Happily Ever Never (6 page)

Chapter 8

We spent the whole afternoon with the horses at the beach.

Upon returning them, I was able to meet Major’s aunt and uncle. We had some coffee and an afternoon snack of prosciutto wrapped in a buffalo mozzarella that was to die for. It wasn’t like the white cheese you buy from the grocery store. This flavor couldn’t have been packaged.

Dinner was promptly at six, so we hurried back to the hotel to shower and change. Shawna spotted me first, hugging me and telling me about the day she and Nathan had. They’d gone on a tour of the city, complete with a fancy meal at a historic building. As excited I was for her, I knew it didn’t compare to my beach side picnic with Major.

The next person I saw was my father. He’d arrived when we were off on our adventure. I’d spoken to him briefly in the room when we returned, but hugging him made it all real. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too. The flight was hell. I can’t get used to the time, and all the channels are in Italian.”

Leave it to my dad to complain about everything. He wasn’t thrilled about traveling across the globe to give me away. “Dad, it will be fine. There’s so much to do you’ll only be in your room to sleep.”

“At least the mattress is comfortable,” he added.

Thankfully, the room filled with familiar faces and we all sat down at a huge table similar to one a king or queen would host a meal at. My dad was at one side of me while Major was on the other.

Vince caught our attention when he clanked on a wine glass. He stood, but my eyes went to his stripper date. She was dressed classy, but it didn’t make me think of her differently. I closed my eyes and promised not to let it bother me too much. Aside from him being present everything was perfect.

“Can I have your attention?”

All eyes turned to Major’s best friend. “We’re obviously all here to see Major and Bailey tie the knot. I don’t know about everyone else, but I say we make this a trip to remember. Here’s to Major and Bailey promising to have sex with only each other for the rest of their lives.”

I wanted to scream, or maybe even hurl. How could he say something like that? I could only imagine what he’d say when the grandparents were present. I felt a hand on my thigh, squeezing until I peered in his direction. Major was sending me subliminal messages to keep calm. The crowd of people had laughed at Vince’s comment, shaking it off as a joke. I needed to do the same. As hard as it was, I managed to fake a smile and put my focus back to the food being served in the middle of the table.

After his immature statement, the room filled with so much conversation that it drowned out Vince’s voice. I focused my attention on Major and my father, who were in an in depth conversation with both of his parents. They were explaining how the country had changed since they were both younger. I’d already heard about it, so I listened in silently appreciating how much Major was enjoying himself.

For the remainder of the meal we discussed the schedule with everyone and talked about our excursion that most of us were doing together the next day. Since Major and I were going to be spending the night apart afterwards, I planned on making it a fun-filled time so I’d be too exhausted to care if I was alone in bed. We’d see each other during the rehearsal dinner, where I was to meet his Grandparents for the first time. I wasn’t sure why we were waiting, but I was not about to argue. The less time they had to judge me the better. Since they spoke little English I was thankful I wouldn’t be able to understand them if they didn’t like me, though I knew I’d be able to see the truth across Major’s disappointed face.

After dinner everyone went out on their own. Major and I were too tired to go anywhere. We retreated up to the room to go over last minute details. As we lay in bed naked, looking at paperwork, I could feel my eyes getting heavy. “I’m falling asleep,” I confessed.

Major put the schedule down and took me into his arms, kissing me on the side of my forehead. “We can call it a night.”

“You know,” I muttered. “As much as I’m looking forward to our wedding, I’m really excited about the honeymoon part. Tomorrow’s excursion to the beach will be fun, but I can’t wait to actually be able to relax. I don’t think I’ve ever been so stressed before. It’s not like me to worry, especially when it comes to us. Our relationship has always been effortless. I’ve never had to work hard to impress you. You love me for who I am. It’s reassuring.”

Major drug his finger over my lips. “I’m nervous too. I feel like I’m going to bawl like a baby when I see you walking toward me in your dress. I’ll never hear the end of it from my brothers and especially Vince.”

I sighed. “Vince wouldn’t know emotions if they slapped him in the face. That stunt at dinner was uncalled for.”

