by J. Lea
“We came to see if you’re ready. We should go or we’ll be late.”
“Then let’s go.” I can’t wait to see my bride.
There are about thirty people gathered on the small beach. I receive pats and happy wishes from them as I walk on a grey carpet toward the wedding tent we set up yesterday. Everly made sure the chairs are covered with cream covers, silver tulle bows around the backs of the chairs. The tent is styled with hundreds of purple and white roses, complemented with silver tulle which glistens in the sunlight, so it looks magical. At least Dolores says so; she told us it looks like something out of a fairytale and I have to agree. The weather is sunny and warm, it couldn’t be more perfect.
Guests are starting to take their seats, the minister in his place. Phoenix is by my side; he’s poised and calm while I fidget with the sleeves of my jacket and nervously bite my lip, waiting to see my bride. Soft music begins to flow from the speakers as Ava walks down the carpet, throwing white rose petals. I couldn’t be happier. I’m about to get married to the most beautiful woman who makes me happy beyond belief and loves Ava like she was her own flesh and blood. Ava loves her, too. Perfect combo. I couldn’t ask for more.
Seconds later, Amber follows Ava, dressed in a simple silver dress reaching down to her feet with a narrow white belt. It looks like an adult version of Ava’s dress, minus the frills. Her hair is up in an intricate hairdo, a few soft curls falling freely around her face.
I’m getting more and more impatient, counting down the minutes when I’ll finally spot Everly. One night without her felt like an eternity. When Amber steps opposite me and Phoenix, the wedding march begins. My heart is thumping like crazy, making me take long breaths. The wait is killing me. And then my eyes take her in, walking down the aisle between the rows of chairs, a vision in white, arm in arm with her father. I blink a few times to make sure I’m really seeing my Everly. She looks breathtaking in her white, lacy, long-sleeved gown clinging to her body like second skin, widening at her knees, like a mermaid, and falling softly to her feet. Her bouquet is white and purple roses with glimmering pearls. With every step she takes, my heart beats faster. She’s wearing little make up on her beautiful face, beaming at me with sparks in her eyes. Her hair is an intricate design of braids and twists wound around her head with some loose curls falling around her shoulders. I’m such a lucky bastard. We grin at each other before she kisses her father’s cheek and steps next to me. Our fingers intertwine.
“You look fucking amazing,” Amazed, I stare into her blue eyes. “I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
She gives me a soft smile. “You look handsome, too.”
Everly
As the minister reads the vows, I carefully repeat after him, my voice trembling slightly. Connor’s eyes are on me, watching me like I’m the only woman in the world, filled with love and admiration. He doesn’t let go of my hands even for a second. He looks handsome in his silver grey custom-tailored three-piece suit and cream shirt. His jaw is covered in stubble. I wouldn’t let him shave for this occasion. I can’t imagine him clean-shaven, and I don’t even want to – I fell in love with the rugged, disheveled man, and I don’t want him to change. Phoenix looks almost as good as Connor in his tuxedo.
I can’t believe I’m getting married to such a wonderful and attentive man. Connor and Ava have given me everything I thought was lost to me forever – a loving family, full of support and mutual love.
“I do.” I reply without hesitation when the minister asks if I take Connor as my husband, like Connor did a few moments ago. He grins at me, revealing his white teeth, knowing this is it and there’s no turning back. We’re joined in marriage.
“Rings?” the minister asks. Phoenix steps forward, producing the rings. When we put them on, we hear the much-desired words, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”
“Finally,” Connor murmurs, grinning cheekily before his hand slides behind my back, the other finds my hip, and bends me backward. “What the …” he wants to complain but the rest is lost as I cover his mouth with a kiss. When we finally separate, he spins me around. “Jesus.” He runs his hand through his hair. “You’re …” Speechless, he waves his hand in the air.
I was waiting for his reaction when he finally saw the back of my dress. It’s one of the reasons I chose it, it was different. The material at the back is transparent, blending beautifully with the lace on the sides, and tiny buttons, that look like silver pearls, run the length of my spine to the small of my back.
“Do you like it?” I bite my lower lip as I watch his flustered expression.
“Fuck, baby, it barely covers your ass,” he protests, “and you’re not wearing a bra.”
Good thing the minister is out of earshot so he doesn’t hear him swear.
“It’s embroidered.” I made sure of that. It would be awkward if people could see my nipples.
Shrugging off his suit jacket, he drapes it over my shoulders.
“What are you doing?” I start laughing at him. He is overreacting.
“This should be for my eyes only.”
“It’s just a dress. No one can see a thing, don’t worry.”
Only when loud cheers and whistles penetrate through our little bubble do I realize we have an audience.
“I love you.” I could repeat these words for hours upon hours because it’s true. I’m crazy about my overprotective husband.
“I love you, too. And don’t think you got away with what you did,” he growls. “You’re going to pay, Mrs. Meadows.”
Mrs. Meadows. Sounds nice. Everly Rose Meadows. Perfect.
