by Blake, Remy
“I gave your mom my credit card,” he says.
“What?” I query, not sure I heard him right.
“Your mom has my credit card.”
“Why?”
“I gave it to her.”
“I gathered that, Brock, but why?”
“I didn’t want you to go without a single thing this weekend.” The tone in his voice turns serious. “Your mom has the details on where you have to go next.”
“Where am I going?”
“If I could have organized this part on my own I would’ve, but I didn’t want you to miss out on the experience.”
His voice is so honest and earnest, it makes my chest tight. “What are you talking about, baby?”
“I’m marrying you this weekend, Ivy, and I want you to go with your mom and pick out a wedding dress.”
Unshed tears fill my eyes, his thoughtfulness beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined.
“You’re a real Prince Charming, aren’t you?” I quip.
“I only want to be yours.”
I stare straight ahead, my eyes landing on my emotional mother. Her happy tears make my own fall. “So, tell me what it is you want me to do.”
“Pick a dress and some sexy as fuck lingerie that I can ravage you in when I finally fuck you for the first time as my wife.”
I squirm in my seat, unbelievably turned on by the idea of us consummating our marriage. “I can’t believe we’re doing this. I can’t believe you did this.”
“When will you realize, for you, Ivy, I’d do anything?”
12
Brock
Ending the call with Ivy, I smile as I shove my phone back into my pocket.
“Dude, you’re wrapped around her finger, aren’t you?” Jude shakes his head, a grin teasing his lips.
“Fuck off.”
“What? I think it’s awesome. You make my best friend ridiculously happy most of the time. Why would that be a bad thing?”
“Most of the time?” I growl.
“Come on. You have to know that about twenty percent of the time she wants to stab you, but that’s just part of Ivy’s bristly charm.”
“Stab me?”
“Don’t worry, she’d never actually do it.”
“Christ. Maybe I should be rethinking this wedding,” I joke.
“Then she really would stab you,” Jude offers.
“No doubt. Or cut my dick off.”
Jude gives a solemn nod. “That’s a distinct possibility too.”
“Okay, what do you say we finish up what we need to do so we can reward ourselves with a drink or two?”
“I’m on board with that idea,” Jude agrees. “I want to get Ivy a gift. I was thinking I could buy her something blue. Do you like blue?”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I like blue?”
“I wanted to make sure because I was thinking of buying her some sexy, blue panties.” He smirks.
“Jude, are you trying to get your ass beat? Because you shouldn’t push my buttons, or I’ll do that for you.”
“I’m just messing with you.”
“Don’t. We’re not there yet. It’s not easy for me to deal with you being best friends with Ivy knowing that you’ve seen her naked.”
“I’ve done more than see her naked,” he boasts.
“Don’t push me,” I grit out. “Wipe the image of Ivy without clothes from your mind and never mention it again.”
“My bad. I shouldn’t fuck with you about this. But you must know that Ivy and I don’t feel anything but friendship for each other.”
“If I didn’t, you wouldn’t be here right now. But it’s tough to see your woman lying with her head in another dude’s lap.”
“Brock.” Jude holds up his hands. “Seriously, you gotta know, I’m not the type to move in on someone else’s girl. Ivy’s like family to me, and all I want is the best for her. I see how happy you make her, and we were never more than a convenient hookup for each other.”
“If I wasn’t sure about the two of you, I wouldn’t be marrying Ivy. That being said, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to fuck with me. Don’t poke the bear.”
Jude grins and holds his fist out for me to bump. “Gotcha.”
We walk down the narrow cobblestone road, my eyes pinging from side to side, looking at the names of shops. “Did you bring clothes to wear to the wedding, or do you need to buy something?”
“I guess that depends on where the wedding is taking place.”
“Don’t tell Ivy, because she doesn’t know the details yet, but it’s going to be in the private garden behind the bed-and-breakfast we’re staying at.”
“What does that mean for dress code?”
“You can wear whatever you want, dude. We don’t care.”
“I’m good to go then.”
“Let’s head in here.” I tip my head toward a jewelry store. “I want to buy Ivy a gift.”
Stepping inside, we find case upon case of glittering gold and jewels. “Can I help you?” the saleswoman questions.
“I’m just looking. I’ll know what I want when I see it.”
“Take your time, and don’t hesitate to ask questions,” she offers politely.
“Do you have something in mind?” Jude inquires.
“Not really. I was thinking of a necklace or earrings.”
“Yeah, because that giant ring you bought her is enough on her hand.” Jude laughs.
“That ring cost me an arm and a leg, but she loves it.”
“She does.”
Raking a hand through my hair, I glance around. All of the choices are overwhelming. I turn toward the saleswoman. “Can you please give me a hand? I’m not sure what I want.”
She moves toward us with a gentle smile. “Of course. Let’s start by figuring out what you’re interested in. A ring? A necklace? Earrings?”
“I don’t want a ring. I’d like something with meaning. I’m getting married and I want to give my fiancée a gift before the wedding, so maybe a stone that symbolizes love. If that even exists.”
She moves to another case and unlocks the back door, sliding the glass over. She removes a pendant, displaying it over the back of her hand. “What do you think of this?”
