Sweet Surrender (42 page)

“We’re late, handsome, please don’t tempt me.”

“You, my sweet bride, are the definition of temptation.” His words were little more than a husky growl, but he stepped back.

Her dress hung on a satin padded hanger from the knob of a nearby chest and she rushed to it, putting more distance between them. The low timbre of his voice had sent a tingle along her skin and her nipples tightened. Covering herself would create a much-needed barrier, she hoped. Lifting the gown carefully, she stepped into the tea-length Alfred Angelo ivory lace creation, pulling it up over her hips. Slipping her arms through the delicate lace cap sleeves, she seated it around her shoulders and settled the bodice in place over her breasts. She twisted from side to side in front of the mirror, ensuring the made-to-order lingerie wasn’t sticking out of the top of her gown.

Almost finished, she looked at her reflection head on and promptly froze. Their eyes locked in the mirror. Undoubtedly, he could see the flush of her arousal tinting her skin. When his eyes dipped to her breasts, hers followed. Were her nipples showing through the padded cups? Her eyes shot to her reflection. No, her bra made her look as smooth as could be, but there was no chance he wouldn’t miss the rapid rise and fall of her chest as her breathing became erratic. It couldn’t be helped. They didn’t have time to fool around now, the minister and the room couldn’t be held forever. She gave him her back, exposing an expanse of bare skin.

“Wedding first,
bello mio,
then I’m yours forever.” She looked at him over her shoulder, asking softly in a husky whisper, “Can you do me up?”

She heard him clear his throat softly—and was that a small groan?—before he began working on the fabric-covered buttons that ran from mid-back in a row to her bottom. With her neck twisted, she watched as he bent his dark head to the task. After several long moments, she heard another soft growl as he moved to the side of the bed and guided her between his spread thighs.

“This is more tedious than suturing. There are two dozen of these tiny things. Where’s Stacy or your mother when we need them?”

“The plane was late, Marc, and with the traffic, everyone else is getting dressed too.”

“Another reason not to see the bride before the wedding: two dozen tiny-ass buttons.”

“Thank you for your patience.”

Jessie hid a smile as he chuckled. He was anything but patient and she had subtly called him on it, hiding her scold in her soft, easy words. He bent his head and touched his lips lightly to the bare skin above the remaining buttons.

“Is my bride-to-be managing me?”

“Of course not, I have a long way to go before I’d call it managing. Now handling—
that
I’m getting the hang of.” Her giggle changed to a gasp as his lips parted and his searing tongue licked a line of heat up her spine.

“Are you aiming to take your vows with a burning bottom,
cara?
”

“I was only teasing.”

His hands slide to her hips, pulling her back as he turned her to face him. “So was I, gorgeous.”

Seeking the skin left bare above her gown, he splayed his fingers across her upper back, his fingertips dipping beneath the lace edge as he pressed her close for another searing kiss.

“You’re all done up. I suppose we should go.”

“Yeah,” she exhaled unsteadily. “I’ll get my shoes.” Pulling from his arms, she rushed to her suitcase, which had virtually exploded on her bed. She pulled out a shoebox, smiling at the designer’s name clearly stamped along the top and sides of the cardboard. Never would she be accused of having a shoe obsession like Carrie Bradshaw or Victoria Beckham, but she would admit to liking pretty shoes, more than a lot. It was probably due to the fact she’d worn nursing shoes or sneakers almost every day for almost the past decade.

These were the first designer pair she’d owned in her life. Inspired by Stacy’s Valentino pumps that had been a gift from Jared for their engagement party, she’d gone shopping and practically had a stroke. A thousand dollars for a pair of shoes was so not happening. However, Jessie wanted something special to wear with her tea-length wedding gown and had hit the consignment shops hard and found these little treasures.

Sliding into the ultra-feminine peep toe and lace-paneled ivory pumps, she adjusted the delicate straps and then rose to stand on the slender four-inch heels. Taking a moment to admire the total package in the mirror, she grinned and looked to Marc for approval.

Eyeing the famous label on the box, his brows shot up in surprise. “Who are you and what have you done with my fiancée?”

“Ha, ha.” She quickly defended her purchase. “I’m only getting married once and it won’t be in ugly shoes.”

