The pout is back, and she shrugs. “I don’t know.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Don’t be so daft! They’re going to love you.” I take a step over the pile of clothes and reach for her hand. “Now, is it alright if I kiss you?”
Her lips tremble as she tries to hide her smile, but she fails. I tug her closer and slide my arms around her. This is where she belongs, in my arms. I lower my head and brush my lips against hers softly. She tastes exactly how she did almost six months ago when we shared our first kiss in the hallway just outside the guest bedroom. Absolutely perfect.
Milly
Nearly five hours after leaving London, Ben and I arrive on the outskirts of Malton, where his family lives. The car ride was quiet because even though Ben apologized, things still feel awkward between us. Like, for example, when he announced that we were driving north. In his ginormous and luxurious Range Rover I didn’t even know he owned! His response to my flash of anger was to kiss the scowl off my face.
Ben drives us down a wooded gravel path that opens up to a campground. Suddenly, I feel very confused.
“This is where your family lives,” I ask, surveying the half-dozen small cabins that surround the lake.
“Sort of,” he says as he navigates his way around the lake before parking in front of one of the homes. “This lodge park is a part of my family’s estate.”
I blink several times, trying to wrap my head around the word estate.
Ben turns the car off, sits back and looks at me. “This is not a big deal, Milly. I grew up here, so this is nothing more than home to me.”
I nod and assure him that I will do my best to think of it in the same way.
The cabin we’re staying in has an open concept living area that is bright and airy from the abundance of windows with impeccable views of the lake.
“We’re not expected up at the main house until tomorrow morning, so we’ll just relax tonight,” Ben says as he brings in the last of the bags.
My curiosity is bursting at the seams and I’m dying to ask him to take me there now, but I don’t want to ruin the truce between us.
“You want to see the main house now, don’t you?”
I squeal with excitement. “Just a little peek.”
“Put on a jacket. Let’s go for a walk.”
The park grounds are magnificent. Manicured lawns are surrounded by acres and acres of forest and there is even more than one lake on the property. And then finally, just when I feel like we’ve been walking forever, I get my first glimpse of the main house. It’s an impressive stone structure with a dome over the entrance that towers over the rest of the building. It’s breathtaking and the moment it comes into view, I stop.
“Don’t let this place fool you, the upkeep is expensive,” Ben tells me. “My parents have spent a fortune renovating it. They run daily tours now and rent it out for weddings.”
“You sound almost bitter.”
A tight smile forms on Ben’s lips. “Alistair and I own the estate together. My grandfather passed his stupid title onto my father but gave my brother and I the house.”
“Why?”
“Because my father is an absolute shit businessman.” He runs a hand down his face and sighs. “Alistair and I have to approve every decision related to Waterstone Hall. The renovations were necessary but now, he wants to expand.”
“And you don’t want any of this?” I make a sweeping motion with my arm and watch as Ben’s eyes move across the view.
He shakes his head. “I never wanted to own Waterstone Hall. The land, the house, the title…I didn’t ask for any of it.”
“So why doesn’t Alistair just buy you out?”
I laugh at the irony because even though my father is a terrible businessman, Alistair is even worse. “He doesn’t have the money.”
“So, if the title and the estate aren’t important to you, what is?”
“You,” he says softly as he turns to face me. His large hands circle my waist and he pulls me close. “I have a vision of marrying you in those lovely gardens my mother spent years planning. I have a vision of you running down this gravel path toward me in your pretty white dress and a smile on your lips.”
One of Ben’s hands sweeps across my belly. “I have a vision of our children playing in the park. But none of that matters if I don’t have you.”
Hot tears stream down my cheeks. Ben reaches up to brush them away with the pad of his thumb. Ben’s vision is so clear and my heart thunders in my chest as if to say, “YES! I want that too!” My brain just isn’t on board yet.
Ben’s hand drops away and the disappointment is written all over his face.
“Can we just not talk about marriage for the next few weeks?” I plead.
