Domino Effect

by Kristin Mayer

  “That I did.” He turned to me. “Nikola, what would you think about getting married tomorrow evening. I wanted—”

  I put my fingers to his lips. “I think tomorrow night sounds like the perfect day to become your wife. Do you think the justice of the peace will have an opening?”

  He kissed my lips. “They do. Ainsley helped me with the planning. She’s been getting details from you covertly over the last week.”

  Ainsley had been asking me a lot of questions lately about my opinion on her wedding. It made sense now.

  “Just tell me where to be and I’ll be there.”

  My heart was happy. Brandt was making so many of my dreams come true. The ones I loved would get to see me marry the person I was meant to be with forever.

  He kissed my hand again. “I’ll be waiting for you at the end of the aisle.”

  We were at the bridal shop with my mom, Faith, and Grandmama. Brandt, with Ainsley’s help, had found a place and set up the appointment. Currently, they were serving mimosas. I abstained. The amount of work he’d put in to making this so magical was unbelievable. I felt guilty for being agitated at him for being gone so much when that time had been spent training the new managers and arranging our wedding.

  The shopkeeper had a selection of gowns to choose from in my size. She was a petite thing with dark hair and eyes. A dress that caught my eye from the rack was what I wanted to try on first. The older salesclerk helped me slip into the down. As she zipped up the back, my heart beat faster at the thought that this could be the dress.

  My eyes were closed, wanting to wait to see what the dress looked like after it was completely on.

  “Open your eyes. It’s beautiful.”

  I gasped. The sleeveless dress hugged my body to my waist, then gently flowed out. Fabric gathered at the waist, like a belt. I looked like a Greek princess. The back had a gathered train that extended from my lower back. A smattering of sequins sparkled in any light that I was in. It was beautiful.

  I went out to stand on the pedestal in the viewing area. My loved ones stopped drinking and looked at me from the cream-colored sofa. I looked toward Grandmama first as she stood.

  “You look beautiful, Nikola. Absolutely stunning. I think you may have found the one.”

  “Me, too.”

  I was practically jumping in place. Looking over at my mom, Faith, and Ainsley, they all had tears in their eyes.

  My mom spoke as she wiped away her solitary tear. “It’s beautiful, Nikola.”

  This was the most emotion I’d ever seen from my mom. Since arriving we’d only spoken a few times. I stepped off the podium and went to give her a hug. She stood.

  “Thanks, mom. I’m glad you could be here.”

  Her hand hesitated on my back, but I kept holding her for a few more seconds before I released her. I knew showing emotions was hard for her.

  Brandt’s mom was next. “You look beautiful. Brandt’s going to pass out when he sees you. You’re better than I could have ever imagined for my boy.”

  “Thank you.”

  Ainsley, my maid of honor, came and gave me a hug. “He’s going to love it.”

  “I hope so.” My voice got thicker as I realized how much more real this was becoming by the second.

  As I started walking back toward the raised platform, Faith said, “I’m going to be especially excited when I get a grandbaby out of this deal.”

  “Now, that may cause me to pass out,” I said, laughing.

  My heart hoped Grandmama would still be here for that moment. Brandt and I were ready to be married, but I knew he’d put this all together to give me the memories with my grandmother. Grandmama sat by my mom and held her hand. My mom looked genuinely happy as she started to relax.

  I started to cry. “Thank you for all being here. I couldn’t have imagined this day without each and every one of you.”

  My words had us all crying and hugging. Among sniffles, I said, “I’m going to take this off and let them know this is the one. What’s next on the agenda?”

  Ainsley looked at the itinerary. “Massages. We are all getting massages. Brandt has it arranged.”

  “I love him.”

  As smiles emerged on everyone’s faces, I headed back to the changing room. The shopkeeper helped me out of the gown and had taken it out of the dressing room. I was bent over getting my regular undergarments when familiar hands came up behind me. I stood and Brandt’s hand came over my mouth.

  “Shh, if they know I’m here they’ll kick me out. I had to see you.”

