by Jillian Dodd
Especially me.
Our journey to the altar was fraught with danger, action, and heartbreak, but we survived and are stronger because of it.
We’ve savored every moment we’ve had together, and I’m looking forward to giving her more take-her-breath-away moments. She thinks those moments are things I do to spoil her, but what she doesn’t realize is that she takes my breath away on a daily basis. Sometimes when I look at her, I feel like the boy I was when I first saw her—shocked, breathless, mesmerized, intrigued, and completely smitten.
The guests are seated and the wedding processional starts, first with our respective families, our parents, and then her grandmothers who are our flower girls.
The grandmas have huge grins plastered across their faces as they practically dance their way down the aisle, tossing pale pink rose petals mixed with four-leaf clovers onto a metallic linen runner covering the grass.
The two hundred and sixty people here represent the story of our lives—our families, our friends from Eastbrooke, friends from college, teammates from when I played professional soccer, the movie industry, the wine business, and our philanthropic efforts. They are sitting on an assortment of pastel antique furnishings, happily sipping spiked lemonade and still in a bit of a shock from the announcement that the fundraiser was just a ruse to get them here for our wedding.
Vanessa walks down the aisle next, taking her place of honor opposite Riley as the wedding march starts.
Keatyn didn’t want to see me before the wedding—a bit of tradition she was adamant about.
I didn’t argue.
I mean, we’ve been lucky so far, and there’s no way I’m going to be responsible for screwing that up. I smile broadly as I watch her barreling up the hill in a green, floral-garland-draped Gator utility vehicle. A vehicle that has so much more meaning after learning we conceived after getting caught in the rain—and mud—in one.
When she gets out of the vehicle, my breath catches, the air seemingly sucked out of my lungs by her beauty. She’s glowing much like she did the first time I saw her. When I barely believed she could be real.
That’s how I still feel today. Like I can barely believe I got so lucky.
A long time ago, she told me about a dream where she was in a meadow, marrying the man she loved. I realize that she’s recreated the dream for our wedding as she walks down the aisle wearing a dress etched with gold, her hair in long curls, and a jeweled flower band across her head.
Grandpa Douglas and Tommy stand on each side of her, escorting her down the aisle.
As she gets closer, I feel like I’m in a dream.
On one hand, it seems like I’ve waited so long for this. On the other hand, it feels like only a moment has passed by since the day she kicked a soccer ball at my head.
But today is different.
She wants to be my wife. She’s pregnant with my child.
The closer she gets, the more details I notice. The pale roses, pink peonies, and white hydrangeas surrounded by feathers making up her bouquet. The vintage four-leaf clover ring on her finger.
When she joins me at the altar, I tell her she’s beautiful.
She doesn’t say anything, just looks down. I follow her gaze and watch as she pulls the skirt of her dress up slightly, revealing a pair of cowboy boots and not the gold sparkly heels she had told me she was wearing.
It’s then when I’m overcome with emotion.
I swore to Riley that I wouldn’t be a pussy and cry, but it’s hard not to get emotional when the person who embodies your life is standing in front of you.
And she’s wearing boots.
“You in boots is my favorite,” I whisper as I take her hand in mine and kiss it.
Asher Vineyards — Wedding
KEATYN
I’m standing at the altar looking at my moon boy. My green flash.
His eyes glisten when I show him my boots.
I’ve been trying not to cry. Not to be all emotional, but when he takes my hand in his and kisses it like freaking prince charming, I feel the tears well up.
And as we face each other to say our vows of love, my heart feels like it could burst with happiness.
“Aiden,” I say, stopping to compose myself, then repeating the words he said when he asked me to marry him. “You and I are like a promise. A wish. Proof that luck and fate bring people together. Proof that true love can survive the kiln. I promise to be patient, to continue to build a strong foundation with you, and to live a life unscripted.”
His green eyes lock with mine, pulling them in with those tractor beams of his, and making me feel like we’re the only two people on the planet.
“Keatyn,” he says, “I promise to never pretend punch your head, to watch a million sunsets with you, to love you with everything I am, and to share our love that is utterly, breathtakingly beautiful.”
We exchange rings, and the officiant declares us husband and wife.
“I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Aiden Arrington.”
After we make our way down the aisle, Aiden and I lead the processional down to the cocktail hour on the brick terrace. Once everyone has gathered, we’re pulled aside to go back to the altar to take some photos. I definitely want some as the sun is starting to set.
“You know the tree with our initials carved into it?” he asks me in between smiling for the camera.
“Yeah.”
“On our way down to the reception, we need to stop and carve our wedding date in it.”
“I love that idea, Aiden.”
“So do I get to see these boots?”
“Of course, they’re amazing. Like the ribbons in the trees, they are pretty much the story of us. My grandparents had them made.”