“Looking forward to it, Mr. Meadows.”
The wedding reception is held at a local hall where we dance and laugh and eat and drink long into the night. Dolores and Carlos left an hour ago, and except for a few people everyone’s already left home.
“We’re going to head back to the hotel.” Mom hugs me and kisses my cheek. “We had a wonderful time. The ceremony was beautiful,” she says dreamily.
“Welcome to the family, Connor,” my Dad says as he pats Connor’s back. “I’m glad our little girl found happiness again. That’s all I ever wanted. Thanks for bringing her back to us.”
My eyes fill with tears. I still feel awful for cutting them out of my life. Back then, I truly thought it was the best thing for them and myself, but it took me years to realize it was a mistake. I shouldn’t have acted so irrationally, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life making up to them.
“I love you,” I tell them before they leave.
Phoenix and Amber should be around here somewhere but I can’t find them anywhere. Ava is playing at a table on the side.
“Care for a dance, Mrs. Meadows?”
“It would be my pleasure, Mr. Meadows.”
He presses me tightly against his firm body, we fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. Swaying to the music, he’s drawing lazy circles on my back with his fingers.
“Today felt like a fairytale,” I murmur.
“You’re the stuff fairytales are made of, babe.” Tucking the loose curl behind my ear, I stare up at him. “My wife. I can barely believe it.” I step on my tiptoes, so I can give him a soft kiss, his thumb strokes my cheek.
I loved seeing people I love having fun tonight and sharing our happiness. And there’s no greater feeling than experiencing all that with the person you love and who loves you right back with the same intensity. If I’d known how much happiness sharing my story with Connor would bring me, I’d have done it ages ago. The burden, the secrets I was carrying were slowly killing me. I only figured that out when I opened up to Connor. It was like I was instantly transported from a stormy, cold, dark place to a warm, sunny day filled with harmony and peace. Yes, I was terrified of the possibility Connor might want nothing to do with me after he found out about the accident, blaming me like I was blaming myself. But the accident was exactly that – an accident. I couldn’t know it was going to happen, a
nd I did all I could in that moment to try and save them. I know that now. The rest was out of my hands.
“Ava wanted to be with you.” Phoenix steps before us with Ava in his arms. It’s late, Ava isn’t used to staying up so late, but she refused to leave every time anyone asked her if she was ready to go home.
“It’s okay, come here, sweetie.” Connor lets go of me for a moment so he can take Ava from Phoenix. We sway with the music, lulling Ava to sleep in her father’s arms.
And then we head home together.
“She’s out like a light.” Connor joins me in the kitchen. “She didn’t even open her eyes as I put on her PJs.”
“Quite a party girl, this one. She lasted longer than the majority of the guests.”
“Like father, like daughter.” Connor chuckles, hugging me from behind, kissing my neck.
“Mmm,” I moan as I close my eyes, losing myself in his touch.
“I want to make love to you, Mrs. Meadows, long and slow,” he whispers in my ear, goose bumps erupting all over my skin.
Turning around, I put my hand on his chest. “I want that, too,” I admit. “But there’s something I need to tell you first.”
Connor gives me a questioning look. “Can’t it wait?” His lips descend onto my throat.
Smiling, I shake my head. “No.” That doesn’t stop his hungry mouth though.
I bite my lower lip. I’ve spent the entire day contemplating on how to break the news and when, but there was never a moment when we were truly alone. Now that everyone’s asleep, is a perfect chance.
“I know we haven’t discussed this yet, and I don’t even know how you feel about it. But … I’m pregnant.”
That makes Connor freeze, his head jerking away from my neck. It seems as if eternity passes before my words register in his brain. He seems shocked. Well, he’s not the only one. I was equally shocked when I found out. Amber and I were heading to the hotel after our girl’s night out when I mentioned that my period is late. I didn’t have the courage to do it myself, so I asked her to buy me a pregnancy test. She was with me when I took the test. I stared at the white stick, dreading the result yet also excited. It wasn’t long until my suspicions were confirmed. A cocktail of emotions ran through me – I was surprised and ecstatic, but also scared to death. But that fear had nothing to do with Connor’s reaction. I could imagine his excitement and happiness. It was all about the horrific experiences in my life. Will I be able to protect this child from all the cruel and dangerous things in this world? I placed a hand over my belly and closed my eyes. A life is growing inside me. I can do this, I told myself.
And now, as Connor and I stand in the kitchen after I just shared news that will turn our world upside down, his brown eyes drop to my belly, his hands touching me there. I tremble under the weight of his actions. A grin spreads across his face, his eyes burning so brightly they light up the room.
“When did you find out?” he asks, his voice hoarse.
“Yesterday.” I cover his hands with my own.
“Just when I think this day can’t get any better, you surprise me with this news.” Happiness radiates off him. “I’m speechless, over the moon. This is the best day of my life,” he declares with passion.
I beam with happiness, my eyes tearing up. Connor cups my face in his hands and his lips find mine. In his kiss, I feel his joy and gratitude.
