Selective/Memory: The Depth of Emotion Book 2 (The Depth of Emotion)

by Lorenzo, DD

  She smiled, then self-consciously looked down. Crossing an arm across her middle, she obstructed his view. Declan quickly came across the floor as he recognized her insecure misunderstanding. Lifting her eyes to meet his, he took her hand to his lips, lightly kissing her fingers.

  “I can’t find the words to say because I don’t think I know any that would describe just how beautiful I think you are.”

  He watched a perfect pink blush form as it warmed her face. Smiling, her eyes twinkled. The familiar sparks hadn’t come back in full force, but with time and healing, he was certain he could ignite them once more.

  “I love this,” she said, looking down at her dress. “You pick the prettiest things for me.”

  Her compliment touched him.

  “It’s a special night,” he said. “I chose something I thought you’d like.”

  She caressed his cheek. The lines he had gained from his own accident had grown deeper through his worry over her. Somehow, they made her love him all the more.

  “Why is it that I feel every night with you is a special night?” she asked him, yet not needing an answer. “Will you please feed me now?” she asked. “I’d love to see our friends.”

  He pulled something out of his pocket.

  “One more thing.”

  He opened the box to show her the necklace. She smiled the moment she saw it.

  “Waves,” he said. “Just like us; up and down, changing—but strong.”

  He put it around her neck so she could see it in the mirror. Aria touched her hand to it and turned toward him. She kissed him until he had no doubt of her desire.

  “I love it,” she whispered.

  Now was the time for him to erase any final doubt he may be having. If there was any lesson he had learned in his time with Aria, it was that there was no time like the present.

  He pulled her close to him, lingering for a moment, enjoying her fragrance. In return, her fingers leisurely ran through his hair, making it a bit messy. She held him close to her.

  “Do you love me?” he asked.

  She giggled at the question.

  “Yes,” she replied.

  He smiled.

  “Would you spend every night of the rest of your life with me if I asked you to?”

  Again, she giggled.

  “Yes. I would.”

  He put his forehead to hers, a sign she took as insecurity.

  Placing her hands on his face, she looked deeply into his eyes as she spoke.

  “If you wanted me to, Declan, I’d stay here with you forever.”

  Every concern he had evaporated into the sea mist, and the corners of his mouth lifted in a grin that made her ache for him.

  “Well,” he said, a bit mysterious. “We’ll have to fix that as soon as possible.”

  Declan bent slightly to lift her into his arms, shocking her. Aria opened her mouth to protest, which he promptly closed by placing his over it and kissing her until she couldn’t think clearly.

  Once he pulled back, he gave her a hard look. He wasn’t letting her go.

  “Anything for you, beautiful…”

  Aria wasn’t sure what was happening.

  Taking a few slow steps, he assured her he was capable of carrying her weight and walking.

  “Don’t say a word…I’m doing this,” he announced.

  Nothing would stop him from carrying her to his intended destination…

  As he reached the bottom of the stairs, her heart quickened and she stilled in his arms. With eyes opening wide, she took in the sight before her, and he gently stood her to lean against him.

  Along the old floor stood two rows of fat candles, flickering, casting their soft light against the worn and weathered wood. Forming a path from the dining room out to the large front porch, she could see hundreds of them in the distance.

  Turning wide-eyed to the man she loved, she saw peace in his eyes. They had been through adversity and learned what had true value.

  He could see the questions in her mind, and it made him widen his grin, sparking his eyes with mischief.

  “This is for us, baby,” he said, waiting for her reaction. “Do you trust me?”

  She looked at him, nodding as a warm sensation spread within. She knew that whatever his plan was, she’d share it because she trusted him—without reservation. She’d been content here with him.

  As she held his hand tightly, emotion flooded. Memories overwhelmed her in a rush and tears surfaced in the ocean blue pools, but he was proposing that they would thrive and flourish—beginning tonight.

  She realized she hadn’t answered his question. A tear fell as she realized all that he had done based on the hope that she did trust him. Her answer came out as a whisper…

  “With my life…”

  That made him very happy. He directed her attention to the décor around the house that had grown to become their home.

  “Does this meet your approval?” he asked.

  As she moved her eyes away from his face, she clutched at his arm. Her excitement grew as her knees became weak. The enormity of what he had undertaken made her breathless.

