If I Told You

by Jennifer Domenico

  “Morning, boss,” Jill says. “You look super happy today. What’s going on?”

  “Oh, nothing,” I say, waving my ring finger as I twist a lock of hair.

  Jill gasps and grabs my hand. “Oh my God! He proposed?”

  Laughing, I nod. “He did. Last night.”

  Caryn and Bridget clap, congratulating me as Jill throws her arms around me. “That’s awesome,” she says. “Congrats.”

  “Thank you. I’m surprised to say the least. He put down a deposit on a new place for us and while he was showing me around, he asked.”

  “That Flynn is so romantic. Who knew?”

  “Not me.” I laugh. “Well, not a year ago. I know now of course.”

  “So when’s the big day?” Jill asks.

  “Flynn’s gonna make some calls and see what we can find, but it’ll be sooner rather than later. You’re invited of course. You were a big part of us getting together.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  I flip my hair off my shoulder. “We’re gonna invite Rhys too.”

  “Yeah? That’s cool.”

  “I mean, if it wasn’t for him everything could be different now.”

  “Yeah, he was the catalyst for sure, but I believe you two would’ve ended up together eventually. It was inevitable.”

  I nod. “I believe that too, but Rhys’s appearance in our lives changed the restaurant, changed our relationship. I don’t know what he’ll say, but I’m gonna ask.”

  “Let me know what he says.”

  “I will.” I lean against the counter. “The last time I saw him, he was at Flynn’s with some gorgeous model type. He was pleasant, but I could tell from his body language he wasn’t feeling her. It sucks he’s still searching.”

  Jill shrugs. “Lots of us are.”

  I pat her arm, not meaning to throw salt in her wound. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I know the right guy is out there for me. I’ll find him eventually.”

  “You will. At the very least, Flynn works with a lot of eye candy and they’ll be at our wedding.”

  Jill laughs. “Something to look forward to.”

  Laughing also, I reply. “Nothing wrong with passing the time.”

  “Nope.”

  “I’ll be in my office if anyone needs me.”

  “Cool.”

  Walking to the back, I prepare myself to make the call to Rhys. I hope he’s not offended and takes the invite with the intention we’re giving it. It’s been over a year since I’ve called him. Once seated at my desk, I pull out my phone, and stare at his programmed name for a minute before hitting the button. He answers right away.

  “Brooklyn?”

  “Yeah, hi, Rhys. How are you?”

  “Good,” he answers. I can tell he’s guarded from his tone. “What can I do for you?”

  “Well, I, uh, I’m calling because…” I pause, exhaling slowly. “I’d like to, I mean, we’d like to, uh—”

  “Are you okay?” he asks.

  “Yeah.” Just say it. “Flynn and I would like to invite you to our… wedding.”

  “Wedding?”

  “I mean we both want you there. It was because of you everything happened, and we mean nothing but respect. I understand if it’s awkward for you, but it’s important to us to ask.”

  “You’re getting married?”

  “Yes.” He’s silent for a moment, and I wonder what he’s thinking. “Rhys?”

  “I’d love to attend, Brooklyn.”

  “Really?”

  “Absolutely. Wouldn’t miss it. Congratulations. I’m truly happy for you.”

  “Thanks. How are you doing?”

  “Great. New York is keeping me busy with plenty of restaurants to review, and I’m working on a new project that’s very fulfilling.”

  “That’s good.”

  “Yeah, so things are good. I’m still looking for love, but those things take time, don’t they?”

  “Yes. The right person is worth waiting for.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. When’s the big day?”

  “Uh, not sure yet. It’ll be a small affair, and Flynn is calling around for possible venues. Once we find that, I’ll send formal invites, but I wanted to talk to you instead of just sending in the mail.”

  “I appreciate that. I’m honored you and Flynn would include me in your event.”

  “Flynn suggested it, just so you know. You were, are, an important part of our lives.”

  He’s silent again, and it pulls at my heart. “Thank you. Who knew asking you on a date would lead to all of this?”

