, and after Dennis had taken his seat next to Sharon, she looked up at him and simply said, “Hi.” Elliott responded by moving in closer to her for a kiss, but was interrupted by Judge Nichols. This evoked laughter from the guests.
After they said their vows and the judge announced them husband and wife, Elliott pulled Renee close to him and she placed her arms around his neck for a brief, but searing kiss that made each of them moan loud enough that the judge heard them. He raised his brow slightly and smiled at them.
As they ran down the aisle and out to the waiting limo, the guests clapped and voiced their congratulations to the happy couple.
~~~~
In the background, making sure not to be seen, Maggie watched as Renee married the man that she had banished her from all those years ago. She saw Kayla and Matt. They had grown up to be beautiful, like their parents. She even saw Dennis and Sharon. Dennis looked happy. Happier than he could have ever been with her. She wanted to make her presence known, but she knew better than to disrupt Renee’s big day. The way that Maggie found that Renee was marrying Elliott was because one of Renee’s friends from high school had dropped by to congratulate her. Renee’s friend thought that Maggie knew. The fact was, during their last conversation, which had been shortly after Matt and Kayla’s birth, Maggie had the gall to call Renee and tell her that she was making the biggest mistake of her life. She remembered Renee’s exact words to her: “Maggie, the only mistake I made was allowing you to talk me into breaking Elliott’s heart. And now he’s somewhere in Africa. My children are not a mistake. They are my babies and I love them. But you wouldn’t know about that, would you? Consider this our last conversation, Maggie. I never want to hear from or see you again.” Over the years Maggie came to realize what she did was wrong. Now, she wished there was a way to let Renee know that.
~~~~
After picture-taking had been completed, Elliott pulled Renee into his arms and smiled at her. She blushed and said, “What, Elliott?”
He said, “Renee, you look so beautiful. I don’t even have the words to describe just how gorgeous you are, but when we are alone in a little while, I intend to show you what I’m feeling.”
Renee slipped her arms around Elliott’s strong back and gently stroked it. She would have to be blind to not see how handsome and sexy he looked in his suit which fit him perfectly. His hair had been cut just enough to be neat, but still with enough length for her t
o run her fingers through his beautiful waves. His dark blue eyes were framed by thick, dark lashes and he had shaved, exposing his square jawline. Feeling his long, lean, muscular frame pressed intimately against her like this while they were fully clothed was just a taste of what was in store for later that night.
After they finished taking pictures, they walked into the reception area, Renee and Elliott were greeted by cheers. As she took in the beautiful surroundings, she was also struck by how many people were in attendance. As she and Elliott were making their way inside, shaking hands with, and hugging well-wishers, Renee felt someone tap her on the shoulder from behind. It was her best high school friend, Alexandra Benson.
Renee and Alex hugged tightly before saying anything. The last time they had seen each other was at a get-together with some other friends before Renee went to New York. They pulled apart and Renee said, “Alex, I’m so happy you could be here today. How are you? I really want us to get together and catch up.”
Alex laughed and said, “You’ve got a lot going on today. And I’m so happy to see you and to be here for you and Elliott. Kim has my contact information and will give it to you. I live in San Francisco now, so we’ll make plans to get together when you two get back.” Renee and Alex hugged again before Renee and Elliott went inside.
Once inside the reception hall, Renee was struck by not only how many people were attending, but at how beautifully the room was decorated. It was very simple, but elegant with high back chairs at the tables, cream-colored tablecloths with merlot-colored linen napkins. Each table was decorated with unique floral centerpieces.
As soon as Liza and Kayla could make a B-line over to Renee they did. They were followed by a group of other people who wished to congratulate the couple. Liza and Kayla hugged and kissed Renee and Elliott. Liza said, “Well, Mrs. James, you sure know how trick people, don’t you? This dress is absolute perfection. You are gorgeous, you know?”
Renee laughed and hugged Liza and teasingly said, “What, neither of you remember me putting this on? Oh, well. I guess it worked out pretty good, right?”
Ben and Lena walked up and Lena hugged Elliott and Renee and said, “Yes, dear, it worked out very, very well. My goodness, Renee, you are stunning.”
Matt and Sonya gave Renee and Elliott hugs and kisses. Renee could see in Matt’s eyes that he was falling hard for Sonya, and even though she was somewhat shy, Sonya was falling head-over-heels for Matt.
Kayla said, “Mom, if I were half as beautiful as you are, I would be walking on sunshine. Everyone is talking about how good-looking both of you are.”
Renee looked at the beautiful young woman standing in front of her. She pulled her into a hug and said, “You’re a beautiful woman. Don’t you know that’s part of the reason Mik is anywhere and everywhere you want to be?”
After pictures were taken outside the venue, the photographer directed the couple inside the reception area so that she could take more pictures.
After they spent a little more time being congratulated by their guests and eating a little bit of the delicious fare that had been prepared, Renee had Kim to make an announcement. Kim said, “The bride and groom are going to be leaving very shortly. They are going to cut the cake and then they are going to leave.” The guests started clapping and making whistling noises. Kim went on to say, “After the cake is cut and the bride and groom leave, it is their wish that you continue to enjoy yourselves, the open bar, and let the good times roll. Or as the French would say “Laissez les bon temps roulez.”
After they danced to Luther Vandross’s “Here and Now,” and after Joe made a toast to the couple, Elliott and Renee made a fast break for the waiting limo. Once inside, Elliott pulled Renee into his arms and gave her a kiss that was tender and fiery at the same time.