  Every detail had been attended to. The dining table had been turned into a beautiful buffet of soft creams and blues. Starfish and seashells were placed throughout as decorations of the home they shared. Furniture had been moved throughout the room, and she noted that chairs were scattered around for a crowd larger than his original dinner. Her eyes then caught the focal point.

  Centered amongst the china, silver, and linens was the symbol of what he’d hoped for tonight.

  A wedding cake.

  Layer upon layer of soft buttercream indented with symbols of the ocean they loved commanded her sight and attention. It was thoughtfully designed. Up on the very top sat a delicate starfish, its hand touching upon a very large but ragged seashell. She knew who the symbols depicted, and she was touched.

  Turning to him, she saw apprehension on his handsome face. His lips were a bit tight and his eyes were slightly narrowed. Only she could detect his quiet distress. It was indicated by a slightly raised brow.

  This time, it was he who could only whisper.

  “So?” he asked. “Is it a yes?”

  “Absolutely,” she said.

  He began to pick her up, intending to carry her. She stopped him, placing her hand on his arm.

  “No,” she protested.

  “No?”

  Confused, he unconsciously held her closer to him.

  “Which is it, yes or no?”

  With a loving smile, she pushed against his chest, playfully.

  “No. I’m not going to let you carry me. I’m fine,” she told him.

  “Aria…”

  “No,” she halted him. “This is a beautiful dress. My wedding dress.”

  Leaning over to kiss his cheek, she smoothed her hand over the ivory with blue details.

  “I want our guests to see how beautiful I look…for you. I want you to wait for me at the porch. You aren’t strong enough…” She placed her finger to his lips. “…and I want my mother to walk with me,” she said.

  Explaining, she placed her hand at his cheek.

  “She helped us get to this day,” Aria said, lovingly observing at him. “I want her to walk with me…to you…”

  Stopping for a moment, he thoughtfully looked into her eyes. She returned his gaze with a more dazzling display of blues than he had seen in all the time they’d been together. She felt his chest rise as he sucked in his breath.

  “…to my husband.”

  Those three words. They sunk into his mind, and her inference of his new position caused him to break into a wide smile. He leaned into her, his forehead to the top of her head, where he released the breath he’d been holding.

  “I like the sound of that,” he said, his voice full of emotion.

  What event that was about to happen finally hit her, and Aria’s joy couldn’t be contained. It reflected on the outside, filled her from within and rad
iated throughout the room. She threw her arms tightly around his neck, hugging him excitedly.

  “So do I,” she squealed.

  The next few moments were a blur. She didn’t concern herself with anything as Declan continued to orchestrate the events. Within moments, Jeannie was at her side. Touching her daughter’s face, she moved one tiny curl away from her cheek.

  Aria was beyond words. She nodded to her mother, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She wanted to commit every moment of this day to memory. They’d become their memories.

  “He’s a good man, Aria,” Jeannie assured her daughter. “He’s always loved you…”

  “I know, Mom,” Aria answered, “…I know.” ♪

  Carla Bruni’s “You belong to me” began to play. This would be their song, now and forever.

  Declan stood at the doorway, strong and proud. Carter stood at his side with Blake beside him. As Aria and Jeannie slowly walked toward them, she saw Carter reach an arm up, placing it on his brother’s shoulder. Soft sniffling could be heard, and Aria saw Paige, Katherine, and Aimee passing tissues.

  As Jeannie reached the doorway, she placed Aria’s hand into Declan’s large one. She held on to his arm, and as he leaned down, she then kissed him on the cheek.

  Aria couldn’t take her eyes from Declan. He was everything she’d ever wanted—everything she’d ever needed. He was the complete opposite of her, but he balanced her life in the most wonderful and profound way. She had no doubt that he was the man for her.

  He walked with her, very slowly, toward the porch the one where they’d first met. As she walked through the doorway, he directed her attention to a worn, green Adirondack chair sitting on the porch. He had filled it with pillows for her comfort, and as he walked her over to it, she began to cry, realizing what he’d done for her.

  “Daddy’s chair?” she whispered, looking up at him.

  He nodded, noting her tears.

  “I thought you’d want something of him with you today,” he said, as he used his thumb to tenderly brush away a tear.

