“Shannon,” he growled. “I have wanted you for so long.”
A hot swirl of desire built inside me. I reached back and slid my fingers through his hair. “I’ve wanted you, too.”
With his hands on my body and his mouth on my skin, all I could think was finally.
Twelve
Ben
Holding Shannon against me, I kissed her neck. Took my time and savored her taste. I’d imagined this so many times. Hoped and wished for it. And now I had her. She was here, with me, melting in my arms.
I tightened my grip on her hair and pulled her head to the side. Kissed across her smooth skin. My other hand started to roam, sliding up her ribcage. She shuddered as I found her soft breast, squeezing it gently.
She looked so good tonight, in that sexy black dress. It had been all I could do not to stare at her all through dinner. Seeing her like this—dressed up for me—almost made me wish I’d taken her out. I wanted to show her off to the world. Walk with her on my arm, quietly boasting that this woman was mine.
There would be plenty of time for that. Tonight was about us—and only us. A chance for us to speak our truths and share our souls. There was more I had to say, but right now, all I could think about was the way her body felt against me. Her soft sighs as I kissed her neck and shoulder. As I touched her, feeling her curves.
She’d spoken the words aloud, and her body gave me the same answer. She wanted me, too.
I let her hair down and slid my hands around to the back of her dress. With my face in her hair so I could keep breathing in her scent, I slowly lowered the zipper. Slipped my hand beneath the fabric, caressing her waist, down the curve of her hip. Leaning in to nip at her earlobe, I tucked my fingers beneath the top of her panties and tugged them a little.
She gasped, her back arching, and I pressed myself against her. Let her feel what she did to me.
We were in front of the window, and although there was no one around to see in, I wanted her to be completely comfortable.
“Come here, beautiful.” I encircled her wrist with my hand and gently turned her, leading her deeper into the room.
The fire crackled and the lights were low. With her facing me, I slid my hands into her hair and leaned in, kissing her delicate lips. She held my arms while our mouths tangled, as if she needed me to keep her upright.
I’d kissed her more thoroughly than I’d intended earlier today. And now, there was nothing holding me back. I kissed her deeply, passionately. Kissed her for every time I’d wanted to but couldn’t. For every time I’d stared at her with longing in my heart, wishing we could be where we were now.
I pulled away and leaned my mouth next to her ear. “Would you like to come to my bedroom?”
“Yes.”
That one word, spoken in that breathy voice, nearly undid me. My eyes rolled back and a low groan rumbled in my throat. I took her hand again and led her down the hall to my room.
A single lamp on the nightstand cast a soft glow. My room was furnished simply—dark wood, a comfortable bed, an upholstered chair by the window. I hadn’t known if tonight would lead here, but I was prepared just the same. Clean sheets, closed curtains, and even a few candles ready to be lit if that was what she wanted.
Shannon stepped out of her shoes. I stood behind her and slipped her dress from her shoulders, slowly letting it drop to the floor. Leaned down to kiss her shoulder again. First one, then the other.
She turned to face me, nibbling her bottom lip. The shyness in her eyes made me want to scoop her into my arms. She met my gaze, then looked away.
Sensing her hesitance, I touched her chin and slowly lifted her face. “It’s okay if you don’t want to—”
“I do,” she said quickly. She glanced down at herself. “It’s just, I don’t know how you’re going to feel about the way I look.”
I blinked at her a few times, honestly baffled. “The way you look? You’re beautiful.”
“But I’m far from perfect.”
“Shannon, as far as I’m concerned, no one could be more perfect. Do you want to know why?”
She nodded.
“Because you’re you. You’re the most incredible, kind, smart, sexy woman I know. Your body is a work of art and I’m truly humbled that you’ll share this with me.”
“Why are you so wonderful?” she asked.
I shrugged. “I’m just Ben.”
“Well, just Ben, you’re still wearing all your clothes.”
I didn’t need any more encouragement than that. I pulled my sweater over my head and let it drop to the floor.
