by Maree Green
“Daniel . . . ”
Amy’s whispered call drew my attention back to her sweet face. Her eyes were open, blinking up at me with a sexy-as-fuck look of innocence.
“I need you. Please, make love to me.”
I didn’t know how much of a fucking turn on it would be to hear her sleepily plead for sex.
“Baby,” I said, my voice croaky, and I was sure it wasn’t from sleep, “you sure you don’t want to wait until tonight?”
She sighed, but her lips curved up into a lazy grin. “I don’t want to spend one single moment today without feeling that you’ve been inside me.”
The air hissed between my teeth as my cock hardened to the point of being borderline painful.
Rolling, I had her on her back before she could murmur another word, covering one of her nipples with my mouth as I spread her legs and settled between them.
Her gasp for breath as she clutched at my hair almost had me snapping. Damn, she drove me crazy. I was never going to get enough of her.
Releasing her nipple with a soft lick, I kissed a line up the column of her throat. “You drive me crazy. You know that, right?”
Grinding her hips upwards, she shook her head.
I growled against her skin. “You don’t know? You can’t feel how fucking hard I am right now?” I emphasized my point by pushing my dick against her pussy.
Neither of us were expecting it when I actually entered her. Amy sucked in a surprised breath as I froze, pleasure almost blinding me.
“Fuck, baby,” I choked out. “You’re so wet.”
I wanted to ask, how? Why? She only just woke up. Was she dreaming about me fucking her before she woke?
Amy clutched at me, her nails biting into my skin. “Daniel . . . please . . . ”
I still hadn’t moved. I couldn’t. I was seriously on the brink of exploding. She really had no idea what she did to me.
Resting my forehead against hers, I closed my eyes and tried to compose myself. But try as I might, I just couldn’t. For some strange reason, just knowing that in five hours’ time she was going to be my wife, made me incredibly turned on.
“Daniel?” she whispered.
I didn’t move. Soft fingers stroked over my cheekbone before her whole hand came to rest there in a caress.
Opening my eyes, I lifted my head and gazed at her.
She didn’t say anything. She didn’t need to. We simply stared into each other and all was said. Slowly, I withdrew before slowly pushing back inside. Amy sighed, her eyelids fluttering with pleasure.
I repeated the motion a few more times before lowering myself to take her mouth in a long, leisurely kiss. “I love you, Amy,” I murmured against her lips.
She clutched me tighter, her hips pushing against mine in silent agreement. This, right here, I was going to miss like my next breath.
It was the wrong thing to think in the moment. Thoughts of my looming deployment invaded my mind. Suddenly, I was more desperate than ever to store everything I could to memory. I was sure I would never forget the way she looked and felt beneath me, but panic was very real to me in that moment. I didn’t ever want to be without her.
As if reading my thoughts, Amy placed her hand back on my face, her gaze imploring. “Please come back to me, Daniel.”
I wasn’t sure if she meant right now or in six months’ time, but I had a feeling she meant both.
“Always.”
There wasn’t anything else I could say. I would do anything and everything I could to make it back to her. Always.
Chapter 31
Amy
Standing in the middle of my room, I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror.
The long white dress I wore couldn’t really be considered a gown as such, more like a very pretty, soft maxi dress than anything else. My hair had been loosely braided on one side, falling softly down over my shoulder in loose, gentle waves, and my makeup had been kept to a minimum, the colors natural and soft.
It was exactly the opposite of what my mother would’ve told me I needed to look like, but it was exactly me. And that made me very happy.
I turned away from the mirror just as a light rap sounded on the door. Before I could call out, it opened a crack and Seth peeked in.
“Can I come in?”
I smiled at him through the gap, my gaze traveling over the beige trousers and crisp white button-up shirt he was wearing. He looked good.
Seth stepped over the threshold and closed the door behind him. “Wow, Aims. You look amazing.”
I smirked. “I was just about to say the same to you.”
Altering his stance, he brushed an imaginary piece of lint off his sleeve. “I know, right?”
Laughter bubbled out of me. I didn’t remember ever feeling this happy in my entire life.
Seth’s expression sobered slightly. “I was going to come in here and ask you if you were really sure you wanted to follow through with this, but looking at you right now . . . ” He shook his head before sighing. “You really love him, don’t you?”
I laughed again. “Well, duh . . . ”
He chuckled at me and put his hands on his hips. “Well . . . if you’re ready, then, we probably shouldn’t keep your husband-to-be waiting. ”
My heart flipped against my ribcage.
Husband-to-be.
In less than half an hour, I was going to be a married woman. With a husband. Nerves flittered through my veins, and a weird anxiety started creeping in.