I pull the skirt of my dress up and show off the boots.
“Wow. They thought of everything. The boots are incredible, just like my wife.”
“Your wife. That sounds so cool.”
He kisses me. “That’s because it is. I realized when I saw you coming down the aisle in a dress with golden embroidery that our wedding was like your dream.”
“Yeah, I had such a clear vision of marrying you that day. I couldn’t imagine my wedding any other way.”
“Well, when you have an epic love story like ours, you had to know everything would turn out perfectly.”
“Thanks to Ariela for bringing my vision to life and to Knox. Because of him we didn’t have to worry about the paparazzi. By the time we do the press release, we’ll be somewhere on our honeymoon. Where are we going again?”
“I haven’t told you yet.”
“Just a hint, please.”
“We’re not staying in one location. We’ll be moving around.”
“Oh,” I say, a little disappointed. “I was kind of looking forward to checking in somewhere and relaxing.”
“Do you trust me?” he asks, taking my hand.
“Of course, I do.”
“Then let’s go celebrate.”
“I have something I want to give you first,” I tell him. “Come in the house for a sec.”
We sneak into our bedroom where I have a wrapped present sitting on the bed.
“What is this?”
“Something I’ve been saving for this day for a really long time.”
He rips open the wrapping revealing the bowl I made in ceramics class at Eastbrooke.
“Our love survived the kiln,” he says.
“It sure did,” I reply, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him.
Shelby’s Bungalow - Sunset Boulevard
SHELBY
Although I had fun going to Bam’s room with him last night, he left town with nothing more than a promise to call me when he comes back.
Needless to say, I’m not holding my breath. Guys always say that.
Whatever, I’m bored, and Riley has been gone for long enough. It’s time for me to put an end to whatever is going on with my competition and get him back here where he belongs.
&
nbsp; While I was lying by the pool and sipping champagne this afternoon, I had a brilliant revelation about Riley. Although he can be swayed by sex, I seem to get what I want more when I appeal to his emotional side.
And that will be the way to get him to marry me—by appealing to his heart.
Now, what can I do to guarantee that Riley hops on that pretty plane of his and gets his ass back to me as fast as he can?
I smile to myself when I come up with the perfect answer.
Asher Vineyards — Wedding
KNOX
I’m dancing with Keatyn under the twinkle lights of her reception when I notice a pretty girl with an amazing rack wandering off the dance floor toward the bar.
“Who’s the chick in the red dress?”
“That’s my friend, Katie. We were on dance team together in high school.”
“How is it that I’ve never met her?”
“I don’t know.”
“What does she do? And who’s the guy with her, her little brother?”
“No, that’s her date,” she says with a chuckle.
“She run a daycare?” I quip.
“No, but she does tend to date younger guys. She’s a teacher.”
“I bet she could teach me a thing or two.”
“Knox!” Keatyn exclaims and gives me a playful slap on the forearm.
“Is she normal?”
“As in not crazy? Yes, she is. In fact, she’s been dying to meet you. She calls you Foxy Knoxy.”
“You’ve been holding out on me?”
“You were in a relationship with makeup girl and then were dating Jennifer.”
“That’s over.”
“I heard. Thank you for handling it well.”
“She’s been flirting with your friend, Troy.”
“Aww, really? They’d be cute together. The actress and the world-famous DJ and rockstar.”
“Oh, look, the kid just went to the bar. You need to introduce me.” I grab Keatyn by the elbow and lead her off the dance floor to where Katie is standing alone.
“Katie,” Keatyn says, “I want you to meet Knox. It’s hard to believe that two of my best friends have yet to meet.”
Katie doesn’t say a word, just has her mouth open, staring at me.
“Hi,” I say, trying to make her feel comfortable. I mean, I’m used to women getting flustered around me. I am Knox Daniels, after all.
When she doesn’t reply to my greeting, Keatyn says, “Katie has a question for you, Knox. One she doesn’t understand why no reporter has ever asked you.”
“No, I don’t!” Katie snaps, her eyes getting big and looking embarrassed as Aiden whisks Keatyn back out on the dance floor. Oh, Katie, don’t be shy with Knox.
“Aww, come on. Tell me,” I encourage, suddenly feeling desperate to know the question. Katie has a shy, fresh-faced, girl-next-door look on a killer, curvaceous body—just my type.
She flashes a glare in Keatyn’s direction then slams her drink, takes a deep breath, and says to me, “Fine. You know how your character in Trinity is known for his lip biting?”
“Yes,” I say, curious as to where this is going.
“I wondered if you yourself use that technique.”
I react by giving her a long kiss, nipping her lip to end it and expecting her to fall into bed with me. “So, what do you think?”
She frowns. Why is she frowning? I’m an amazing kisser.
