by Lexy Timms
Simon held Charity tight. “You wouldn’t do that to me, would you?”
“I might,” Charity teased.
Everyone stopped walking to stare at her.
“What?” She looked at their surprised faces.
“Would you seriously consider going back?” Julie recovered first. “If you did, you could have Simon’s job.”
“Hey!”
Julie ignored Simon. “We talk about it all the time. You would be such an amazing doctor.”
They talk about it all the time? Charity didn’t know what to say. “Did my father put you up to this?” She looked over Simon’s shoulder. Her father and Elijah’s mother were making their way toward them.
“No.” Elijah pulled her toward him. “He’s never brought it up since… since before the Diamond Gala.”
“If you’re thinking about it, you have all our support.” Julie tucked a windblown strand of hair behind her ear. “Once you move back up to New York, you’ll have time and the perfect place to finish.”
“I’m still under contract with Forever Hope Hospital in Atlanta. I won’t be doing anything until that’s finished. I still have about a year left.” She was actually nearly at the fundraising goal. She could finish a lot sooner. Why was she even considering this? And why did it sound so tempting? The possibility so exciting?
Elijah nudged Simon. “Can you get the door for me, buddy?”
Simon moved ahead and opened it.
Elijah lifted Charity again into his arms and carried her over the threshold as Simon held the door. “We can talk doc later. Let’s get this party started.” He kissed her before setting her down once they were inside. “Love you,” he whispered.
Her father and Elijah’s mother stepped inside just as the heavens opened up. From sun to instant downpour. In seconds the patio was covered in water.
“Timed that one perfectly,” her father commented.
Julie moved over to Margaret. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Margaret shook her head. “It’s all organized. The grand room’s all set up.” She glanced at Simon. “I might have to get the bartender to pick up a few more bottles of champagne.”
Simon grinned. “Already covered, Mrs. Bennet.”
They headed into the grand room. The room had been transformed. For Elijah’s father’s funeral, the room had been set to move around and hold a lot of people. It was a massive room so it wasn’t hard to picture. Now, Margaret had somehow set the room so it had a wedding reception appeal with a large, long table set up in the middle. She’d had the furniture moved around so it seemed smaller, like they were dining with royalty at a castle.
“It’s beautiful,” Charity said. “You’ve done a wonderful job, Mar-Mrs. Bennet.”
“Margaret, please.” Elijah’s mother smiled, pleased at the compliment. “You’re Mrs. Bennet now too.”
“Mrs. Thompson-Bennet,” her father corrected.
Charity felt Elijah’s hand squeeze hers and she gave him a quick squeeze back, not daring to look at him.
“Mia’s done all the cooking. I can’t wait to see what treats she has in store for us.” Margaret chattered on about the food.
Rain pelted against the large windows but no one seemed to notice. The room was brightly lit, giving the effect of a brilliant, sunny day. The photographer asked them to gather at the stairs in the entrance for pictures. He took a shot of the whole group and then had Charity and Elijah move to several places for more pictures. Hopefully he had managed to get some good ones down at the beach. It didn’t look like they would be heading outside again today.
Finally satisfied he had taken enough, he packed up his gear and congratulated the two of them. Albert offered to walk him out, to the back of the house, by the garage and indoor pool. He could take him on the golf cart to his car. Nobody said a word as they left, not even Albert’s wife who gave an “oh-no” face behind them as they left the room.
Margaret clapped her hand and motioned to the bartender to bring them champagne glasses. “I believe Simon had a toast he said he wanted to do.”
Everyone sat at their assigned chairs, with Elijah and Charity at the head of the table.
Simon pulled out his chair and stood. He coughed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I was honored when Elijah asked me to be his best man. When he said he and Charity wanted to get married down here in New Zealand there was no way Julie and I would miss it. They are both incredible people and I’m glad they are together.” He held up his champagne. “To the two of you.”
They toasted and Elijah got up to shake Simon’s hand. Charity went over and hugged him.