As we finished undressing, I watched her in awe. There was nothing but truth in what I’d said. She was flawed and human and utterly perfect.
Drawing her close, I slipped my arms around her. She ran her hands up my body, fingering my chest hair as I leaned down to kiss her. I ached for her, but didn’t want to move too fast. I needed to relish every moment, every touch, every kiss.
I led her to the bed and pulled the covers down. We climbed in and I nudged her onto her back. Taking my time, I caressed her soft curves. Kissed her smooth skin.
She ran her hands over my arms and chest. My mouth found hers and I let my fingers trail to the apex of her thighs. She tipped her knees apart, and I slid my hand between her legs.
Moaning into my kiss, she tilted her hips. I caressed her, soft at first. Exploring, letting her relax into my touch. Rhythmic swipes of my thumb had her breathing hard, her cheeks flushed.
“So beautiful,” I murmured, drinking in the moment. The woman I loved, lying here undressed and vulnerable.
Kissing and caressing, I lavished her body with affection until we were both frantic. Desperate for more. I climbed on top of her and settled between her legs, groaning at the feel of her skin against mine. So much heat and silky softness. She was everything I’d been wanting. Everything I’d craved for so long.
And now she was mine.
“Are you with me?” I asked.
“I’m with you.”
I pushed inside her—slowly, carefully. She felt so good, it was hard to contain myself. She sighed, her eyes drifting closed, her hair fanned out across my pillow. I kissed her mouth, down to her neck, lost in the feel of her. In the way our bodies joined so perfectly, as if this had always been meant to be.
Then again, maybe it had.
Our movements began slowly—gentle and exploratory. But as we relaxed into each other, the heat between us rose. I thrust harder, feeling her body respond. Enjoyed the way she dug her fingers into my back.
We moved in sync, the tantalizing rhythm overtaking my senses. I could feel her, taste her, smell her. Her gasps and moans spurred me on as I drew us both closer to climax. The feel of her was breathtaking. Aching pressure built, almost to the breaking point.
“That’s it, beautiful,” I growled into her ear as I thrust in hard. “You feel so good.”
I felt the moment she let go, when she truly set herself free. She pressed her hands into my lower back, pulling me in deeper, and her hips rolled against me. Her head tilted back and her lips parted as she tightened around me.
“Benjamin, yes,” she breathed.
I surrendered, giving her everything I had. Worshiped her, making love to her with reckless abandon. The tension in her body peaked as she started to come. I was only a heartbeat behind. My back stiffened and the pressure in my groin exploded. Burying my face in her neck, I groaned as I came in her, driving in hard until we were both spent.
Lifting up slightly, I found her lips with mine. She ran her fingers through my hair as I kissed her, a deep sense of contentment filling me.
“That was amazing,” she whispered.
Smiling, I kissed her again. “Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe it.”
I rolled off and let her up so she could use the bathroom. As soon as she came back, I pulled her into bed with me and drew the covers over us. Wrapping my arms around her, I held her close. Kissed her forehead and breathed in her
scent.
“Shannon?”
“Mm-hmm?”
I kissed her forehead again. “I love you.”
A gentle shudder ran through her body and she took a shaky breath. “Oh, Benjamin. I love you too.”
Tightening my arms around her, I squeezed my eyes shut. In the space of an evening, my dreams had all come true. After years of longing, I could finally love her.
“I want you to know that I’ll give you whatever you need,” I said. “If you need to go slow, we can take our time. But now that I have you, I don’t intend to let you go. Ever.”
“I’m not letting you go either,” she said. “I need you, Benjamin. And I need to belong to you. I can’t risk my heart for anything less.”
I nudged her onto her back and gently caressed her cheek. “Beautiful, I’m yours forever. Like I said, I’ll give you what you need, but I’d marry you first thing in the morning if I could.”
She laughed. “Is that what the gifts meant? Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?”
