I jump out, making my way around the car to open the door for her. She takes my offered hand, following me inside. One of my security men is standing watch, and I give him a nod of dismissal as I keep leading Willow up the stairs. I know that we caught the man who’d been stalking Willow, but I decided it would be best if I kept a team of my security men on site for a while. Almost losing her tonight scared the shit out of me, and I’m not willing to take any more chances when it comes to her.
There will be a handful of them patrolling outside, and I already have Emily looking into female bodyguards as well. I know it might be overkill and I might never use this person, but at the moment it’s helping keep me calm, and that’s all that matters. I don’t want to be on edge or worrying over that kind of shit right now. I want all my attention focused on my Willow—and convincing her to marry me for real this time.
“Who was that?” she asks as I guide her into the bathroom.
“Security. I hope they don’t bother you. They’re going to be around. That’s not up for debate.” I grab her by the hips, setting her up on the counter in the bathroom. I start pulling open drawers to find the first aid kit. I don’t see any marks on Willow, but I’m going to check every inch of her for myself.
“Bottom left in the back,” she says softly. I look in the drawer she told me to, finding what I need. “Lennon.” I drop the box down onto the counter next to her. “Lennon!” She snaps my name out this time. I jerk my head up, my eyes meeting hers. She grabs me by the shirt, pulling me towards her. “Kiss me,” she orders. Her request somehow puts me at ease instantly.
She doesn't have to ask me twice. I drop my mouth down onto her. It’s not a sweet kiss. It should be. I love this woman, and I could have lost her tonight. The kiss is almost punishing. I claim her mouth, taking what I want. Fuck that, it’s what I need. I don’t think I could live without her. I’m still not sure how I’ve survived all these years waiting for her.
When we finally break away from the kiss, I drop my face into her neck, breathing her in as we both try to catch our breath. Her fingers run through my short hair. I close my eyes and relax into her.
“You can’t leave me. I’m not sure I could let you go even if you wanted to. Fuck, I shouldn’t say shit like that after what you just went through, but it’s the truth.”
She pulls on my hair. I lift my head. Her mouth is swollen from the kiss. A mixture of guilt and arousal course through me at the sight.
“I love you,” she tells me. I drop my head. So long I’ve waited to hear her say those words to me.
“Say it again.” I close my eyes to savor each and every one of the words.
“I love you.” She gives me the words again. Her fate to be mine was locked long ago. With those three simple words she tosses away the key.
14
Willow
I watch as the rest of the tension drains from Lennon. I open the first aid kit and get to work on his hands. He stands there, his eyes never leaving me as I clean the cuts. He hasn't said the words back to me yet, but I know he loves me.
“You’ve been looking for me?” I ask. I still can’t believe he’s real. But it does explain a lot. Including why I was so drawn to him from the moment I first saw his picture in the diner with Glory. That unexplainable pull I had to him hadn’t only been my imagination.
“You are my wife.” I snort a laugh at his response. But his words have butterflies forming in my stomach.
“Lennon.” I pull at his shirt, wanting to touch him without anything between us. He helps me get it off him, tossing it away. I rest my hand over his heart, feeling it beat.
“It beats for you.” He puts his hand on top of mine. Ahh. He’s going to kill me with his sweetness. If I could fall more in love with him I would.
“I can’t believe it’s you. Over the years I’ve thought about you. I’d convinced myself it was a dream, but still I couldn’t bring myself to uncross off my list that I’d gotten married.” That’s the truth. I could never bring myself to write the word marriage as something I needed to do again.
“It was real. I’ve been looking for you ever since.”
“This is crazy.” I drop my hand to place a kiss over his heart. Is this why I’ve never felt attraction for any other man? Except him. Even his name had drawn me in when Glory said it that day at the diner. My finger had traced over it on the paper.
I remembered the boy's name. He’d only given me part of it. I just thought it was a coincidence. Because the boy I remember from the chapel and the man standing in front of me now look nothing alike at first glance.
“It’s always been you, Willow.” He tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear. “You changed my life that day. Gave me a drive and a purpose. At the time life was pretty miserable. It jaded my brother. I think it would have done the same to me. Except I’d met you. A brave girl that looked death in the face and still pushed for her dreams. It made me realize that I had a choice to chase mine. You did that for me. Everything I did after that day was with you in mind.”
My eyes burn with tears. I know his parents’ divorce was rough. His mother put them through hell. I pray I never have to meet the woman. I’m sure it’s inevitable, but it doesn't sound like she’s around much.
“You looked death in the face with a bright smile. I don’t think you realize what your smile does for people. It lights up a room.” I shake my head, not sure I believe all that. I’m just like any other girl. “People are drawn to you. You might not see it because it’s just who you are. The rest of us do. I do, and I hope you continue to let me share in it for the rest of my life.”
I soak in his words as he starts to undress us both before pulling me into the shower with him. He takes his time washing every inch of me. I can tell he’s trying to hold back. My mouth still tingles from the claiming kiss he gave me.
My Lennon is always trying to treat me with sweetness, but that burning passionate need he has for me is always simmering below the surface. I pray he never loses it. It’s one of the many things I love about him.
