HUSBAND: Guardian #2

by Blake, Remy

  Opening it up to the next blank page, I write a list of all the things I need to do this morning. From showering, to remembering to wear my garter, to packing my wedding night bag.

  Twenty-four hours ago, I had no idea any of this was even taking place, and now I’m panicking that I’ll manage to fuck up some important detail.

  My mom pops her head into the room. “Your coffee is ready, do you want me to bring it here?”

  “No, I'll come have it on the balcony. The sun is up now and we have a gorgeous view.”

  A few minutes to process while I sip my drink is the perfect start to the day.

  Mom and I are getting lost in our own thoughts when she places a hand on my forearm.

  I lift my gaze to hers and find her eyes glassy. “Are you okay?”

  “I know we haven’t had it easy, you and me.”

  “Mom, we don’t have to do this.”

  “You may not,” she argues. “But I do. There are so many things I want to say to you. That I should say.” I put down my coffee and turn my body to face her. She grabs both my hands and holds them tightly. “We haven’t always seen eye to eye. In fact, I’m almost certain you grew up with the very intention of being nothing like me.”

  “Mom.”

  She shakes her head at me. “Let me finish. I know you still have a lot to learn, and that comes with age and experience. For all of us. But for right now, in this moment, you are a woman that I’m so proud to call my daughter. You proved that you could have it all. You didn’t have to compromise yourself for love. Isn’t that what it always was?”

  I swipe my finger underneath my leaking eye, her words meaning so much more to me than I ever thought they would.

  Not just because we’re finally on the same page, but the realization that I did do it. I stuck to my guns, and I’m living a life where I didn’t have to change or compromise everything I believed in to have it.

  I fell in love.

  I traveled.

  I studied.

  I fell in love.

  There’s so much more I have to cross off my list, but surprisingly, it’s the falling in love part that makes me feel like everything is possible. With Brock--with us--everything is possible.

  “I have a lot to learn from you, Ivy, and one day your own children will look up to you, because you’re worthy of their love and admiration. Now, I may not credit myself for all the things you’ve achieved, but having you and loving you is the best thing I’ve ever done.”

  Together, we stand, throwing our arms around each other; the strength in my hug hopefully conveying all the things I’ll never have the right words to say.

  When our emotions have settled, I unlink my arms from my mom’s and smile. Today could not have started any better.

  “Come on, let’s order some room service,” my mom suggests. “You can’t get married on an empty stomach.”

  * * *

  Curling my eyelashes, I flick my wrist one more time before stepping back to see the finished product. My dark hair is styled in long, loose curls that frame my face. I went for a softer, more natural look with my makeup; nude lips and a golden smokey eye.

  It’s exactly how I imagined myself to look.

  “You ready to put on your dress, honey?” Dressed to the nines, my mom walks into the spacious bedroom, beaming, excitement written all over her face. She’s wearing a three-quarter length, royal blue, lace dress, with capped sleeves that give way to an open back. It’s understatedly sexy, hugging her slim yet toned figure, and for the first time, I see my mother as the beautiful woman she is, and not just a parent. The way other people would view her.

  Understanding dawns on me, that even though all the men in her life were wrong for her, it’s obvious why they all wanted her.

  Feeling ridiculously romantic, I tell myself I will endeavour to help my mom find a man who makes her as happy as Brock makes me.

  “I think I’m ready,” I respond. “How do I look? Do I look ready?”

  She grabs hold of my shoulders and squeezes. “You look beautiful, Ivy.”

  Together, we maneuver my body into the delicate material, cautious not to let it catch on anything. Once I’ve straightened the dress over my breasts and fixed the straps, I drop the full skirt, letting it fall to my feet.

  I spin on my toes, watching my dress fan out and feeling like a Disney princess. My smile grows as I face both my mother and the full-length mirror.

  “Do you think he’ll like it?” I ask.