“Yeah, he was out of line. I pulled him aside in the men’s room and gave him shit about it. He’s just that type of person who gets off by causing problems. I’m sorry if he ruined your meal.”

“My meal was fine. For the first time I had everyone I love at the same table. It was great, minus him and the stripper.”

We both laughed. “Just ignore them.”

“It’s kind of hard when he’s everywhere. How do you deal with him? You’re opposite in every way. He’s such a tool.”

“That he is, my dear. He’ll grow on you; it just might take a little time for it to happen.”

“I can’t see it ever happening to be honest. I’m not trying to be difficult, but I can’t stand him. The only reason I keep quiet is because I know you love him. He’s just a jerk. I think he has something against me for tying you down.”

Major readjusted in the bed, turning to face me. “Just so you know, I’d choose you. Yeah, he’s like family, but you’re going to be my wife. In my eyes you already are. Say the word and I’ll make him stay away. I won’t let him ruin our day. I promise.”

“We talked about this already. He’s your best man. I’ll deal with it, just like the tradition that he has to be our first born’s Godfather. I get it. I don’t love it, but I do understand. I know how much your family believes in that kind of stuff. I admire them for it. Just like you say you’d do anything for me, the same goes for you. I will spend the rest of my life accepting Vince and all of his antics. Maybe one day I’ll see what you do.”

He ran his hand through my hair. “I feel like the luckiest man. God sent you to me.”

“If you don’t stop with that sweet talking I may force you to stay awake a little longer. As I recall, you did promise me a massage.”

Major sat up straight and cracked his knuckles. “Your wish is my command.” The instant his fingertips touched me I was a puddle of mush. He was an expert, and I was his reward. I was infatuated with him, aroused by his presence. He could do what he wanted to me, because I knew it would feel amazing.

Electricity flooded my body as his magic hands began to work on my tender muscles. My fingers tingled with delight when certain areas were tended to. While on my stomach I kept my eyes closed, too amused to fall asleep. He’d already taken off my shirt, but slipped my pants off just as easily. He gave my right ass cheek a light smack and then rubbed it out. It wasn’t the muscles that hurt the worst; it was my tailbone. Who knew that riding a horse was so painful?

While his hands worked over my skin, I imagined it leading to much more. It was hard for Major to touch me without me expecting something in return.  Making love with him was like breathing. I felt like I needed it to survive. When we were apart I missed him, and his returns always made things more intense. It was much like that now. I had pent up anxiety and needed release to get by. Since he was the only man for the job I found myself expecting it. What made it even better was knowing that we were working on making a baby. The more we were together the better our chances. I knew all about ovulation, but we wanted it to happen on its own. I refused to track my schedule and make calculations. I did it for a living. For once I wanted to be taken by surprise. I wanted to know what it was like to go through the emotions as if it was never expected to happen.

My back massage didn’t last very long. Major flipped me over and started rubbing my thighs. I watched him intently, focused on the cross necklace he never took off. His lips came down and kissed the spot he’d been focused on. “We skipped dessert,” he reminded me.

“You said you were tired.”

“Trust me, I’m awake now. Besides, tomorrow I have to go stay in another room. Do you know how hard that’s going to be knowing you’re in here alone?”

“I can ask Shawna to stay with me.”

“If that’s what you want. It still won’t help me sleep. I like having you close. It’s nice knowing I can wake up and have you whenever I want. I hope once we’re married with kids that won’t wear off. It’s one of my favorite things.”

I smiled as my fingertips stroked the top of his left ear. He always responded by leaning into my touch. “You will never need to worry about that. I’m just as attracted to the idea of always having you when I feel inclined to do so.”

His snicker was contagious, even as our lips made contact and a simple kiss turned into something more. In a matter of seconds his full body was hovering over mine, an apparent erection pressing over my pussy as if it knew where to go on its own. I reached forward and took hold of his ass, bringing his body against mine. “I want you inside me.”