“That is exactly what they meant.” I kissed her again. “We’ve both waited a long time for this. I don’t want to go a second without you.”
Her smile had a hint of mischief. “Benjamin, are you proposing to me on our first date?”
“I’m simply suggesting that we can skip over dating. I don’t need more time. I know exactly what I want. To spend the rest of my life loving you.”
“I don’t need time either,” she said.
I hadn’t exactly planned for this moment to happen now, but like I’d taught the boys, it was important to always be prepared. I grinned at her and reached over to my nightstand. Pulled a small square box out of the drawer.
“Oh my god,” Shannon said. “You have a…”
“Like I said, I know what I want. I want you to be mine, always.” I opened the box, revealing a vintage-style halo diamond ring. “Shannon, my love, will you marry me?”
She met my eyes and reached up to touch my face. “Yes, Benjamin. I would love to marry you.”
I kissed her, although I couldn’t stop smiling. “If you were ever wondering what it looks like when all a man’s dreams come true, it looks like this.”
She touched my face again, running her fingers through my beard. “Thank you for waiting for me.”
“My darling Shannon, you are more than worth the wait.”
Epilogue
Ben
I’d been to a lot of weddings here at Salishan. Helped set up and decorate for hundreds of them. Attended quite a few. A handful of friends had wed here over the years. Then Roland and Zoe celebrated their second—and forever—nuptials. I had the honor of walking Brynn down the aisle when she married Chase. Last month, Leo had married Hannah in the back garden. And although they weren’t married just yet, I had a feeling Cooper and Amelia would do so here, when it was their time.
But today? On a beautiful summer evening in June, it was my turn.
Standing in front of a mirror in the groom’s dressing room, I adjusted my suit jacket. Ran a hand over my beard. I wasn’t the least bit nervous for the ceremony that would bind me to Shannon for the rest of my life. This was our day. The moment I’d been waiting for. I couldn’t wait for her to officially become my wife. For us to become a family.
Although really, we already were.
We’d spent the last few months since that first night together—that first date that had been so much more—enjoying our newfound freedom to be a couple. She’d asked me to move in right away, which suited me just fine. I didn’t want to spend a single night without her. I’d moved into her house, and our lives had melded together effortlessly.
Her kids had been ecstatic to learn we planned to get married. They seemed to see things the way we did. We knew what we wanted for our lives—being together forever wasn’t a question—so why waste more time?
Shannon and I loved each other. Our bond had been forged in friendship, the fire of our affection kindled long ago. Now, we both had exactly what we wanted. Each other.
We also had Salishan—thriving now, thanks to Roland’s expert care—a group of adult children and significant others we both loved and had the pleasure of seeing regularly, a grandson about to turn one, and a granddaughter on the way.
I’d lost a family once, and it had nearly destroyed me. But the family I was gaining filled my heart and soul. I loved these people. Had for years. They were my life.
And what a life it was.
“Ben.” Cooper poked his head in through the door. “Holy shit, you look awesome. You’re very James Bond, do you know that? And let’s be honest, no one would be surprised to find out you’re a secret agent.”
“Thanks, Cooper.”
He leaned his head back into the hallway. “Chase, get your ass over here. If Zoe catches you trying to sneak food again, she’ll punch us both.”
“I wasn’t sneaking food,” Chase said as he came into the room. Cooper followed. They were both dressed in dark suits and ties.
“I swear to god, Chase, I can’t take you anywhere,” Cooper said.
Chase just laughed and licked something off his fingers.
Roland came in, followed closely by Leo. Roland’s tie was straight, his suit perfect. Leo’s thick beard was trimmed and he had his hair pulled back. His tie hung around his neck and his shirt collar was unbuttoned.
“How am I ready before you?” Cooper asked Leo. “You’re supposed to be the quiet responsible one.”
“I thought Roland was the responsible one,” Chase said.
“You obviously don’t remember Roland in high school,” Leo said, lifting his chin to button his collar.