  My eyes never leave the woman in the mirror, taking her in. The dress. The moment. I wasn’t one of those girls who imagined herself on her wedding day, so the impact of seeing something I never envisioned hits me harder.

  Thin ivory straps grace my shoulders. They start at the top of my breasts and reach all the way to my lower back, exposing all my skin.

  They hold up a short, padded bodice that’s molded perfectly to my upper body. The sturdy material cups my breasts, offering what I know Brock will think is a delicious display of my cleavage. It’s modest, yet noticeable, the intricate lace overlay ensuring eyes can’t help but be drawn there.

  Where the bodice ends, a satin skirt fans out. Layers of tulle underneath give it a pleasing amount of volume and shape.

  I don’t look like me, yet nothing has ever suited me more perfectly.

  My mom steps up behind me, and I see the necklace Brock gave me stretched out in her hands. Her arms move in front of me, placing the exquisite piece of jewelry on my chest. I lift my hair up off my neck as she clasps the elegant chain around it.

  Like Brock always knew, it’s the perfect addition to my outfit.

  “Come on, Ivy, darling,” my mom coaxes. I pull myself out of the trance and look at her. “Put on your shoes, Cinderella. Let’s get this party started.”

  14

  Brock

  Hanging up my call with Ivy, I smile and set my phone down. Knuckles rap against my door. “Room service.”

  Room service? I didn’t order anything. Tugging the door open, I find Jude on the other side, holding up two styrofoam containers of food.

  “I thought you could use a delicious last meal.” He grins.

  I laugh, stepping aside. “Get the fuck in here and give me my food.”

  Jude sets everything down on the small table by the window. I open the curtains and let the Florida sunshine into the room. We both settle onto the two padded seats facing one another. Opening my container, I find a bacon and cheese omelet, homefries, toast, and a fork and knife.

  “Jude, this looks amazing. You’re the best, best man I could’ve asked for.”

  “Wait. I thought I was the maid of honor,” he jokes.

  “You are kind of pretty.”

  “Hey, don’t be hating on the face.” He rubs his clean shaven jawline. “We can’t all be dark and broody like you.”

  I scowl. “I’m not broody.”

  Jude laughs, aiming his fork at me. “Are you sure about that? You should take a look at your face. I think you’d see my point.”

  I shrug. “Whatever I am, Ivy loves me.”

  “She does. She’s never been very intelligent.” He sniggers.

  “You better hope I don’t tell Ivy you called her dumb.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “You absolutely did.”

  “I was joking. Don’t tell her. She’ll chew me out and then kick my ass.”

  “Wait a minute. Are you scared of Ivy?” Jude makes a scoffing sound and shakes his head. I raise my brow in question. “Are you?”

  Jude sighs. “Fuck yes. Why aren’t you? She’s scary when she’s pissed off.”

  I bark out a laugh. “First of all, she’s tiny and can’t physically do much damage. And secondly, I love her fire. Seeing her wound up and all passionate is one of my favorite things.”

  “You guys really are perfect for each other.”

  “I know I think we are, but why do you say so?”

  “Ivy needs someone to appreciate h
er bite and know how to deal with it. You seem to be the person who can do both of those things. She’s kind of like a spirited horse who won’t let just anyone ride them.”

  “Talking about riding my almost-wife might get you punched.”

  “I meant it figuratively.”

  “Figuratively talking about riding my almost-wife might get you punched.”

  “Point taken. So, how’s the food?” Jude changes the subject, and I fight back a smile.

  “It’s delicious and exactly what I needed. Where did you get this from?”

  “There’s a little cafe a couple of blocks down that I saw when we were shopping yesterday.”

  “So, you and Felicity looked like you were having fun last night.” I act nonchalant, but I need to put out some feelers and see if anything happened.

  “Mrs. Colt? Yeah, she’s great. I’ve always thought she was way cool. Even when she and Ivy didn’t get along. I know she has her faults, but she tries. You know?”

  “Yeah, I can see that she does. She’s making an effort to be there for Ivy more and that’s all that matters to me.”

