Now that everyone was gone, everything felt more real.
Jack was here, with us, and we could finally be a family.
As I stared down at our beautiful baby boy, Jack came up behind me. He pushed my hair to the side and dotted the back of my neck with kisses. The sensation sent a shiver down my spine - a good kind of shiver. I felt myself growing wetter at the feel of his mouth against my flesh.
“The doctors said you needed to take it easy,” I reminded him, leaning against his chest.
“And I plan to, but they can’t expect me to share a bed with my gorgeous fiancé and not have sex with her. That’s just cruel and unusual torture if you ask me.”
I chuckled, but then my breath caught in my throat as Jack wrapped his arms around me, his fingers caressing my nipples through my shirt. I ground against him, his erection pressing through his jeans and into my ass.
Jack spun me around to face him, and the heat in his eyes told me there was no way to talk him out of this. Not that I wanted to, but we would just have to be careful. He still had some healing to do.
I pulled his shirt off over his head, careful when it came to his right arm. The scar on his shoulder might never go away, but it was a reminder of his love for us. It blended in with the tattoos that covered his chest and torso, a memory from another time in his life.
I reached for his pants, and with his help, we slipped him free of his jeans, letting them fall to the ground. He stepped out of them, completely naked now.
“Your turn,” he said, pressing his lips to mine as he pulled at the edges of my shirt.
My clothes slipped off before I even knew what was happening, and Jack was moving us toward the bed behind him. When we reached the edge, I gently nudged him down. He sat on the edge, and I climbed on top of him, straddling his body and rubbing against his cock.
“Mmm, you’re so wet,” he growled into my ear, nibbling gently.
“What can I say, you drive me crazy,” I said. “I need you, Jack.”
He reached down and guided himself into me. I slid down his cock, gasping as he filled me completely. I sat on his lap, my forehead resting against his and my hands in his hair, staring deep into his eyes.
Slowly, I began rocking back and forth. Jack grabbed my hips, helping to guide me until we found that perfect rhythm. Every inch of him was inside me. I clenched my Kegels as I rode him, my pace getting faster and faster.
I could feel the pleasure building inside me, and I knew I was close. Jack’s fingers dug into my flesh. Without him there to guide me, I might have stopped my movements as I climaxed. I dug my nails into his back, crying out his name as I came. Jack kept moving me up and down on top of him, extending the pleasure as my head fell forward, and I held onto him for dear life.
After the orgasm subsided, Jack fell backward onto the bed. I was sitting on top of him.
“God, you’re so beautiful,” he growled. “I’m such a lucky man to be marrying you.”
My cheeks flushed with color. No one had ever made me feel the way Jack made me feel.
“I’m the lucky one,” I said, rocking back and forth on top of him.
I placed my hands on his chest, careful to avoid his right shoulder, and rose up and down on top of him. My breasts bounced with every movement, until Jack reached for them, taking them in his hands.
I leaned forward, and he took a nipple into his mouth. It was like a straight shot from my nipple to my clit, a feeling of electricity shooting through my body. I whimpered, “Oh God…” as the fire inside me continued to grow hotter and hotter.
I was already close again, and temporarily, I forgot about the need to be gentle. I rode him hard and fast, taking him in as deep as he would possibly go. I rose above him then slammed my body down onto him, feeling him reach the most inner parts of me.
Jack’s head fell backward against the bed, and I could see it in his eyes - he was close too. I wanted nothing more than to make him come, I wanted him to feel so good. After everything he’d done for us lately, I wanted him to make him cum so hard. He deserved it, and so much more.
“Oh Cassie,” he groaned. “I’m gonna—”
Before he could finish that sentence, I knew he was coming. He grabbed my hips, pulling me down hard against him. His throbbing member sent me over the edge, and our groans melted together into one, glorious sound. We came together, our bodies becoming one as he filled me with his seed.
Once the orgasm subsided, I wanted to collapse on top of him but knew it wasn’t a good idea. I slowly pulled our bodies apart, the rush of warmth running down my thighs and reminding me of what we’d just done.
I laid down next to him instead.
Jack rolled over on his side. I’d chosen his left side so he wouldn’t have to lay on his injured shoulder. He pulled me close, our naked bodies sweaty and warm. My hair clung to my face, and it took us both a second to steady our breathing.
Jack stared into my eyes and smiled. I don’t recall ever seeing him so happy and carefree before.
And I knew it was only just the beginning.
Epilogue
One Year Later
CASSIE
I stared in the mirror, hardly able to believe what I was seeing. Madison affixed the veil to my head, letting the lace fall over my shoulders. My hair was pulled back into an elaborate updo with tendrils framing my face. The wedding dress hugged every curve of my body before flowing out at the bottom. I had always pictured myself as a ballgown type of girl, but lately, I’d been embracing my curves. When I tried on the mermaid-style dress, I knew Jack wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off me.
I ran my hands over the satin material, needing to be sure it was all real.
“Someone pinch me,” I said. “I feel like this is all a dream, one I’ll wake up from just as I make it down the aisle.” My sister reached out and gently pinched my arm. I teasingly said, “Ow, I wasn’t serious.”
