Love deserved, p.18
Love Deserved, page 18
I agreed. They were the perfect wedding bands for us. Designing them had been a challenge. I struggled to find a jeweler who could do it. Luckily, my father knew such a man.
“My dad and the man who made them are friends. He put us in contact before you and I made our trip to Tennessee.”
“They’re amazing.”
She traced over the platinum music notes and gold band. I took a chance buying the rings without her, but we’d talked about different styles not long after we got back together. She loved my idea about the music notes. Now, the rings were a reality.
“You’ve made this Christmas so memorable, Ayden.”
“Oh, it’s still not over.” I touched her ring. “There is a reason I wanted you to open these today.”
“Why is that?”
As I stared into her eyes, I moved my hand back to her neck. “Because I want to marry you today.”
“But… It’s Christmas. How will we get married today? We don’t have a minister or witnesses, and we didn’t bring our marriage license.”
“What if I told you I had everything taken care of? Would you marry me today, here at the cabin?”
“In a heartbeat.”
It was the precise words I needed to hear. My heart felt as though it would explode with excitement. Kissing Mia’s hand, I smiled up at her, then glanced at the staircase.
“You guys can come down now.”
I didn’t miss the confusion on Mia’s face as she glanced at the staircase. Within a few seconds, Bentley and Andi descended the steps. Mia said nothing. Her mouth fell open, but no words would come out. All she did was shake her head in denial.
“Surprise!” Andi rushed over to us as Mia stood to hug her.
“I can’t believe you were in on this.” Mia laughed as Andi pulled away.
“When Ayden told us his plan, I promised not to leak the information. I knew how much it meant to him to surprise you.”
“When did you guys get here?”
Andi and Bentley glanced at me with smiles before she answered. “We got here late last night after you fell asleep.”
“We timed it just right too.” Bentley grinned.
“Only because I drove. Had your lead foot been on the pedal, we would have been here sooner.”
Bentley tickled Andi as she smacked his arm playfully. I refocused on Mia. “They have to return to Music Haven tonight, but I knew you would want them to be here.”
“Of course.” She smiled at me, but I could see something weighing on her mind.
“What’s wrong?”
“I love this idea of getting married, but who is marrying us? And what about my dad? He won’t be here to give me away. And what about your parents? Your mom will be devastated if she’s not at our wedding.”
Pulling her into my arms, I swept a lock of hair behind her ear. “Don’t worry. If we didn’t have everyone that mattered, we wouldn’t do this. Your father is flying in on the family jet. He’ll be here this afternoon, and he’s bringing my family with him. My uncle Johnny is an ordained minister. He’s married people at the courthouse, and he has filed the paperwork he needs to marry us.”
“Who is watching Music Haven?”
“Your father said nothing is pressing on the schedule today, and Darius volunteered to monitor things. If there’s a major crisis, he’ll be in touch. Otherwise, your father will fly back this evening.”
She was speechless. Despite trying to speak, nothing came out. Instead, she wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me. It didn’t take words for me to know she was happy. I sensed it in my soul. Still, I had to ask again.
“Will you marry me today, Mia?”
Chapter 19
~Mia~
Christmas music rang throughout the house as Ayden and I prepared for our wedding. It surprised me he had planned all of this for me. He told me he wanted our first Christmas together to be unforgettable, but he’d succeeded long before he announced the surprise for today.
As I stood in front of the mirror inside the bedroom, Andi zipped the dress she’d found hanging in my closet. It wasn’t my wedding dress. I had yet to pick one, but I’d purchased this dress for the annual Christmas party we had at Music Haven. Since I wouldn’t be able to attend it this year, there was no point in letting the dress go to waste. Besides, it was one of the few dresses I owned that accommodated my waistline.
Chuckling to myself, I placed my hand on my belly and patted it. A slight thump came from inside and teased my palm.
“Is the baby moving?”
I glanced at Andi as she walked around to face me. “Yeah. Right here.” I pressed her hand to my stomach and waited for more movement.