  “It was more than that, Rhys. I consider you a friend. I really do. What you did for me as a person was a game changer. Before you, I just went through men like a change of clothes. You were the first man that I actually spent time with. You made me see things about myself that I wasn’t willing to look at. I’m a better person having known you, Rhys, and I’m beyond grateful.”

  “Brooklyn…” he pauses, and I hear him take a deep breath. “If I was even a small part of your realizing what an incredible person you are, then I am thankful for that. My feelings for you are bittersweet. I’m glad you opened my eyes to how I was living, but now I yearn for something that remains elusive. In one way, I was happier when I was just sleeping around, but I know the changes I’ve gone through will be worth it in the long run. I look forward to the day when I can invite you and Flynn to my wedding. It’ll happen.”

  “Of course it will. You’re a great guy, and I hope you believe me that I really did like you.”

  “I do believe you.”

  “Good. It was great talking to you.”

  “You too, Brooklyn. Thanks for calling. I’ll keep an eye out for the invite.”

  “Sounds good.”

  I hang up and reflect on the conversation. I hope he finds someone soon. I want him to have what I have—the most amazing love a person could ever want.

  Standing in front of the mirror, I straighten my bow tie with shaking hands. I’m not nervous to marry Brooklyn, just the opposite. My nerves are from hoping everything goes perfectly. Will I remember my vows? Will the ceremony go as planned? Will I pass out when I see her in her gown? Who knows, but I’m ready.

  Fixing my hair, I reflect on the past three months since I proposed. It’s all happened so fast, but how could we turn down an opening at one of the best hotels in the city? Always a trooper, Brooklyn handled it fine, making arrangements, finding a dress, and blowing my mind with her detailed organization skills.

  Turning around when I hear a knock on my door, I walk over and open it surprised at who it is.

  “May I come in?” Rhys asks.

  “Absolutely.” I shake his hand. “Good to see you.”

  He nods, smiling. “You too. I just wanted to personally congratulate you and thank you for including me.”

  “It wasn’t even an option not to.”

  “I appreciate that. I don’t know that I ever apologized for being a dick about Brooklyn.”

  I chuckle. “None needed. I was pretty dickish myself.”

  Rhys laughs softly. “Water under the bridge then?”

  “Yep.”

  “Good.” He extends his hand. “Friends?”

  Shaking his hand, I pull him into a manly hug. “Friends.”

  He pats my back. “Well, good luck. Can’t wait to see Brooklyn. I’m sure she’ll look amazing.”

  “She always does.”

  After Rhys leaves, I finish checking my reflection, then take a deep breath and walk out to the hotel ballroom where the ceremony is taking place. It’s beautifully decorated with white hydrangeas, Brooklyn’s favorite flower, and silk everywhere. Our guests look back at me, nodding as I walk to the front. I see my sister sitting in the front and nearly start to bawl like a baby. She made it. Walking over to her, I pull her into a huge hug and kiss her cheek.

  “Thanks for being here.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it,” she says. “You look so
handsome.”

  “Thank you. You look great, too. I can’t wait for you to meet Brooklyn. She’s amazing.”

  “She must be to capture your heart.” Fiona straightens my tie. “It’s good to see you.”

  “You too.” I kiss her cheek. “We’ll talk more later.”

  “Yeah.”

  I finish my walk to the front, taking my place next to the minister. I wave at Jill sitting next to my sister and she smiles, giving me a thumbs up. I’m so thankful for her friendship. Rhys sits a few seats away from Jill with a gorgeous Brooklyn look alike beside him. She looks bored out of her mind, and I imagine she is. It’s never fun to attend the wedding of people you don’t know. My eyes shift to Mel and she waves. What a friend she’s become, taking charge of setting up the restaurant for tonight as her gift to us. As my eyes gaze over the room, I take in all the faces of friends who’ve become the only family Brooklyn and I have besides each other.

  My attention shifts to the front when the music changes and the doors open. Brooklyn steps through, absolutely breathtaking in an elaborate cream colored gown. Her long pretty hair is tucked away, and I look forward to the minute later tonight when she releases it from its bonds, letting it fall all over me. The dress she chose is perfect for her body, hugging in all the right places. She looks unreal.