Without a single reply I felt him enter me, filling my walls with his whole length. He pulled away from another kiss to stare deeply into my eyes. For a few seconds I was lost in a piercing gaze. His pace was practiced, and I continued holding onto him as he moved, as if to make sure he never slowed down. We kept going at it, set out with the same goal. If I was going to be tired in the morning, I wanted this to be the reason why. As long as the coffee was strong I’d manage. Jetlag wouldn’t ruin our day, and especially our rehearsal dinner.

Our encounter didn’t last as long as it usually did. With such a full schedule to attend to, Major didn’t hold out. Afterwards, he led me out to the terrace. We lay together, wrapped in a sheet on a lounge chair, staring out at the stars. “I could get used to being here.”

“We could always buy something to vacation and retire to,” he suggested.

“I’m not opposed to that idea. It’s tranquil. Maybe we just need to get away from Baltimore. I’m tired of the congestion.”

“I can do my job from anywhere, and I told you before that you didn’t need to work. I can take care of our family.”

“I know. I like working though.” I played with a small patch of hair on his chest. “Let’s see how it goes after our first child is born. I may never want to leave home.”

He kissed the top of my head and sighed. “You’re going to be a great mom.”

“I hope so. I have some big shoes to fill. Your mom is like superwoman. I don’t know how she does it.”

“Practice. Trust me, we were little devils. Trouble always seemed to find us. I remember her losing it several times. My dad must have thought she was loony, and us kids were a bunch of troublemakers.

“I happen to like the way you turned out.” I placed my lips on his and didn’t pull away. He tightened his hold on me and I finally closed my eyes. I didn’t care if I woke up on this terrace wrapped in the sheet. I’d never been more comfortable in my life.

Chapter 9

While lying in bed I heard the clock ticking on the bedside table.

I turned to notice it was still early, though daylight was peeking through the thick closed shades. It was the eve of our wedding, and as I gazed over at my sleeping fiancé I felt like I had everything I could ever want in my life. In twenty-four hours I’d be getting my fancy dress on and preparing to meet him at the end of that beach under the arbor his parents used when they married. I’d have my father by my side, and know my mom was with us in spirit. On days like this, it was bittersweet. I knew I should have been elated, and I was, but in the back of my mind there would always be a weak spot when it came to her passing. Every bride wants her mother around, especially for special events like this. Even though I loved Major’s mother Vicki, she wasn’t the woman who brought me into this world. For that reason my heart ached. There would always be an emptiness that nothing could ever fill. She’d never see me smile again, or give me guidance when I became pregnant. She’d never hold her grandchildren, or comfort me when I had a terrible day. The only thing that helped me cope was knowing she was at peace. Her suffering was over, and for that I had to be content.

I felt the mattress moving and turned back to see Major looking up at me. He kissed the skin on my shoulder. “Are those tears in your eyes?”

I shrugged. “Maybe. I was just thinking about my mom. I promised myself I’d be fine about it. I guess I had a momentary lapse.”

“Don’t be sorry. Just know you are loved. Tomorrow you’re going to gain a whole new family. They won’t replace her, but at least feel comforted knowing they care about you.”

“Thanks.”

He sat up and stretched out his strong arms while yawning. “I guess it’s time to order breakfast and get this day in the books. I can hardly contain my excitement about tomorrow. One more day, Mrs. Valero.”

I smiled and leaned my head against his body. “Can’t we just stay in bed and wake up tomorrow?”

He chuckled. “I don’t think the family will allow it. They’ll hunt us down like a pack of wolves. They’ll be out for blood.”

“Oh stop it. They aren’t that terrible.”

“You’ve never seen them on a mission then,” he teased. “You better hurry up and get ready. I suspect they’ve all been up for a while.”

I dressed for a day at the beach and packed a small bag with sunscreen and towels, while I heard Major ordering us a quick breakfast and coffee. He slipped on a pair of swimming trunks and a tank that went with them. He met me in the bathroom and brushed his teeth next to me, flipping his eyebrows up and down like he saw something that interested him. I liked when he was playful. It was another reason I knew he’d be the perfect dad. I could remember my father doing the same thing, back when my mom was still around. Once she was gone he withdrew. I never blamed him for that. I think a part of him died with her.

“Don’t let me forget my toothbrush tonight when I change rooms. I’d hate to have to sneak over to grab it.”