“I love the sound of that first part and I agree with the last, especially the way those look on your dainty feet, but I’m shocked you dished out that kind of money for shoes. What did they set you back, six hundred? Eight hundred?”

“It’s rude to ask how much something costs.”

“We’re getting married in a few minutes, baby.” The questioning quirk of his brow was usually a warning sign that domineering Dr. Trent was about to make an appearance, but today she ignored it.

“They were a real bargain, which I simply couldn’t pass by. With the cut of this hem, everyone will be staring at my feet.”

He smiled indulgently. “You look beautiful beyond words and are worth every penny you spent, and more, but in that dress, no one will be looking at your shoes.”

“They better,” she said, beaming up at him. “They’re Jimmy Choo!” She glanced down, angling her foot from side to side. “I’ll let you in on my secret since we promised honesty and you are going to be my lawfully wedded husband in less than an hour, which I still can’t believe, by the way. It happened so fast, the hotel, the ceremony, the rings and all. You’re a miracle worker.”

“Jess.”

“Yes?”

“You’re rambling, baby.”

She stared at him a moment, then grinned. “I guess I am. Sorry. What was I saying?”

“You were telling me a secret,” he prompted.

“Oh, yes… my shoes. I found these at my favorite consignment shop. Worn only once, they were a steal for one hundred dollars. So, you don’t have to worry I’ll bankrupt you with my shoe fetish.”

“I keep telling you, baby, that’s not happening, even if you bought a truckload at retail.”

“When we rearranged our expenses, I found I had quite a bit left in my budget. Wait until you see my wedding night lingerie. I splurged on the tiniest bit of satin and lace and I promise, I paid 100% retail, without a penny of a markdown. I sweated buckets at the register just for you, but it was worth it. You’re going to love it.” She grinned up at him. His eyes were closed and his brow furrowed, as if in pain. She cupped his cheeks and pulled his head down for another kiss, saying against his lips, “Be patient for a few hours and I’ll model it for you in my Jimmy Choos.”

“Jessica, stop! Please, baby, you’re killing me.”

They only broke away when Marc’s phone alarm started beeping. With mixed emotions, both excitement over it being time for the wedding at last and disappointment over their interrupted passion, they left the privacy of their suite behind. In the elevator, they surrendered once again, kissing so thoroughly they didn’t notice the car had stopped or the door had opened until a throat cleared loudly.

Pulling apart, they turned to see Jared and Stacy standing outside the elevator, both looking stunning in their formal wear and prepared to do their duty.

“I thought I was going to have to get a bucket of water to get you two to come up for air.”

“Me too, honey. I was eyeing the cart with the ice bucket that’s just down the hall.”

As best man and matron of honor, they were fully prepared to corral the bride and groom physically if necessary, in order to get them to the church on time, or the banquet room in their case.

Upon exiting the car, they were directed to a small waiting room while their few guests gathered. The two girlfriends smiled at each warmly. Stacy, radiant in a rose-colored off-the-shoulder sheath, practically vibrated with excitement, her loose blond curls sweeping around her shoulders. Her sky-high heels had to be over five inches because their eyes were almost on level.

“You look beautiful, Stacy. Thank you so much for standing up for me.”

“Nonsense, like I’d say no. Besides, I’m only returning the favor.” She eyed her up and down, tears forming in her eyes.

“Don’t start,” Jessie warned, a little misty herself. “If you cry, I’m a goner for sure.”

“I can’t help it. You look stunning in that dress. I feel like a proud mama on her only child’s wedding day.” She stopped when she got to her feet. “Oh, my stars! Are those Jimmy Choo?” Her eyes flew up and she gaped a moment before demanding, “Who are you and what have you done with my BFF?”

Hearing nearly the same thing twice in an hour, Jessie couldn’t help it, she hooted with laughter as she pulled Stacy in for a huge hug.

“I can’t believe I’m actually getting married,” she whispered after her hilarity had passed. “A month ago, I’d have bet a snowball in hell had a better chance of surviving than my relationship with Marc.”

“I’m so glad it all worked out.”

“Yes, thanks in part to your well-chosen play list. We haven’t ever chatted about that, by the way.”