“That was nice and all, but it’s not what I meant.”
Shit. Now I feel stupid for kissing her.
Her demeanor changes from shy and innocent to bold and daring as she puts her hand on her hip, smirks, and leans closer to me.
“What I really wondered is if you do it when you kiss somewhere lower.”
Now I’m the one with my mouth hanging open.
Just for a minute.
Oh, I like this girl.
I recover quickly. “Well, sugar, would you like to find out?”
She glances at her date who is back on the dance floor grinding on a group of women.
I wave a thumb in his direction. “How old is he?”
“He’s legal.” She laughs. “Actually, he’s twenty-two.”
“That’s pretty young.”
“You’re one to talk. How much younger is Jennifer than you?”
“Keatyn said you always date younger guys? Why?”
“I suppose because they’re readily available.”
“How are they in bed?”
“Hmm,” she says, adorably chewing on her lip while she thinks. “I’d say younger guys, like him, are good for fun and intensity, but not big on finesse.”
“Finesse? Like lip biting?”
“Like lip biting.”
We stare at each other intently, the threat of what we both want filling us with desire. Time to make my move. “Would you like to take a walk with me?”
“To where?”
“Where are you staying?”
“With Logan and Maggie. Here at the vineyard.”
“And the boy toy is staying with you?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm.” I drag her outside then push her up against the side of the barn and kiss her.
Hard.
It’s a long, hot kiss.
“Come to my room with me now?” I practically beg. And Knox doesn’t beg. But I can’t help it. I want her. Now. And although I’ve never done what she asked if I do, now it’s all I can think about doing.
“Um, as much as I’d like to, Knox, I can’t. It wouldn’t be right of me. Kevin and I aren’t serious, but it would be really rude of me to just ditch him. I’m sorry.”
When she turns and walks back to the barn, I chase after her.
“Wait. Can I call you? Get your number?” When's the last time I had to ask for a girl’s number? Middle school? I feel the butterflies I felt back then. Afraid she will say no.
But she smiles at me and pats the front of my suit jacket, totally turning me on.
“You have a phone?” she asks.
“Jacket pocket,” I reply.
She retrieves my phone and presses a bunch of buttons.
“I added myself as a contact and sent a text to my number. I have to go, Knox,” she says wistfully. “I’ll text you back.”
Once she’s back inside the barn, I check my phone to make sure she actually did what she said.
I can’t help but smile when I see the text she sent herself from my phone.
Me: You’re an idiot for walking away from Knox Daniels.
An incoming text pops up causing me to laugh at her name.
Bite Me: Don’t I know it.
With a grin plastered across my face, I text her back, deciding to go for it.
Me: I have a few weeks off after the wedding and was thinking about taking a vacation. Would you be interested in joining me?
Bite Me: I would be, but I have to work. Parent-teacher conferences are this week. Although, I do have Friday off.
Me: Where do you live?
Bite Me: Cincinnati.
Me: I’ve always wanted to visit, but I bet it would be really tough to get a hotel room on such short notice.
Bite Me: Is that your way of asking if you can stay at my place?
Me: Do you have a spare bedroom? A couch I can crash on?
Bite Me: Knox Daniels, you know damn well that if you come to my house you won’t sleep on the couch. At least not alone.
Me: Are you going to use me and throw me away like your boy toys?
Bite Me: It all depends on how good you are.
Me: Oh, sugar. I’m the definition of good.
Bite Me: Every guy thinks that. You’ll have to prove it.
Me: If I do, will you go away with me for the weekend?
Bite Me: Yes. I will.
Me: Where shall we go? Fiji? Milan? Paris?
Bite Me: Those places are amazing, but far away. We’d waste the whole weekend traveling.
Me: We wouldn’t want that. You choose. An
ywhere you want.
Bite Me: IF you prove it, don’t laugh, but I’ve always wanted to go to Washington D.C. and see all the museums.
Me: Then that’s where we’ll go. I love museums.
Bite Me: Really?
Me: I’d love going to a museum with you. Maybe I’ll learn a thing or two.
Bite Me: Well, I am a teacher.
Asher Vineyards — Wedding
KEATYN
After an amazing meal followed by numerous toasts, everyone is back out on the dance floor.
I’m trying to find my husband in the crowd when Aiden’s voice comes over a microphone.
“If I can have everyone’s attention, I have a little surprise for my bride. We shared our first kiss at a school carnival, and I’ll never forget how she looked. She was wearing a little red dress and was eating pink cotton candy.”
“With me!” Riley yells out.
“And me!” Dallas adds.
Aiden laughs. “That is true, but luckily I whisked her away to the Ferris wheel. It was at the top of it that we shared a perfect first kiss.”
Aiden sets down the microphone and stalks toward me.