by J. A. Owenby
“Ring shopping.”
My eyes lit up. “Walker Farren, you’re getting me all turned on again with this wedding talk,” I said, giggling.
He laughed and kissed my cheek. “Emma will be back soon, so just keep thinking about my tongue running all over your body and I swear I’ll take very good care of you tonight,” he whispered in my ear.
I sighed and nestled against his chest. “What about a date? And are we going to keep the wedding small? We’ll do it in Hot Springs, right?”
“Yeah, we’ll do it before we leave. We don’t have much time to plan, though,” he said as he tucked a piece of hair behind my ear.
“Let’s not tell Emma until we have the rings and we’ve applied for the license. This is her night tonight,” I said.
“Agreed. I want to check out this Nathan guy anyway. Especially since we won’t be here as their relationship continues.”
A pang of sadness spread through me. I wanted to see Emma happy in a relationship. I wanted to talk with her into the wee hours of the morning, but I wanted to be with Walker too. We’d have to figure something out.
“How about March tenth? That’s about six days before we head out.”
“That’s fine. I’ll just be a crazy lady trying to plan everything.”
“I have a church in mind if you’re okay with me picking it out?”
“Yeah. I don’t have a church, so that works. Ummm, wait. It’s not where you and Brittany got married, is it?” I asked, scrunching up my nose.
“Hell no. I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“Good. I didn’t want to have to smack you upside the head.”
Walker chuckled. “Okay, I’ll file the papers, call the pastor, and submit the announcement to the newspaper. And tomorrow we can go shopping for rings and a dress?”
“I’d love to.”
* * *
Nathan knocked on the door at exactly six o’clock. I opened it and accepted the bottle of wine he’d brought.
“Hi, Nathan! Come on in. Hey Emma, Nathan’s here,” I said.
“Oh hi,” Emma turned toward Nathan. A warm smile spread across her face, and her eyes lit up. I moved out of the way as he hugged her. I glanced at Walker and winked at him.
“Nathan, you’ve met Lacey, and this is Walker, her boyfriend,” Emma said.
Walker stepped forward, extended his hand, and shook Nathan’s.
“Nice to meet you,” Nathan said.
“You too,” Walker replied.
Walker eyed him as I slipped my arm around his waist and gave him a little squeeze. I didn’t want him scaring Nathan. Walker was definitely taller and more built than he was.
Against Emma’s wishes, Nathan insisted on joining her in the kitchen to finish cooking dinner. Walker and I watched them from the sofa.
I slipped my hand between Walker’s legs and massaged him through his jeans. I giggled softly as his eyes rolled back in his head. “Lacey, stop. I’m going to be so hard I won’t be able to walk to the dinner table,” he whispered.
“I have no problem with that,” I said as I continued to rub him.
“I’ll take care of you tonight,” he said, grinning. He grabbed my hand and held it in place on his knee.
“Y’all ready to eat?” Emma asked.
“It smells great,” Walker said as we stood up and joined them at the table.
Dinner went well, and it was obvious to both Walker and me that Nathan and Emma were head over heels for each other. I wondered if that would ease the news of my leaving. I dreaded the conversation, but there was no way around it.
I volunteered to clean the kitchen after dinner since Nathan was taking Emma to a movie. As soon as the door closed, Walker locked and bolted it. The dishes stayed on the table as our clothes littered the kitchen and living room floor. If we kept up at this pace, Walker would need more condoms by tomorrow.
Chapter 36
The next day consisted of ring and gown shopping. I made Walker go into other stores as I looked through the wedding dresses. Since we were getting married in March, I could get away with a backless gown.
I finally found one I fell in love with and tried it on. I turned in the mirror as I took it all in—the deep V-neck, the mermaid fit, and the bare back. It was exquisite. Then I peeked at the price tag and grimaced. I’d been without a job for a while, and I wasn’t sure how I’d pay for it. My shoulders slumped as I took it off.