After a solid minute, she frowned. “I don’t feel anything.”
“She’s just getting active. I’ve spoken with my obstetrician a few times, and he said I’ll notice more movement in the next few weeks.”
Andi’s brows rose. “You said she. Did you find out it’s a girl?”
Heat filled my cheeks when I realized my slip. “No, we haven’t learned the baby’s sex. Ayden said he feels like it’s a girl. I guess it’s grown on me.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me if it was a girl. I’ve always thought of you having a daughter, not that you would love a son any less. No matter what you have, many people will love your baby, especially you and Ayden.”
“Don’t forget Grandma Kay.”
I spun at the sound of Ayden’s mother’s voice and felt a surge of excitement as soon as I saw her. The warmest smile covered her face when she approached me with open arms.
“Kay, you made it.” I hugged her.
“I wouldn’t miss you marrying my son for the world. Your father was kind to fly us out here.”
When we broke our embrace, I gazed at her. “Neither Ayden nor I would want to do this without your family’s presence. We wanted our loved ones to be with us today.”
“Mia!” Toni squealed my name as she came running into the room. She raced toward me and wrapped her arms around my legs. I patted her back until she released me.
“Toni, you’re just the person I needed today. How would you like to be my flower girl?”
Aunt Jenny and Grandma Hannah walked in just as Toni’s big blue eyes widened. The second she saw her mother, she ran to her. “Momma, can I be Mia’s flower girl?”
“Of course.” Aunt Jenny nodded. When she saw me, she smiled and whispered thank you.
After she and Grandma Hannah joined us, Kay grabbed my hands. “We won’t keep you. I know you have to finish getting ready, but we have something for you.”
“You do?” Confusion filled me as I glanced at each of them.
Jenny removed the large tote she was carrying on her arm and set it on the bed. As she searched for something inside it, I looked at Kay. “My curiosity is killing me.”
“Well, we were hoping you followed a famous tradition many brides do. The adage is ‘Something old, something new.’”
I nodded. “Something borrowed, and something blue.”
“That’s the one.” Kay chuckled and motioned toward her sister. “We have something for you if you would do us the honor.”
My heart fluttered. Ayden’s mother was about to make me cry. I pressed my lips together to keep them from trembling as I nodded my head and faced Aunt Jenny. She removed a bouquet of white roses wrapped in silver and blue ribbon.
“Kay and I made this for you. It’s your something blue.”
Accepting the bouquet from her, I stared at the flower arrangement as pride filled me. “Thank you both. These are beautiful. I’m honored to carry them with me today.”
Aunt Jenny held the tote open as Grandma Hannah grabbed something out of the bag. I stepped closer so she wouldn’t have to come to me. Then she presented me with something I didn’t expect. A tiara.
“Wow! It’s so pretty.” I touched the tip, dazed at the exquisite beauty of the piece. The diamonds sparkled in the light coming from the window.
“This is a tiara I won in a beauty pageant oh so many moons ago.” She cackled at the reference to her age. “I met Ayden’s grandfather during that pageant, and when we married, I wore this tiara. My daughters wore it when they were married. Toni will wear it someday, but right now, it’s your turn. This is your something borrowed, my dear.”
Once she placed the tiara in my hands, I was too stunned to move. It was a family heirloom that would be passed down for generations. If Ayden was right, and our child was a girl, she would wear it on her wedding day, too.
It was at this moment that I realized how fortunate I was. Ayden was one hell of a man. I felt lucky to have him in my life. Now I had his remarkable family, too.
“Speaking of this famous tradition, I have something for you too.” Andi left my side and grabbed something from the overnight bag she had brought with her. When she returned, she handed me the item.
“I bought this a month ago for your bridal shower, but since we’re kind of skipping that part, I’m giving it to you now. It can be your something new.”