~~~~
Chapter 6
After their short ride to the hotel, Elliott and Renee were finally alone in their room together. Of course they had been alone together many times since finding each other again, but this time was different. This time they were together as husband and wife. If anyone had told either of them that this would even be possible a year ago, they would have never believed it.
Since he knew that they would not be eating at the reception, Elliott had taken the liberty of requesting that a light dinner be prepared for them to eat in their suite.
Renee sat on the couch and removed the strappy sandals that she had been wearing. Elliott sat down beside her and positioned her so that her back was resting on the arm rest and her legs were stretched onto his lap. As he gently massaged her delicate feet, she wiggled her toes and sighed.
Elliott chuckled and said, “Long day, huh?”
Renee removed her feet from his lap and moved over closer so that she was sitting right next to him. “Yes, a very long day.”
“Well,” Elliott said, “We’re here now, just us. The perfect end to a perfect day.” He leaned her against the sofa’s armrest as he covered her full, sensuous lips with his. Renee moaned as she felt her nipples begin to peak beneath the bustier and dress.
“Mmmm, Elliott, why don’t I get changed. By then, dinner will be here.”
He took a nibble from her neck and said, “Okay, baby.” He stood up first and helped her to her feet.
Renee took the overnight bag that contained her sleepwear into the restroom with her.
In the meantime, while Elliott waited for Renee to change out of her wedding dress, he took off his tie and undid two buttons of his shirt. While he was locating their tickets for their trip the following day, room service came with their dinner. Just as the door to the room was closing, Renee walked out of the changing area of the restroom. The tight sensation that Elliott had been feeling in his pants since he saw Renee walk down the aisle earlier became even tighter.
Renee had changed into a dark blue ankle-length gown. The front top portion was made of delicate lace that left the soft, fleshy inner portion of her breasts exposed. The skirt was made of satin and fell to a handkerchief hemline. The back portion was cut low,revealing her toned back and smooth brown skin. The skirt was sheer on the sides and back, revealing her shapely legs and round, firm bottom. Underneath she wore a matching dark blue thong. On her feet she wore black kitten-heeled slides with soft fur that caressed the tops of her feet. She had unpinned the portions of her hair that had been secured and allowed all of her dreadlocks to flow in loose waves around her shoulders and back.
Elliott’s eyes drank in everything about Renee. His mouth went dry. She walked over and joined him at the table that had been set for them.
When he was able to speak, Elliott said, “I don’t know what to say. The way you look, your skin, your hair. You smell so good. I don’t think I can last much longer, Renee.”
She laughed softly as she was pouring ginger ale into wine glasses. “Elliott, you’ve seen me so many times before today. It’s just a little . . . “
Before she could finish what she was saying, Elliott had pulled her into his strong arms and covered her mouth in a kiss that let her know that his hunger had nothing to do with food.
He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, shoes slipping off her feet. He gently laid her on top of the bed while she untucked his shirt from his slacks. They were kissing passionately, Renee running her fingers through Elliott’s hair while he kissed her exposed neck and chest. After Renee had removed Elliott’s dress shirt, she pulled his undershirt over his head, revealing his muscled chest and flat, hard stomach. Elliott’s lips met hers, their lips parting and their tongues dancing. Elliott said, “Renee, as much as I like this sexy little thing you’re wearing, I’m going to take it off now.” He slid the thin straps of the nightie down her arms. The flimsy sheath slipped all the way down her body, leaving her wearing only thong underwear.
When Elliott raised himself up in order to completely remove Renee’s nightie, she unfastened his slacks and slid them down his legs. His erection was straining unmercifully against his underwear. Renee slid
his underwear down his thighs and he removed them the rest of the way. He wasted no time in removing the thong that she was wearing, leaving her completely exposed to him.
They took in each other’s naked bodies. Elliott’s long, trim muscular frame with its hardened chest, chiseled abdomen, and strong thighs were a perfect contrast to Renee’s full, breasts with areolas that were more tempting than Hershey’s Kisses, soft, flat, yet gently rounding stomach, curvaceous hips, and shapely thighs.
Elliott slowly lowered his body so that he was now on the bed with his bride. The touching, teasing, licking, kissing, and moaning became much more intense. He was on top of Renee, kissing her sensuous lips, their lips parting so that their tongues could start seductively playing again. When he pulled his lips away from hers, she breathed in a sharp intake of air as he nibbled and sucked her neck. Their bodies were slowly writhing together as Elliott inched his way down to Renee’s impossibly hardened nipples, his erection lining up with the soft, wet, feminine folds between her legs, deliciously parting her wet, swollen sex. When he took her nipple into his mouth, she spread her legs, laced her fingers into his thick, wavy hair, and whispered, “Elliott.” He continued to suck and tease her nipples until she was almost out of her mind with desire for him. He raised himself from her for just a second so that he could lightly and slowly circle his finger around her throbbing clit, sliding his finger into her hot, wet channel. As he touched her and sucked her nipples, Renee’s moans became more passionate.
Elliott said, “I want you so much right now, Renee. Need you right now, baby.” She murmured something unintelligible and with that, he slowly entered her.
As Elliott’s long, thick, veined sex entered Renee, they both let out an audible “Aahhh.” They moved slowly, Elliott continuing to suck Renee’s neck and nipples while she writhed beneath him, sucking his neck and gently scraping her nails up and down his back and buttocks. They kissed, and when they parted, they were gasping for air. Elliott’s hips rocked slowly back and forth. As he rocked into her, he made contact with her sensitive clit while staying buried deep inside of her. “Ohhh, yes, baby. You’re so tight, so hot,” his voice low and husky. “Yes, Renee, mmmm, yes, just like that.”
A Couple of Forevers (This Time Forever Book 2) Page 8