  I kissed him when his hand uncovered my lips and I could turn into Brandt’s embrace. His hands slid down my waist.

  Brandt pulled back. “Fuck. I want you so bad.”

  “I want you, too. Hurry.”

  I helped Brandt get out of his pants. We were fumbling with each other in the mad rush. His length fell out when a voice on the other end of the curtain came through. It was Brandt’s mom. “Hey, Ainsley got the massage appointments moved up. We have to be there in ten minutes. Do you need any help?”

  Panic struck both our faces as Brandt and I looked at each other. I went to the curtain and barely moved it back so my head would pop through. “I’m getting changed. I’ll be right out. I’ll meet you in the car.”

  Faith flicked her wrist. “It’s okay. Ainsley’s getting your dress. I’ll wait here.”

  “Okay.”

  I turned back to Brandt. We were both in a desperate state. He mouthed, We can still do this.

  Shaking my head, I mouthed, No way. Your mom is right outside that curtain.

  I started getting ready and Brandt looked pained.

  “Oh, Nikola! Ainsley has your dress. Are you ready?” Faith called from the other side of the curtain.

  “Coming.”

  I went up to Brandt and whispered in his ear, “I love you. You should have to abide by at least one tradition.”

  “I want you,” He whispered back.

  I grabbed my purse and kissed him quietly. “You’re about to have me forever.”

  With my parting words, I dashed out the curtain to head out to get my massage with the girls. Brandt could rely on his trusty five if he got too desperate.

  I stood off to the side of the chapel doors, waiting to go inside and meet Brandt. The chapel was solid glass and lit up as twilight approached, casting a glow from the chapel. It was meant for small parties of thirty people of less. We’d gone with simple green ferns to decorate the already beautiful chapel. All I needed was Brandt. Strangely enough, all I’d ever wanted was a simple wedding.

  Ainsley stood beside me in a teal dress. The doors to the chapel opened. My Mom and Grandmama came out from inside the glass structure.

  My mom spoke, “Anne and I wanted to give you something to remember this day, always.” She pulled out a slender box and opened it. It was a beautiful bracelet made of white gold, diamonds, and sapphires. The bracelet looked like several flowers, connected with diamonds in the center.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  My mom continued, her green eyes moistening, “The diamonds are your something old. They came from a bracelet your Grandaddy gave Anne. The sapphires are your something blue, a gift from your dad and me. The bracelet is your something new. On the inside is a passage inscribed from Brandt’s parents’ wedding. Faith wanted you guys to borrow the words on your special day to have as your passage.”

  I tried to keep the tears at bay as I blinked rapidly. “I love it. Thank you.”

  My mom gave me a hug. I had never hugged her this much in my life.

  Grandmama smiled as she watched the exchange.

  “I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become, Nikola. So proud.”

  I nodded as Grandmama began to speak and give me a hug next. “I’ve always dreamed of being part of this special day with you. I’m glad you found the happiness that everyone deserves. We’re going to head inside now. We’ll leave the doors open. When you hear the music, come on in and see your forever af
ter.”

  My dad walked up beside her dressed in his business tux. He had auburn hair, like me. Instead of green, he had chocolate brown eyes. “I think we’re about ready if everyone wants to head on in,”

  Mom, Grandmama, and Ainsley all made their way inside. We’d decided, due to the small wedding, that there wouldn’t be a processional. It was only my dad and me left outside. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time we’d been alone.

  “I know your mom and I haven’t always voiced how we feel, like my mom does, but I do want you to know we love you, Nikola. Your mom and I are proud of the woman you’ve become. Brandt’s a lucky man to have someone who loves him like you do. Not all of us can show and express love like you’re able to.” He adjusted his bowtie, obviously rattled by his declaration.

  My emotions took over and I hugged him hard. Dad hugged me back. This day couldn’t be any more perfect. “Thanks, Dad. I needed that.”

  He pulled back as the music started playing. “Are you ready to get married?”

  “I am, Daddy.”