  “It seems like most mothers and daughters butt heads often. I think it’s just the way it is.”

  “I think their issues were a lot deeper than that, but they seem to be in a good place now.” I’m not going to explain it all to Jude. He should know. He was there. Ivy never should’ve been made to feel as though her mother’s boyfriends came before her. Kids come first in a family. When Ivy and I have children, they’ll never doubt our love for a single moment.

  “What’s on the agenda after this?” Jude asks.

  “I was thinking of relaxing and watching some Impractical Jokers until I need to get ready.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “You don’t need to stay with me the whole time.”

  “Nah, it’s all good. I’m taking my best man duties seriously. You’re stuck with me now. Besides, I came prepared. I grabbed some cigars and a bottle of Jack Daniels.”

  I hold up my fist and he bumps his into mine. “Now you’re talking.”

  After breakfast, we move out onto the patio to enjoy our cigars. Kicked back in the comfortable lounge chair, the sunlight shining down on the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean in our view, I’m completely content. Knowing that Ivy will be my wife in a few hours is unbelievable. This is the day I’ve been waiting for since I admitted to myself that I was in love with her.

  What’s she doing now? Is she driving her mother crazy with last minute nerves?

  “What do you think Ivy is doing now?” Jude questions, as if he read my mind.

  “She’s probably doing her makeup or her hair. She can take hours to get ready when we go out to dinner. If I’m lucky, she might be ready for the wedding on time.” I smile.

  “Do you think she’s nervous?” Jude questions.

  “She seemed excited when I spoke with her earlier, but I hope she’s not getting anxious as the day goes on. What if she doesn’t show?” I voice my biggest fear.

  “Come on. That’s not going to happen. Ivy wouldn’t have said yes if she wasn’t ready. When has she ever been shy about disagreeing with you?” Jude’s words reassure me.

  “It’s hard to believe that what I want most in this life is about to happen.”

  “Dude, that’s really touching,” Jude mocks. “Do you need a hug?”

  “Fuck off.” I take another puff on my cigar and blow smoke rings out.

  “How do you do that? I can never get it to work.”

  “It takes a man to blow rings.” I chuckle.

  Jude flips me off. “What do you say we open that bottle of whiskey? Am I man enough to do that?”

  “I don’t know. Are you?”

  “I’m man enough to buy it for you. And I’m sure as hell man enough to drink some. Dude, I’m still in college. I’ve been training for this.”

  “Have you given any real consideration about moving down here once you graduate?” I know Ivy would be thrilled if he did. And I no longer hate the thought. He’s growing on me.

  “I don’t know. I have my family up north, but Ivy is my family too. And now you.” He bats his eyelashes at me and I point at his face.

  “See? Pretty.” Jude laughs, and I like that about him. He’s not afraid to be goofy. Which is probably another reason he and Ivy clicked from the start. She could use someone lighthearted to offset her fiery, spunky personality. Lord knows it’s not how I am. Not to say I can’t be silly, but it’s not a side of me that comes out to play very often.

  “I’m open to moving, though. I’m young.” He shrugs.

  “Don’t forget dumb and full of come.”

  Jude presses his lips together and half shrugs. “Can’t argue with that.”

  We smoke our cigars, leisurely enjoying a few glasses of whiskey. Glancing at my phone, I notice the time. “I’m going to jump in the shower and start to get ready.”

  “I’ll head to my room and do the same.” We rise at the same time. Jude slaps me on the arm. “I’ll be back. Don’t forget to wash behind your ears.” He winks.

  * * *

  Standing in the back garden of the bed-and-breakfast, I take a long glance around. Everything looks perfect. From the pink rose petals scattered over the short white runner covering the cobblestone path, to the white trellis archway at the end with wild roses climbing up both sides. On the other side of the trellis is a smooth expanse of white sand leading to the sea. I wanted our wedding to be unique, but I still wanted to marry Ivy near the beach like my parents did. The trellis is located right between the garden and the smooth sand. I couldn’t have found a better spot.

