by Pixie Chica
“This one has been ready for over a year,” Mildred answers for me.
“I want us to become Mrs. and Mrs. Jackson-Mathews like yesterday, Travis. I’m done waiting. This has been torture.”
“Yeah I don’t know how you lasted this long. I married my Ann Marie within a week. My friend, Alex, took a month with her wife. I think the only one who has you beat is my cousin, Robin, but that was because of their ages. As god is my witness though, the day Jessica was legal, her ass was in that courthouse,” he states, chuckling at the memory.
“Yeah, um Robin is a little intense, which means I can easily see that happening. The few times I’ve gotten to see them at gatherings, she’s either following Jessica or watching her. They seem so in love though, so it must be mutual.”
“Oh that it is, anyway I need to take pics on your soon-to-be-wifey’s orders. There’s a whole shoot she wants, so let’s get to it,” he informs me, directing me toward the window. A million pictures and a half hour later, Renee comes to fetch us. I look over my simple satin white dress one last time, then we walk outside.
We’re having it on the beach and we rented a mini-trolley to take the wedding party there, but I want to walk. When I arrive, all the guests are standing and music is playing from one of the editor’s iPod/Bluetooth speakers. We went for an island instrumental with steel drums and a laid-back sound to it with each guest picking a song for the reception they want to dedicate to us. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t deeply touched by how much love everyone has shown us.
Renee who, aside from Mildred, is the closest thing to family I have, walks me down the aisle. We both had a good cry fest when I asked if she would and she agreed to do it. My parents declined the invitation I sent them, but I’m not mad. They have their lives and I have mine. I’ve moved on from the hurt the distance between us caused me in the past, learning family is who’s there when it really matters.
I’m now waiting at the altar like a kid on Christmas morning, but I already know I’m getting the best gift in the world. When I see my bride rounding the corner it takes my breath away. She’s wearing a beautiful mermaid cut dress made of lace that hugs her curves and is soon joined by Ron and Sylvia to walk her down the aisle. Roni’s parents weren’t even invited, a decision that hurt her to make, but they still haven’t accepted her choices nor are they even ready to try. She’s like a daughter to the McIntyres and they were honored to be asked to do this for her. As she joins me, I take her hands in mine and we turn as one to the local minister performing the ceremony.
“Roni, you were the disruption I never knew I needed. You walked into that bar, your commanding presence gaining everyone’s attention, but I’m glad it was mine you wanted. Like a thief, you stole my heart the moment you looked at me. I wasn’t sure what I wanted until then and in two weeks, you turned everything upside down and made me realize you really can fall instantly and madly in love. I patiently waited for this day, but I’m done, so you better say I do quickly.” Laughter erupts behind us and the smile on her face is the greatest sight.
“Of course, I do. Do you think I’d plan all this just to bail?” She chuckles and takes a calming breath before stating, “Lace, I came here on a mandatory vacation a year ago, determined to spend no more than a week here and wondering how I’d even last that long, then I saw you behind that bar and something in me cracked. All the barriers that had surrounded my heart were no match for you. I had no time for love, or so I thought, and refused to see this as more than a fling, but you showed me I was more than just a woman who ran a business. I fought it with everything I had, but was ready to give everything up for you in the end. Only you showed me I could have it all. Now I’m asking you to take this final leap and promise to love me forever.”
Her words cause tears to run down my cheeks. She is my whole world. I tip her backwards, taking her lips in mine and deepening the kiss as the wedding party erupts in cheers. When we pull apart, we’re both breathless and I take a moment to regain mine before saying, “Like I’d ever let you go,” then we join hands and begin our forever.
Epilogue Two - Veronica
Five years after that…
I look around for my wife after returning from using the ladies’ room, but I seem to have lost her in all the commotion tonight. Spotting Ann Marie who came out to support the opening of Island Breeze, I head her way. With all the babies she and Travis have, it’s a miracle she was even able to come out today.
“This place is packed! I’d definitely call this a success, but then again, how could it not be with you two?” Ann Marie states as soon as I’m a foot away from her. She has a strawberry daiquiri in one hand and a glass of champagne on the other, apparently on a mission to get drunk tonight. She recently delivered their fourth child in six years and is determined to enjoy her night off in full-force.
“You celebrating finally not having the baby bump? I’m surprised Travis isn’t already trying again. I don’t know what’s in the water over at your house, but I’m staying away from it,” I tease, though kids have never been part of the equation for Lacey and me. We’re more than happy to play aunties to all our friends’ children.
“Shhh…I told Travis I’m done, but I’m trying to get tipsy because that man will get me pregnant tonight or my name isn’t Ann Marie! I plan to let my hunky husband fuck me into tomorrow,” she says a little too loudly, proof she’s already succeeded in half of her attempt. The time to cut her off is now. “Okay,” I begin, casually taking the drinks from her, “how about you leave those here and we find that hunky husband of yours to take you home and make you those babies.”
She levels me with a look and I can’t help but laugh, knowing I’d do the same if she commented on my wife’s appearance. “Girl, I don’t bat for that team and only have eyes for Roni. I’m simply repeating your words.” I’m saved when Travis sees us and rushes to lift her into his arms.
“Baby, you know you don’t take alcohol well. A couple drinks and you’re almost two sheets to the wind. Come on, let’s go home. I think I know a way or two of sobering you up,” he offers with love in his eyes. The little devil simply nods and turns to me with a wink. Seems like I’ll be attending another baby shower in the next few months.
