Lovely (12 page)

Chapter 33

The next morning, I awoke disoriented. We’d slept in the guest room of his parents’ home instead of returning to our apartment after the party. Sitting up, I saw that Gavyn was gone. The thought entered my mind that he’d been ripped from my life. Frantic, I jumped out of bed and ran down the hallway in a pair of pajamas his mother had let me borrow for the night.

In the kitchen, I was greeted by
the entire family sitting around the breakfast table. Warren, Julie, Malcolm, and Gavyn eyed me with shocked expressions. When my heart slowed from racing, I smoothed my hair a little and slid into a chair.

“Sorry. I… smelled waffles.” I winced at the stupid excuse
for acting crazy.

Gavyn
smiled sympathetically. He understood why I was upset since everything had fallen apart the last time I was supposed to wed. “I shouldn’t have left the room. I swear I was about to wake you.”

“H
er cooking isn’t good enough to cause me to jump out of bed and charge into the kitchen.” Warren smiled warmly at his wife over a coffee cup.

“You missed your calling as a comedian,” Julie said to her husband before patting my hand. “No worries, dear. We all get wedding jitters.”

“I am kind of nervous.”

Julie filled my cup with coffee. “After breakfast, you won’t be seeing
Gavyn until the wedding. We’re going to get you ready for your big day.”

I added some sugar and milk to the black coffee before taking a cautious sip. “Thank you again for everything.”

Chapter 34

Breakfast was over far too fast for my liking and I was whisked away to
prepare for the walk down the aisle. After hair, make-up, and a few last minute dress adjustments, I was as ready as I’d ever be. Julie had left me alone in the guest room to make sure everything was ready outside.

Alone, I sat on th
e edge of the bed reflecting on my past and my possible future. I thought of my parents. Angry as I was, I regretted the rift between us. They should have been at my wedding. I felt guilty for it. I also thought of my ex, Brody. Life with him would have been good, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’d already come to terms with it, but the little ache in my chest didn’t seem to care.

I tried not to think of my brother. It happened anyway. I could hear the words he spoke to me before the bachelor party as clear as the day he’d said them.

“Big brother will always watch over you.” He laughed. “Not in a weird Orwellian way.”

I had grinned and hugged him as he referenced the book 1984. One thing we’d always had in common was our love of reading. “I know. Don’t take my fiancé to a strip club, okay?”

“Deal.”
He headed for the door. It was the last time I’d ever see him. “I’m proud of you, sis.”

Malcolm’s small voice brought me back to the present and away from where my mind had drifted. “Who are you talking to, Farrah?”

I shook away the memory. “I must have been thinking out loud. What did I say?”

“I dunno. I couldn’t hear until I opened the door. Sounded like you were talking to someone, though.” He looked around the room and checked underneath the bed. “No monsters.”

“
Sorry about that.” I stood up. “Are they ready?”

“Yep.
They sent me to lead you out. Pretty big job. I didn’t run in the house either. They told me not to, but I knew already.”

“Thanks, Mac.” I took his hand when he offered it.

“Don’t be nervous. You look pretty.” He hesitated and lowered his voice to a whisper. “And it’s okay to have imaginary friends. I do. But it’s only okay if you know they’re not real.”

“Right.”
I nodded, taken aback by what he’d said. Had I really been talking aloud that much? I had little time to think about it as I was led to the backyard where my fiancé, his family, and a lawn full of guests waited.

Concentrating on putting one high heeled foot in front of the other, I stepped out into the afternoon sun. The beauty of the day caught me off guard. Surely I’d seen the sky as a blue canvas splashed with white clouds and the shining sun before. But never had I beheld such a magnificent day. Grinning, I imagined painting a smiley face on the sun. That was how good I felt in that moment.

A little girl ran out in front of us, a w
hite basket perfectly fit for Easter on her arm. She tossed pink petals along the white path flanked on each side by folding chairs and people I did not know. Waiting at the end of the carpet was Gavyn. His wild hair had mostly been tamed by an ample dose of mousse or gel. God, he was good looking and now I’d be seeing him every day for the rest of my life. Music played, but I barely heard it as I stood staring at him. He seemed just as struck by my appearance.

“Come on,” Mac whispered, giving me a little tug.

I glanced down at the miniature Gavyn by my side and smiled. “Sorry.”

There were approving whispers as I walked by the guests, but I never for a moment stopped looking at
Gavyn as I made my way closer. On each step an eternity passed. I felt like I could have climbed Mt. Everest and made my descent back down by the time I reached him.

“Hi,” he mouthed.

“Hey,” I let go of Mac’s hand and Gavyn took mine in his.

A
light haired man in an ill-fitting suit tugged at his jacket anxiously. “We are gathered here today to join together the lives of Gavyn Valmore and Farrah Caine in the presence of family and friends.”