I joined Walker an hour later.
“What’s wrong, babe?” he asked as he kissed me on the top of my head.
“I can’t afford the dress I want,” I said.
“Where is it?”
I pointed toward the wedding store.
He pulled out his wallet and handed me his credit card.
“What’s this for?”
“Go buy the dress,” he said.
“Walker it’s expensive, like several hundred dollars.”
“I don’t have anything on this card. I want you to wear the dress you want. We’re only doing this once,” he said.
I bit my lip as I thought about it. We were about to be married, which meant I’d help pay off the credit card. I could deal with that.
“I can’t sign your name, though. You’ll have to go with me.”
He took the card and put it back in his wallet. Then he grabbed my hand and walked me to the store.
“Which dress is it?”
“I can’t tell you that!” I said.
“Fine,” he said, grinning as we walked up to the lady at the front counter. “Excuse me. My fiancée wants to buy the dress she just tried on. Can you ring it up so I can give you my credit card?”
“He can’t see it, though,” I said quickly.
“Of course,” she said and beamed at us. “Miss, why don’t you come with me to make sure I get the right one. Then I’ll just put it in the back, and after he leaves, we’ll get it fitted for you. I think you were really close in size already, though,” she said.
I kissed Walker on the cheek as we left him standing at the front of the store.
We pulled the dress out, and she copied the information down to enter into the register. Within five minutes, Walker had paid for the dress and I’d sent him to the tux shop at the end of the mall while I got fitted for my gown.
* * *
I was excited but exhausted when we got back to the apartment.
“Where have you two been all day?” Emma asked as I flopped down on the sofa and Walker headed for the kitchen. He was always hungry.
“Shopping,” I said and gave her a tired smile. “How was your day with Nathan?”
“I think I’m falling in love with him,” Emma said.
“It’s funny how it sneaks up on you,” I said as I glanced at her. “I’m so happy for you. Does he feel the same way?”
“He told me he loved me tonight,” she said, grinning.
“That’s wonderful,” I said as a warm smile spread across my face. “You deserve nothing but the best,” I said softly so Walker couldn’t hear.
Silence hung in the air and I frowned at how to tell Emma the news.
“Mm, I know that look, Lacey Anne. Spill,” she said.
“Walker?” I called.
“Yeah,” he replied as he took a bite of an apple and walked over.
“I think we need to have that talk now.”
Walker smiled as he joined us in the living room. He swallowed his food and cleared his throat. “Emma, I’d like your permission to marry Lacey.”
Emma’s mouth hung open as she looked at Walker and then me. “You’re serious?” she asked.
“With all my heart,” he said.
Emma clapped her hands together and jumped off the couch. “Yes! Yes!” She reached for me and grabbed me off the sofa. She hugged me so hard I couldn’t breathe. Then she let go, took a step toward Walker, and stopped.
“Lacey, I’m going to hug your man now, so deal with it,” she said, giggling.
Walker wrapped her up in a b
ig hug.
Emma stepped back as tears glistened in her eyes. “I’m so happy you two have finally figured out what I’ve seen all along.”
“There’s more,” I said as I patted the sofa for her to sit down. “Emma, we’re getting married in March before Walker is relocated.”
Emma’s face fell as she realized what we were saying. “Where?”
“Fairfield, California,” Walker said gently.
“Dammit. you’re leaving again, Lacey?”
“Emma, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say,” I whispered.
Tears streamed down Emma’s cheeks. “I’ll get over it. I’m still so happy for you both, but I’ve gotten so used to you being here again. You too, Walker. What am I going to do without you?”
“First, be my maid of honor,” I said. “Second, if things with you and Nathan don’t work out, consider coming out to California with us,” I said as I glanced at Walker. He nodded in agreement.
“But Daddy and Mom are here,” she muttered.
“I know, but there are options. We’ll figure something out. It won’t be like it was last time. And if you and Nathan get married, Walker and I will fly back.”
