The Running Series Box Set: Books 1-3

by DeLaine Roberts

  “Kane, that’s beautiful. Obviously, you didn’t rehearse the water and the hammock?” I poked some fun at him.

  “No, I didn’t rehearse anything. I had the ring in my pocket and just thought I’d go with the flow and do it when it felt natural,” Kane explained.

  “Sweetie, it was beautiful. Perfect. I love you.” Kaliegh kissed him to applause and whistles throughout the room.

  “Boy, let me just share with you that you are in for a ride with wedding planning. Why don’t you both just save yourself the grief and do it right here tomorrow with us?” Grayson asked Kane while doing a fist bump. But Kane shook his head and wouldn’t have it.

  “Seriously, I would, but her daddy would kill me if I talked her into it. That man sleeps with a shotgun!” The room erupted in more laughter as Kaliegh nodded.

  We continued to enjoy each other’s company until early morning. As couples began to leave, we agreed on a time to meet up for playing at the beach and snorkeling before getting ready for the ceremony.

  It had been a glorious day and evening, but now it was officially my wedding day. Everyone left, except for Grayson. He looked at me with deep, loving blue eyes. “It’s your call, angel, do you want me to stay or go?” He reached out his arms for me to come to him.

  Approaching him, slipping the straps of my sundress down, I whispered in a low voice, “I want you to stay, and I want you to make good on your promise with the vibrator and Spot On G Spot Stimulator!”

  “Really?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Really! Read my tiara and sash!”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  I woke up early in the morning, to something tickling my face. I opened my eye to take a peak to find my sexy fiancé dragging a pink feather down my nose and across my cheek.

  He grinned widely, hardly able to contain himself. “Good morning, ma’am. Um, did I make good on my promise last night, or am I sleeping in the dog house tonight?”

  “Oh, you made good and then some. Oh my gosh! Have I been living a sheltered life? That stuff and the vibrator were amazing. Let’s do it again!”

  “Glad to be of service, my pet, anytime! See, I told you! Just so you know, I love that you’re keeping an open mind and learning these things with me for the first time. But nope, there’s no repeat this morning. You’ll just have to wait until tonight! Get your butt out of bed and get your swimsuit on. It’s our wedding day! Let’s go have some fun!”

  We spent a good bit of the early morning at the beach, snorkeling, riding wave runners, and just having fun in the sun with the rest of the gang. Everyone came out, and even baby Elizabeth got to put a swimsuit on.

  The morning went by so fast. Leaving Grayson, I didn’t say anything; I just looked into his eyes as we both smiled, touching hands as I walked away from him until we no longer reached each other. Each time I looked back, he was just standing there watching me, smiling, until I could no longer see him from inside the hotel lobby.

  Alone in my hotel room, I had a long hot bath, taking time to reflect. I missed my mom and wished she could be here. I thought about her charm bracelet, remembering all the charms and all the memories that each one held. There was a charm with my birth date and birth stone. Oh, a charm for my first and only dance recital, what a nightmare that was for one ungraceful little girl!

  The largest heart charm on the bracelet held her favorite quote, “The heartbeat has two sides,” on it. Yes, Mom, it does, I thought to myself. Now more than ever, I understood what she meant, my heart had a side beating just for Grayson.

  A knock at the door brought be out of my reverie. Gretchen and Cooper arrived to help me fix my hair and get ready.

  “Hey, I know we talked about putting my hair up for the veil, but Grayson likes my hair down. Can we pull the sides up and curl the rest? I can’t decide what looks good, and I’m having a hard time with it. Ugh!”

  “Sit and I will fix your hair. Put your hands down and stop fussing with it. Geez! Gretchen is getting your veil. Why are you fidgeting? You’re just getting married; it ain’t no big deal.” He slapped my hand when I tried to fix a loose curl.

  “Well, aren’t you just the pro at weddings?” I smirked back at him.

