He turned to the group. “Remember. Slow and graceful. I don’t want anyone charging down the aisle.” He threw me a wink. “Even you. Once you get an eyeful of your man, you might want to, but don’t. Enjoy the walk. Take in the splendor the room has become. The ambiance is—” he paused and brought his fingers to his lips in a kiss “—pure romance.”
I nodded, my nerves easing a bit now I knew Brayden was here. Not that there had been any doubts, but somehow, I relaxed more knowing he was in the building. I fiddled with my bracelet, sliding my finger over the smooth surface of the pearl. My mom noticed and smiled. Then she slipped a small box into my hand.
“Your groom asked me to give this to you.”
I held my breath as I opened the box. A set of earrings, pearls so similar to the one my dad gave me this morning, were nestled in dark velvet. They were surrounded by tiny diamonds that twinkled in the light. Delicate and elegant, they could be worn any time, but for today, they would be special. Brayden knew me so well. There was a small note, and I plucked it from the top.
Wear for me. I love you. B
I stifled a sob, and Mom helped me put them in. She nodded.
“Perfect. He chose well.”
“I think he had help.”
She smiled. “He and your father may have had a talk. But the idea was his.”
“Did he get his cuff links?”
“Yes. He loved them.”
I drew in a deep breath and glanced at the clock.
“Oh god, ten minutes,” I whispered.
My mom slipped her fingers under my chin. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
Jen lifted his arms. “Then, ladies, in your positions. We’re heading down to the back room now.” He looked at me. “I’ll send your father up in five. I’ll get the girls in order. You’ll be at the back. I’ll send them down at the right moment.”
“My sweater…” I asked, suddenly anxious.
“I will have it for afterward. Everything is handled.” His smile was wide. “All you have to do is be the bride. We’ve got the rest covered.” He handed me my bouquet. “All right?”
“Yes.”
I waited, listening for my father’s footsteps. When he appeared, he was silent, staring at me for a moment. His eyes misted over, and he wiped at his face, not at all embarrassed by his emotions. He leaned down and kissed my cheek, his voice thick. “The last time I saw a bride this beautiful, it was your mother.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Brayden is going out of his skin, waiting for you.” He smiled, although his eyes were watery. “It’s time to take you to him.”
“Please.”
He tucked my arm into his. “You sure you don’t want to duck and run? We could go get ice cream.” He winked, letting me know he was joking.
“Maybe after.”
“Anytime, Addi. Anything, anytime.”
I squeezed his arm. “I know.”
He sighed. “Then let’s get you married.”
I peeked through the door before the girls started their walk. The room was resplendent. The glow of candles, the scent of pine and roses, the garlands and trees twinkling with lights. I spied the groomsmen, dashing in their tuxes, waiting patiently. Ronan, Paul, and Jeremy all stood out, their broad shoulders towering over everyone. Thomas was smiling at something Liam said as they sat down, their usher duties done. Beside Brayden was Reed, standing proud, his hand on Brayden’s shoulder.
My breath caught at the sight of him. Tall, his shoulders straight, his hands crossed in front of him, looking anxious, was my Brayden. The light glinted off his light-brown hair, carefully brushed and gleaming. His chiseled jaw was smooth, and his tux fit him perfectly. He was built lean like his father, but his clothes hid the perfection of his taut torso, muscular biceps, and toned body. I knew those muscles all too well. How they felt under my fingers, the way they rippled as we made love.
His verdant green eyes were fixed on the aisle. Waiting for me. As anxious as I was to become united as one.
The music swelled, and Jen spread his arms.
“Ladies, it’s time.”
Brayden
I tugged on my sleeves, the new cuff links that had been waiting for me when I got here making me smile. Like my father, I enjoyed dressing up, and cuff links were something I liked to collect. These were amazing, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and a small sapphire the color of Addi’s eyes in the center. They were now my favorite pair, and I would think of this day every time I wore them.
