I promise to love you, cherish you, and honor you every day for the rest of my life. I will be your best friend, your lover and your partner. You are the first and last thought I have every day, and I will always make sure you feel it.
We've already had good times and bad ones, and there will be more over the years. When they come we will face them together. Take this ring as a promise that my love for you will never end, no matter the test. It will go on forever, in this life and whatever comes next." I slid the ring onto her finger. "Now, I am yours and you are mine, and nothing will ever come between us."
Becca looked directly into my eyes. "Aiden, I don't trust easily. I have always prevented people from getting too close to me, until you. Being with you felt natural, and easy. Despite the troubles we have already faced, loving you is the best thing to ever happen to me. You have lit up my darkness. When my mind runs toward painful memories, you hold me steady and give me the strength to fight.
I love you so much those words feel inadequate. You are my freedom, my security, my daring, my passion, my next breath, and my soul. Aiden you are the best parts of my life. Take this ring as a symbol of my love, trust, and fidelity, because like this ring they will never end." With a shaking hand she slid the ring onto my left hand.
“You may kiss the bride,” the judge announced. I grabbed her, and locked my mouth on hers like I would die if I didn’t. Instead of a quick kiss for our guests I deepened it, thrusting my tongue into her mouth, stroking and tasting until I heard her moan deep in her chest. The judge cleared his throat, and my dad chuckled. I reluctantly broke away from her.
“I guess he was going to consummate the marriage in front of everyone if we hadn’t come out here,” Toni said and winked at Jeremy. If Jeremy weren't gay I would swear Toni was perfect for him. Becca was definitely perfect for me.
I wish we didn't have to have this small reception now. There are better ways I could think of to celebrate my marriage. Maybe they wouldn’t notice if we disappeared upstairs for an hour or two.
Jeremy clapped his hand on my shoulder. “Wipe that horny look off your face dude, you can’t run off with her just yet.” “How did you…”I began. “Uh, you are squirming like your pants are too tight,” Jeremy explained, a little embarrassed.
I turned to Becca, who was swamped with everyone’s attention at the same time. I tugged her hand, until her back was against my chest. As soon as I had her snuggled close all of the tension I had been feeling the last few weeks evaporated. She was mine. She was my everything, and I would show her everyday if I had to.
“Hey wife,” I whispered next to her ear. I felt her shiver, and I quickly kissed the skin there. She trembled slightly. “No fair. Don’t go revving up my hormones until you can do something about it,” she admonished.
“Why should I be the only one suffering?” I asked, and pressed my erection against her. “Can we sneak away for an hour or two?” she whispered back. “Unfortunately, Jeremy says no. I already thought about that too.” “Well let’s hurry up then. I want you,” she grumbled. “You are perfect for me Mrs. Ryan.”
Everyone mingled while Toni, Jeremy, Becca and I joined the judge to sign the marriage certificate. A commotion by the front door stopped me before I signed my name. I heard my father’s raised voice yelling at my mom. What the hell did she want now?
She was super pissed when I told her she wasn't invited to my wedding. I knew she would pull some stunt, and I didn’t want her to ruin it for Becca. Besides, I didn’t mind not inviting her. I was past the point where I was upset with our lack of a relationship. I was happy to cut her out of my life if she was going to continue to shove Vanessa down my throat.
My father realized she had already caused a scene and allowed himself to be shoved aside. The faster we got the drama over with, the sooner we could throw her out.
“Aiden, don’t sign that!” she shrieked. I pinched the bridge of my nose. What now? What ploy was she going to try to have her perfect society wedding between the ice bitch and me? I picked up my pen and planned to ignore her.
“Be reasonable dammit! You won’t get a penny from your trust fund,” she screeched. “You tried this approach mother and it didn’t work last time. I don’t care about the money,” I reminded her.
“Nadine,” my father growled in warning. “Aiden, what she said isn’t true. I didn’t realize she was telling you that lie,” my father told me, in a weary and defeated voice. I tipped my head to him, silently thanking him for his support.