“I’ll accept your undying gratitude and lifelong friendship as thanks for my manipulation.” She sniffled, blinking fast as she searched her small bag for a tissue. “Let’s not turn into sprinklers before the pictures. I forgot waterproof mascara. If I start bawling now, I’ll end up looking like something out of Cirque du Soleil instead of the bridal party.”

“Never, you always look beautiful, Stacy.”

“Thank you, but you stole my line.” Stacy eyed her up and down in return. “That dress is perfect for an afternoon ceremony and you look like a dream in it. It must have been fate.”

“I can’t believe I’m actually wearing a $3800 dress.”

“What I can’t believe is that you are actually getting married in Vegas. You know I was kidding when I suggested it, right?”

“You were not. You were in meltdown mode, same as me. It got stuck in my head, and with all that was going on with Marc’s family and the expense for me and mom, I thought this was the best solution. Marc loved the idea.”

“I think it’s awesome, but I definitely want to make sure I have a good view of Mariella’s face for the big surprise.”

“Do you think it’s mean to keep it from her? I feel guilty sometimes, like I’m setting her up.”

“After the hell she put you through? Enjoy it, Jess. Besides, if she knew beforehand, she’d have complained and tried to talk Marc out of it. It’s your special day, so you get to decide. You have a photographer, don’t you?”

“Yes, it came with the package. I also have two doctors and a nurse in the bridal party, you know, in case of emergency, like when my mother-in-law has the big one when she sees our little surprise.” Her inappropriate giggle was quickly muffled with her hand.

“Heaven forbid,” Stacy countered, tongue in cheek, “that would delay supper.”

“Stacy!” Lily laughed. Neither had noticed that she’d entered the room, let alone come to stand beside them to overhear their dreadful banter. It was a good thing she wasn’t Mariella. “Let’s give her a chance. Lord knows I gave Marc a time with my cynicism. I spoke with Mariella at length on the plane and she acted out of love for her son. Surely once the ink has dried on the license, things will be done and go much easier.”

“Let’s hope so, Lil,” Stacy replied. “Thank goodness that awful Giada was left behind. She was the instigator, I feel certain. She has always acted as though I’m gum stuck to the bottom of her shoe.”

“Huh, I told Marc the same thing, though with me it’s more like dog shit.”

Stacy smiled. “Dog shit might stink for a while, but it wipes off more easily in the grass. Gum lingers forever, it seems.”

“The course of this conversation is quite crude for a wedding, girls. Let’s give it the decorum it’s due, yes?”

Jessie was surprised by her mother, and suspicious. “Not too long ago, you were Debbie Downer, giving Marc down the road, as well as not being too keen on marriage as a whole.”

“Luther apparently has shown her the light. You two are so cute together, Lily,” Stacy added.

“Thank you, dear. Luther might have something to do with the change; then again, it might be the weight that has been lifted, quite literally.” She let a little giggle slip, before beaming beatifically at them both.

The younger women looked at her with interest, then at each other.

“Okay, something is definitely up. You never giggle.” Lily hesitated, but Jessie pushed for an answer. “Spill, mom!”

“I was going to wait until afterwards, but… I signed the divorce papers yesterday.”

“You did?” Jessie was floored. “That’s huge. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“With the wedding and all, I didn’t want to upset you.” She pulled her into a tight hug. “I wasted so much time clinging to idle hopes and the hollow shadows of the past. For the first time in years, I feel free.”

“I’m happy for you, Lily,” Stacy said, wrapping her arms around them both in a big girlie group hug.

“Wait, what happened with Rhonda and the settlement?”

“She evidently had a change of heart and took your dad back.”

“That poor woman,” Jessie murmured, feeling genuine sympathy, “she has no idea what she’s done.”

“She’s got ostrich syndrome like I had for so long, I suppose. But the ink is dry and my lump sum was direct deposited so it’s over, at long last.”

Jessie was unsure what to say in the bittersweet moment. “That’s great, mom,” didn’t sound right, somehow.

Lily helped her out by saying, “It’s the end of a long and painful chapter. Now I’m ready to move on.”

“With Luther Banks?” Jessie proposed.

“Possibly,” Lily replied with a dreamy smile. “He’s a good man and I’ve been with him almost as long as I was with your dad, baby girl. More so if you consider all the long shifts we worked together at the diner. Plus, he’s been in the restaurant business for over thirty years, so I feel sure he’s not going to chuck it all one day.”