I tried to concentrate on the girls as they drifted by, each one lovely, their gowns no doubt perfect. But I only had eyes for one woman today. And when she appeared, she took my breath away.
Far too slowly, she came down the aisle, her arm tucked into Bentley’s, his hand covering hers. It took all I had to stay in place, not to meet her partway down the flower-strewn carpet and pull her from her father and into my arms.
Had she ever been more beautiful?
Her hair tumbled over her bare shoulders, the pretty circlet on her head making me smile. Her breasts were high, set off with the ivory material. Her skin shimmered in the muted lighting. She didn’t walk; she glided. Glints of beads and crystals reflected around her. Her full skirt seemed to float, diaphanous and delicate. She was a vision.
And her eyes. Her beautiful eyes were focused on me as intensely as mine were on her. The blue glimmered and shone, her love clearly written in her expression. My heartbeat picked up, and I had to remind myself this wasn’t a dream. This woman would be mine now. Mine to love, to care for, and to hold. Forever.
I stepped forward as they reached the evergreen-covered arbor and held out my hand, shaking Bentley’s and waiting as he kissed Addi’s cheek, then transferred her hand to mine. I felt his reluctance. I saw how his hand shook, and I knew how deeply emotional this moment was for him. How much she meant to him.
“I will guard her with my life,” I murmured for his ears only. “You never have to worry about her happiness.”
He met my gaze and squeezed my shoulder. “I know.”
He moved to sit by Emmy, who reached for his hand. He covered hers with both of his and leaned forward, brushing his mouth over hers. It was a moment of love between them, and I wondered how I would feel years ahead when it was my turn.
I gazed down at Addi. I couldn’t move until I told her. “You are exquisite,” I whispered to her.
“You’re not so bad yourself.”
“Ready to do this, little elf?”
“You lead, I’ll follow,” she replied quietly.
“How about we do it together?”
“Even better.”
The ceremony was simple and uncomplicated. Short. Neither of us wanted a long, drawn-out affair. We stated the vows we had written for each other, exchanged rings, the traditional I do’s, and we were married.
I flexed my hand, the thick platinum band heavy and warm on my skin. It looked so right there. It was simple, with a row of diamonds in the center and squared-off edges—modern-looking and sleek. Addi’s engagement ring glinted in the light as she signed the paperwork, the diamond now joined by a matching band, marking her as taken. As mine.
The minister finished signing and handed me the paperwork, which I tucked into my pocket.
“It’s official, Addi.” I winked. “You can’t get away now.”
“Don’t think I can run in these heels anyway.”
I bent low and kissed her. “Good thing. I’d catch you anyway.”
She drifted her fingers down my cheek. “Maybe we can play that game later.”
A throat clearing beside me reminded me we weren’t alone. I kissed her again. “You’re on.”
We followed the minister to the center of the arbor. My smile couldn’t be contained as he lifted his voice.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Brayden and Addison Riley.”
The catcalls and clapping were loud as we made our way down the aisle.
We had done it. Addi was mine forever.
The weather cooperated, and outside was cold but not frigid. I had removed my tux jacket and donned my heavy cable-knit sweater and tugged my pea coat over it. I switched out my dress shoes for some warm boots. I made sure Lucy, the photographer, had extra blankets on hand, and I knew one of the photo sites had a fire pit going.
I watched Addi walk toward me, still beautiful, but also adorable at the same time. Her sweater was buttoned up, and she had a pair of matching mitts on her hands. A warm scarf topped her sweater, and when she held up her skirt, I grinned at the cute ankle boots trimmed in faux fur on her feet.
I greeted her with a kiss, keeping her cool lips underneath mine until they warmed up. Then the fun began. Lucy was all business, and for the next while, we posed with the backdrop of the snow and trees around us. Addi was a trooper, even sitting in the snow for a few shots while I stood over her, resting against a fallen log. Even with the benefit of the blanket under her, I felt her shiver and called for a moment. I took her to the fire, standing behind her and tucking her into my coat. She nestled against me, and I bent low, kissing her ear.