She giggled. “Well, you asked for it. It’s most definitely real.”
My bridesmaids were Madison, Hannah, and Isabelle, and they were all wearing lavender dresses. Madison stepped forward with Zoey in her arms. Zoey was our flower girl and wearing a fluffy white dress herself, but when she saw me, her little eyes grew as wide as saucers.
“Isn’t Aunt Cassie beautiful?” Madison cooed.
“Boo-ti-ful,” Zoey chirped. I leaned over and kissed my niece on the cheek, and she hugged me. She was so precious, and I was so grateful to be part of her family.
“I can’t wait to see Owen in his little suit,” Isabelle said. “The two of them are just so adorable together.”
Owen had just turned a year, and we were slightly worried he might be too young to be a ring bearer. But our little boy had always been very good with other people, and that hadn’t changed much. The wedding was small. We wanted to keep it intimate and personal, so he’d know everyone in attendance. And he had Zoey at his side to walk with.
There was a knock on the door, and my mom poked her head into the room. Her eyes filled with tears when she saw me. She came into the room, shutting the door behind her, and ran over to me, hugging me tightly.
“Your dad is going to lose it when he sees you,” Mom said. “You’re such a beautiful bride.”
“Thank you,” I said.
I never thought my family would be on board with Jack and me being together. But not only were they willing to accept him, my father asked me if he could walk me down the aisle. I wasn’t sure if that was something he’d be comfortable with, but I was glad he could make amends and be there for our special day.
“The guys are ready, and they told me to tell you everyone is lining up,” Mom said. She took one last look at me and wiped the tears from her eyes. “We’ll see you out there, I guess.”
“Yes, we’ll be right out.”
It was like my mother didn’t want to leave. She couldn’t stop staring at me and crying. She blew me a kiss and said, “Love you,” before stepping out into the hallway. My heart was full and
happy. I hadn’t had a happier moment, even when I graduated from law school earlier that year. Nothing could compare to this - having my family and loved ones gathered together to celebrate Jack and me.
“I think it’s showtime,” Isabelle said, guiding the other girls toward the doorway.
I was the last one out in the hallway, and my father was standing there, waiting. As my mother had predicted, he lost it. In all the years, I’d never seen my father cry the way he did when he saw me. He was choked up and couldn’t even speak when I walked over to him and took his arm.
After a few moments, he managed to choke out, “You’re beautiful, sweetheart. Absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you, Dad,” I said, giving his arm a squeeze. “Are you ready for this?”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready to give away my little girl, but, well, I guess you’re not a little girl anymore.” I could hear the sadness in his voice, but he smiled. “I’m very proud of you, Cassie. You’ve grown into an amazing young woman.”
All those years of never feeling good enough for my father were simply a distant memory. Knowing that my dad was proud of me meant more than I expected, and I teared up just as we turned down the hallway to the chapel.
Liberty First Presbyterian was the church my parents had married in years before, so it only felt fitting to have our ceremony there as well. I heard the music playing, and I knew my bridesmaids were walking down the aisle. That’s when I saw my little boy in his suit, lined up with Zoey. My mother was helping them walk down the aisle.
Owen saw me and held up his hands. “Mommy!”
He rushed over to me, and even though we only had a second, I picked up my son and hugged him tightly. He looked so stinking cute in his little suit. I hadn’t even realized they made them for children as young as him until we went shopping.
“It’s time for Owen and Zoey,” Mom whispered.
I placed Owen on his feet next to Zoey, and my son smiled up at me.
My mom took the little ones down the aisle. I could see them from where I was standing. Zoey was so distracted that she forgot to drop the petals until my mother whispered something to her. She grabbed a handful and dropped a bunch to the floor at once.
I covered my mouth to hide the giggling. Everyone in attendance chuckled too. It was just too darn cute.
Then the music changed, and my heart raced. I knew what it meant.
“Ready, sweetie?” Dad asked.
“Yes, of course.”
We walked into the church, and I saw Jack at the end of the aisle. Our eyes met, and it was like there was no one else in the church. He smiled at me, and I smiled back as the tears fell down my cheeks.
I’d never felt so much joy as in that moment, knowing that we would be together forever and that our little family was safe.
Jack was surrounded by his brothers - Graham was his best man, while Mason, Elijah, and Samuel were standing next to him. The men were now working together, and they’d given Jack a steady job working for their security firm. They were growing closer than ever. I knew they would play a big part in our life - and be around Liberty a lot, even if some of them weren’t sure they were going to stay.
I was happy for Jack. All his life, he’d been alone, thinking he only had Madison. Now he was surrounded by people that loved him. Including a wife and son.
And while he didn’t know it yet, another baby was on the way.
My father released me, handing me over to Jack. The two men nodded and shared a smile. My dad had tears in his eyes, and I swear, so did Jack.
I had never felt so loved in all my life.
When the time came to say, “I do,” the words felt so natural and right.
And when Jack kissed me, he whispered the words, “I love you,” against my lips.
And just like that - we were husband and wife.
Our family was together, and all our dreams were coming true.
Great news! You can access the rest of the series here.
Meanwhile, did you know I have a bestselling Lumberjack series?!? You can check out a free sneak peek to book one in that series called Lumberjacked on the next page.