But then an image of Daniel’s face appeared on the screen of my mind, and calm instantly returned.
Exhaling, I felt the corners of my mouth lift. No doubts. This was right. I had no reservations whatsoever. Daniel and I were meant to be, and no one else’s idea of what was right or wrong was going to change my belief in that.
Picking up my little bouquet of flowers, I placed my hand in the crook of Seth’s arm and let him lead me down the stairs.
David and Kathryn had been wonderful through everything over the past couple of weeks. Shit, the last year, really. After talking to me about my reasoning to getting married, they both accepted my decision and offered their backyard for our wedding celebrations. It seemed fitting, really. Their house felt like a second home to all of us. It was intimate and comforting. Perfect.
When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I was surprised to find Amber waiting for me. As usual, she looked gorgeous in a very simple, silver cocktail dress, with matching silver kitten heels. Her hair had been loosely braided like mine, but hers had been twisted up messily at the nape of her neck.
Anxiety stirred in my stomach. I wasn’t sure why she was waiting for me. Even though she was my maid of honor, we’d agreed to simply have her standing at our makeshift altar with Daniel and Ryan.
She smiled, immediately easing my concerns, her hand reaching out to grasp mine. “I’m so proud of you,” she said softly. “I just wanted to tell you that before you walked out.”
Leaning into me, she grabbed me in one of her big, loving hugs and squeezed me hard. I laughed, so incredibly happy, I was sure I was going to burst.
Pulling away, she drew in a deep, steadying breath. “I’ll go get them to start the music.”
I gave another soft laugh as I watched her dash outside. Seth shook his head with a smirk. “She’s so weird.”
“Yeah, but she’s my kind of weird.”
A few moments later, the music started, and Seth offered me his arm yet again. “Let’s go get you hitched, little sister.”
Beaming, I placed my hand on his arm and drew in a breath filled with anticipation, before trying to peer out the window.
“I’m proud of you too, you know,” Seth said quietly.
I gazed up to find him watching me, his expression one of deep affection. Emotion swelled inside me.
“I’m sorry our parents aren’t here for you, Aims. You’re an amazing woman, and you deserve better.”
Insta-tears sprang to my eyes, but I wouldn’t l
et them fall. I wouldn’t let my parents taint this day for me in any way.
I squeezed his arm. “Thanks, Seth. I have you, though, and I’m okay with that.”
Leaning forward, he kissed my forehead, then proceeded to lead me through the back doors.
Stepping out into the sunlight, I moved about four feet before my gait faltered, and I stopped walking altogether. “Oh my God . . . ” I said, my jaw dropping in awe.
I’d left Amber and Kathryn in charge of decorating. I had told them I didn’t need much. It wasn’t a priority for me at all. I vaguely remembered Amber saying that Noah’s parents had some decorations from his brother’s engagement party the year before and telling her it sounded perfect, but I hadn’t expected this. This was beautiful.
I was incredibly glad I was still hidden from view behind the hedges, because I was sure I looked quite ridiculous standing there, gaping.
Rose petals had been scattered on the ground, creating a path I assumed would take me to Daniel. Shining pink, white, and silver baby balloons, arranged in pretty little bundles, hung in scattered patterns to the sides of the path. And at the end was a little wooden sign, the side pointed like an arrow, reading, ‘This way to Happily Ever After.’
“Oh my God,” I said again, excitement bubbling up inside me.
All of a sudden, I couldn’t wait to get to Daniel. Stepping forward, I tugged on Seth’s arm. I needed to get there. Now.
I heard Seth chuckle beside me, but he didn’t say anything, choosing to remain silent and humor my need to do this instead.
When we reached the sign and turned to follow the rose petals, I finally got a view of their beautifully manicured yard. I managed to glimpse some lanterns placed on the ground either side of the path, leading the way forward, and I thought there might have been some tea lights in glass jars hanging from the trees, but the instant I saw Daniel, I saw no more. Because there he was. Standing there under the pretty white gazebo, his attention completely on me, wearing his full dress uniform.
Emotions raged inside me. I wasn’t sure if I was turned on, proud, or scared because I was now reminded he was a marine, and he would soon be leaving me.
I wobbled a little as my legs began to shake. Seth placed his other hand over mine on his arm and squeezed as we continued to move forward. “Okay?” he asked softly.
Without taking my eyes off Daniel, I gave him a little nod. I needed to be with my marine.
A dozen or so little wooden chairs had been set up under the gazebo, either side of the trail of flower petals, and each of our family and friends were standing before their place, smiling warmly as I moved closer.
These were glimpses of time that my mind captured in my periphery, but most of my attention was on the one place I wanted to be.
My home.
