Unbreak Me (Second Chances #1) (26 page)

“You know you’re going to wear a hole in the carpet if you keep that up,” Austin reached out and grabbed her by the elbow.

Melanie’s head shot up to look at him, surprise on her face. She hadn’t even realized that she was pacing.

“I’m sorry,” she sighed. “I just don’t want to miss our flight. Mother’s never late. I don’t know where she could be.”

“They’ll be here, relax,” he kissed her on the cheek lightly.

Just then she heard a frantic, “Wait!” Amy came rushing up to the gate pulling a roll along case behind her. “Sorry we’re late. A certain someone couldn’t decide what to pack,” she darted her eyes over at Christie.

Christie blushed and shrugged her shoulder, “Sorry.”

“That’s ok,” Melanie relaxed. “Now that everyone’s here, it’s all good.”

Just then they announced over the speaker that the flight was boarding. The large group made their way over to the gate and boarded the flight.

oooooooo

When the plane touched down, the weary passengers made their way to get their baggage and then out to the shuttle that would take them to the hotel.

As they were climbing in the shuttle, Amy grabbed Melanie’s arm to hold her back. “Sit with me?” she whispered in Melanie’s ear.

Melanie shrugged and waited to climb in the backseat beside her sister.

“So…have you gone to the spa and gotten a wax lately?” Amy was blunt and to the point.

Melanie’s face flamed, “What I do with my lady parts is my business Amy.”

“Oh come on Mel. You know that you want to be in tip top condition when he sees you naked,” she giggled as she elbowed Melanie in the ribs.

Melanie’s face suddenly fell. What if Austin didn’t like what he saw? What if she let him down some how?

Claire had been sitting in front of them and couldn’t help but hear the conversation. Turning around, she glared at Amy, “Would you leave her alone.” She gave Melanie a sympathetic smile, “Don’t listen to her. She’s just jealous that she’s the only one here without a man.”

Melanie gave a half smile and then turned to watch out the window. Her mind was far away already worrying about the wedding night. Amy didn’t know it, but she’d vocalized some of Melanie’s fears that she’d been trying to hide.

“Hey,” Claire patted her on the knee. “Tomorrow we’re taking you for a spa day,” she pointed at Amy, Anna, and herself. “Mom’s treat,” she nodded in Anna’s direction.

“Thanks,” Melanie mumbled as the shuttle came to a stop in front of the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino, and Spa.

They climbed out one at a time and slowly made their way into the lobby to check in.

Austin noticed that Melanie seemed a little off. “You okay?” he touched her arm to get her attention.

“I’m fine,” she lied. She was far from it at the moment. Worry and fear were at the forefront fighting for dominance. She shook herself back to the present as they made their way over to collect their keys.

“You’re rooming with me,” Amy grabbed Melanie’s hand, pulling her toward the elevator.

“But what about Katie?” Melanie frowned.

“Oh, she and Hannah are staying with Christie. Their room is adjoined with Mom’s,” Amy waved in the direction of Anna’s room.

Melanie sighed and grabbed her luggage, “I’m tired. I can’t wait to get some sleep.”

As they made their way down the hall, Austin checked with the concierge to make sure that all of his preparations for the honeymoon suite had been taken care of. Once he was sure that everything was fine, he, too, made his way down the hall. Everyone was tired from travel and couldn’t wait until they could get some much needed sleep.

oooooooo

The next morning, Katie and the other kids went with Austin down to the beach. He’d promised to keep an eye out for them so the ladies could have their morning free to go to the spa. While Katie, Hannah, and Christie played in the water, Nathan had joined some other boys on the beach in a game of volleyball. Austin and Colin lounged in the sand, sharing a cooler full of beer as they watched the teens enjoy themselves.

“So, you ready for tomorrow?” Colin nudged Austin in the side.

“Yes, more than ready,” he chuckled.

“I bet you are,” Colin grinned. “How long you plan on staying at the reception to party? I know you’re dying to get her up in that room.”

Austin shook his head. “You do realize that this wedding is not happening just because I want to have sex with her, right?”

“Whatever you say, dude. I see the way you look at her. Like a lion stalking its prey,” Colin rolled his eyes. “You can deny it all you want.”

Austin frowned as he turned toward Colin, “Do you really think that I think that little of her? That all I want is to get her in bed?”

“What?” Colin’s eyes bugged out. “Dude, chill out. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m happy for you guys.”

Austin nodded. “Don’t demean the way I feel about her then.”

ooooooooo

Melanie, along with Amy, Claire, and Anna, had made their way down to the spa early that morning. They were planning to get facials and manicures. Amy even hoped she could convince Melanie to get a bikini wax.