  She walks forward slowly, keeping her eyes locked on mine. I’m fighting off the emotion gripping my throat. Her beauty brings tears to my eyes. When she reaches me, I offer my hand, which she takes, smiling.

  “You look amazing,” she whispers.

  “You’re breathtaking, Brooks. Incredible.”

  “Thank you.”

  The minister starts talking, but I can’t stop staring at the woman in front of me. This woman. When she was my best friend, she was my world. As my lover, she’s the universe. I don’t exist without Brooklyn.

  “Flynn?” the minister asks, getting my attention. When I realize everyone’s staring at me, I look at Brooklyn who smiles and winks at me. “Are you ready?”

  “Uh, yeah. Sorry. I can’t stop staring at her.” I hear soft chuckles from the crowd.

  “It’s time for your vows,” the minister continues.

  “Right. Okay.” I exhale slowly, taking Brooklyn’s hands in mine. “I thought long and hard about what to say to you. What words could I use to express how I feel, how much I love you, what you mean to me? I couldn’t find any that were enough. So I just thought I would talk like me, and just tell you the truth. Because of you I’m becoming the man I was always supposed to be. Because of you, I understand love, and I learned that I’m capable of it. Because of you, Brooklyn, I don’t just live day by day getting through life. I wake up knowing that my future is with you, and I think what did I do to deserve such a gift. Then I realize I made it through so much. I had to fight just to survive. I didn’t know how to trust or believe in people, and then you showed up. Now everything I didn’t even know I wanted is within my grasp. I love you with the strength of a thousand hearts. You are my world, my universe, my breath. Thank you for spending your life with me. I’ll always be the best man I can be for you.”

  Brooklyn gazes at me with her mouth slightly agape and tears in her eyes. The minister says something else, but suddenly, Brooklyn’s in my arms and kissing me. I kiss her back, swinging her around in circles while everyone in the room claps for us.

  “We’re not quite done yet,” the minister says, smiling and tapping me on the shoulder.

  “Yes, we are,” Brooklyn says, still gazing into my eyes. “Yes, I take Flynn as my husband. My vows are simple. Until the day I die, Flynn, I am yours. Every part of me, every hope, every dream, every single piece of me, is yours. I’ll love you until I take my last breath.” She turns to the minister. “Now, do that power vested thing so I can kiss this beautiful man again and become his wife.”

  I laugh as the minister chuckles. “Well, okay then. By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Brooklyn, you may kiss your husband.”

  Swooping her into my arms, we kiss, as I laugh against her lips. “You’re amazing, Brooks.”

  Smiling, she caresses my cheek. “That’s Mrs. Buchanan to you.”

  “I love the sound of that.”

  “Me too. Now we need to do something before we go to the reception.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You need to take me in back and get under this dress.”

  “With pleasure, Mrs. Buchanan.”

  Giggling like kids, we run through the ballroom and disappear into my dressing room. After shutting and locking the door, I turn to face my bride, as she shakes her hips, hiking her heavy gown up.

  “You are so beautiful.” I walk closer to her. “I can’t get over it.”

  “You don’t have to.” She playfully pushes me down on the small loveseat in the room. “Have you ever had a lap dance from me, mister?”

  Smiling, I nod. “Just once, but it was over too soon.”

  “That’s a shame. We should fix that.”

  “There’s no music.”

  She grins, climbing between my legs. “We don’t need music.” Pulling up her dress, she flashes her delectable toned thigh giving me just a hint of the garter belt she wears. “Know what I’m wearing under this?”

  “Nothing, I hope.”

  “Better than nothing.” Gathering the fabric, she pulls it even higher revealing the lace draped around her hips, the silk buttons holding her stockings up, and that perfection between her legs, shaved smooth just for me.

  “Damn, Brooks.”

  Smiling, she twists around, rubbing her bare ass on my crotch just like she did all those months ago when I was dying to fuck her. Now I can, and I plan to. Unbuttoning my pants, I pull my dick out and it springs to attention, seemingly watching the show in front of us.