The bright blue stone is round and bezel set into white gold. “What is this stone?”
“It’s lapis lazuli and is thought to be very spiritual. Someone who wears this gemstone can gain inner harmony, and it’s also thought to enhance fidelity within marriage.”
“He’ll take it,” Jude states.
I shove his shoulder. “I’ll make up my own damn mind, thanks.” I turn to the saleswoman. “Do you gift wrap?”
* * *
Lingering over our empty plates, we relax and wait for the waitress to bring the bill.
“I’m trying to talk Jude into moving down here, Mom.” Ivy’s been keeping a continuous stream of conversation going since we sat down for dinner. I don’t know if it’s nervous energy about tomorrow or if she’s doing her best to keep things from feeling awkward.
“You’ve never asked me to move down here.” Her mother looks annoyed.
“Would you?” Ivy arches a brow.
“No, probably not. But if you have kids someday, I’ll have to visit frequently.”
“That’s why I don’t bother asking you. And as far as kids go, I may still be enrolled in summer school and on a path to finish early, but you won’t be a grandmother for a long time. I’m too young to be a mom.”
“I had you when I was younger than you are now. And your soon-to-be-husband might have something to say about it. Especially when there’s such an age gap between you two.”
“Don’t drag me into this. I’m trying to be on my best behavior tonight. I don’t want to give your daughter any reason not to marry me.” All I want is to keep Ivy calm and content going into the wedding. Her mother bringing up kids is stirring a pot that doesn’t need to be stirred.
“As if.” Ivy rolls her eyes.
/> “What? You don’t think I’m behaving?”
“No, I meant that I’m not going to change my mind about marrying you tomorrow.”
I catch hold of her hand and raise it to my lips. “I can’t wait to make you Mrs. Brock Marshall.”
She leans toward me and puckers her lips. Not one to refuse such a temptation, I press my mouth to hers.
“I can’t wait to be your wife.” Her dark eyes sparkle with happiness and my chest tightens. God, I love her so much.
“Enough of this cutesy shit. I’m about to get sick over here,” Jude says.
“Don’t be a hater.” Ivy flashes him the middle finger.
“Ivy,” her mom scolds. “You were raised better than that.”
Ivy grins, aiming both her middle fingers at Jude. “Is that better, Mom?”
“Brock, good luck to you.” My future mother-in-law sighs with exasperation.
Ivy places her hand on my leg. “Brock likes my sass, right, babe?” Her fingers creep up my thigh toward my groin. I catch her hand before she can go higher.
“Is that what it’s called?” My lips twitch with the urge to smile.
“I thought it was known as pain in the ass,” Jude jokes, and I laugh.
Ivy glares his way in mock outrage. “This is why you’re single, Jude. And you,” she pokes my upper arm, “aren’t married yet.”
Wrapping my arm around her, I slide her closer on the bench seat. Pressing a kiss to the side of her forehead, my lips move down to tease her earlobe and whisper, “I can’t wait for our wedding night.”
She hums her agreement and my dick responds. Tomorrow night seems like an eternity away. And we’re spending tonight in different rooms. Ivy is staying with her mother.
The waitress places the bill folder on the table. “Wait one sec, please. I’ll take care of this now.” I throw enough cash for the bill and tip inside and hand it off to her. Holding out my hand for Ivy, I help her slide free from the booth. “I have a surprise for you all.”
* * *
“Brock, this is incredible.” Ivy sighs with pleasure as we stand at the railing, staring out at the moonlight’s reflection on the water. “How did you know about this?” She leans back against my chest, tipping her head over shoulder to look up at me.
“There’s this thing called the internet where you can look things up.”
“Ha ha.” She tips her head from side to side, tickling my neck with her hair. “ Aren’t you too old to know about the internet?” she jests and spins in my arms. “Seriously, this really is the perfect way to spend our last single hours.”
“I have something for you.” Reaching in my pocket, I pull out a small gift wrapped box, holding it in my palm.
“You got me a present?” Her eyes light up excitedly and I nod.
“Go on. Open it.”
She snatches the box from my hand and tears the wrapping paper free. Opening the cover, a gasp escapes her lips. “This is beautiful, Brock. Did you pick this out?”
“I did. Jude was with me, though. The stone is lapis lazuli and it’s supposed to be a spiritual stone that promotes harmony in the person who wears it.” I’m not going to share that little nugget of information about it helping with fidelity. That can be my little secret. Until Jude opens his big mouth anyway.
“Brock, I love it so much.” Taking the chain from the box, I drape the pendant over the front of her chest and fasten the clasp in the back. It lies right at the top of the deep v between her breasts as if I planned it.
Ivy places her fingertips on the stone, staring down at it. “This can be my something blue for the wedding.”
Turning her in my arms, I draw her back to my chest and we stare out at the water. The breeze ruffles her hair, teasing my neck and wafting her familiar scent around me. I want her more than should be possible, but I’m going to force myself to wait until she’s my wife. I need a distraction.