  “Yes, ma’am, I am. I’ve done more bridal/tux shoots than I care to and married off quite a list of friends over the years. So yes, I guess that makes me a pro!” he professed, with a take that attitude.

  “Pretend does not make one a pro, mister. You need to actually get married to be a pro, right Gretchen?” I was looking for some back up.

  “I learned a long time ago not to take sides between you two, but I would say that you’re both correct. Marriage is a lot like pretend. Even when you don’t like something the partner is doing, you pretend to, just to keep the peace. You both will learn all about that. Grayson is a great catch; you did well, Alexandra. But, he does like to get his way so you’ll do lots of pretending… And so will he because you’re as stubborn as they come. I love you both, and I’m happy for you. Cooper, when are you going to settle down?”

  “Never, Gretchen, never!” Coop was blushing.

  I didn’t think I’d ever seen him blush. Did that mean he was that serious about Mark? I would have to make time to ask him later in private. Next year was shaping up to be a great year of new loves and changing lives for our family, and a very exciting time for us.

  Finishing my hair, Gretchen brought my veil over to double check how it was going to look with my hair only partly pulled up, and it looked beautiful. Cooper was the owner of magical hands when it came to hair. He truly might have missed his calling.

  We put down the veil and just took time to sit and relax as the girls started to arrive. Bethany, Monica, and Zoe came to get their dresses on and finish their hair and makeup. They all looked stunning. We served ourselves champagne that arrived, compliments of Grayson accompanied by the sweetest card:

  Champagne to kiss your delicate lips. Sip sweetly with them. Soon they will become mine to kiss for all eternity. Love you lots, G.

  Everyone teased me about how romantic and mushy Grayson behaved. Zoe said their parents had been very romantic. Her dad had loved bringing flowers and little cards to their mom.

  I wished their parents were alive to be here with us, but they were watching with my mom and our baby from heaven. I whispered a quick thank you to those who were missing from our lives today.

  Now, dressed and ready to go, I felt the butterflies for the first time.

  When Dad arrived, I heard him gasp.

  “Like the dress?”

  “You look beautiful, Alexandra,” he said, beaming. “I couldn’t be more thrilled with Grayson as your choice for a husband. I love you so much, and your mom would be so proud.” He kissed my check just as the photographer captured the moment.

  “Time to go,” he touted.

  The florist arrived with Maggie, announcing it was time to take a walk to the chapel. My heart skipped a beat. Next thing I knew, someone was whistling “Going To The Chapel”.

  Oh, Dad!

  The doors to the chapel were closed, but I could hear “For My Wedding” by Don Henley playing. That meant Grayson and the guys were entering the chapel with the minister. The magical song gave me goose bumps and shivers.

  Grayson had told me once while we were listening to the song that those words described what was in his heart. He knew what he wanted from a relationship and what it meant to have a life with me.

  “Nervous, kiddo?” Dad asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “No, Daddy, I’m excited. I’m about to marry the most romantic, honest, dependable man I’ve ever met. I couldn’t be happier. Before I forget, I’m not sure how I can ever thank you for your support of our love and for this beautiful experience. I love you, Daddy!” I kissed his cheek and then had to wipe my lipstick off his face. I wondered if the photographer got that picture too!

  “Your happiness is the only thanks I need,” he said, as he kissed my cheek back.

  “The Wedding S
ong” by Kenny G started playing for the processional. Daddy ushered Gretchen to her seat and returned to be by my side. Once the girls were there, my heart filled with flutters. When the music changed to Pachebel’s “Cannon in D,” it was time, the big moment I’d waited all my life for.

  When Maggie opened the doors, all I could see was his face. His eyes were big, but his bright smile grabbed my heart. I smiled back; in fact, I think I smiled all the way to the altar. Dad passed my hand to Grayson’s and took a seat.

  Grayson looked at me so endearingly. “You’re stunningly beautiful,” he whispered.

  My heart caught. I could barely hold back my tears of joy. I wanted to burst! My chin quivered.