  “Come here,” I demand, pulling on her waist.

  “Here?” she asks, grinding her ass onto my dick. “You want me to sit here?”

  Shaking my head, I pull her down until she’s lying flat and I’m above her. She laughs, her eyes shimmering with joy. She’s always beautiful, but when she laughs, man, there’s nothing better in this world.

  “Put your legs up.”

  “Oh, you’re bossy now that we’re married?”

  “When haven’t I been bossy?”

  “Hmm.” She taps her chin. “Good point, Chef.”

  “Now, open up for me, Brooks. Let me in.”

  Slowly, she spreads her legs, wrapping them around my waist. “Make love to your wife.”

  “My wife,” I repeat. As I slide inside of her, I sigh, gazing down at the beauty beneath me. She’s mine in a way I never could have imagined. All the years I desired her, fantasized about her, longed to touch her, couldn’t measure up to what it actually feels like. Moving within her, I push as deeply as possible, coaxing her sweet moans, her whispered ‘oh fucks’ and ‘God, Flynn’, her lip biting, her nails dug into me.

  She opens her eyes, fixing them on me. “I want you to fill me up, Flynn. I want to spend the rest of the night with you on me and in me, knowing that our bond is forever unbreakable.”

  “Ah, shit,” I moan.

  “Then tonight after our guests are gone, you’ll peel me out of this dress, and I’ll ride your incredible cock until the sun comes up.” She smiles. “Just like I will for the rest of our lives.”

  “Ahhh,” I sigh. “Brooklyn.” I whisper her name as I come, filling her as she requested. After a moment of recovery, I gaze into her eyes, caressing her cheek. “This is the best day of my life.”

  “It’s only gonna get better from here. I promise.”

  After kissing her softly, I whisper, “I can’t wait.”

  Sitting up, I feel the empty spot beside me and wonder where Flynn is. Glancing at the clock, I sigh. Four in the morning. Sliding out of bed, I throw on a robe before creeping down the hall looking for my husband. Seeing a light on, I walk toward it, pushing the door open.
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  Flynn is sitting in the rocking chair, his back turned to me, with our sweet little Rhiannon asleep on his bare chest. He’s rocking her and humming softly. I clutch my chest as I watch, feeling like my heart might actually explode from all of the love filling it. I walk closer, not wanting to disturb him, but dying to hear what he’s saying to her.

  “Daddy’s sweet little princess,” he murmurs, kissing the top of her head. “Do you know how much you’re loved? Your mommy and daddy will give you the world. You’ll never want for anything, especially love. No one will hurt you as long as I breathe.” He kisses her again. “You’re safe. You’ll always be safe.”

  Tears stream down my face. We talked about this so many times during my pregnancy. How we would never hurt our kids the way we were hurt. He was scared, and so was I, but we knew we could do it. We knew we could love a child the right way. I know he still worries, but listening to his sweet reassurances, warms my heart. In the ten months since Rhiannon entered our world, Flynn has been incredible. He’s shown me what a dad should be. Rhiannon is the luckiest little girl in the world.

  I walk up behind him, softly brushing my fingers through his hair. He looks up, smiling.

  “I hope I didn’t wake you,” he whispers.

  I shake my head. “It’s so beautiful watching you with her.”

  “She’s so precious. Thank you for giving her to me.”

  Kneeling down, I kiss his cheek, then gently caress my baby’s back. “She is precious.”

  “She’s a gift. It’s like a whole new level of love, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, it is. I’d heard people describe it, but it’s not something you can even comprehend until it happens to you.”

  “Yeah.” He stands and puts baby Rhiannon back in her crib. We stand over her for a few minutes, just watching our tiny, blonde princess sleep. I love the way she sucks her bottom lip. She looks so peaceful and beautiful it brings tears to my eyes. “Should we go back to bed?”

  I nod. We walk down the hall back to our bedroom and climb in bed. Flynn pulls me into his arms, kissing the top of my head.

  “Flynn?”

  “Yeah, baby?”

  “I have something to tell you.”