  We began walking and any nerves residing in me left as we turned the corner and I saw Brandt standing at the altar with Adam to his right, the preacher in the center, and Ainsley to the left. Our eyes connected, and my feet felt light as they drifted toward Brandt. He was dashing in his black tux. His hair was down. We were both grinning. A day I never thought would come was happening.

  Time stilled as I stood in front of Brandt. The pastor in front of us asked, “Who gives this woman away in marriage?”

  My dad squeezed my arm softly and said, “Her mother and I do.”

  Dad let go of my hand and Brandt took it, leading me to the altar. He mouthed, You’re beautiful.

  I blushed and smiled as the preacher began. The ceremony was a blur as I focused on trying to remember every feature of Brandt’s face as we said our vows. They were said as not only a promise, but a declaration.

  As the preacher concluded the ceremony, Brandt jumped the gun and kissed me.

  In the background I heard, “You may now kiss the bride.”

  Brandt pulled away. “I couldn’t wait.”

  A few people chuckled. “I could tell. You’re stuck with me.”

  “I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather be stuck with.”

  We turned as everyone cheered. Brandt leaned in. “After the cake, the dance, and whatever else Ainsley is mandating, I’m taking you away from here and we’re going on our honeymoon.”

  “Honeymoon?” I hadn’t known we were going on a honeymoon.

  He wiggled his eyebrows. “I hear it’s the best part of a wedding. Of course we’re having a honeymoon.”

  I giggled as we walked out of the church to the small reception hall. This was our new beginning, and I was truly happy.

  WE WERE DRIVING to our destination for the next two days. This weekend there was a huge benefit going on in Atlanta, so all the decent limos had been rented. I knew neither of us cared about a fancy car, but it would’ve been fun to have some foreplay on the way to our honeymoon location. Nikola and I were the same when it came to these types of things. We liked our lives simple.

  The road was winding and the headlights from the car illuminated the tress on the sides of the road. A deer stood off to the right, eyes glowing. I slowed to make sure the animal didn’t dart out in front of me.

  Nikola had fallen asleep in the passenger seat. She’d tried to stay awake, but when I turned on the classical radio station, I knew she’d be gone. We’d both slept like shit last night, as she stayed with her parents at Anne’s house to follow tradition, which I thought was total bullshit. Nikola’s parents, I think, had wanted to spend some time in her presence, even though they didn’t say as much.

  I glanced over at my Sleeping Beauty. My wife. I would’ve never imagined that only four months after our New Year’s run-in at Coyote Ugly we’d be married. Part of me wished we could freeze this moment forever, relive it day after day, and not have to fight life as it led us into the unknown. The fear of the unknown haunted me. I knew I was stronger than addiction, but I wanted to always control what was happening.

  The only thing left on Nikola’s wish list was for Anne to be a part of us having a baby. But we weren’t ready. I wanted to enjoy Nikola, to learn each other in new ways.

  The cabin came into view. The last time we’d been to Stone Mountain was when Nikola got stuck here on a business trip. I’d forged ahead before the roads had closed to join her.

  This was a special place to both of us. Those two days away from the world had been magical, and hopefully the magic remained. Ainsley had come up yesterday and gotten the keys for me so I wouldn’t have to check in. Nikola sighed in her sleep, and I quietly got out of the car to go to her side.

  My brother had dropped off our bags, so we wouldn’t have to deal with any of it. When I opened Nikola’s door, the wind blew a gentle, cool breeze and her eyes fluttered open. She gave me a sleepy smile.

  “I’m sorry I fell asleep. I didn’t mean to. I’m a snoozefest on our wedding night.”

  She stretched, arching her back, making her breasts plump slightly in the white satin. I needed to feel her.

  “I plan to keep you up all night.”

  “I like the sound of that.” Nikola went to get out of the car when I picked her up. “How proper of you, Mr. Mattox.”

  I kissed her on the lips before saying, “Trust me, baby, there’s not much that’s proper about what I’m thinking. But I want this official. No loopholes.”