“Sure, whatever you want.” He starts walking back toward the house and after a minute of standing there, watching him, I follow.
Love is still such a foreign concept to me. Growing up, I watched my grandparents and the example they set. The way my grandfather lovingly stroked my grandmother’s cheek while she was in recovery after surgery or the silly way they would dance around the kitchen. I wanted a relationship like theirs for myself, but no man measured up. At least, not until Ben.
And that kind of love – unconditional love – is terrifying.
But losing Ben is even more frightening.
I hurry to catch up to him and when I’m finally beside him, I loop my arm through his. For the last six months, he’s kept me anchored when I’ve felt adrift. He’s been my travel companion, exploring new and old with me but he’s also given me the freedom to spread my wings. When I’m off on my own, I can’t wait to hurry back home and share everything with him.
“What are we going to do for dinner,” I ask quietly.
Ben reaches across his body and covers my hand with his. “I thought I’d take you into town. There’s a pub here that does a great Shepard’s pie.”
“But I don’t like Shepard’s pie,” I whine. Ben has made me try everything at least once but the list of English foods I don’t like is fairly short. Turns out, I don’t like anything the Brits call “pudding” in addition to tea and Shepard’s pie.
“Well, I s’pose they also have a decent fish ‘n’ chips.”
I hum appreciatively because I’ve developed quite an affinity for the deep-fried delicacy. “Sounds perfect.”
The truce is back on but how long will it last?
Ben
Last night was hard for both of us. It was hard for me to open myself up to her like that and it was hard for me to walk away from her. We haven’t yet had a long, honest discussion and the clock is ticking. For now, I’m going to respect her request. No more talk of marriage.
Except I can’t get over how fucking gorgeous she looks right now. Her brown hair is glossy and wavy, her lips painted a perfect red. All I can think about is how she’ll look on our wedding day dressed in white with a veil covering her face.
“Ben?” The sound of Milly’s voice cuts through my thoughts and I notice she’s standing by the front door of the cabin.
“Sorry. Did you say something?”
“Are you ready to go?”
“Of course,” I stammer. I grab the keys to the Range Rover from the dining table and follow her outside.
The drive to the main house is short but Milly is glued to her window, marveling at the grounds and the buildings on the property. When we pull up to the front entrance, my mum and dad are waiting.
“This is your last chance to escape,” I tell her.
“It’s going to be fine,” she assures me but one glance at the grim expression on my mother’s face tells me this day might be anything but fine.
I push open the car door and step out before rounding the corner to open Milly’s door. I grasp her hand firmly in mine as I lead her up the steps.
“Hello Benjamin,” my mother says coolly as I step forward to greet her with a polite kiss on the cheek. My mum is very traditional and set in her ways. Everything
I’ve done has been a disappointment. And now I’ve brought home an American, which means I’m definitely out of the running once again for favorite son.
“Lovely to see you mum,” I murmur before extending a hand to my father. “Hello dad.”
“Are you going to introduce us to your friend,” my dad asks cheerfully. He’s got a goofy grin on his face that makes my mother roll her eyes and tsk.
I turn to see Milly standing awkwardly behind us. She looks stunning in a slate blue silk blouse and white trousers. I couldn’t be prouder to have her by my side. “Milly, I’d like you to meet my parents, Howard and Jessica Waterstone.”
She walks forward and smiles politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Waterstone.” Her smile is tight, and she looks back to me for reassurance. I place my hand on the small of her back and instantly, I feel her relax.
“Welcome to Waterstone Hall,” my mother says.
“Your home is stunning,” Milly replies.
“It’s not my home; it belongs to my sons. I just live here,” my mother snaps.
“Mum!”
She turns away and walks back into the house. My father, however, smiles proudly. “Thank you for coming. We’ve worked very hard on the renovations.”
“I’ll be happy to take you on a tour later,” I murmur to Milly.
We follow my father inside and I have to constantly tug on Milly’s hand because every few seconds, she stops to gawp at something.