  “I love you!” I mouthed back, as we stood there smiling, almost giddy.

  After our traditional vows, we shared our own pledge of love to each other. My tears flowed as Grayson sweetly recited his words.

  “Alexandra Elise Morrison, you’ve put sunshine back into my heart. Your love surrounds me like a warm blanket. From the first moment I found your eyes and held your hand, I knew you were meant for me. That bolt of energy you called our immediate chemistry felt more like a Taser on my end. You took hold of my heart and didn’t let go. I knew my mom had picked out my mate from heaven and sent you into my office that very day. While our life so far hasn’t been free of struggle or even been remotely easy, it’s perfect in my heart. Your eyes sparkle when you smile and when you’re tense or sad, you get this little line on your forehead. I know this because I know you. I know you’re perfect for me. I’m far from perfect. I drive you nuts with all of my music and make you dance more than you care to, but I want to be the last name on your dance card. I love you and crave you by my side always. I promise to cherish you for a lifetime.”

  “Grayson Peter Brooks, you pitched me a challenge that first day. I’m so grateful I accepted. But when you asked me to dance for the first time, I knew as you held me in your arms that you would hold my heart forever. I will faithfully be your last dancing partner. I know the last few months haven’t been easy, but then maybe easy is overrated. Through the course of our trials and tribulations, I’ve learned how true love feels and what it means to trust. You’ve proven that you can stand by me. So, I’m standing beside you today, pledging my love and devotion to you. I’m grateful for the support our family and friends have shown our love. My promise back to you and them is to always have your best interest at heart. It’s your compassion for humankind that grips my soul. Your love and patience showed me how to trust again. With you, my heart has opened up, and now, like my mom would say, my heartbeat has two sides. I love you and will stand by you for eternity.”

  As the minister announced “You may kiss the bride,” Grayson wiped my tears and kissed my lips, sweetly lingering, barely making contact, until everyone erupted in applause and congratulations.

  We darted out of the chapel and made our way to a private corner. Grayson placed one arm around my waist pulling me to him, as he slid the other hand along my jaw and kissed me with such desire.

  “Now, I can forever call you Mrs. Brooks, my delicious wife!” he whispered along my neck. “Enjoy the reception and just secretly know I have something wonderful planned for us later!” he confessed with want and enthusiasm in his eyes. The sight of his lips moist from mine was almost more than I could walk away from, but the photographer was coming.

  “Now, I can call you husband, my personal sex god. I love you in this tux, by the way. You’re simply gorgeous!”

  “Glad you like it, but I can’t wait to get both of us out of our clothes. Speaking of which, pack a small bag of items that you need for a couple of nights, nothing fussy. We won’t be seeing people and stay in your gown when we leave; I’m going to love slowly removing it.”

  The poolside reception gave us time to greet our guests and enjoy champagne and dancing. We found Millie, now our honorary aunt.

  “I knew the moment I saw you two together locking eyes in the office that you were going to be a couple. I’m so happy for you both!” she said as she hugged both of us and kissed Grayson’s cheek.

  “Millie, if it hadn’t been for you sneaking me to the back office, we wouldn’t be here today and this would’ve never happened. We owe everything to you! We’re thrilled you joined us here!” I hugged her again and whispered in her ear, “We can’t wait to make you a great aunt!” as we shared another tender embrace.

  When the music started with “Heart of the World” by Lady Antebellum, Grayson led me to the dance floor for our first dance as a married couple. I was moved to tears with joy as we swayed to the song. I couldn’t stop smiling at him. I couldn’t take my eyes off his face or stop gazing into his eyes.

  Distracted by my beautiful husband, I didn’t realize the song had stopped and the next had started. It was “World Stand Still” by The Tenors.

  “You switched the playlist, you sneak!”

  He muttered, “Uh hum,” as he gripped me. Then he whispered into my ear, “Do I really have to share you with everyone else tonight? I just want you to myself.” He held me so tightly I could barely breathe.