“Almost done. Then a couple of family shots, and we go inside.”
She peeked up at me, her cheeks and the end of her nose pink from the cold. “I’m fine. This is fun!”
I had no choice but to kiss her again.
One of the assistants came over with steaming mugs of hot chocolate and some cupcakes. Addi grinned in delight, and I laughed as she bit into one, icing smearing on her nose. I kissed it off and let her feed me a bite, knowing the entire exchange was being captured on film. I had a feeling it would be one of my favorite pictures.
I took the wrapper from her, tossing it into the bin, just as a snowball hit me square in the back. I turned around, lifting one eyebrow.
“Really, Mrs. Riley?”
She grinned, her expression teasing and joyful. She tossed another snowball up in the air, catching it in her mitt.
“You dare me, Mr. Riley?”
It was on. Regardless of the fact that she was in a wedding dress and I was wearing a tux. We frolicked and threw snowballs, laughing and trash-talking. I made sure the only one that hit her landed on her arm, but my Addi was competitive and got me a few times in the chest. Then in a move I didn’t expect, she lowered her shoulders, gathered her skirt, and tackled me. I fell back, luckily more on the blanket than the snow, and rolled her under me, kissing her with abandon. I loved seeing the free spirit come out in her. Sharing her joy of the day. Few saw this side of Addi, and it was one of my favorites.
We kissed, the world around us melting away. Her lips were cold, but her mouth warm as my tongue stole inside, licking and tasting her. Sweet icing, a hint of mint and chocolate, and all Addi. Groaning, I kissed her harder until a throat cleared.
“We should really wrap this up.”
I gazed down at my bride. Her blue eyes were filled with mirth, dancing in the waning light.
“Look what you’ve done, Addi,” I whispered, flexing my hips subtly. “A hard-on outside, with a photographer watching.”
She grinned, wicked and happy. “I will remember this moment the rest of my life. Every time I see these pictures, I’ll know.”
I kissed her one more time. Hard and fast. “Little minx.”
I stood, pulling her to her feet and brushing the snow off her dress. “You’ll be cold and shivering the rest of the day.” I fussed over her, the worry helping soften my erection.
“You’ll keep me warm.”
“Addi,” I warned.
She shook her head. “The tulle will dry fast. And I’m wearing thermal leggings under here that I’ll take off. We’re all good.”
“Time for the family shots,” Lucy called. “They’ll be here in a moment.”
I was grateful as her assistant ran over, straightening the headpiece and fluffing Addi’s hair. Luckily, her lipstick was kiss-proof, although I could see her lips were swollen from mine. I patted my hair into place and brushed off my pants. God forbid Bentley see us and figure out we were up to more than just some staged photos. I hadn’t been his son-in-law long enough for him to be quite that forgiving that I was ravishing his daughter outside in the snow on our wedding day.
I’d save that for New Year’s.
Hearing the sound of voices and laughter, I turned to greet our family.
While we were gone and our guests sipped various wines and champagnes offered here at the winery and indulged in decadent hors d’oeuvres, the hall was rearranged into a dining area with a huge dance floor. Candles flickered everywhere. The tables were covered in gold and ivory, with evergreens piled in the center and hurricane lamps glowing. Darkness was falling outside, and the trees and garland twinkled with white lights.
“It’s so magical,” Addi breathed beside me, her hand tightening on my arm.
“Is it what you wanted, Addi?”
She rose up on her toes and kissed my cheek. “The whole day has been perfect. More than I ever dreamed of.” She pressed another kiss close to my lips. “Especially my groom.”
“Then let’s join our guests. We need to be sociable for the next few hours, then the fun really begins.” I winked.
“Oh, you have a new board game you want to play?” she asked, blinking her eyes innocently. We loved playing board games—it helped us both to relax—and I liked finding older ones and learning to play them.
I grinned. “Oh, I’m going to play something, little elf. I plan on playing it all night long.”