“Fuck yeah, I’m going to have another baby,” he shouts, his arms up in the air.
I can’t help but to giggle at his enthusiasm. He grabs my hips and starts showering wet kisses all over my body.
“I love you, I love you, I love you,” he keeps repeating. “Come, let’s go to bed. We need to celebrate.” I yelp as he lifts me off the ground and into his arms and takes me upstairs to our bedroom.
Connor holds his promise. Our lovemaking doesn’t stop until the sun is up. As the morning rays of sunlight peeks through the curtains, bathing the room in warm light, we lay next to each other, exhausted, satiated, and happy.
Love can set you free. It took me years but I finally figured it out, and I have Connor to thank for that. I’ll be grateful to him until the day I take my final breath. He helped me fall in love with life again. I stopped blaming myself for Bradley and Faith’s deaths, instead, I’ve started to appreciate all the days, weeks, months, and years I got to spent with them. I will carry them with me in my heart forever.
I keep my past locked in a special corner of my heart, but I’m focused on the present and future with Connor, Ava, and our unborn child. He or she will never get to meet Faith, but there is no doubt in my mind that Ava will be the best big sister this child could ask for.
Because of You
What would you do, if you lost the one person in your life that you could count on?
Abuse
Pain
Sorrow
Fear
These are the things that Aaliyah Thomas had to cope with, all of her life. After the person, who meant the most to her and who made her life worth living, is murdered, she escapes and flees to the other side of the country. She enrolls in a college, determined to go on with her life. What she does not know, is that the killer is looking for her and will do anything to find her.
Ryder Knight lives for basketball. He is one of the most popular guys on campus, with a lot of friends and a good heart. The only thing he misses is honesty. Most hang out with him because of his money, so he isn't sure who is sincere and who has hidden motives.
The attraction between Ryder and Aaliyah is immediate, but Ryder's distrust quickly ruins any chances of them becoming friends.
Is he ready to open up his heart and once again let love enter his life? Will Aaliyah break down the walls, that she set up around her heart and finally start trusting others?
Will they get their forever? Or are their hearts too broken?
Never Again
Book One of the Again Series
Right after graduation, Ella Vaughn is on the verge of realizing her own dreams of becoming a professional masseuse. She and her boyfriend finally move in together and everything seems perfect - almost too perfect. Until tragedy strikes and completely shatters her world.
Jake "The Beast" Burns is a world famous motorcyclist. A desirable bachelor, Jake is living a dream life - he has a loving family, great friends, money and fame. He's got it all. At least that's how it appears, until Ella, a strikingly beautiful brunette, walks into his life. Ella is completely different from the girls he usually hangs out with, and that arouses his interest. But not everything is as it seems. Jake is hiding a great secret which not even the media have been able to uncover.
Will Ella be able to forgive him or will she never want to see him again?
Once Again
Book Two of the Again Series
Ella finally discovers Jake's big secret, and the shocking news leaves her disappointed and angry. Knowledge that Jake was hiding such an important part of his life is a bitter pill to swallow, but her heart is willing to forgive him, and Ella gives Jake another chance to regain her trust.
But their happiness doesn't last long. The shadows of Jake's past still haunt them, and it seems like there is no end to the dark clouds hovering over their relationship.
Is their love strong enough to withstand the obstacles life keeps throwing their way? Can Jake and Ella learn to trust each other after all they've been through, or will his past rip them apart once and for all?
Worthy of Love?
They say everything happens for a reason. Maybe they are right, but I don`t really agree.
When I was 14, the life I knew, turned upside down. I was devastated.
Every time I looked myself in the mirror, I saw this ugly girl looking at me. Love obviously wasn't a part of my plan anymore. How could it be?
But then I met him.
And it happened.
Suddenly and without a warning.
I want him.
I crave him.
Every fiber of my b
eing yearns for him.
He is the one who makes my heart sing, and the one who hunts my dreams at night.
But I can never have him.
After all, he is forbidden...
Deadly Obsession
A woman with a bright future.
A man, infatuated by her beauty, determined to get her - at any cost.
And a detective, willing to risk his own life to save hers.
Sometimes, when you least expect it, fate makes an unexpected turn. But not for the better.
April Brookes finds herself in mortal danger, when a stalker enters her life. He watches her every step and makes her life a living hell.
Detective O`Rilley will do everything in his powers to find an obsessed stalker, whose sole purpose is to get April.
Will O`Rilley succeed, or will the stalker's obsession become deadly?
Maybe sometimes, everything simply isn`t enough...
You can contact J. Lea at [email protected]
J. Lea is an avid reader and writer of sexy stories. Her other loves include her family as she is also a mama of a little boy and girl who keep her busy when she's not writing hot books. Lea also loves spending time outdoors with her family--skiing, hiking, and more.
Amazon: www.amazon.com/-/e/B00RAIQAGS
Facebook: www.facebook.com/author.jlea