“I know dad. I was given all of the legal documents and signed some papers from Gran and Gramps lawyers. Did you know mom, I have full access to the accounts as soon as I turn twenty-five?” My birthday was next week, during my honeymoon. What an awesome way to spend my birthday.
“You didn’t say anything,” Becca commented quietly. “I was going to tell you on my birthday. I was planning something ridiculously extravagant to tell you that even though it doesn’t matter we have it anyway.” I shrugged.
“Ok, but let’s not go crazy. I don’t like what having a ton of money does to some people,” she said, and looked at my mother. “You are amazing.” I pulled her to me and kissed her deep and long, until my mother cleared her throat.
“At least have her sign this,” she said disdainfully, and shoved a contract in my face. “What the hell is this?” I asked, refusing to take the document. “It’s a prenuptial agreement,” she replied, as if I were slow.
My dad and I already had an awkward conversation about this. I told him under no circumstances would I present her with one. I explained that I had no intentions to ever get a divorce and refused to plan for one.
“No,” I told my mother firmly. “Aiden,” she began in a strained voice, “make her sign the papers.” I took them from her, flipping through the pages and getting more and more pissed as I read it.
“It says Becca has to provide me with proof of my paternity to any child she conceives. She agrees to give me custody of any child proven to be mine if either of us leaves the marriage, and will not receive any monetary compensation. It also lists a specific amount she is allowed to spend each year that we are married.”
“Where did you get that Nadine?” my father snapped. “I had George Preston draw them up. With Aiden being so stubborn we thought it was best to guard his assets until he came to his senses,” she explained, unapologetically. There were a thousand things I wanted to say to her, no, shout at her.
I wanted to yell and shout, but I suddenly realized she just wasn’t worth it. Not anymore. I grabbed the pen from the table and signed my marriage certificate with the biggest signature I’d ever written. Without looking back, I said, “Dad, escort your wife out and then I think it's time we served dinner. I’ve got a wedding reception to salvage.”
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Ted Anderson, Jeremy’s dad stand and pull a contract from his interior jacket pocket. He handed it to my dad, who gave him a sad smile.
“Nadine, I want a divorce. My parent’s left that money for Aiden, and no amount of maneuvering on your part will grant you access to it. Luckily, you did sign a prenup. I insisted because deep down I knew what you were when I married you. I ignored it for years, but watching you the last couple of months with our son killed what lingering affection I had for you. Now I just want you gone.”
“Oh, come on Frank. I only want what is best for him. With his trust fund, and her social connections he could run for office, maybe become governor. What will she bring him?” she asked. “Everything I’ve ever wanted for him, love and happiness,” my father answered.
I could see that she had more fight left, but my father did not. He was miserable, but at least now he had a chance at love and happiness himself. “Reed,” I said, in a one-word request. He gave me a curt nod and headed toward my mother. “That's enough Mrs. Ryan. You need to leave now.”
I refocused my attention on Becca, the only person I really wanted to be with right now. “Hey there Red. Don’t listen t
o anything she said, and don’t let her ruin our day.” I tried to console her, but the thing I feared had happened.
Her big green eyes swam with tears, and my heart broke. “I ruined your relationship with your mother,” she said sniffling. I tipped her chin up with my finger. “No you didn’t. She did that, without any help from either of us.”
She searched my face, looking for assurance. “I love you with all of me. Every breath I take, and every moment I’m alive I only love you more. You are a part of me. I love you unconditionally, and I always will,” I promised.
“Come on. I want to shove some cake in your face,” I said, and pulled her to the dining room. “Only if you promise to lick it off,” she propositioned. “You are a wicked and wonderful woman Rebecca Ryan. I'm glad you're mine.”
43
Rebecca
Aiden planned the perfect wedding. Well mostly perfect, but I’m sure he didn’t plan for his mother to launch a bitch attack. He wanted me to have my fairy tale. I already had my white knight, so everything else was just icing.
After dinner we returned to the main room where all of the chairs had been removed. Aiden plugged his iPod into the stereo. Jeremy’s family had a killer sound system with wireless speakers hidden around the cabin.