It was almost as if she, Kay, and Jenny had coordinated their gifts. The blue ribbon on my bouquet matched the fabric in the garter Andi purchased. Their thoughtfulness touched me. I was grateful they could celebrate this day with Ayden and me.
“You guys are the best. Thank you so much. Now all I need is something old.”
“I have just the thing.”
This time, it was my father’s voice that drew my attention to the doorway. He stood under the archway, smiling at all of us. The second he saw me, he came closer.
“Dad. I’m so happy you’re here.”
Embracing me, he hugged me tighter and longer than anyone. I hadn’t considered what this day meant for him. Even though I was twenty-seven, I was still his baby. He would always see me as his little girl. Today, he would give me away to the man who promised to love and cherish me forever. It was bittersweet for him because I knew he was thinking the same thing I was. We both wished my mom was here.
When he finally pulled away, he tried to wipe the tears from his eyes. I acted like I didn’t see them. Instead, I gave him a quizzical glance. “So, where’s my something old? I hope you weren’t referring to yourself.”
He chuckled, just like I hoped he would. “I have something better than that.”
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a jewelry box and handed it to me. The hinges gave when I lifted the top and stared at a gorgeous pair of diamond and pearl earrings.
“Dad, they’re beautiful. Did they belong to Grandma Amelia?”
“No.” His lips pressed together as he kept his focus on the jewelry box. “They belonged to your mother.”
An ache began in my chest, causing it to tighten. Each beat of my heart intensified the pain. I held my breath for a moment, hoping it would make it stop.
It continued, to no avail. A second later, my father took the box back. I was about to tell him no when I realized he was removing the earrings. One by one, he put them in my ears, then stepped back to admire me.
“Your mother wore these the day we were married. She would want you to wear them today. Had she been here, she would have given them to you to keep. Perhaps you’ll have a daughter to pass them to one day.”
“Thank you, Dad.” My voice cracked as tears flooded my eyes. Though death may have robbed my mother of the opportunity to be here, I knew she was with me in spirit, just like my grandparents and Ayden’s grandfather. We would carry them in our hearts when we said our vows today.
~Ayden~
* * *
Mia was mine. No one could deny that now. The wedding band on her left finger matched the one on mine. It was a symbol of our love and a message to others. We belonged to each other for the rest of our lives.
Now that the ceremony was over, I recounted the event. From the moment Mia walked down the staircase, I hadn’t taken my eyes off her. The dress she wore was beautiful. It hugged her body in the right places, including her round belly. My heart swelled with pride as soon as I saw her.
Uncle Johnny avoided cracking any jokes during the ceremony after threatening to do so while I was changing. My father assured me he would help me kick his ass if he did. Much to my surprise, my uncle grew emotional while officiating. Weddings brought out a side of people they didn’t know existed. I was glad to see another side of my uncle today.
Leaning against the wall near the fireplace, Mia stood in front of me with her back against my chest. We watched as Toni opened the gifts we’d bought her. The moment my little cousin discovered the dress Mia bought her, she wanted to change into it. Aunt Jenny had a hell of a time convincing her to finish opening her presents.
Gazing past the Christmas tree, the gray winter sky shifted to slate, signaling evening’s quick approach. I glanced at the clock on the wall, dreading the reality of what it meant. The time we had with our family would end soon. As much as I hated to see everyone leave, I looked forward to spending the rest of the evening with my wife.
My wife… The words spun in my mind. It was surreal. I couldn’t believe everything came together so well. It wasn’t because I did a great job planning everything. The people closest to us made it special. I knew our loved ones would come prepared.
Once Toni ripped off the wrapping paper of her last gift, she tore into the box. The doll she pulled out made her eyes light up. “Mommy, mommy, look. It’s a baby.”
“She’s so pretty, Toni. I think she looks just like you.” Aunt Jenny played with the doll’s hair while Toni grinned from ear to ear.
I had to give Mia credit. She knew the right gifts to get my little cousin. The time she spent playing with Toni while we were in Tennessee paid off. She knew what she wanted for Christmas.