They were sitting in plush robes at the moment, soaking their feet.

“Oh come on, Mel. You know he would like it if you did that. I’ve heard it increases pleasure,” Amy sniggered.

Melanie turned towards Amy and rolled her eyes at her. “What part of having hair, especially from there, ripped from my body could cause any type of pleasure?”

“It would only hurt for a minute, trust me. It’s so worth it,” Amy grinned and bounced slightly in her seat.

“Oh, like you know so much,” Melanie flipped her hand in the air and then seeing the look on Amy’s face she slapped it over her mouth. “Amy, do you…do that?”

Amy’s head bobbed up and down at lightening speed, “Yep, so worth the pain.”

“TMI, girls,” Anna leaned forward and Melanie blushed when she realized that her mother had indeed just heard that conversation. “I’m going to go in for my massage. I’ll see you girls later,” Anna rose and ambled off down the hall to the massage rooms.

Claire and Amy erupted into giggles. “I can’t believe mom just heard us talking about that.”

Melanie placed her head in her hands. “I know,” she groaned.

“Oh come on. I’m sure mom talked about these things back in her day. I mean, she had five kids. She and dad had to get busy often,” Amy gasped for breath as she started laughing again.

“Seriously Amy, you have no filter,” Melanie shook her head at her.

“So…you gonna get the wax?” Amy wagged her eyebrows.

Melanie slumped her shoulders, defeated, “I will if you two do it, too.”

“I’m in,” Amy cheered and turned to face Claire.

“Well…I did promise Robert a surprise since we’re keeping the girls during your honeymoon. I guess this would fall in that category,” she blushed and shrugged her shoulders. “What the hell, sure. I’m in.”

They were soon ushered into a back room to get ready for their waxing.

Walking out of the salon, Melanie turned to Amy, “Never again am I doing that. That hurt like a bitch. I think some skin might be missing.”

“Oh quit whining. You’ll be thanking me after tomorrow night,” Amy rolled her eyes. “When he sees that… scratch that, when he feels that against him he’s going to go wild. You won’t know what hit you.”

After several more hours of pampering, the four made their way back to the hotel. Melanie had to meet Austin to go and speak with the minister. They needed to make sure that everything was ready for the next day.

oooooooo

She could hardly believe that it was finally here. In less than twenty-four hours, she would be Mrs. Austin Montgomery. She sighed and smiled to herself as she made her way into the hotel lobby to meet her man and go over final preparations.

Chapter 24

February 14
th
- Valentine’s Day/ Wedding Day

When she awoke, Melanie was a bundle of nerves and excitement. It was finally here, her wedding day. She stretched in the bed and glanced around the room. Amy was still sound asleep in the other bed. The curtains were pulled so that only a small stream of light filtered through. Smiling to herself, Melanie slid out of bed and made her way over to the window. She peered out at a beautiful day. The sun was sparkling over the ocean, and a slight breeze was blowing in the trees. It was the perfect day for a wedding.

Amy was snoring quite loudly in the other bed, and Melanie couldn’t resist the urge for some sisterly fun. She giggled as she flung open the curtains, allowing light to burst into the room.

“Rise and shine!” she squealed.

Amy groaned and pulled the covers up over her head. “I’m going to kill you Mel. It’s way too early to be up.”

“I think you deserve this after all the crap you’ve pulled on me over the years,” Melanie laughed and shook her head.

“Ugh, what time is it?” Amy sighed.

“A little after nine, plenty of time to eat breakfast and get ready,” Melanie smiled and walked over to Amy’s bed.

She sat down and turned away from Amy as her face fell slightly. Before Amy could say anything there was a soft knock at their door.

“Who’s there?” Amy called.

“It’s your sister, let me in,” Claire huffed.

Amy bounced over to the door and flung it open.

“Come on in. Something’s up with her,” she nodded in Melanie’s direction. “I’m going to go down to Mom’s room and see if she wants to go get breakfast with me. See if you can figure out what’s going on.”

As Amy left the room, Claire entered and made her way over to where Melanie was sitting.

“What’s up?” she plopped down beside Melanie, taking in her troubled expression.

“Huh?” Melanie turned to face her.

“Something’s bothering you, I can tell. You’ve got that look,” Claire pointed to Melanie’s forehead. “You get a little crinkle right here when something’s bothering you.”

“I’m just nervous. It’ll pass,” Melanie fidgeted.

“What are you so worried about? He loves you,” Claire moved so she was in front of her.

“I don’t know. really. I guess…it’s just been a while,” Melanie blushed.