He pulls me from the shower, drying us both off before putting me in one of his shirts. We crawl into bed together. He wraps me into his arms, holding me close.
“I love you too,” he finally says. “Been trying to show you that since I found you again.”
“I know you love me.” I kiss his chest. “You were my luck that day. When I got back to my room I found out they were going to try a new treatment on me. Within hours I was leaving the hospital to go to another.” I swallow past the growing lump in my throat. “It worked.”
“Willow.” He pulls me up the bed so we are face to face.
“There’s something you should know. I’ve been scared to tell you, but I know it won’t change anything now.”
“You can tell me anything. Hell, baby. I want you to tell me everything. No matter how big or small.” I place my hand on his cheek. He’s such a good man. I think the world gave him to me when I needed him the most.
“I don’t know if I can have babies. With all of the treatments when I was younger, it may not be a possibility.” My heart aches with that admission. I want nothing more than to have a family with Lennon. I have no doubt he would be a wonderful father.
“You’re enough for me, Willow. Babies or not.” A tear escapes. He kisses it, stopping it in its tracks. “If we want kids we’ll have them.”
“Definitely want,” I say instantly. I’ve always wanted kids.
“Then we’ll make it happen.” I nod in agreement as I press my mouth against his. He deepens the kiss, rolling us so I’m pinned under him.
“Yes.”
“Yes, we can have children one day or yes you want me to make you come?” he teases me.
“All of the above.” I lift my hips, wanting him inside of me. Inviting him to make me his in all ways. Lennon ditches his boxer briefs before he goes for my shirt, leaving us both naked. He pushes the head of his cock into me.
“I don’t want to hurt yo
u, but I don’t think I could pull out if my life depended on it.” He makes a shallow thrust. “You’re so damn tight, baby. I had no idea it would be like this.” His words surprise me.
“Lennon, have you ever done this before?” He stops moving in and out of me. My sex clenches around him, begging for him to continue. I’m not sure I should have asked that question, but it’s too late now; the words are already past my lips. I don’t want to hear about him with someone else.
“No,” he says without hesitation. I stare up at his handsome face. I shouldn't be surprised. Lennon is a good man. He searched for me for so many years. I think it would have broken my heart a little if he had told me that while he was looking for me that he still engaged with other women. The fact that he didn't means so much to me. It means that he took the vows he made to me all those years ago seriously. We may have only been kids back then, but the heart always knows true love.
“How is that possible?” I find myself asking.
“I told you. It’s always been you. Only you.” Warmth blooms through my whole body. This man really is everything and more than I could have ever dreamed of.
“I think I subconsciously was waiting for you too. No one ever caught my eye.” I pull him down for a kiss, wrapping my legs around him. From the moment I’d looked up at him I knew he was different. “I’m tired of waiting. Make love to me.”
He captures my mouth again as he thrusts all the way inside of me. I bite down on his lip as the sharp pain shoots through my body. He lets out a loud groan. I release his mouth, not having meant to bite him.
“Fuck. I’m sorry.” His whole body is stiff. “You feel too damn good wrapped around me, but you’re in pain.” He closes his eyes, taking a breath. I think he’s trying to get control of himself. He always is when it comes to the bedroom.
“I bit you. I think there is going to be a mark. I’m the one who should be saying sorry!”
“I promise you if your mouth is on me the last thing I feel is pain.” He pulls back and then thrust inside of me again. I let out a moan. “You can mark me anytime you want with those teeth, baby.” His words give me a thrill. I grow wetter, my sex clenching around him. He lets out another groan.
“Lennon. Honey.” I lift my hips, and the pain fades away as another ache starts to form. “I need you.” I dig my nails into his back, trying to encourage him to give me more.
“I’ve got you.” His mouth comes down onto mine as he begins to move in and out of me. I stare up at his face, unable to look away. He picks up the pace. Our bodies move in rhythm with one another as though they were always meant to. Moans pour from me as he makes me his. The pleasure begins to build deep inside of me. “Not going to last. Need you to come, sweet girl.”
He slips a hand between us, his fingers going for my clit. “Lennon!” I gasp his name. It feels like he’s everywhere. I want him all over me. I never want this feeling to end. But my body wants the pleasure it knows he’s going to give it.
“Give it to me, baby. I want you to come on my cock.” I whimper. I’m so close. “Now!” he orders. My body does as he demands. I cry out his name as I come harder than I ever have in my life. He continues to work in and out of me, chasing his own release.
His warm release spills inside of me. He groans my name before he buries his face in my neck. I want to cry and smile at the same time. This feeling is so overwhelming.
“I love you so damn much, Willow.” I brush my fingers through his hair, loving the way his body weight feels on me.
“I love you too.” He rolls over, taking me with him. His cock is still hard inside of me. My hands go to his chest as I sit up. His hands go to my hips, holding me in place.
“I don’t want to scare you, but know I’ll never be able to let you go.” His hand slips up my body, cupping my breast. His thumb grazes across my nipple.