Julie stood and held her glass up. “I’m proud to stand at the ceremony for Charity. She’s had quite the journey and I’m happy to be her friend.”
“Her best friend,” Charity added.
“And my best friend too.” Julie tapped her glass to Charity’s. “Now hurry up and move to New York so we can hang out all the time!”
“You aren’t in New York?” Elijah’s mom asked.
“I’m in Atlanta at the moment,” Charity said, not sure what Margaret would think. “There’s another year on my contract.” She felt a wave of confidence as Elijah came around the table and put his arm around her. “It’ll be weekends in New York for a little while.” She planned on surprising Elijah with the news of her new “floating” contract later. She had it all planned out to tell him when they got back to New York.
“Or a few days in Atlanta when I’m off.”
Margaret turned to Dr. Thompson. “Kids these days.”
Charity’s father shrugged and looked to Elijah for help. He understood the life of a doctor better than anyone. There had been days where Charity didn’t see her father growing up. It never seemed to phase her mom… or her dad. “I have something I’d like to say also. A toast.” He pulled out a sheet of paper from his breast pocket and his little vial of aspirin. He took a glass of water and two pills.
Charity made a mental note to ask him later if he was having headaches. It was probably from the jetlag. He was a doctor so it wasn’t like she needed to question him.
Dr. Thompson waited until everyone was seated in their chairs again. He smiled at all of them, immediately knowing how to capture everyone’s attention in the room. Her mother always said it was a gift Charity had inherited. “I have been waiting for this moment for…” he chuckled, “for a few years now. Not that I have always looked forward to it, because for most of those years I worked hard to protect my daughter from making this decision – well any decision really – too young in her life. But I can truthfully say that I knew that this day would come and where most fathers would have been thinking about what to say in terms of counsel and wishes, I was fortunate to have the most loving and intelligent wife to help me. To be honest, she wrote most of this speech, leaving a few blanks to make sure I did my part.” He smiled before clearing his throat. “She passed nearly seven years ago and not a day goes by that I do not miss her. She would have been so proud of the woman that stands before us.”
Charity had to blink several times to hold back the sudden misting in her eyes. Her father never spoke of Mom. Now, on this day, to stand in front of her and Elijah, open his heart and be so vulnerable, she couldn’t help but feel emotional.
Elijah reached for her hand under the table and squeezed it. He knew her father was passionate about his work, not about feelings.
Her father looked directly at her, his face showing the pride and love she had strived to achieve all her life. “This next part is written by your mother. These are her words, her blessing, on your marriage.” He glanced down, the paper shaking slightly in his hands. “Charity, I love you. I’m sorry I had to leave, but know I have always been proud of you; your strong-will, your ability to make the right decisions, your intelligence and your beauty. I know you will find someone to match your talents and keep you on your toes. Be true to each other always; share your joys and your burdens; love much and la
ugh much; be each other's best friend. Always speak well of one another, even in private. And when things don't go well, forgive as often as it is required. Married life is an adventure and you embark today on that adventure together. Even though you are individuals, your covenant today makes the couple more important than either of you separately. Love your mom.”
A silent tear slid down Charity’s cheek. She had a feeling there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Who would not want a mother as beautiful, talented and loving? If she could be half the mother her mom was, she would do a fantastic job.
Her father waited a moment and casually put a hand in his pocket. He had a gift of being able to turn a room full of sadness into hope. She’d seen him do it with cancer patients and others ever since she was a kid. “Now here is where Charity’s mother left a blank in the speech. I’m guessing she knew I wouldn’t be able to top that closer. She was right. But I’ll give it a shot because she would’ve been mad at me if I didn’t.” He straightened and set his written speech down on the table. “This newly married couple before us are two remarkable individuals. Together they become an even more amazing couple.” He looked at both of them and smiled, his eyes wise beyond years. “Let me pass on a piece of advice my father gave me when I married your mother. Love constantly, accuse slowly, forgive quickly and share everything. Open your hearts to each other and put your marriage first. May God bless your union and bring you the greatest of joy today and always.” He raised his glass. “With all my heart, I offer you my congratulations and warmest wishes.”