"Marry Me" by Train started playing, and Aiden swept me into his arms. “I chose this song because we were meant to be right here from the moment I mustered the courage to talk to you." “It's perfect, everything you planned today has been perfect,” I told him. "My mother?" he asked. "You didn't plan for her to come," I reminded him.
"I have some more plans I haven't shared with you yet," he murmured into my ear. "Do you?" I asked, pressing myself against him. He winked at me. Insane with desire, I pulled his mouth to mine. No one complained when we left the reception after our dance.
Our honeymoon was wonderful. We checked into a resort in the mountains. Aiden got us a suite, with a fireplace and a large Jacuzzi tub. We stayed in, made love, talked, and relaxed. It was wonderful. There were no sights I wanted to see other than my husband’s beautiful body.
We were back at home before Christmas. Our first Christmas together, and our last Christmas as just the two of us. “Next year we will have all sorts of toys wrapped under this tree,” Aiden said dreamily. I giggled.
He was so into this parenthood thing. I was excited, but he was ecstatic. “Aiden our baby will be like six months old at the most,” I said, still laughing. “So no bike then, huh?” he joked.
At least I hoped he was joking. “You are going to spoil this kid rotten,” I grumbled. “No, you’ll keep all of us grounded,” he soothed, and kissed me on the head.
New Years was uneventful. Jeremy and Cameron went out to dinner and a comedy show in Seattle. Kate went dancing with Jared. Toni came over to our house after I convinced her she would not be interrupting anything. We made up a silly game where we tried to make a list the best and worst of everything from the year. We popped a bottle of sparkling cider, even though I insisted they could have champagne. And, I fell asleep with my head on Aiden’s lap while we waited for the ball to drop.
I heard the countdown in the background, and I felt the warm press of Aiden’s lips against my cheek. I smiled, and decided to have a bit of fun with him. “Ah, Antonia,” I whispered. “Aiden will catch us.” Aiden groaned.
“You are an evil bitch,” Toni said laughing. “Mmmm, not what you said last night,” I purred. “Please tell me I can pretend for a moment you aren’t joking,” Aiden moaned. “Anything for you babe,” I answered. “In that case…” Aiden began. “Almost anything,” Toni and I said in unison, interrupting his fantasy. “A guy can dream,” he sighed.
Winter quarter started a couple of days later, but my dizzy spells had me attending most of my classes via computer until they stopped. I was going a bit stir crazy, but I would walk through fire for this baby. A little boredom was nothing.
February rolled around, and I was entering my second trimester. Finally, the dizzy spells, nausea and vomiting had mostly disappeared. Some smells still turned my stomach, but Dr. Williams said that was normal. I was finally allowed to go to my classes. I had changed to a fairly light schedule after I learned I was pregnant, and my course load was manageable.
I walked into the Student Union Building, or SUB as we called it, and said hi to my friends. It was great how we had all blended into one big group. Toni and Jeremy were throwing food at each other. Cameron and Kate were doing some weird twin silent talking thing. They were super close, especially since their parents died, and didn’t seem to need words to understand each other. I looked around and found Aiden holding a tray over laden with food, and trying to end a conversation with an overly eager girl.
Every time he took a step to the side she copied his movement. She touched his arm, and he stepped back away from her touch. My fist clenched involuntarily. I sauntered over to rescue my adorable, sweet, flustered husband. I loved that word.
“Hi,” I greeted him, rubbing his bicep possessively. “Hey,” he responded, as the corner of his mouth quirked up in relief. The tart trying to get his attention cleared her throat. Seriously?
I turned to the nuisance and cocked my eyebrow. I was daring her to risk my hormonal wrath. “Excuse me, but we were having a conversation,” she said sounding put out. I tilted my head to the side studying her.
“And you are?” I asked dismissively. “Aiden and I are partners in a class. It is a very beneficial arrangement,” the tart insinuated. “I see,” I said in a tight voice.
