by Kendra Riley
“What? You wanna get married tomorrow?” Nariah looked up, seeing the underside of his chin.
He shifted underneath her. “If you’re up for it.”
Nariah was quiet for a moment as she observed her environment. Outside, there was an endless field of grass, the cherry blossom trees creating a breathtaking environment. She imagined it dressed up and filled with people. A night wedding spoke to her. “What about my family?”
“Private jet.”
“What about my dress and your suit?”
“I’ll marry you naked if you wanted.” Russell chuckled. “I lied, maybe in a towel.”
“Can we make it a couple of weeks? I know you can get a wedding planner and all that, but I’m sure my mom will want to help. What about your bachelor party?”
“Don’t need one. But I’m sure Jacoby, our dads, and Morgan can come up with something fun.”
His stubble scratched against her skin, a sensation she had come to love, inspiring a twitch between her legs. After telling him so, she casually returned the conversation to the wedding, using her hand to build the heat. She laughed as he struggled to answer her questions.
“We can have the wedding after we get back from our honeymoon.”
“Nope,” Nariah denied. “And you can’t have none until then.”
“When does the two weeks start?” Russell asked.
“Tonight.” She made sure no one was watching as she slipped her hand into his pants. He grew instantly upon feeling her touch. Stroking him to full length, she soiled her panties as he slipped a finger inside her. They struggled to maintain a natural position as pleasure twisted their bodies. She came twice before bringing him to climax. After cleaning themselves with a blanket, she stood. Russell stood as well, ready to take her to one of the many bedrooms. Spotting his eagerness, she shut him down, saying, “That’s all you get pal.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’m not playin’. We’re sleeping in separate beds until I become Mrs. Haines.”
“You’re lucky I love you,” Russell said.
Nariah left him standing in his spot as she left to ask Stephy about the accommodations, her devilish wink lingering behind her. “Love you too.”
###
The two weeks whizzed by. Nariah and Tyra were at the wedding dress shop doing a final fitting for their dresses. Nariah ran her hands down her torso, continuing on to her train, reaching as far as she could. She avoided looking in the mirror for fear that what she was experiencing and feeling wasn’t real. It was all too good to be true; even with the mishaps in her relationship. She couldn’t wait to see Carson and Seth. She might have been more excited to see them than Russell.
The dress was a cream-colored halter top, her shoulders strong and toned. Her skin popped against the cream intricately sewn patterns, the hints of black interwoven within, bringing out her dark eyes and hair. She turned round and round in the dressing room, soaking in the rare display of femininity.
“Hurry up in there before I die,” Tyra complained.
“How much champagne have you had?”
“I’m a little tipsy,” Tyra admitted, “but not enough to make time slow down. Now come on.”
Despite her mom already seeing her in the dress, this time was different. Nariah was nervous. It had been a long time since she allowed her mother to see her in such a way; vulnerable, open. Since she was a teen, she and Tyra butt heads about the roles and limitations of being a woman. After their talk, she realized that being a woman isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of thing. Being a woman is subjective, defined according to the person.
“Ugh, come on Nariah. I can see the bottom of the bottle.”
Nariah ignored her, looking at the woman in the mirror. Tears blurred the outskirts of her vision and slowly traveled inward. She used the tissue stuffed in her bra to wipe them, laughing at herself. She listened. There was nothing. She closed her eyes and concentrated harder.
You look beautiful.
You deserve this.
You’re strong, smart, and worthy.
It was funny how quickly things could change. A little less than a year ago, she suffered from low self-esteem, her belief in love at an all-time low. Now, she couldn’t imagine herself without it, wondering how she survived so long without it. As she reflected, she realized like Russell, everything she had been through was preparing her for the moment. She held her waist, no longer ashamed of her stretch marks. Looking into her eyes, she liked what she saw. She was proud of the woman standing before her.
“Nariah,” Tyra called.
“Here I come. Jeez lady.”
“About time,” Tyra shot back. She sputtered on her drink as Nariah stepped into the light. “Oh my God.” She set her glass down and covered her mouth with both hands.
“That bad?” Nariah spun in a circle.
“Is that the same dress?” Tyra walked a circle around her, readjusting the fabric as she went. “It fits so good. You look amazing, baby girl.” Their eyes connected, recognizing the significance of the nickname. Tyra hadn’t called her it since she was a little girl. “You better not cry.”
The threat was short lived as Nariah enclosed her arms around her mother’s shoulders. “Thank you so much, Mommy.”
“It’s my job, sweetheart,” she pulled away, “and judging by the way you look, I did a great job.” She used the back of her hand to dab the moisture away from Nariah’s cheeks. “Every man in attendance is going to fall over.”
“The only men I care about are my boys.”
“I felt the same way,” Tyra admitted. “They’re all that matters, except for me, your dad, and Jacoby.”
“Of course.” Nariah observed them in the mirror, hugging Tyra’s arms after they wrapped around her shoulders.