He walked over to them, hugging Charity tight before shaking Elijah’s hand.
“Thanks, Dad,” she said, her voice full of emotion.
“I love you, sweetie. I might not always show it, but I do.”
“Great speech, Scott.” Elijah hugged him while shaking his hand. “I have no idea why you always say you can’t do speeches at conferences. I believe that’s the best one I’ve ever heard.”
Dr. Thompson chuckled. “That’s because it was about you.”
Julie and Simon burst out laughing. “Touché,” Simon said.
Chapter 13
She hung the wedding dress on the shower curtain rod and stepped back to look at it one last time. There were a few stains on the front and the hemline was sandy and dirty, but it only made the dress more beautiful. It had been worn and witnessed the best moment of her life. Maybe she would keep it as is and put it in one of those keepsake boxes, or maybe she should have it cleaned and turned into a Christening gown for a future Bennet baby.
She dropped her head and shook it slightly. “Slow down, blondie,” she whispered to herself. From her peripheral vision, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She had planned to change into lingerie, something sexy for tonight. Julie had helped her look online for ideas and she had ordered some that were now sitting in her night bag.
Maybe I’ll use ‘em tomorrow night. Standing in her white lace bra, panties and garter she decided no black or cherry red lingerie would look sexier tonight than what she had on. She played with her hair, running the straight locks through her fingers surprised it hadn’t curled from the heat and dancing. She tucked some strands behind her ears and let the length fall on her shoulders. The only other thing she added was some soft pink lip gloss. Pressing her lips together to smooth it evenly, she inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. Nerves mixed with excitement and a few cocktails seemed the perfect recipe.
She opened the bathroom door and raised an arm to rest against the side of the doorframe, her hips slightly shifted to the side and her abs tightened. Perfect. She hoped.
Her attempt at appearing sensually sexy whirled inside of her. Heat ran through her blood, not from her actions but the sight of Elijah sitting sexy on the bed in his white tuxedo, tie off and his long capable fingers unbuttoning his shirt.
His hands stopped their action when he looked up at the sound of the door opening. His bright blue eyes grew big as he sucked in a sharp breath.
Charity enjoyed the tormented feeling on his face that he tried to control.
“Come here,” he commanded in a husky voice.
The motion of his mouth drew Charity’s eyes to his sensual smile. He pressed his lips together to moisten them, his tongue a silky, wet touch against his unshaven face. She swallowed hard trying to pull her gaze away. Her brain tried to reason how such a simple action could create such havoc inside her body. Would it always be like this when they were together? She couldn’t imagine it ever simmering. He had the movie star body, brilliant doctor mind, and his heart wanted her only. It didn’t get any better than this.
A tiny smidgen of sympathy crossed her mind for crazy-Laura. If Elijah glanced at her once with a tenth of the love he showed Charity, any girl would have gone senseless from it. Except Charity knew that had never happened. Elijah might have been a playboy before they started dating, but he couldn’t fake love. Not with those eyes.
She remembered the first few times they met, before they started dating, he had flirted but it had been completely different. He had changed. She knew he wasn’t the kind of guy to use love as a tool for sex – before or after they met. Flirt or no flirt, that wasn’t in him. He respected, even revered, the word and the emotions attached to it. He had taught her without even knowing. That Laura didn’t have a clue. Thank goodness her psycho antics hadn’t destroyed what Elijah and Charity had found.
Charity’s thoughts turned to the feelings Elijah’s love created inside of her and moved to him, letting her hips swing naturally and hoped it looked sensual… womanly.
His arms rose from his seated position on the edge of the bed and wrapped themselves around her waist. His strong hands pulled her tight against him and she didn’t resist.