  “Wow, this is great.” Jude grips my shoulder. “You done good, bro.”

  “Thanks. I want everything to be perfect for Ivy. Do you think she’ll be happy marrying me here? Or should I have done a full out beach wedding?” My heart starts to race as panic sets in. Did I make the wrong choice? What if she hates it?

  “Calm down.” Jude’s hand squeezes my shoulder before he lets go. “Ivy would be happy marrying you at McDonald’s.”

  “Shit. Why didn’t I think of that? It would’ve been a lot easier.”

  “I’m cooler than you are.”

  “Thanks for talking me down.”

  “You looked like you were about to lose your shit. We should probably head down the aisle so you can be waiting for your girl.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. I don’t want to miss a second of her walking down the aisle.”

  Jude crooks his arm and looks over at me with a challenge in his eyes. Deciding to indulge him instead of insulting him like I usually do, I hook my arm with his. He laughs and starts to hum “The Wedding March” as we walk down the white runner. When we get to the end, we both break into laughter and high five each other. Jude’s ability to not care what others think is the perfect balm for my nerves.

  Before I know it, Mr. Amos, one of the owners of the bed-and-breakfast, joins us under the archway. He’s licensed to marry us in the state of Florida. I checked his paperwork out the first day we were here. There’s no way I’m marrying Ivy only to find out our wedding isn’t legit at a later date. Mr. Amos was more than happy to show me proof that he’s a licensed justice of the peace.

  “Brock, are you ready?” he asks.

  “I sure am.”

  Mr. Amos motions to his wife, who’s waiting at the other end of the runner, that we’re ready. Tossing and turning for all it’s worth, my stomach feels like rough waves in the ocean right now. I inhale a deep breath and it escapes me in an audible whoosh as Ivy steps foot on the other end of the aisle and our eyes lock. Goddamn. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

  A soothing breeze washes over us, stirring up one of her carefully placed curls as “The Wedding March” begins to play. Here we go. The words ‘come to Daddy’ enter my head and I almost laugh out loud. I can only assume it’s some of my last minute nerves coming out in the form of inappropriate humor. Or may
be it’s symbolic of her daddy taunts when we first met. She was a ballbuster then, and still is. I smile, knowing this ballbuster is mine and mine alone.

  I focus every bit of attention I have on Ivy. I want to remember everything about this moment for the rest of our lives. The way she holds her bouquet in front of her and carefully places her feet down for each step. Her soft, loving smile aimed my way, and brown eyes shining and filled with hope for our future.

  15

  Ivy

  The world ceases to exist the moment his eyes meet mine. With my mom by my side, I take the most important steps of my life, down the short aisle and to the man I love.

  Standing tall in an off-white suit jacket, black tailored pants, and a black tie, I can feel the heat in Brock’s gaze from miles away. He’s watching me with so much love and pride, it makes me want to hike up my dress and race to him.

  I unhook my arm from my mom’s and she takes a step forward to kiss Brock on the cheek before taking the other empty spot underneath the white arch. My eyes quickly flick to Jude whose smile and accompanying wink communicate all the things my best friend can’t say right now.

  I take a deep breath before turning to face the man I’m about to marry. A woosh of air leaves my lungs as I stare into his beautiful brown eyes.

  “Hi,” I say.

  “Hey.” He runs his thumb down my cheek. “You look amazing.”

  “You don’t scrub up too bad yourself.” The celebrant clears his throat, and I turn to him, smiling. “We’ve never spent a night away from one another.”

  “And hopefully, from this day forward you’ll never have to,” he says, looking between Brock and me. “Ivy, I’m Doug Amos, and I’ll be performing your ceremony today.”

  Giddy, I turn and give my bouquet of roses to my mom, then take Brock’s hands in my own and glance at Mr. Amos. “I’m ready now.”

  Brock chuckles and then tips his head to the celebrant. “You heard the lady.”