Aiden’s jaw clenched. “And I told you the prof said we could have partners, not that it was required. I prefer to work alone. As for your other offer,” he started to say. “Oh, come on don’t dismiss it so quickly. Come to the party this weekend. Let me give you a preview,” she cooed.
“I’m. Not. Interested. I told you when you offered in class, I’m married,” he said, biting off each word. “I’ve heard some lame let downs before, but you married? You’re a star baseball player. I’ve heard you used to hook up with any girl that threw herself at you. Guys like you don’t settle down. Especially not in college,” she scoffed.
“Well, I’m sure he’s convinced now. Right babe? I mean she pretty much just called you a slut and you have a responsibility to do her. I mean that gets you hot right?” I taunted bitchily.
He shook his head at me, but he couldn’t hide his smile. “Red, I’m only a slut for you.” I winked at him. “I know, and I expect you to put out later too." “Oh, if I must. Why did I marry you again? I feel so used,” he sighed dramatically.
“Yeah right, I’m supposed to believe you married her? I mean if you were married it wouldn’t be to some chubby red head,” she ridiculed. Aiden rubbed my belly. “Come on let’s go sit down. I don’t like you standing for too long. Plus the food I got for us is getting cold. She isn’t worth it. Let’s just go before I hit a girl.”
Chubby? She was the most unpleasant girl I’d ever met. My belly had rounded a bit, but I didn’t think I looked chubby. “Yeah go feed the fat girl!” she shouted.
I didn’t think people actually acted this rude in real life, but this girl seemed mentally unstable. “My wife is pregnant, not fat. I’m going to talk to the professor about switching sections. If you ever speak to me again I will file a complaint with the university for harassment,” Aiden warned. She huffed and stomped away.
“Who was that?” I asked dazed. Did that really just happen? “That was…uh…Trish? No, Patty? Oh, who the hell knows? I promise you I have never hooked up with her. And what she said, I did not hook up with every girl that threw herself at me. The ones I did take up on what they were offering I never had sex with them. Not oral or otherwise.”
“Honey, shhh, I’m not asking or judging. Believe me I understand. And I know what it is like to feel embarrassed and disgusted by bad decisions,” I comforted. “Is she going to be a problem?” I nodded to where she was sitting, still staring at us.
“No, I’m de
finitely going to talk to the professor. I’ve seen her around the parties Jeremy and I used to go to. She used to come on to Jeremy all the time, until he finally told her he was gay. She didn’t believe him either. I only remember her because she was unusually persistent,” he explained.
“You are totally hot, but have you always inspired such an extreme response from women?” I asked. He shrugged. I'll take that as a yes.
I took in his six-foot plus body, with lean, hard and rippling muscles. I allowed my eyes to rake over his square jaw, his plump lips that were smiling at me, and his thick dark blonde hair. I settled on his deep blue eyes, which were sparkling under my examination. Yeah, my husband was a hottie. I guess I could understand women going nutso over him.
“There is this one red head that can’t seem to get enough of me,” he whispered conspiratorially. “Oh yeah?” I said, playing along. “Mmm, yeah. She keeps me up all night. Insatiable,” he pretended to be distressed. “You love it,” I responded. “Every, wonderful, orgasmic moment of it,” he whispered in a low voice.
“Was that Crazy Carrie?” Jeremy asked worried. Aiden scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Uh, is that her name? If you mean that bat-shit crazy chick that used to follow you through keggers, then yeah.” Jeremy shook his head, stress pulling his face tight.
“Dude, I’m not saying crazy as code for annoying. I mean like criminal. I had a hard time shaking her loose. The guy she followed after me had to get a restraining order after she took a bat to his truck, because she saw him with his girlfriend. When she was served with the restraining order, she started stalking his girlfriend. It was a guy in my Econ class last year. Rumor was he transferred after that.”
I never really thought of Aiden as a baseball player, but obviously others did. And evidently there were groupies. I hadn't even thought about what it would be like once the season started. "Does that happen a lot? Girls hitting on you?" I asked. Aiden shrugged, and Jeremy looked away. I narrowed my eyes at them.
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