  “Yes, but not for long. I’m yours forever, sweetheart.”

  He kissed me passionately, sealing the deal.

  When we came up for air, we both laughed, and he turned to our guests and asked them to join us. The next thing I knew, they were playing “Amen Hallelujah” by Jess Moskaluke, and Cooper decided to cut in to show everyone how it was done.

  “Good thing you have this fun song on the playlist. I was beginning to think Grayson had a list with just mushy crap.” He laughed while twirling me around the floor and showing off. We had danced together for years and were comfortable with each other. I realized that everyone had moved off the floor and were just watching us and clapping along to the song.

  When we finished, we got a standing ovation. I turned back to Cooper while walking off the dance floor, saying, “You were showing off!” I gave him a wink and tried to catch my breath as I put my shoes back on. Actually, I hated to complain because that had been fun.

  When I caught sight of Grayson, he winked at me. I walked over to him and ran my finger over his smiling lips. “Did you see something you liked?”

  “Wow, you looked great out there. I love seeing you be carefree and having fun!” he said, raising his eyebrows at me. “There’s still more fun to come.”

  We both had built up desire, which I’d come to understand. Our wedding night was going to be more intense from anticipation.

  Harrison started his best man speech. “To our friends in school, I was known as the older, better looking brother,” he said, pausing for a chuckle.

  Grayson took to the moment to interject, “You are only older by three minutes, but you have ten years’ worth of more wrinkles, which makes me better looking!”

  Harrison continued, “Grayson, we’ve had our ups and downs, thrown a few punches and backed each other countless times. I’ve always had your back. From the moment I met Alexandra, I knew she was a keeper and would win your heart. The next time I laid eyes on you, my brother, I knew you were a goner. I wish you two a lifetime of happiness and hope that you fall more in love each and every day. I can only hope I am as lucky in love as you both! Congratulations to Grayson and Alexandra Brooks. Cheers!” It was a very lovely toast, and we cheered him back.

  After all the required dances, Grayson found me for our last dance of the night, “Never Stop” by Safety Suit. I got caught up in his arms and didn’t want to let go, until Maggie called us over to cut the cake.

  Our cake was a beautiful creation of white fondant layers, wrapped with silver ribbon with a trailing bouquet of fresh yellow roses and white calla lilies. The top tier held a bouquet of the same flowers with a silver “B” initial erupting from the center. The four tiers alternated in flavor with chocolate and white.

  While we were cutting the cake, it was very tempting to let my ornery side out to play. Grayson looked at me and said, “Don’t you
do it, or I will get even later!” He winked at me, but I knew he meant business, so I let him eat his cake in peace.

  We shared a glass of champagne while the single ladies lined up to catch my bouquet. Monica beat them all out. When it came to my garter, I whispered to Maggie that I was keeping that for a private moment later, so she quickly came up with a cute red and white garter for Grayson to toss. Of course, Harrison beat everyone to get it, but lost his balance and face planted in the sand. It was a hysterical moment for the twins, for sure.

  “Want some help packing?” Grayson asked with a jovial look on his face.

  I kissed him chastely, giddy with excitement. “I don’t need help, but I don’t want to be apart from you.”

  We returned to the reception to say our goodbyes to our guests and family. I couldn’t control my excitement, looking forward to uninterrupted hours with my husband. Anticipating what he had planned was making the hair on the back of neck stand up, and I noticed that even my nipples were hard.

  Thank goodness for the built-in padding in my dress!

  Grayson led me down a path to the beach through a mass of fireworks. Funny, to my surprise, there was a power boat waiting at the dock for our departure. An unusual departure, I thought, but I trembled with eagerness, curious as to where this boat would possibly take us. What did Grayson have up his sleeve for us?

  Our bags were already waiting for us in the boat along with some other boxes and bags. Now, my curiosity was about to get the best of me. Grayson stepped into the boat first and then lifted me over with him, a difficult feat in a wedding gown and veil. We waved goodbye as we pulled out from the dock.