With that situation averted, I start my quest to locate my wife again. I’m tall so it makes it easier to look around, but there are still so many people I’m not having any luck spotting her. Finally, I see her in a corner with Robert and Katie and I smile, knowing I had a lot to do with them getting together. I’ve never met two more stubborn souls, but once they figured it out, it was full speed ahead.
“Are you happy?” I ask, pulling my wife from the crowd that hasn’t stopped trying to talk to her at every opportunity. She’s like a celebrity in these parts now and everyone wants a moment of her time.
She wraps her arm around my waist and whispers, “Immensely, but not because of all this. I can’t wait to take you home and strip the sexy little number you’ve been tempting me with all night off.” I shiver as she moves her hand further down and cups my ass. She doesn’t like big events or anything that draw attention to her, today being a prime example.
“We can’t leave yet, and you know it. They’re all here celebrating the grand opening of this little gem,” I reply slyly.
“Mrs. Jackson-Mathew, I’m the boss and can leave whenever I feel like it.” She pulls me closer and places her mouth on mine, licking my bottom lip for me to open for her. I do and her tongue slips in, deepening the kiss. We get lost in each other, a usual occurrence that no longer fazes those who know us, and I faintly hear when Robert and Katie excuse themselves.
We’re standing in the newest bar, and it is everything most around here aren’t. It’s a homage to the one she and Renee still own in the Keys, and is a hit. I couldn’t be prouder of her for everything she’s accomplished in the last few years, and for creating this life with me. They’ve passed faster than I thought possible and every day is a new adventure. Looking back at h
ow much I wasn’t living without her; I know how lucky I am to have found my other half and that she willingly gave up everything for the crazy dream of loving me.
“There’s no way I’m letting you skip out on this. If you stay, I promise to give you one of those dances you like so much when we get home. Maybe I’ll even wear the sexy lingerie I picked up on the way home.”
Mischief sparkles in her eyes as she smacks my ass. “Oh, there’s no maybe. You’ll be wearing it while you give me that lap dance you owe me. Time to pay, buttercup. That’ll teach you to bet against me on a Super Bowl.”
She reminds me of my ultimate failure when I said her favorite team wouldn’t win. Every year I’ve been the victor and made her dress up in ridiculous costumes, but this year I lost. And it seems the time has come to make good on it, and I will with a smile.
“Keep it up, dimples. I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve,” I say, biting her neck.
“Is that so? Care to elaborate?” She asks.
“Let’s just say I have that playlist from the night we met,” I say with a sly smile. “And I may have gotten the lingerie at the sex shop…among other things.”
“How is that supposed to make me want to stay longer? Your persuasion skills need some work. If anything, I need to leave now. I feel sick all of a sudden, and the only remedy is you in that bedroom,” she declares, guiding me out of the bar. Tonight will definitely be spent loving on my wife. And many hours later, I do just that.
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank my sissy poo. You have been listening to me tell my stories since I was just a teenager. Thanks for believing in my dream. You’re my bestie, my other, other half, and my partner in crime.
To my other half, thanks for loving me unconditionally through all my crazy ideas, this one included. You are my fiercest cheerleader. Thanks for all the late-night encouragement and the sexy inspiration. I’ll love you forever & always. You gave me my own insta-love story.
Amy, #Twin I can’t thank you enough for being my beta, you keep me sane, and on track. But most of all, thank you for the amazing friendship. I never thought I would find a bestie online, but here we are! I and me means we! Glad that we are on this adventure together.
To the #Squad…You fucking rock! Evangeline, Christina, and Jenni! Hype, Gif, and Badass… keep making my days brighter. I am so glad you all are part of my team, and keep me sane!
ChaShiree, thanks for encouraging me to finally release my first book. You’ve become my bestie! #LiferGroupieForever #ImYourStalker
MK Moore and Elisa Leigh. Your stories inspired me to write my own. You all have been welcoming and supportive to me as a new author. I couldn’t have published this without you. Also, thank you for letting me be part of the Forever Safe Series. I can’t believe I’m in a series with all my favorite authors.
Elizabeth Neal, my editor, thanks for taking Love at Sunset and turning it into everything I hoped for. You rock, and my words wouldn’t be half as amazing without you!
To my ARC readers, thanks for giving this book a try and I hope you enjoy it as much I enjoyed writing it. Your feedback is invaluable.
To my readers, thanks for reading a piece of my soul. I hope this book lets you escape even if just for a moment. I heart all of you all!
About the Author
Pixie Chica lives in Florida, with her other half, and a huge extended family. She is a book blogger and hasn’t come across a book that she hasn’t devoured. It has always been her dream to write the stories in her head, and one day she just went for it Apart from being a fierce sister to five siblings, she is also an auntie to three adorable kids. At the age of 30, she has decided to pursue her passion, and live life to the fullest. She enjoys discussing books with everyone and would love to get to know more about her readers. Feel free to contact her at any of the following, as well as join her FB group at bit.ly/2VFeESa or visit her website AuthorPixieChica.com.
Other Books by Pixie Chica:
Always and Forever Series
Sealed with a Kiss – Book 1
In Plain Sight – Book 2
Sweet & Spicy Series
Teacher’s Pet – Book 1
Coming Soon
Because of Blue (9/25) – Must Love Gods Anthology
Love by Midnight (9/30) – The Montgomery Brothers