“This schooner is St. Augustine’s only working tall ship.” She tips her head back, looking up at every detail of the large sails. “This is a traditionally rigged tall ship, and they use as little engine power and as much sailing as possible.”
Spinning around to face me in my arms, Ivy’s hands slide up my chest to grip my shoulders. She goes up on her toes to whisper in my ear, “I love when you teach me things.” She caps off her words by biting the bottom edge of my earlobe and licking the skin on my neck.
Oh fuck. My lids close and I drag a breath in through my nostrils. “Do you want me as much as I want you, right now?” My eyes snap open at her husky question and my hands grip her curvy hips, tugging her closer. Her gaze widens when she feels the proof of my desire between us.
She rakes her teeth over her bottom lip, staring at my mouth the entire time. I crash my lips to hers with a hungry growl and bury my tongue in her sweet depths until her own answers. She moans into my mouth as our tongues dance and twine together eagerly.
A throat clears next to us. “There’s plenty of time for this tomorrow night.” Jude’s tone is amused.
Drawing back from Ivy, I scowl at him. “Get lost, asshole.” Funny how my plans to wait for sex don’t seem like such a great idea anymore.
He grins, leaning back against the railing. “No can do. I’m here to make sure my bestie makes it to her wedding night untouched.”
Ivy laughs. “Too late, Jude.”
“I just mean there will be no naked games until after you two are married.” He shakes his finger side to side. “Waiting will make the anticipation that much better.”
“Come on.” Ivy pulls on my hand. “They have booze on this ship and music. If we can’t get naked, then I need a buzz and some dancing. What do you say? Are you up for it?”
The corner of my mouth hooks upward in smirk. “I think you know I’m up for anything you have in mind.”
We spend the next hour grinding on each other on the dance floor. My dick is going to be chafed by the time we get out of here, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay for seeing Ivy having so much fun.
Glancing across the floor, I find Jude and Felicity dancing. The two of them look like they’re having a great time. Maybe too good of a time. Oh hell, they’re both consenting adults.
Ivy pivots in my arms, pressing her round ass into my groin, as if to remind me she’s all I need to be focused on. My arms tighten around her and I grin like a kid who just got the gift he’s been waiting for forever. And I did. Ivy’s that gift, and I plan on making the most of each day we have together as husband and wife.
13
Ivy
I drag my phone off the nightstand and check the time, worried I’ve slept through an alarm. I’m not an early riser, always wanting to sneak in some extra minutes, but today, I find myself unable to sleep.
I tossed and turned all night, a sure way to look your best on your wedding day. But I couldn’t get to sleep.
The excitement of what I’m about to do--we’re about to do--has consumed me in ways I never thought possible.
My heart feels overwhelmingly full with a love that not even all the letters in the alphabet could describe.
It’s all-encompassing, and it’s forever.
Since it’s still too early to be awake, and a little too early to get started on today’s preparations, I send a quick text to Brock, wanting it to be the first thing he sees when he wakes up.
Me: Happy wedding day. I love you.
Before I can put it back, it vibrates in my hand.
Brock: What are you doing awake?
On any other day, I’d make a joke about having second thoughts. But today isn’t that day.
Me: I can’t sleep. I didn’t think anything could ever stop me from sleeping, but it seems getting married in a few hours can do it.
Brock: Are you ok?
If I wasn’t okay, all I would have to do is tell him, and he would fix it. That’s what he does for me, he puts me first, making sure I want for nothing in this relationship.
Me: Never better. I’m
so excited to marry you today.
Brock: How excited?
Me: I could probably get myself off in two minutes, that’s how excited I am.
Brock calls instead of texting back, and I whisper into the phone, not wanting to wake my mom, who is in the next room.
“Hey.”
“You better keep those fingers of yours away from my pussy,” he warns.
“You’re never going to know,” I tease.
“I want you so fucking wound up that by the time we fuck, your body feels like it’s about to explode.”
My breathing quickens as I close my eyes and squeeze my legs together. “God, I can’t wait.”
“I’m going to be walking around with a hard-on all fucking day,” he grumbles.
“You sure you don’t want to have phone sex?” I push.
“Of course I want to have phone sex,” he huffs. “But I have a plan and we’re sticking to it.”
“If you say so,” I respond in a singsong voice. “So, why are you up?”
“I’m excited too,” he answers bashfully. “I can’t wait to see you walking down the aisle to me. I’ve never wanted anything more.”
“I know,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes. And I do know. In the depth of my heart, I know no two people have ever loved each other more than Brock and I love one another.
A knock on my door interrupts my moment with Brock. “I think my mom’s awake.”
“Enjoy your morning with her, baby. I’ll see you soon.”
“I love you, Brock.”
“Love you too.”
Putting the phone down, I call out to my mom. “Come in.”
“Were you on the phone?” she asks, standing in the doorway. “I didn’t expect you to be awake.”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“Want me to make coffee?” she offers.
“Yes. Coffee sounds heavenly right about now.”
Leaving me alone, she closes the door behind her and I get myself out of bed. Slipping into a silky white robe that the bridal gown store gave me as a complimentary gift when I bought my wedding dress, I head to my bag and pull out a little notebook I always carry with me.