  She leaned her head on my shoulder. “This has all been perfect. I’m glad we didn’t have a long engagement. Though I wish we could have had longer in the dressing room at the shop.”

  I kissed her pouty lips. They were addictive. Kissing and being with Nikola were two of the few vices I allowed myself. I climbed the four steps that led to our escape. I slid the key card and walked through as our tongues danced with each other.

  Lust raged through my veins. I kept telling myself to savor this moment. Having her for the first time as my wife was only going to happen once. I knew Nikola hadn’t realized where we were as I broke the kiss. The lighting was set low. The cabin had a pine scent to it. A fire crackled in the fireplace and a bottle of sparkling grape juice chilled on the table. In front of the fire was a fur blanket and pillows. The bed, located in the back of the room, had white linens with red rose petals sprinkled on.

  Nikola walked toward the fire. We’d made love in front of this fireplace all weekend, last time. Thinking on it, at my place, it was the cold that had reunited us, leading to our expressing our love again in front of my fireplace. Her fingers reached out, feeling the warmth of the flame. The fire cast a light on the sequins of her dress. She looked like a goddess. I walked up behind her.

  “Do you like it?” I nuzzled her ear.

  She turned in my embrace. Her eyes were huge with amazement. “It’s perfect. This is where we stayed at during the storm. It’s where you first told me you loved me.”

  “It is. And where you first told me you loved me.”

  My hands crept to the back of her dress as I started to pull down the zipper. Nikola’s head drifted back and a stray curl graced her neck. I moved it to the side as I began kissing down her jawline, bringing her zipper down farther, wanting to prolong this moment for as long as we could stand. I planned on telling her I loved her at the exact moment I had when we were here before.

  I kissed down her neck and let go of her dress as it sank to the floor. Nikola stepped out of it and kicked it to the side. I nearly stumbled at the site of her. She wore a light gray strapless bra etched in pink. Her tan stomach was completely visible. Her panties were sheer with the same color scheme. Nikola’s legs were bare and at the end were fuck-me heels that made her legs go on forever. She was gorgeous.

  “You’re beautiful. So beautiful. I can’t believe I’m looking at my wife now.”

  Nikola walked toward me and pulled off my jacket. Her fingers went to my tie to undo
it before going to my shirt buttons. As she made it halfway down, she glanced back up at me.

  “I’ve been waiting since the moment you first took me ice-skating on our second date to be your wife. You’ve made all my dreams come true.”

  I pulled off my shirt as Nikola ran her hands along my abs. “Go lie down on the rug. I want to watch the light of the fire bathe your body while I finish undressing you.”

  Nikola walked over and lay down. One leg was bent and her shoes sparkled in the light. I removed the rest of my clothes, trying to be smooth and not rush it. Obviously, I was failing as Nikola smirked. She knew what I was trying to do. Fuck this shit, I want to feel my wife. I’d take it slow once I could feel her in my arms. Yanking the rest of my clothes off, I came and lay beside her. I dragged my finger from the top of her panty line to the bottom of her bra.

  A little moan escaped her sweet lips, and my inner beast raged, wanting to mark her as mine. “You’re taking things really slow.”

  She gave me a look of lust as she wet her lips. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her as I said, “I want to savor our first time together as husband and wife.”

  My hand made its way back down, dipping into her panties, needing to feel more of Nikola. When I made contact with her clit, the sexy noises that escaped as she let the feelings move through her were nearly my undoing. I moved between her legs and took off her panties, sliding them down her legs, revealing the pink heaven I was going to bury myself in. Nikola had unfastened her bra and her breasts came into view.

  “I get to have this body for the rest of my life.”

  She smiled at me. “And I get yours. It’s a comforting thought.”

  “It is.” I knelt between her legs and tasted her before trailing feather light kisses up her abdomen. My guy was raring to go; he kept jumping, thinking he was about to make entry. Finally, I made contact with her entrance.

  Nikola’s fingers came around to my back as she held onto me. We were searching each other’s eyes as she urged me inside her. As my tip breached her entrance, I repeated what I’d said the last time, “I love you, Nikola.”