Tyra held her tighter, placing a kiss on Nariah’s temple. “You really deserve this. You deserve everything, Russell, Carson, Seth. You deserve to be happy.” Both of their eyes closed as they released their breaths. “Are you ready?” she asked, stepping off the platform. After refilling her glass, she handed one to Nariah.
“I’m a little scared.” Nariah was too busy turning to the left and right, drinking herself in. Convinced her newfound confidence wasn’t just an illusion and that she wasn’t in fact dreaming, she stepped off the platform, Tyra helping her unzip.
“Rightly so, but trust me when I say this is the best decision you’ll ever make.”
Nariah believed her. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind. Because of the speed of everything and her and Russell’s sleeping arrangement, she saw very little of him in the past two weeks. It was good for building her anticipation, also helping her to realize how much she craved his presence. It would all be worth it in 24 hours.
The next morning was a frenzy. There was so much to do; hair, makeup, getting dressed, and the like. Stephy and Tyra were in charge as they worked in tandem to make everything run in a smooth method. The two women got along immediately, their personalities contradictory, yet complementary. Tyra barked orders at the set-up crew, while Stephy explained her vision to the makeup artist. What they couldn’t handle, Olivia took care of.
Nariah had received a full beauty treatment, complete with a full body massage, manicure and pedicure, and a facial. She was conversing with the bubbly makeup artist when small raps on the door caught their attention. Love filled her as Tyra led Seth into the room, a hand covering his eyes.
“N-Nariah.”
“You look so handsome Seth,” she said, complimenting his sharp black suit and fresh haircut.
He uncovered his eyes, his smile wide. He hurriedly snapped his hand back into place. “Can I look?”
“Sure sweetheart.”
Seth peeked between two fingers before peeling them away one at a time. His mouth dropped open as he laid eyes on her lightly made up face, wearing just enough to highlight her features. “You’re even more pretty,” he said, hiding his grin in his shoulder.
“Did Dad send you in here
to spy?”
“No,” Seth denied, nodding his head.
“You can stay in here with us until it’s time for me to get dressed.”
“Okay,” he exclaimed. Inheriting his father’s calm, he sat on the couch, his heading following each person that passed in front of him.
Ten minutes later, there was another knock on the door. Nariah listened as her mother turned away the familiar deep silky voice. A storm swirled inside of her, a mixture of anxiety, excitement, and wanting to get it over with. She winked at Seth, who was trying to see through the sea of people. He hid behind the couch as Tyra told Russell he wasn’t allowed in the room, peeking over the top after the door closed.
“What’s wrong?” Nariah asked, noticing the somber look on her mother’s face.
She was silent for a few seconds. Suddenly, her mouth curled into a smile. “He looks as good as you. His suit—”Tyra fanned herself—“if I wasn’t married to your dad.”
“I’m telling,” Nariah teased.
“He’ll never believe you.”
The sun was just beginning to set when it was time to get dressed. Once again, Nariah found herself in front of a mirror. She smiled at herself as she smoothed the fabric down.
I am beautiful.
A final pirouette and she was ready. She winked.
I love you.
Olivia didn’t bother knocking before she opened the door, all smiles as she laid eyes on her best friend. They exchanged an embrace only friends of 20+ years were familiar with, not letting one another go until Nariah felt something wet on her skin.
“Don’t you dare.”
“Whatever,” Olivia sniped. “This won’t be the only time I cry today.”
“What are you crying for ‘Liv, this is supposed to be a happy time.”
“You’ve been through so much. No one deserves happiness more than you, Nariah. I’ve seen you through your worst times and you never once complained.” Olivia presented her with a rectangular silver box. “I had this made a while ago.” She flipped the top. “I figured you wouldn’t be up for matching tattoos.”
“Damn right,” Nariah agreed. She held her wrist out, so Olivia could clasp the custom-made bracelet around it. The half of a broken heart had their nicknames—RiRi and ‘Liv—along with the year they met engraved on the back, the word ‘best’ on the front.
“Mine says ‘friends.’ Put them together and—”
“I love it,” Nariah interrupted, wrapping her arms around Olivia’s neck.
“Can’t breathe, sis.”
Nariah held her hands after letting her go, sincerity in her eyes as she stared into Olivia’s. “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“I know.”
“I love you, asshole,” Nariah scoffed.
“Love you too hardhead.” With that, Olivia left, fighting off questions about how the bride looked.
A collective gasp sucked the air out of the room as Nariah stepped out. Mouths agape, a lack of sound and movement, and nonstop tears all told her she looked the part. Each person in the room took the opportunity to tell her how incredible she looked, hugging her carefully. She tapped an empty glass, standing in the middle of the circle they formed.
“I just want to thank you for helping out. Every person in this room has helped make me feel more special than I’ve ever felt. I won’t get into my past, but it’s been a long time coming. I look forward to starting the new chapter with you. Thank you so much.”
After a short round of applause, the activities resumed at double the previous speed, only a few minutes before the wedding was due to start.