Chapter 32
Daniel
Lazing back on the sun lounger, with Amy melted against me between my legs, I listened to the soft music and voices floating around us.
The sun had almost fully set, and Amber’s mom had lit all the lanterns and tea lights, turning the yard into what I would hope Amy thought of as a fairy tale setting. It felt that way to me anyway.
The whole day had been perfect. That moment I saw Amy walk around the corner, coming to tie herself to me in ways I’d never even dreamed about before I met her, I felt my heart all but leap from my chest. She was so fucking beautiful I could barely get my head to comprehend that she was mine. It seemed almost impossible. How had I gotten so lucky?
Not once did we take our eyes off each other as she made her way to my side. When Seth handed her over to me, and I took her hands in mine, I wanted to vow right then and there that I would always be with her. In one way or another. Even when I was on the other side of the planet. She would always be with me.
Leaning forward, I kissed her temple. “Hey, beautiful,” I murmured against her skin. “Did you want to leave yet?”
Tilting her head back, she gazed up at me, her expression unmistakably one of adoration. That look did something to me. It made me want to beat my chest and roar in victory, like some sort of fucking caveman. It made me want to pick her up and run away with her, somewhere we could be alone for hours on end, so I could have my way with her gorgeous body, over and over again.
“Did you?” she asked, concern touching her brow.
“Baby, I don’t care where I am, as long as I’m with you right now. I’m enjoying just holding you and listening to you and your friends catch up.”
Her smile softened. “It’s been way too long. I know it’s our day, our special moment, but having them here to share it with us has kind of made it feel even more special, if you know what I mean . . . ?”
Kissing her temple again, I tightened my arms around her. “Yeah, I do.”
The lounger beside us moved, drawing our attention to Mia and Jace as they positioned the chair closer to us and sat down, much the same as we were.
“Hello, married people,” Mia said with a grin.
Amy giggled and I smirked. I was pretty fucking happy about it.
Mia settled into Jace’s arms before gazing back at us, shaking her head slightly. “I still can’t believe you’re married. It’s just surreal. Sometimes it’s hard not to feel like we’re all still in high school. Especially hanging around this lot,” she said, jerking her chin upwards, toward Jace.
I chuckled, watching Jace smirk, knowing it was the truth.
Mia gazed between the two of us. “Realizing we’re all old enough to actually take that step is crazy. I’m so happy for you. Both of you.” Leaving her gaze on Amy, she gave her a tender smile. “I admire you so much, Amy. I always knew you were strong enough to break free and be who you really are. I’m glad you found a reason to make you realize it was worth it.”
Amy pulled herself out of my arms and reached for Mia, the two girls embracing each other emotionally.
“Thank you, Mia,” I heard Amy murmur. “That means so much to me. You have no idea.”
“You guys belong together. Don’t let anyone tell you any differently.”
In that moment, I loved Mia like the sister I’d never had. I loved all of them, really. I hadn’t anticipated everyone being so supportive, but here they all were, genuinely happy and accepting of what we’d just committed to. They were the kind of friends everyone needed. And I was glad Amy would have them by her side when it came time for me to leave.
A large figure loomed in front of us before it leaned in and kissed Amy on the cheek.
Joshua Emerson, the movie star.
It was funny, really. When I’d first met him, it really was a surreal experience, but twenty minutes later, he was just another one of the guys. I was actually surprised at just how down-to-earth he really was.
“Congratulations, sweetie. I’m so happy for you,” he said, before straightening and offering me his hand. “Look after her, man. She’s special.”
I took it and gave it a firm pump. “You have my word.”
Another figure came, bumping Josh out of the way. This time it was Matt, the drummer from the band. Giving Amy a quick kiss on the cheek, he clasped my hand. “Hope you know how lucky you are, man.”
It was very clear that Matt was the ladies’ man of the group. He wasn’t sleazy or anything like that. He just had a way about him. A swagger that just came naturally. All the guys had it, really, but Matt seemed a little more confident with it than the others.
“Oh, I know it,” I said, my arm tightening around her stomach. “I’m a very lucky man.”
A few more of the loungers were pulled closer as Aiden, Dean, and the guys joined us, turning our little circle into a slightly bigger, yet still intimate, gathering.
With the lanterns still burning as the darkness descended, I sat back and listened to them all reminisce their days from school and all their hopes and dreams for the future, but I was painfully aware of Amy’s silence during it all, and I had a pretty good idea I knew why. It had nothing to do with shyness and e
verything to do with uncertainty.
Our future wasn’t something we could plan for with utter conviction. I hated it, but there wasn’t a damned thing I could do about it. All I could do at this point in time was vow to her that I would do everything within my power to make it home to her.