From the crowd, I heard a cry and glanced over to see Julie already
an emotional wreck. Either she hadn’t drunk enough or she was already toasted. I almost laughed out loud.

The officiator
for the wedding, an obvious friend of the family and not a professional, continued with his words. My attention had returned to Gavyn and I was so lost in his brown eyes that I missed my cue. Malcolm tugged on my dress, holding up a wedding ring to me.

“Thank you.” I bent down and kissed his cheek before taking the ring. Then, with a shaky hand I slipped the ring onto
Gavyn’s hand. I wasn’t sure if I’d been told to repeat anything. All I ended up saying was a breathless, “I love you.” Anymore and either the tears would have come or I would have fainted.

Gavyn
delivered his words with more skill. I had never been able to paint with words the way I did with colors. He lifted the hand my ring was to go on to his lips and kissed the top of my finger gently before beginning.

“Life is never quite what we expect.  Everyone here can probably attest to that.” Several people in the crowd nodded. “I’ve been in dark places
. Scared. Alone. From the first day I met you, Farrah, there’s been warmth inside me. A love keeps growing with every smile and every laugh that escapes your beautiful lips. Thank you. And though, I could never say it as lovely as you did… I love you.” He slipped the ring onto my finger and kissed my lips.

The officiator
stumbled over his words. Gavyn and I reluctantly parted. “You may now kiss the bride.” He grinned.

Gavyn
smirked, and without hesitation, went in for another one.

Chapter 35

In a whirlwind of moments, we were ushered over to the table where the cake was sitting. It was a simple two-tier with dusty rose colored flowers which were starting to lose form in the heat.

“Cut
the cake and smile for pictures before it melts.” Julie ordered, backing up and lifting her cell phone to take snapshots that would be uploaded to social media long before I got to consummate my marriage.

Gavyn
and I held the knife together and beamed at the people snapping photos or recording video. We sliced into the cake and shared the first bites together. I used my fingers to gather a small amount and he did the same. I sucked the icing off his finger and his mouth went into an impressed and sexy O. Thankfully, neither of us smashed cake into the other’s face. I hate that tradition. Why would anyone want to get cake on their dress?

We finished and
the cake was taken inside. Most of the wedding party went along for refreshments. As Gavyn kissed me again to get some rogue icing off my bottom lip, there was a tug on my skirt. Malcolm looked up at me with a serious expression.

“What’s up? Don’t you want to go eat cake?” I kneeled so I’d be at his height.
Gavyn’s hand rested on my shoulder to keep me steady on the high heels.

“Duh, of course I want cake.” He smiled bef
ore continuing. “This is important.”

“Okay, I’m listening.” I smiled.

Mac put his hands on his hips. “So, you’re married to Dad and going to live with us. That’s how Nanna explained it.”

“That’s right.”

“Does that mean I can call you Mom?” He frowned sideways as if I would be upset.

“Malcolm…” I looked up at
Gavyn and I swear I saw tears well up briefly. He nodded at me and smiled. I turned back to Mac. “I want you to call me whatever you’re comfortable with, okay?”

“Mom.”
He nodded and grinned. “You’re a cool mom.”

I hugged him tightly
. “And you’re a cool kid.”

He squirmed a little and I let go. His hands smoothed his little tux. “Watch the wrinkles, Mom. There are cute girls around.
Cake time!” He ran off.

Gavyn
helped me to my feet and I stared at him in shock for a minute. “Did you put him up to that?” I asked.

“No way.
He’s my kid so he has great intuition.” He winked and corrected himself. “
Our
kid.”

Chapter
36

I changed out of my wedding dress and into comfortable slacks and a sleeveless b
louse when everyone had finished taking pictures of me and my new husband. The guests left a little after dark. Gavyn and I were stretched out on lounge chairs with our eyes closed by the pool.

“The Patterson’s invited us over for cards. Mac can play with their granddaughter and it’ll give you kids some time to rest before leaving.” Julie
was standing in front of us when I opened my eyes.

“We’ll lock up before we go, Mum. We’re pretty beat.”
Gavyn rose to his feet and hugged his mother. I did the same.

“Thank you a million times, Julie.”

She laughed, “Now I can call you Mrs. Valmore, too!”

“I like the sound of it,” I said.

“Bye Mom, bye Dad! Let’s go, Nanna. They have a dog.” Malcolm grabbed his grandmother’s hand and pulled her toward the door.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Julie called out before entering the house through the sliding door. A short time later I heard the car start. I listened for the sound of the engine to disappear before turning to
Gavyn.

“How does it feel to be a married man?”

“The ball and chain is kind of heavy, but infinitely stylish.” He began unbuttoning the shirt he’d changed into.

“What are you doing?” I glanced around. It was
dark except for a few Citronella candles and the lights from the pool.

He shrugged off his shirt to reveal that hard body I’d grown
increasingly familiar with in the past week. “It’s hot. I figured we could go for a swim.”