  She nodded her approval at his thoughtfulness, as emotions overwhelmed her.

  He came to sit beside her on the porch, in front of the minister to take their vows. Behind him, she saw Uncle Bill and Aunt Thelma smiling, with tears in their eyes. He had thought of everything and everyone. He even placed a small lap blanket over her.

  “This was your dad’s too,” he said. “Your mom brought it for you.”

  Aria looked at her mother as she ran her fingers over the soft, knitted cotton. She mouthed the words, “Thank you. I love you…” to her mother.

  “And this”—he held up a beautiful, vintage ring— “was my Grandmother’s. She gave it to my Mother, and mom gave it to Carter—for Lacey…”

  She saw many things in his handsome face, but mostly love. Past tragedies and hurt had become a foundation for this—their beginning.

  Lifting his hand to her cheek, he caressed it. His thumb continued to catch a renegade tear, and he lightly kissed the tips of her lips, not waiting for a suitable time in the ceremony.

  “I’ve been all over the world, Aria,” he said, never taking his eyes from hers, “and still, there’s no other sight that takes my breath away the way that you do.”

  “I want you with me, morning, night, and every moment in between. Whatever comes our way, I’ll forever love you, beautiful…”

  A huge smile filled his face. The one that had made him millions, but it was what he said next that made Aria smile with joy;

  “Let’s do this…”

  ♪♪

  ♪ Once Upon A Dream (Maleficent) – Lana Del Rey

  The outfit was bland, totally unfashionable, and completely beneath her. These accommodations were absolutely unacceptable, and she’d be complaining to the management. It had been days since she’d ordered better room service, fresher linens, and her own clothes to be brought to her. She’d be firing her attorney and getting a new one. There were many out there just waiting for work, and her money spoke the language well.

  Hearing the click of the handle, she turned in the direction of the door.

  Hmm…I can work with this, she thought.

  “Hello,” she said, seductively. “I’m Marisol Franzi. Who are you?” she crooned to the homely gentleman to get his attention.

  He placed the tray of food down and turned to leave.

  Is he ignoring me?

  “Hey! Did you hear me?” she called. “I said I’m Marisol Franzi!”

  The gentleman still paid her no attention, going about his business. The door opened and closed, clicking again as it locked behind him.

  Who the hell does he think he is?

  She strode to the door, banging her fist.

  “Hello! I need some help in here. The accommodations are not to my liking, and I would like to speak to someone!”

  No one responded, causing her temper to rise.

  Marisol raised up on tiptoe, looking through the opening in the door.

  “Do you hear me?” she asked.

  Again, no reply.

  “Hey! Who the hell is out there? Who do I talk to if I want better service?”

  Again, nothing.

  She began to beat her fists on the door, pummeling as hard as she could. She was furious with Marchelle for not yet bringing her a change of clothing, and livid that these peons did not seem to recognize her. Did they not know who she was—or who she knew? If they knew what was good for them, they would treat her with respect and dignity. If they didn’t, there would be a hefty price to pay. She would, however, give them fair warning. If they didn’t heed it, the consequences would be the result of their actions.

  “What the hell is wrong with you people? Don’t you know who I am?”

  ♪

  “I AM MARISOL FRANZI!”

  If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a spoiler-free review on Amazon and Goodreads. Thank you for taking the time to leave your thoughts!

  Warmly,

  D.D.

  Carter Sinclair

  a man in control until…

  The tragic death of his wife

  His brother’s crippling accident

  A blamed wrongful death

  And

  A woman who makes him crazy…

  Coming soon…

  D.D. Lorenzo is a contemporary storyteller. Her stories reach deep into the heart of readers and engage them through the emotions of her characters.

  D.D. resides in Maryland, The Land of Pleasant Living. She met the love of her life in high school and decided to look no further. Together, they have raised an eclectic and amazing family. When she isn’t writing stories of the impassioned lives of her characters, she is rooting for the Baltimore Ravens or the Baltimore Orioles. Her favorite pastimes include spending time with the wonderful people in her life and riding with her husband in his classic Mustang to the Eastern Shore.

  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ddlorenzo.author

  Twitter:https://twitter.com/d_d_lorenzo

  Blog:http://ddlorenzo.com

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7176653.D_D_Lorenzo