“A while?” Claire furrowed her brow.

“Yeah…you know…since I’ve…you know,” Melanie fumbled.

“Ohhhh, okay. I got it now,” Claire suddenly realized what her sister was trying to tell her. “I wouldn’t be too worried. I’ve seen the way you two are together.”

“I just don’t want to disappoint him, that’s all. What if he doesn‘t like what he sees?” Melanie began to stare off into space.

“You won’t and he will,” Claire patted her knee.

Just then Katie came rushing in the room. “We’re all going to go get breakfast downstairs, are you guys coming?”

“Ummm…well it’s bad luck for the bride to see the groom before the wedding. Does Hannah know what Austin’s plans are for today?” Melanie cocked her head to the side.

“Yeah, he’s golfing with Mr. Simon. Something about needing to burn off some energy?” Katie giggled. “He won’t see you, he left a while ago.”

“Alright, I’m coming then. Not like I’ll be able to eat anything though. I don’t think my nerves will let me,” she sighed as she stood from the bed to throw on some yoga pants and a tank top.

“We’ll see you down there, then,” Katie jumped up and bounced out of the room.

“See, he’s nervous too,” Claire patted her shoulder.

Melanie’s shoulders slumped. “Yeah, I guess.”

oooooooo

After the group had finished their breakfast, they made their way back up to the room Melanie and Amy were staying in, to begin their wedding preparations.

Claire plugged in several sets of hot rollers into the wall, while Amy spread out on the vanity every type of makeup known to man.

“You sit,” Amy pushed Melanie by the shoulders down on a chair. “We’re doing all the work. You just stay still.”

Melanie rolled her eyes at Amy’s forcefulness. “No making me look like a streetwalker, you hear?”

Amy giggled. “Sure Mel. That’s not my style.”

ooooooo

After several hours, the group was finally ready. Hannah and Katie looked beautiful in their pink bridesmaid dresses, and Melanie was absolutely radiant. She stood in front of the mirror blushing as Anna hugged her and handed her a small worn handkerchief. Melanie raised her brow in question.

“I carried this on my wedding day. Perhaps it will give you as many happy years as I had with your father. I’m sorry that I wasn’t as supportive the first time around. I promised myself years ago that if I got a second chance at this, I would do a better job,” Anna kissed Melanie on the cheek and blotted her eyes as a tear trickled down.

“Thank you, Mom. You don’t know what this means to me,” Melanie sniffled.

“Okay, okay, enough sad stuff. Let’s get this show on the road,” Amy clapped her hands together.

The group of women chuckled at her outburst, but agreed that they needed to make their way downstairs to head out to the beach.

Once Claire, Amy, and Anna made their way to their seats, Hannah and Katie began the processional. Melanie couldn’t see Austin yet, as the flowers at the end obstructed her view.

She took a few calming breaths and then began walking toward him. The closer she got, the bigger her smile became. This was it, no more waiting. He looked so handsome standing up there. His jaw was clean-shaven, the gray suit fit him like a glove, and he had a gleam in his eyes that promised an unforgettable night.

A slight blush spread across her cheeks as she made it to the end of the aisle and turned to face him.

The minister turned toward them as Austin nodded for him to begin…

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of Austin Michael Montgomery and Melanie Michelle Andrews…

As the minister launched into his spiel, Melanie began to zone out. Her eyes caressed Austin’s features as he stood there, so obviously enraptured with her. She scanned his face, taking in his sparkling blue eyes that had that twinkle in them she adored. His square jaw that was currently clinching and unclenching with anticipation, and his plump kissable pink lips were slightly parted as he fought for control over his desire. Before she knew it, the minister was glancing at her, waiting for a response. She had completely missed the cue that she should start her vows. The minister cleared his throat to get her attention.

Blushing she whispered, “Sorry.”

Austin looked deep in her eyes and mouthed, “I love you.”

He knew she was nervous and he was doing his best to show his support.

Coming out of the haze, Melanie brought herself back to the present, “Austin, you are my better half. You make me strive to be the best I can be. I think back to the last few years and I realize that I was never truly living. I was surviving. I had so much pain in my life that I’d forgotten what it felt like to love. Then, you walked in. I didn’t know what to expect or how to react to you. You were so patient with me, always supportive, never judgmental. You accepted me for the way I was. You knew just what to say to get into my heart. You didn’t pry or push. I love you from the bottom of my heart, and I always will. This is my solemn vow to you.”

After sliding the platinum wedding band on his left hand, she smiled as he took her hands in his.