“Well, I’m definitely not the responsible one, but I’m rocking this suit today,” Cooper said. “And you guys all look fucking great. Here, let me.”
Leo only flinched a little as Cooper helped him with his tie. It was such a relief to have Leo back. He’d always have some quirks, and the things he’d been through had left their mark. But he was happier, and healthier, than I’d seen him in years. That ring on his finger certainly had a lot to do with it.
I was proud of Leo. Proud of all these boys. They’d grown into good men. They understood what it meant to be men of their word, to take responsibility, and use their strength to protect the ones they loved. I liked to think I had a part in that, however small. Seeing them all find love, and be admirable men to the women in their lives, made me feel like I’d accomplished something good in the years I’d spent here.
“Who has a bottle of something?” Cooper asked. “This is a big day. We need to toast.”
Chase headed for the door. “I’ll be right back.”
“Don’t get in trouble with Zoe,” Cooper called after him. “I’m supposed to be watching you.”
“You’re supposed to be watching him?” Roland asked.
“There’s bacon-wrapped stuff in the kitchen,” Cooper said. “You know that guy can’t be trusted around anything wrapped in bacon.”
“Neither can you,” Roland said.
“True.”
“I’ll make sure he doesn’t eat all Mom’s hors d’oeuvres,” Leo said with a grin, and followed him out the door.
Chase and Leo came back a minute later with five glasses and a bottle of Salishan cabernet. I poured and we all raised our glasses.
“To Ben,” Cooper said. “The man who taught us most of what’s worth knowing in this life.”
“Who gave us an example of what a man should be,” Roland said.
“Whose smooth badassery continues to be an inspiration,” Chase said.
“And who never gave up on any of us,” Leo said. “Including Mom.”
“Welcome to the family,” Cooper said. “Officially.”
We clinked our glasses and I was glad they didn’t keep talking. I took a sip to cover the swell of emotion that bubbled up my throat. Their acceptance meant the world to me. It wasn’t that I’d doubted it. But hearing them say it out loud mad
e my chest ache a bit.
Jamie knocked on the door and poked her head in. “The ladies are waiting. Are you ready?”
I glanced in the mirror one last time. “Absolutely.”
Our wedding was a small affair. Just our family, a few friends, and the other Salishan employees. We’d set it up like the old harvest parties we’d thrown, years ago. Strings of twinkle lights sparkled in the garden and there were tables with food and wine spread out on one side. Our guests sat at the smaller tables, or stood with wine glasses in their hands.
Shannon hadn’t wanted all the pomp and circumstance of a full ceremony. We had a minister here to do the honors beneath a trellis draped with flowers and lights.
She stood near the trellis, dressed in an ivory lace gown. Her hair was curled, and the soft lights made her skin glow.
I stopped and watched Brynn place a circlet of flowers on her head. My Shannon. So beautiful. Maybe it was a cliché to say so, but she took my breath away. Especially today.
She glanced over and our eyes met. Her smile lit up her whole face. If I had one goal left in this life, it was to see her smile like that as often as possible. Making her happy was my greatest joy.
I crossed the distance to her and took her hands in mine. “Are you ready for this?”
“Absolutely,” she said.
I met Roland’s eyes and nodded. He and the other boys passed the word for everyone to take their seats while the minister came to the front with us.
Shannon and I stood, hands clasped, facing each other while the minister began. There wasn’t much to our little ceremony. A few words, then it was time for us to say our vows.
“Benjamin,” she began. “Today I have the privilege of marrying my best friend. The man who has been there for me for better or worse, in sickness and in health, through good times and bad, all long before we said a single vow. And come what may, I promise to honor this union and love you with my whole heart for the rest of my life.”
Then it was my turn. My words were simple, but they were my truth. And I was a man of my word. “Shannon, my love for you is endless. I promise to be yours, always. I will be faithful in word and deed and I will love you and care for you until I take my last breath.”
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