“I don’t have a bathing suit,” I whispered.

“Why are you being so quiet? The neighbors on the right are on holiday and the other one is an elderly woman who lives alone with a wee pup. She’s asleep by like seven.”

“Okay, well, that still doesn’t change the fact I don’t have a bathing suit.”

In response, Gavyn flicked his pants button loose for emphasis and slowly tugged the zipper down. “Are you wearing panties?” He grinned wickedly. “Please say no.”

“Mr.
Valmore!” I found myself smiling back at him, though my gaze kept drifting down to his open fly instead of maintaining eye contact. “Yes, I am.”

“No one is going to see. The fence is tall and I told you about the neighbors
already.” He dropped his pants in a quick motion and stepped backward into the pool. At that depth, the water came up to his pecs.

I surveyed the area, not that I could see far.
Gavyn was right about the houses. All the neighbor’s windows were pitch black. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” I lifted off my shirt and stood there in my lace bra.

“
Mmm. For all your artsy passion and tattoos, you’re not really that rebellious.” He taunted me as he moved closer and rested his arms on the side of the pool to watch me.

“Sure I am. What do you call marrying a guy I’ve only known for a couple
of months?” I wiggled my hips to get my pants down. Standing in my wedding night thong, I could have only been more exposed if I was buck naked.

“Destiny?”
He bit his lip.

I walked over to the rail and the steps leading into the water.
Gavyn moved over to meet me. His arms went around my hips and he guided me weightlessly into slightly deeper water.

“You’re too smooth of a talker. Never stop.” I smiled, sliding my hands
up his wet chest, over his shoulders, and held close to him with my arms draped over them. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in water.”

“I could have sworn you took baths. You smell so intoxicating.”

I laughed, a hint of nerves showing. “I mean like a pool… or a lake.”

Understanding dawned on his face. “Do you want to get out? I should have been more thoughtful about your trauma.” He stroked my hair away from my
cheek and tucked it behind my right ear. “I swear I’ll take care of you.”

“No, no. I’m fine. I shouldn’t have said anything.” I wrapped my legs around him underneath the water. “I trust you.”

He kissed my lips briefly, parting far too soon. His arm went behind me and his mouth to my neck. The clasp of my bra was freed as he suckled and nibbled on my wet skin. The straps of my bra were tugged down my arms by his skilled hands. The cups followed, slipping below my breasts. I replaced the missing garment with my arm.

“What if they return early?” I whispered.

He whispered back, “We’ll hear the car.”

“And if… we get… your ‘
swimmers’ in the pool?”

“Pool cleaner stops by tomorrow morning.
Besides, they’re all going in you.”

Before I could protest further, I watched him
strip out of his underwear and kick them away with his foot. Then, his hands were on me again, pulling down my panties. “I’m so hot and I’m in the water.” I fanned myself.

“I have that effect, baby.” He pushed up against me and
our nude forms entwined again as my legs wrapped around him once more. His hand held onto my butt cheeks as he walked into a shallower section of the pool.

“You really do.” I ran my hands through his perfectly groomed curls and ruffled them so they were wild like normal. Again we kissed as he grinded against me.

“I wonder if that birth control has kicked in yet, because I can’t get enough.” He pushed firmly into my depths and hit my warm core. When he couldn’t go any further, he bounced me on his shaft while holding onto my hips.

“Me either.”
It was the first time he’d penetrated me without a rubber on. I leaned my head back and moaned deeply, my nipples pointing skyward at the stars. Gavyn’s mouth found the hard nubs immediately.

For severa
l minutes we stayed this way, his breathing became heavier, hotter against my bare wet flesh the longer he thrust between my legs. As for me, I was long gone in a state of perpetual bliss. One of Gavyn’s hands went over my mouth when my ecstatic moaning had grown too loud.

“You’re too hot. Too damn sexy,
” He whispered with unrestrained intensity as his movements grew rougher, needier.

I opened my mouth
and licked the index finger of the hand covering it before sucking it between my lips. The little slurp I’d given his digit during the wedding cake cutting paled in comparison. I gave it my full attention as if it were a cock pressing down on my tongue. My body shuddered and trembled with each wave of pleasure.

“I’m… going to…” His words trailed off into a deep groan.
It was my turn to cover his mouth with my hand. I opened my eyes and pressed my chest against him as I held on, never wanting to let go. For a while after his release, he stood there with eyes closed and sucked in air heavily through his nose.

“You’ll wake the neighbors and they’ll call the police.” I grinned.

He didn’t leave my body, but pulled the hand covering his mouth away. Gavyn kissed each one of my fingertips separately, followed by my palm, and then the top of my hand. “One look at you and they’ll see why I had to have you right now. Then, I’ll fight them to the death for my woman… caveman style.”

I played with the hair at the nape of his neck as I gazed into his eyes and sighed happily. “
You’d do that for me?” I teased.

“Anything, love.
Anything.”