He gave her a crooked grin as he started, “Melanie, you are my world. I would go anywhere and do anything to make you happy. Seeing you smile is the greatest gift you could ever give me. I never thought I would get a second chance at love. After seeing you walking across the parking lot, picking up our girls that day…I just knew I needed to know you. I knew that it was fate that I came by that day. It was the universe’s way of waking me up and telling me that I deserved happiness. And happiness is what I found. You’re the perfect match for me. You ground me when I feel myself floating away. You help me dream when I feel hopeless. You pull me up when I feel like I’m drowning. As I stand here today, I wonder how I made it this long without you. You’re my world Melanie and I love you with all my heart. This is my solemn vow.”

He slid the diamond-encrusted band on her hand and brought it to his lips placing a light kiss to it. A small tear escaped her eye and trickled down her cheek. Upon seeing this, Austin reached up and rubbed her cheek with the pad of his thumb mouthing the words, “I love you.”

Both smiled at each other and turned just in time to hear the minister say, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Grinning, Austin sighed, “Finally.”

Melanie giggled as Austin closed the gap between them. As he wrapped one arm around her waist and placed the other hand on the base of her neck, he smirked and then dipped her back before crashing his lips to hers. Catcalls and whistles erupted around them and Melanie chuckled softly even as she returned his kiss.

When the kiss ended, they turned to face their friends and family as the minister announced, “May I present to you…Mr. and Mrs. Austin Montgomery.”

Austin raised an arm and Melanie linked hers through it as they made their way down the aisle.

oooooooo

Within minutes, the entire group was making their way into the reception area. Several large tiki tents were set up with tables. Everything was draped in white linins with pink accents. White twinkle lights were woven through the tops of the tents, giving the illusion of stars and tiki torches were placed sporadically around the entire area. Guests mingled among the tables as servers weaved in and out with trays of appetizers.

Austin smiled down at his bride as they set out to greet their guests. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” she grinned back at him.

After making their way around to each guest, they seated themselves at a table near the front of the tent. Waiters appeared and began placing plates in front of each guest. Melanie’s family sat nearby with the girls. Each one was in deep conversation with their spouse.

Melanie couldn’t help but notice that Amy had taken up residence beside Colin. She frowned slightly at how close they seemed to be getting. She’d heard Austin talk about his best friend, and even though he seemed like a nice guy, he was quite the playboy. Amy kept giggling and leaning closer into Colin’s side, and he was making it no secret that he liked it. He had his arm draped around the back of her chair and was leaning pretty close to her ear as he talked.

Austin nudged Melanie to get her attention. “Who are you spying on?”

“I’m not spying,” she furrowed her brow.

“Ya were,” Austin chuckled.

“I don’t like how close Colin keeps getting to my sister,” she admitted quietly.

“Colin’s a big boy and your sister is no slouch herself. Stop worrying about them, and enjoy this,” he kissed her on the cheek and trailed his fingers down her back.

She shivered and leaned into his side. “So…how long do you think we need to stay down here?”

Her eyes were hooded and dark.

Austin grinned beside her. “Impatient tonight, huh?”

“No, I just…I mean...” feeling brave, she leaned up next to his ear. “I just want to be with you,” she ran her hand up his thigh, moving it between his legs and cupped him in her palm.

Austin swallowed and leaned down next to her. “You better stop that or we won’t be leaving anytime soon. I have to be able to stand to get out of here.”

Red blazed across her face as she became even bolder. “How long will that take?”

Austin took a deep breath to keep what little control he had left in check. “About ten minutes. Does that work for you?”

“Mmmm hmmm,” she breathed across his neck as she moved closer to his ear.

“We need to make the rounds to thank everyone for coming first,” Melanie giggled.

“Why don’t you start? I’ll join you shortly,” he winked.

Melanie rose out of her seat and pushed her plate back. She hadn’t really been in the mood for cake. The wedding festivities were going by in a blur and the only thing on her mind at the moment was finally not having to say goodnight and watch Austin leave. Tonight she would say goodnight with him beside her.

Melanie made her way over to the table that contained her family and hugged each member. “Thank you all so much for coming. I’m glad that you made the trip. I only wish Sarah and Bethany could have joined us.”

When she got around to Amy, she leaned in where no one else could hear.
“Be careful Amy, he’s not interested in a relationship.”

“Who says I am either?” she whispered back and giggled.

Melanie sighed and backed away from her to hug Claire, “Thank you so much for taking the girls with you. We’ll see you in the morning before you leave.”

“It’s not a problem. Now go enjoy your wedding night,” Claire smiled.

“I plan on it,” Melanie blushed and backed up just as Austin was coming up behind her.

“Ready?” he kissed the side of her neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.