“You will?”
“Hell yeah!” I said as I leaned over to hug her. “We’re family, remember?”
“Oh my gosh, that’s only like two-and-a-half months away, plus Christmas is in a few days. We have a lot of planning to do!”
Walker’s chuckle filled the room as Emma and I wiped our tears.
“If anything changes, you’ll come out there with us, okay?” I asked.
“Okay,” Emma promised.
* * *
By the time Christmas arrived, my engagement ring was ready. Nathan, Walker, and I spent the day with Emma and her parents. I asked Jim if he would walk me down the aisle and he’d wrapped me up in a big hug.
“I’d be honored to walk you down the aisle,” he said, misty-eyed. Linda teared up as we talked about the plans. They welcomed Walker into their home like he already belonged. I loved them for that.
It was the best Christmas I’d ever had. It wasn’t about the gifts or the food—my heart was overwhelmed with the love that surrounded me.
Chapter 37
March arrived quicker than I’d expected. We’d agreed to keep the wedding small and intimate. Walker struggled with it being his second wedding, but I didn’t care. As far as I was concerned, his marriage to Brittany was made from a place of brokenness after losing Jeffrey and his mom. He hadn’t done it with a clear head or heart like he had with me.
My heart fluttered as Jim walked me down the aisle. Walker’s mouth dropped open when he saw me. His face filled with emotion, and I almost cried before I reached him. Somehow, his eyes were even bluer against his black tux.
Jim kissed my cheek as he handed me off. I grinned at Emma. George had flown in from Oregon, and he stood next to Joss as one of my bridesmaids. I’ve never seen him smile so hard, and he looked gorgeous in his tux. I’d let the girls pick out their light-lavender dresses. I wasn’t going to torment them with something ugly. They were beautiful, and I didn’t miss how Nathan looked at Emma.
I smiled at Garrett as he stood next to Walker. I swore he’d grown another three inches since I’d seen him last. Some girl was going to snatch him up soon.
Jim and Linda sat in the front pew along with Nathan. Walker’s aunt, Linda, sat with them as well. She’d been thrilled to hear we’d worked things out. The only person missing was Susan. I’d wanted her to be with us the first time we’d planned to get married. My heart stuttered for a moment. If my heart ached, I couldn’t imagine what Walker was feeling. She’d been an amazing mom to him and Garrett, and to me during our brief time together.
Warmth flowed through me as Walker took my hand and we faced each other.
“I love you so much,” he whispered.
“I love you more,” I replied. I bit my lip as the tears threatened, but this time they were for a good reason.
The pastor cleared his throat. “We are gathered here today to join Lacey Anne Beaumont and Walker Tate Farren together in holy matrimony,” he said.
I gazed into Walker’s eyes as the pastor continued. My heart filled with so much love for him I thought it’d burst. I’d never felt more sure about any other decision I’d made in my life.
Suddenly, the front door opened and a voice yelled from the far end of the church.
“Wait! Stop this wedding. It’s a disgrace to God’s name!”
My eyes narrowed as I recognized Mama’s voice.
“Lacey? What’s this?” the pastor asked, wide-eyed.
I looked at Walker and searched his face. “If you don’t want her as your mother-in-law, you’d better back out right now,” I said.
“Not a chance in hell. Sorry, Pastor,” he said quickly. “I’m marrying you today.”
I nodded. “Then please excuse me for a moment,” I said to Walker and the pastor.
I handed my flowers to Emma and gave her a reassuring smile. I squared my shoulders, picked up the front of my dress, and walked down the aisle.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as I approached Mama.
“I saw the announcement in the paper, and I’m stopping this marriage. It’s not ordained by God!” she yelled.
“Mama, you either hush your mouth or I’ll have you escorted right out of this church. I’m a grown woman and I’m capable of making good decisions. I’m choosing to marry Walker right now, with or without your blessing. I don’t need your approval. I love you, but you either shut your mouth, sit down and join us, or leave. It’s your choice, but I’m getting married today,” I said as I looked her straight in the eye.