Lumberjacked (Preview)
"My cabin. My rules."
Years of celibacy was my way of life.
Now Angela's presence makes things exceptionally....hard.
She was supposed to be my hostage.
But Santa must have a sick sense of humor.
I'm addicted to every inch of her...
Her sweet scent.
Her curvy hips.
Those eyes filled with innocence.
I'm afraid nothing will stop me from having all of her.
The problem is I don't ask. I take. And once I start....
There isn't a single inch of her I won't devour.
Readers note: Do you enjoy mysterious men of a few words, with a sexy baritone voice and a hot exotic accent? This is your lucky day. This is a lumberjack, BRATVA, Mountain Man, Holiday Romantic Suspense and a standalone in the Grizzly Falls Lumberjacks series.
Viktor
Thunder rocked the sky.
Mud slides and avalanches were common this time of year.
The rain had really done a number on the mountainside. The ground was loose and slippery, and I had to watch my step when I stepped back outside with a coffee mug in my hand.
But being dainty in my step wasn’t easy for a big guy like myself.
I liked nature when it was like this, though.
Dangerous, difficult, and impossible - except for a stubborn motherfucker like myself.
Lost souls that wandered this far would back the fuck off, abandon their quests.
No one ventured out this far, even less so when the ground itself was unstable as fuck.
And that suited me just fine.
I looked around. The world was breathtakingly beautiful in the aftermath of Mother Nature’s work.
Even with all the thunder, nature continued unscathed and unbothered.
The leaves glistened in the late morning sun, birds chirped a welcome to the world, ruffling their feathers and enjoying the rays that sliced through the crisp air.
Nature continuing its pursuit regardless of all the chaos.
If it wasn’t a damn metaphor for my life, I didn’t know what was.
In the distance, I heard rumbling a third time, a thick sound, like a giant clearing his throat. The ground beneath my feet trembled, and I heard branches cracking. Scratch that, whole fucking trunks cracking.
As I watched, the forest a few feet ahead of me started shifting.
At that moment, I knew this was no average mudslide.
It didn't reach all the way up to where I was standing. And that was just a happy fucking coincidence.
The rumbling and groaning of the earth redecorating itself was overpowering. I watched as the giant hand of nature clenched a fist, crushing whatever was in its wake.
Any humans would be pulverized. This part of the mountainside was mine, as I’d come to see it, and it was deserted, so I didn’t have to worry about any deaths and the crowds of investigators and rescuers that might bring.
I let my eyes slide over the part of the mountain that had yet to be transformed. Natural disasters were a kick. Everyone hated them –they were right to. They weren’t called disasters for nothing.
But I liked that there was something bigger and more powerful than me. It was rare.
I liked being reminded that no matter how awful things got, the world still kept turning. And that no matter what a disgusting son of a bitch I’d been once upon a time, in the grand scheme of things, life went on as if I didn’t matter.
The balance, the perspective, kept me sane.
I wanted to see what disasters had fallen near my cabin.
As I meandered through the trees, some upright, some hanging by roots, I cast my eyes in all directions. My eyes landed on a green truck, a little beat up, the paint worn. Sometimes I came across old cars abandoned by their
owners decades ago. But this one was new and had no business being in the middle of a mudslide. And it sure as shit wouldn’t be there much longer.
As I gazed at the truck curiously, I heard something I’d least expected. Someone else was here - and they were in trouble. A yelping sound came from the distance.
And then I saw her.
F*ck what the hell is she doing here?
Her auburn hair streamed behind with abandon as she ran with all her might. Whoever this woman was, I could tell she had fight in her, but there was no fucking way she was getting out of the path of destruction in time.
I dropped my axe and ran in her direction. A demented smirk overtook me as I was reminded of my true nature. I always run toward danger and not from it.
The ground started sliding beneath my feet. I worked hard to keep my footing. At 6’6” and mostly muscle, I didn’t go down easily, but the area was dangerous and getting more so by the second. Logs fell across my path, rocks tumbled down. I ducked to avoid a thick branch hitting me over the head.
For a moment, I lost sight of her. I followed the sound of her shouts, something primal in me forcing through the danger to get to her. The strange woman needed help, and I was the only person for miles. I’d grill her later about why the hell she was out here in the first place.
When I reached her, I was just in time to yank her out from underneath a falling tree that crashed to the ground. She spun around when I grabbed her, green eyes bewildered. She was a looker, that I was certain. And her reaction to me was defensive, though not afraid.
“Whoa! Who the hell are you?”
“We’re getting out of here, now!” I shouted.
She shouted something in return, but a loud crashing drowned out her voice. A branch crashed down, followed by mud and dirt. I tried to get away, but the ground gave underneath my feet, and we were stuck. I tucked her against me and turned my back. The branch landed on me with a noise like a train wreck. I gritted my teeth as a searing pain throbbed into my shoulder. But the woman was safe. I squeezed my eyes shut as more debris fell around us. A few small rocks, dirt, and some branches and leaves fell on me, but the worst was over.
Take a Mountain Man Home for Christmas: A Mountain Man Romance Christmas Collection Page 124