“Don’t you dare. You can’t see me. Under no condition will I unlock the door,” I adamantly replied.

He spit and rinsed, then snagged me up into his hold. “You’d let me in if I begged.”

How could I refuse him? “We aren’t going to find out. You’re going to behave tonight so that tomorrow will be perfect, just as we planned.”

“You drive a tough bargain, bella.”

“It’s a hard job, but somebody has to do it.”

With a light slap on my butt we exited the bathroom. Room service delivered two pastries and fresh coffee in to-go cups. Major carried the beach bag and his coffee, while I tucked my arm into one of his. When we found everyone in the lobby they didn’t seem annoyed we’d taken so long. The shuttle hadn’t yet arrived, making that a good excuse for running behind. Besides, they were all in good spirits, even Vince, who had that little blonde stripper attached to his side.

Just as I was scoping him out our eyes met and he gave me a cocky grin. He said something to the girl and began walking in my direction, only to stop in front of Major. “Now’s the time to back out, bro. Are you sure you want this?”

Major laughed it off as a joke while I took his words offensively. “Yeah, I’m sure. One day you’ll understand.”

“Yeah maybe.” He turned his attention to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. I wanted to shove it off, but with everyone in the room possibly watching I kept my composure. “Are you going to allow him to have some fun today?”

“Allow him? I’m neither his boss nor his mother.”

“Yeah right. Anyway,” he looked back at Major. “We’re hitting the cliffs this afternoon. Your ass better be there. You owe me a do-over from last time.”

Major mumbled something and laughed it off. “Yeah, I’ll be there.”

“Cliffs?” I asked once Vince was gone.

“They’re right off the beach. We’ve been diving off them since we were kids. We’ve got this running competition going since we were younger. Vince refuses to accept I’m better than him. You’ll see.”

I was intrigued to see Vince lose. In fact, I felt as if nothing could have made the day any better. “I look forward to it.”

When the shuttle finally arrived we all crammed in. At the last minute Major’s youngest twin sisters jumped aboard. They were in tiny bikinis and I couldn’t help notice Vince was checking them out. I knew he wasn’t blood related, but his actions crept me out. I curled my lip and looked out the window to avoid being seen.

Once we got to the beach everyone spread out. My future sisters-in-law were close friends. They set up next to each other while their husbands headed right for the clear water. Major’s youngest brother stood at the water’s edge taunting his twin sisters, making them scream as he splashed them. Shawna laid her blanket out closer to us. She had Nathan apply sunscreen to her back and stared out at the beautiful ocean. I could tell she was having a good time. They’d married at a court house, against her parent’s wishes. It wasn’t like they ran off and did it. They’d just both agreed it wasn’t worth spending so much money for a piece of paper. To be honest, after planning my own, I envied how easy hers had been.

We spent the morning and afternoon soaking up the sun and enjoying the blue ocean to cool off in.

Since my father was off with Major’s parents sightseeing, I didn’t have to worry about keeping him occupied. After we left the beach for a late lunch, we ate locally so we could return and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. While we waited for our food to be ready, Vince and Major started on each other, taunting about who was going to get the most praise for their dive. I still didn’t have a clue what they were talking about, and since they always seemed to be competing about something, I decided to ignore it. Obviously this was something they’d done before. According to the girls it was something all the guys did.

After enjoying the best sandwich I’d ever eaten, we all gathered back on the shuttle and headed to the cliffs. Until I saw them for myself, I had no idea what they were talking about. To me, who’d never seen anything like them, they seemed like mountains with sharp peaks. I held my hand over my eyes to shade the bright sun. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You couldn’t pay me to jump off that.”

Major laughed at me while kissing me on the cheek. “We started out on the smaller one over there. Each year as we grew we’d dare each other to take it to the next level.”

I pointed to the highest cliff that was a straight slope into the ocean water. “That is a level of insanity if you ask me. I don’t even think I can watch.”

“We’ll be fine. I’ve done this a million times, Bails.”

“I’m staying down here with all the sane people.”