“I’m not going anywhere. I finally found what I’ve been looking for.” I was so lost when I got to Cherry Falls, having no real drive or passion for anything. I was always looking for a new adventure to try and fill a void that I didn’t even understand. I thought I was trying to make up for lost time, but all I was doing was biding my time until I could find him again. Now that I have, I feel whole again.
15
Lennon
Willow knows how to work a room. This isn't a room per se, but she’s handling everyone with that infectious smile of hers. One after another, she’s getting people to donate. She’s hard to say no to. I learned that at a very young age.
The fair is in full swing. We’ve been packed all day. The sun finally drops as the lights on the rides come on.
It’s been over a month since that fucker tried to take her from me. I’m still on edge sometimes. I can’t help it. I don’t like her out of my sight. I make it so she never has to be. I keep thinking she’s going to call me overbearing or something, but she doesn't. She is always crawling into my lap, wanting to be close.
“I like this one over your other events.” I turn my head to the side at the sound of my brother’s voice. “Less stuffy.”
“It’s all Willow.” She had a vision, and she created it down to the very last detail. I can’t help but smile. She was more than I could have ever wished for. “Why are you here?”
“You wound me, brother.” Kenton puts his hand over his heart. “You bought a ring.” He shrugs his shoulders as if to say I should have expected him to show up when I made that purchase.
“Did you really fly out here to tell me to get a prenup?” He shrugs again. “It’s not happening. If she left me, she might as well take it all.” She is actually a big part of how I made my money. She was my inspiration. She instilled a drive in me that made me want to help children in need.
“You’ve lost your fucking mind.” He runs his hand down his face. As always, he’s in a suit. The event might not be stuffy, but my brother still looks the part. This is a fucking fair, and he’s in a three-piece.
“Don’t you have jeans or something? You look like a blood-sucking lawyer.”
“I am a blood-sucking lawyer.” I don’t think my brother is ever going to change. It makes me feel bad for him. That he’ll never know what it’s like to love someone. That he’ll never have a Willow of his own. A woman that fits him perfectly.
“This place is nice.” Kenton changes the subject. For now at least. I’m sure he’ll circle back. There is no way he’s letting the fact that I refuse to present Willow with a prenup go. I’m sure I’ll hear all about how much of an idiot I am and how love doesn’t last. All bullshit. I know because love can make you do crazy things. I regret none of my own. It got me here.
My brother’s right. This place is beautiful. It’s why I’ve chosen to ask Willow to marry me here. We had to find a place to have the fair. We needed a lot of room for all the things Willow had set up. From rides to games with prizes and of course food. I spared no expense to make sure that this day was everything she envisioned it to be.
“It belongs to a friend of Willow’s.” Gabriella was more than willing to do anything to help. This spot is perfect, and it’s not too far out of town. She tried to let us use it for free, but I got the feeling her family is struggling, and I pushed to pay.
Willow comes bouncing my way, breaking away from her friends. “We’ve already surpassed the goal!” She jumps into my arms. I catch her, dropping a kiss on her mouth before I put her down onto her feet.
“Never doubted that we would.” I’d already planned on making a donation myself. We were hitting the goal one way or another. But she’s right. She did it, and I’ll match it. It isn't only about the money. It’s also about spreading awareness of what many children and families have to go through.
She peeks over at my brother then back to me. Her eyes bounce between us. We look a lot alike. We both are well over six foot tall with dark hair and blue eyes. Only difference is Kenton’s nose has been broken a couple times.
Growing up, he was always down for a fist fight. The biggest differ
ence between us is our size. I’m more toned with wide shoulders. Kenton is brute force. He actually looks a little bigger now. He must really be hitting the gym these days. It’s good for him; he has to take that frustration out somehow.
“Baby, this is my brother Kenton.” Her whole face lights up with a bright smile. She’s been wanting to meet him. My father too. I don’t talk to my mother unless she calls me. When she does it’s usually only because she needs something. I don’t let that shit bother me anymore, but I can’t say the same for Kenton.
“I’m so excited to meet you! Lennon didn't tell me that you were going to be here. Do you have a place to stay? You can stay with us. There are a ton of rooms. I’m a great cook too. Ask my Lennon. I’ll keep you stuffed the whole time.” She fires off one question after another. Fuck me she’s adorable.
“You live together?”
Willow’s cheeks start to turn pink. I’m about to break his nose for the third time if he starts with his shit. I give him a look that says so. Out of all the things she said, that’s all he heard?
“I don’t plan on staying…” He trails off, something catching his eye. Abnormal for him. The courtroom could catch fire and he wouldn't miss a beat.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s a grown man. He can take care of himself.” I pull Willow into my side, wrapping an arm around her.
“Okay, but maybe dinner one day?” she pushes. So damn sweet. He’s coming to her dinner one way or another.
“I think I can do that,” Kenton says absently, shocking me. I try and follow his line of sight but don’t see anything. “I just remember I have something I need to see.” He takes off in the opposite direction of where everyone parked their vehicles.
“What was that? You think he doesn't like me?” She bites her bottom lip.
“He’s naturally a dick.” Willow lets out a small gasp. “Baby, he’s jaded. My only hope is for a girl to come along and knock him on his ass.”
209 Wedding Lane Page 7