Her fingers needed something to curl themselves around so they found their way through his hair and clung lightly, pulling his head toward her stomach without even realizing.
He softly kissed the scar where the bullet had entered and then let his forehead lightly rest against it. His tongue darted out and touched her belly button before his soft lips pressed against her skin again.
The stubble tickled and tempted her at the same time. Her eyes closed and her head fell back, her hair cascading over her shoulders and down her back as her hips arched slightly toward him. She rose onto her tippy-toes and enjoyed his hot breath creating a trail of desire as his tongue and lips found their way to her medical tattoo on her hip.
Brazen fingers gently tugged at her white lace panties so he could nuzzle the ink art. “I love that you have this,” he murmured. “It’s so damn sexy.” The free hand not holding the edge of her panties trailed from her back, around her hip and his fingers slipped just inside the lace toward her centre.
Charity inhaled sharply and looked down at her new husband. She smiled and a giggle escaped her lips before she could stop it.
Elijah straightened and tilted his head as he watched her. “Did I say something out loud that was funny?” He watched her grin, and smiled back. She was contagious. “This isn’t quite the moment I’m trying to build up to.” He pulled her closer to him with the fingers still on the edge of her underwear. “I can resort to tickling if I must.” He ran his chin back and forth against her abdomen, letting his stubble run over her skin like a feather.
She laughed from the feeling and tried to break free from his grasp. He held her tight, his fingers squeezing her sides to tickle more. She squealed and lurched out of his grasp. She didn’t jump away, instead she dropped down beside him on the bed, her arms first going above her head so she could rest her head against her hands. She quickly shifted so her hands protected both her sides and her armpits in case Elijah decided to tickle again. “Peace.” She held two fingers up from their spot against her and the bed sheet.
“Maybe.” He wiggled his fingers in the air. “You have five seconds to explain.”
She laughed. “I wasn’t smiling at you. Well, I was smiling at you, but not at you. While thoroughly enjoying y
our mouth’s torment against my skin, I got distracted for just a teensy moment when I had referred to you inside my head as my husband.”
“And that made you laugh?”
“Let me finish, silly. I didn’t force it or plan it, it just popped in my head without trying. It made me happy.” She rolled to her side and sat her upper body up slightly by bending an arm ninety degrees and resting her head on her hand. She grinned wickedly. “You do realize I own you now. That’s what we signed papers for today.”
“Own me?” An eyebrow shot up. “Then that means you’re mine as well.”
“For absolutely anything you want.” She stretched out, wiggling her toes.
“Anything?” He began unbuttoning the rest of his shirt and winked at her mischievously.
She watched with guilty pleasure. She wore her bra and panties, it seemed only fair he would be dressed down as well.
Elijah pulled his white shirt off and tossed it on the chair closest to the bed. He undid the belt on his tuxedo pants and pulled it out of the loops in one fluid motion. He leaned over the bed and captured her mouth with hungry urgency. Too soon he pulled away, just out of reach and as he undid his pants he said, “What are the chances you think everyone in this house is having sex tonight?”
Charity dropped her head on the bed and chuckled. “Julie and Simon? Definitely.”
“I’m willing to bet my mother’s getting laid.”
Charity tossed one of the decorative pillows at him. “That’s disgusting. She’s your mother.” She paused a moment. “By who?”
He laughed at her curiosity. “Your father, no doubt.”
She made a face. “I highly doubt your mother and my father are kicking off their boots together.”
Now only in his boxer briefs Elijah hopped in the air and landed perfectly beside her, his long muscular body curving perfectly against hers. He ran a finger lightly up and down her thigh, grinning when goose bumps rose against her skin. “What makes you think they aren’t?”
She shuddered, not one hundred percent sure if it came from the conversation or Elijah’s touch. “I simply refuse to think about it. Period.” She hungrily recaptured his mouth with hers, an explicit come-and-get-me kiss. “It’s our wedding night. Let’s not talk.”