Nariah met Maxwell and Jacoby at the panorama doors leading to the backyard. They both held out their arms, Jacoby stone-faced, Maxwell’s lips and eyes twitching as he did his best to contain his emotions. No words were exchanged between the trio. The care with which both men held her hands demonstrated their love for her. The strength with which she gripped their arms symbolized the trust and love she had for them. With a single nod, she signaled her readiness.
String lights and strategically placed lanterns helped the pale moon and distant stars bring light to the area. Nature provided the song, matching the rhythm of Nariah’s heartbeat. She and Russell decided to limit the festivities to their immediate families and close friends, a total of a dozen people. Other than Tyra and Carson, all of them disappeared as she spotted her man, seeming to float her way to him.
Maxwell and Jacoby kissed each of her cheeks before shaking Russell’s hand.
The officiant’s voice faded as did the rest of the sounds around her. Her gaze was affixed to Russell’s lips, reading his admission of his love.
“Nariah, please repeat after me.”
Swallowing the fear sticking to her tongue, she stuttered through the vows. “Do ya’ll not see how fine he is? Don’t judge me.”
Russell’s eyes didn’t leave hers as he recited his vows. His grin gleamed as Seth presented him with the rings. Nariah halved her size so Seth’s lips could reach her jaw. He and Nariah continued holding hands after placing the rings on one another’s fingers.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife.. You may kiss your bride.”
The crowd’s thunderous applause engulfed all other sounds, but did nothing to disrupt the passionate kiss. Russell placed his lips next to Nariah’s ear, its heat causing her to shiver. “The two weeks is officially over.”
“Just like a man, always thinking about sex.”
“Do you not see how fine you are,” Russell snickered. “Don’t judge me.”
The new couple was showered with cheers and rice as they walked down the aisle.
In the car, Russell attacked Nariah with an animalistic hunger, only stopping after she placed a hand on his chest. “What?” he asked, chest heaving. He made sure the privacy glass was up.
Nariah smiled as she took in his features, tracing them with her fingertips, committing every dip, wrinkle, and pore to her memory. It was real. He was real. Their life had been a whirlwind for the past year. She placed a light kiss on his lips. “We don’t have to rush anymore.”
Russell nodded in understanding. Taking his rightful place next to her, he pulled her into his chest, resting his chin on the top of her head. “We have the rest of our lives.”
Epilogue
Two years later
Childish giggles filled the air, hiccups infiltrating attempts to take in exhaustion as the boys ran from their father. Another baby boy, Sebastian, joined the family a year earlier, fulfilling Russell’s wish for more children. Nariah watched absentmindedly as she chopped vegetables and seasoned the meat in preparation for the grill.
Morgan jogged down the stairs, greeting her with a warm embrace. “Ready yet, sis?”
“Just finished,” Nariah said, handing him a tray, following him outside.
“Uncle Morgan!” the two oldest boys cheered. They held their hands high after he asked who wanted to help him barbeque.
Russell made a beeline for Nariah, slithering his arms around her waist.
“What’s that smile for?” she questioned.
“Because my wife is the most gorgeous woman in the world.” He kissed her forehead and nose before placing a deep kiss on her lips.
“Say more.”
“I’ll show you later.” Russell chuckled with a slap to her butt. “Looking good, love.”
Nariah offered a devious wink as she increased the switch in her hips. “I know.”
The sound of the sliding doors drew everyone’s attention to the four bodies walking out of the house. The boys’ bodies thudded against Scott’s sturdy frame. They were calm as they hugged Stephy’s waist.
“Come on, Grandpa,” Seth said, leading Scott in the direction of the thick cloud of smoke, “Uncle Morgan is teaching me and Carson how to use the grill.”
“Where’s my littlest grandson?” Stephy asked.
“He should be just waking up. You can take him if you want.” Nariah’s h
eart cracked open as Stephy’s eyes lit up.
As soon as she disappeared, Maxwell’s booming voice ruptured through the door. “I smell something burning.”
“Must be the neighbors,” Morgan shouted back.
Both of the Alexander men offered abbreviated greetings, anxious to observe and critique Morgan’s technique. Stephy arrived with Sebastian, the women fawning over him.
“So how are you and Scott adjusting to New York?” Tyra asked.
“I miss the California weather,” Stephy admitted, “but I’m loving it. Mostly because I’m close to my family.”
The past two years contained healing and the restrengthening of fractured bonds, while also lending themselves to creations of new ones. Surrounded by the people she loved most, Nariah felt complete. She had everything she could ever ask for, everything she ever wanted. Love surrounded her on all sides.
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NEVER SLEEP WITH
A BAD BOY
A BAD BOY PREGNANCY ROMANCE By..
KENDRA RILEY
Summary
“Can she handle a bad boy for life?”
Being the daughter of the local pastor, Savannah Gideon should have known better than to get involved with an outlaw.
However, the ruggedly handsome Jake Parsons was just too smooth to resist. She knew he was bad but she really had no idea just how bad he really was.
After a passionate night that Savannah knew would only be a one time thing she vowed never to sleep with a bad boy again. She figured only trouble could come from it.
And 9 months later she was about to be proved right....