Her breath caught, and that delicious pink color surged under her skin, highlighting her cheeks.
“Well then, Mr. Riley, we’d best get at it.”
“Excellent answer, Mrs. Riley.”
Addison
I loved hearing Brayden call me Mrs. Riley. We had agreed, for business purposes, I would remain Addison Ridge, but in my personal life, I would be Addison Riley.
I had been half in love with him my entire life. He was always there, a constant friend and supporter. I tried to date, feeling as if I shouldn’t have the feelings I had for Brayden since we were almost family. But the few boys I had dated never measured up. I didn’t feel the same way when they held my hand as I did when Brayden would. They looked bored when I would talk, as if they really didn’t care what I had to say. Brayden always listened. Asked questions. Argued with me on subjects we didn’t agree on. He challenged me. The bottom line was, he completed me. We fit as if made for each other. Once I got over my worry about our family ties, I accepted that—and him—entirely, and I had never looked back. Neither had he. Our course in life was tied with the other, and we were both happy to go with it.
I couldn’t help my smile as they announced us, and we walked into the reception amid the loud applause. It wasn’t a huge wedding by society standards. My dad and his partners kept their business and private life separate, so there were few unknown faces—mostly the plus-ones. Our social circle, and that of our parents, was tight-knit, so the numbers weren’t large—our family made up most of the crowd.
Brayden swept me into his arms, and we danced our first dance as a couple, alone on the floor. He was an excellent dancer, and we moved well together. He held me tight in his arms, resting his head along mine and humming with the music, occasionally making quiet remarks.
“Our first dance of forever.”
“You look beautiful in the candlelight, Addi.”
“I love how you feel in my arms.”
“Have I mentioned how much I love this dress?” He slid his hand up my spine, his long fingers splayed wide. “I’m looking forward to seeing how it looks on the floor of our bedroom later.”
He pressed a kiss to my head. “And seeing what surprises you have on underneath it.”
He dropped his head to my shoulder, running his mouth over my bare skin with light brushes of his lips. “Making love to my wife. Fucking her until she screams my name,” he whispered darkly into my ear.
I felt fl
ushed and breathless by the time we took our seats for dinner.
Brayden seemed calm, smiling and laughing, but I saw the desire in his eyes. Felt it in the grip he had on my hand. The way he kept me close, finding excuses to touch me. Throwing himself enthusiastically into the crowd’s demands for kisses during dinner. The glasses would barely start clinking and he would be on his feet, dragging me into his arms, his mouth hard and possessive on mine.
Brayden had been my first and only lover. I was his. When we started dating, we had a frank discussion, and I told him I had always envisioned waiting for my wedding night. My virginity meant something to me, and unlike many girls at school, it wasn’t something I was anxious to get rid of or give away.
The shocked look on his face would have made me laugh except for the seriousness of our talk. He was quiet for a moment, then took my hand.
“If that’s what you want, Addi, I’ll wait. We have the rest of our lives.”
The next five years were filled with temptations. We kissed and touched, explored, learned the pleasure we could give each other, the pleasure we could take, without ever having actual intercourse. Orgasms were plentiful and enjoyable. I knew his body as well as he knew mine. We learned it all together, and although I knew there were times that Brayden wanted more, that his frustration levels had reached a maximum, he never lost his temper or pushed. He respected my decision, and although sometimes I was strongly tempted, I remained steadfast in my decision.
Until the night of Brayden’s twenty-first birthday.
All he wanted was dinner with some friends, then to head to Port Albany. It was his favorite place on earth. We were surprised to find ourselves alone. Aiden was away with my dad and Maddox, looking at a piece of land up north. My mom was in Toronto, and although Cami had waved as we drove in, she didn’t come to the house. We wandered to the beach, the night warm, the breeze light. We sat on a blanket, my back to Brayden’s chest, looking at the stars as the night deepened and the silence surrounded us. I fingered the watch I had given him, the heavy silver links cool under my touch.
A Merry Vested Wedding Page 5