“It’s those demons,” she spat.
“Stop!” I said. “That is enough. You are not allowed to speak to me like that again. I have never been and never will be controlled or possessed by demons. Think what you want, but I’m finished here.”
“You’ll pay for this,” she hissed.
I turned and looked over my shoulder at Jim and Nathan and nodded toward Mama. They stood up and walked down the aisle.
“Would you two be so kind as to escort this woman off the church grounds?” I asked calmly. “Mama, if you don’t go quietly, I’ll call the cops and press charges for drugging me and holding me against my will,” I said and gave her a firm look.
“You wouldn’t!”
“Oh, I would. Don’t give me a reason to prove how serious I am.”
Jim and Nathan each took one of Mama’s arms and ushered her down the aisle and out the front door.
“You’ll be sorry for this!” Mama screamed as she walked out of the church.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and made my way back down the aisle toward Walker.
The men returned shortly and took their seats. The pastor continued the ceremony without any further interruptions.
Ten minutes later, Walker gave me my first kiss as Mrs. Walker Farren. Everyone clapped and cheered as he escorted me down the stairs. I stopped him in the middle of the aisle and kissed him.
“Thank you for never giving up on me,” I said as I gazed up into his eyes. My heart sang as I realized that I’d never again have to be apart from him.
“I love you, Lacey Farren, and nothing will ever change that,” he said, picking me up and twirling me around.
Epilogue
Portland, Oregon
My Louboutin heels clicked against the dining room floor.
“Don’t you look professional,” Garrett said as he walked into the kitchen and raided the refrigerator.
“You’re up early.” I smiled at him as I put my earrings on.
“It’s because he never went to bed. He walked in the front door a few minutes ago,” Walker said and laughed as he joined us. “Mmm, you look good.” He slipped his arms around my waist and pulled me in for a long kiss.
“I can’t focus when you kiss me like that,” I whispered as my face flushed. “Besides, it’s a
n important day. I want to put that asshole behind bars, and I can’t walk into the courtroom rattled,” I said, smiling. “It does help that whether we win or lose, he can’t hurt Valerie again. Maybe we’ll have something to celebrate tonight.” I winked at him.
“You’re going to be amazing. I’m so proud of you. You’ve already won this case, don’t forget that.”
“I love you. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you. You’ve saved me so many times.”
“And I’d do it all again,” he said and kissed the top of my head.
“Shit, man, will you two knock it off? I’m trying to eat over here,” Garrett said.
“If you don’t want to see us in the morning, get your ass home at a decent hour,” Walker said, chuckling. “Besides, if you remember, Lace and I talked to you about this before you moved in. You should be focusing on finding a job, not chasing women all night.”
Garrett flipped Walker the bird and grinned.
“Alright guys,” I said as I grabbed my briefcase. “I’m off to hopefully put another abuser behind bars. Wish me luck.”
“Kick their ass!” Garrett said around a mouthful of cereal.
“I love you. You’ve got this,” Walker said as he kissed me.
I took a deep breath and walked out the door.
* * *
My hands trembled as I pulled the courtroom door open and walked in. I’d done this numerous times, but it never stopped being difficult.
I eyed the defendant as I made my way down the aisle. I tilted my chin up and walked straight to my seat as my client, Valerie, followed and sat down next to me.
“Remember, we have a backup plan, so no matter what, you’ll never have to live this way again. We’ve got this,” I said. I smiled as I remembered Cassidy’s words to me all those years ago.
Valerie nodded. I patted her arm. I remembered how terrifying this was, but she had the strength to testify.
Thirty minutes later, Valerie and I watched as her ex-boyfriend was handcuffed and escorted out of the room. I hugged her, and then we walked out of the courtroom together. Nothing compared to the high of winning a case against an abuser and putting his sorry ass in jail.
“You ready?” I asked Valerie.