While I crossed my arms over my chest and protested the event, I watched his entire family making their way up the steep walls of the rock mountain. Shawna came up next to me as Nathan ran up to go with everyone else. “How come you aren’t going? Are you chicken?” She teased.

“No, I’m smart. I have to look my best tomorrow. I’d rather not mangle up my body. They’ve lost their minds. Don’t they see how crazy that is?”

“Oh come on. Didn’t you ever go to Beaver Dam as a teenager? We loved jumping off that cliff.”

“I wasn’t allowed to go. My dad said people went missing too often.”

She rolled her eyes. “Woman, you were too sheltered. Live a little.” After making the statement she began climbing the rock to join everyone else. Sure, I felt like a loser standing at the bottom while everyone else had fun at the top. I wasn’t sure if I was afraid of heights, since I’d never really been far up in the air before, but I knew I wouldn’t like that.

I could hear them messing around. Major’s two older brothers jumped at the same time. As they fell they swung their arms around in a circular motion, hitting the water feet first. Like the worry-wart I’d always been, I stared at the whitecaps until I saw them both surface. Feeling relieved, I turned my attention back to the highest point. One of the twins screamed and jumped. I could hear her voice until she was submerged. Her sister waited until she’d swam to safety to jump herself. She twisted her body around and raised her hands above her head like the head of a pencil.

The next person to jump turned out to be Shawna. She danced at the edge, saying something to the people remaining. Her jump wasn’t anything fancy, and when she rose from the water I clapped and cheered her on, feeling a bit of excitement come over me. She’d done what I was unable to do, and I admired her for being brave.

My two sisters to-be jumped holding hands. They also screamed, so loud it echoed off the cliff as they traveled below. I laughed at them, discovering this was quite entertaining to watch. Oden, Major’s youngest brother went after them. He did a flip and a half and landed on his side. Everyone reacted like it hurt. When his face came out of the water he cried out.

My first thought was to run to him, but he walked out seemingly unharmed except for his ego. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, damn that hurt. It serves me right for listening to their asses. That’s going to leave a mark for sure.”

“It looked painful.” I watched the cliff for the next jumper. “What’s everyone saying up there?”

“We’re putting our bets in on Vince and Major. When I jumped it was a split between them. Hopefully Vince will bust his ass in front of his girlfriend. She’s too good for him anyway.”

For a second I suspected Oden had the hots for the stripper, not that it was any of my business. As long as she wasn’t pawing over my man I really didn’t care what kinds of things were happening on this trip. I was there for one reason and he was still up on top of a cliff making stupid bets for his ego.

Nathan jumped next. He too did a flip and managed to land straight. It was actually impressive seeing him. I clapped when he came from the water shaking off his wet head. “That was cool.”

“It pretty damn high up there. I had to take a second to gain the courage,” he admitted.

While we stood there speaking a few more people took their turn, leaving Vince and Major the only two left to go. I covered my hands over my face and wait to see which one of them jumped first.

Major stood on the very edge. He put both arms out to the side to balance himself. Watching him up there so high made me want to look away. I couldn’t stand seeing him in such a dangerous position. If something happened to him I didn’t know what I’d do. He took a leap off the ledge and went soaring into the air. His family whistled and cheered all around me while I watched in dismay, praying he’d land and surface quickly.

Major maneuvered his body into two flips before landing in the water feet first. He came up out of the water smacking it with both hands as if he’d failed at some special attempt. From the cliff top Vince laughed and pointed at him, calling him names.

I ambled toward Major as he came from the water’s edge. “That was intense.” I reached a towel in his direction, but he shoved it back away from him. His attention was focused on Vince. This was personal, and I’d never seen him so competitive.

Vince swung his arms around and stood backward on the edge. He bent his knees and then pushed off, spinning twice before landing perfectly into a dive. I had to admit it was quite amazing, though Major obviously didn’t feel that way.

Without saying a single word he started back up the cliff. I grabbed his arm, trying to stop him. “Come on. You’ve done enough today. Don’t let it get to you. It’s just a dive. You said it yourself. You always do better than him.”
He spun around. “That’s just it, Bails. I can’t let him beat me. I’ll never live it down.”