“Okay, munchkin. We need to pack up your gifts and get ready to head home.” Aunt Jenny motioned for Uncle Johnny to get their coats.
“I don’t wanna.” Toni hugged her baby doll and sat beside her mother. “I wanna stay with Ayden and Mia.”
“How about you come to visit us soon? Would you like that?” Mia walked toward the sofa where my aunt and cousin were sitting. When Toni nodded, Mia wiggled her pinky in front of her. “Let’s make it a pinky promise. That way, neither of us can break it.”
Toni reached her hands towards Mia, who linked her smallest finger with my cousin’s. When they finished, Toni hugged her. “I’ll miss you.”
Mia bent over to hug her. “I’ll miss you too, but a promise is a promise. We’ll see each other real soon. I can’t wait for you to see where Ayden and I live.”
Toni yawned as she rubbed her eyes. Uncle Johnny handed Aunt Jenny their coats as everyone else collected their things. Most of the items were already sitting beside the door. Bentley and Andi were ready to leave, too. I hated to see them driving back so late, but they had to return to Music Haven. Thankfully, nothing dire happened while they were here.
Once everyone was ready, we gathered by the door. We exchanged hugs, heard another round of congratulations, and promised to see everyone soon. Mia’s father welcomed me into the family once more. Then, one by one, they filed outside. Bentley helped Andi into the SUV they’d driven while my family loaded up in the minivan Mia’s father rented from the airport.
Mia and I stood on the deck, waving to everyone as they pulled down the driveway. We watched their taillights disappear before we walked back inside the cabin. I relocked the door as Mia continued through the room.
I found her standing in front of the fireplace when I finished. The light from the fire illuminated her face while she warmed her hands. Just watching her made my heart race. She was my life.
Standing just behind her, I lowered my head toward hers. “We’re alone at last, Mrs. McAllister.”
“I love hearing you call me that.”
She smiled when I curled my arms under her breasts and held her close. I trailed my lips up her neck, kissing various sections until I reached her ear. “I love you.”
She turned to face me this time. “I love you too, Ayden. Sometimes, when I think about how much, it hurts.”
“I know the feeling.” I patted my chest. “My love for you is just as strong.”
Our lips met in a tender kiss. It grew rougher with each pass. So did my hands as they moved over Mia’s body. I pulled her closer, lowering the zipper of her dress. As it fell past her hips, I unbuttoned my shirt and yanked it from my arms.
When nothing but skin remained between us, I led her toward the sofa, kissing her every step of the way. As soon as I sat down, I pulled Mia onto my lap and guided her onto my throbbing cock.
Wet heat sheathed me as she slid down me, taking every inch I offered her. The instant I buried myself inside her, she leaned in to kiss me again, then her hips moved.
I groaned. This was the moment I’d waited for. I was finally making love to my wife.
Leaning back, I stared up at her as she rode me. Her face contorted with pleasure, especially when I gripped her hips and guided them back and forth. Her nipples grew harder, drawing my attention to them. When I flicked one with my tongue, Mia moaned.
My cock pulsed as she contracted around me. I released one nipple and drew the other into my mouth, swirling it at the same pace as her movements. Each rock of her hips had her voice climbing. It wouldn’t be long before she was coming.
Hell, it never took her long when she was on top. She had control, and I loved watching her take full advantage.
Reaching my hand higher, I cradled her cheek and thumbed over her lips as she moaned. Her eyes locked with mine, then closed.
Then she came.
“Oh, God. Yes!”
The strain of her voice had me holding my breath. Each time she contracted around my cock, her body grew weaker. When she finally collapsed against me, I flipped her over, kneeled in front of her, and pulled her bottom to the edge of the sofa. Then I drove myself deep.
Mia’s cries excited me. The more she said my name through her labored breaths, the faster I pumped my hips. My cock swelled as the sensation I longed for quickly approached. With the next thrust, I came too.