Breakfast is set up in the dining room that overlooks the walled garden. The garden is my mum’s only pride and joy and she’ll take any opportunity to show it off.
“Where’s Alistair?” I ask my father.
“He’ll be here soon.”
Both of my parents keep making eye contact with one another which makes me suspicious. They have something up their sleeves and I’m positive all will be revealed the moment my brother arrives.
Milly gravitates toward the windows which not only bathe the room in sunlight but also provide guests with spectacular views of the walled garden. I never resist an opportunity for physical contact, so I walk up behind her and place my hands around her waist.
“This is where you grew up,” she asks, a wistful tone to her voice.
“Yeah,” I breathe out, surveying the view. “Alistair and I used to chase each other in the garden. It was magical but it was so easy to get lost.”
“Sounds like fun.”
The sound of voices behind us means Alistair has arrived and he’s not alone. Milly and I turn at the same time.
“Benny! So good of you to come!” My brother, Alistair, approaches me but I can’t help but notice the woman standing next to my mother, talking to her conspiratorially. Vanessa Hargreaves. The biggest bitch in Yorkshire and my ex-fiancé.
“Al, what is she doing here?”
Alistair turns and extends his hand toward Vanessa. She dutifully approaches, her heels click-clicking against the hardwood floors. “We were going to wait but since you’re my brother, I suppose we can make the exception.”
The two of them smile at each other and it churns my stomach. Vanessa places her hand on Alistair’s arm and the sun catches something on her finger. Fuck no.
“I’ve asked Vanessa to marry me and she’s agreed,” Alistair announces. My parents, who clearly already knew this information, clap politely and extend their congratulations.
But all I can see is the ring on her finger. “That’s Nan’s ring,” I say, my voice wooden. “Why’s she wearing Nan’s ring?”
Even when we were engaged, I didn’t ask my parents for my grandmother’s ring. That was probably a sign that things weren’t going to work out between us. But I had planned on asking my father for it this weekend because Milly deserves the honor of wearing it.
And now Alistair’s gone and given it to Vanessa.
There’s an uncomfortable silence in the air and all eyes are on me.
“Benjamin, don’t you have anything else to say to your brother?” My mother’s admonishing voice cuts through the tension like a knife.
“No, I don’t,” I spit out before storming out of the dining room.
Milly
Well, this is awkward.
Ben’s parents, brother and his fiancé are all staring at me after he stormed out of the room. Thanks for throwing me to the wolves Ben.
“I should go after him,” I say through a tense smile.
“He’s probably in the garden,” Alistair tells me.
“Of course,” I reply. “If you’ll excuse me.”
My feet couldn’t possibly move any faster as I leave and head toward the front door. I have absolutely no idea where I’m going, only a general idea. A sigh of relief escapes my lips when I find the garden entrance.
“Ben!” I shout the moment I step inside. From the dining room, I know the walled garden is an elaborate labyrinth of hedges and shrubbery. It would be so easy to get lost if you don’t know your way, which I clearly don’t.
“Ben!” I shout again before heading down a path on the right side of the garden.
My head swivels as I search for Ben. Several times my feet slip on the gravel but I’m able to catch myself before I fall.
“I swear to God, Ben, if I fall and ruin these pants, I’m going to murder you,” I growl out loud.
And then it happens. My heel gets caught on something and I go down. Hard.
“Son of a bitch!” I cry out. My heel is caught in a root and my foot is twisted. And holy balls does it hurt. “BEN! Where the fuck are you?”
As if to make matters worse, I look up at the house. Everyone is standing in front of the windows overlooking the garden, watching this horrific shit show. Hot tears spring from my eyes and begin streaming down my cheeks. This isn’t how today was supposed to go.
The sound of gravel crunching underfoot is music to my ears. Ben is finally here to save the day!
Except, it’s not Ben. It’s some old man in dirty clothes. “Are you alright, miss?”
I pound my fist into the gravel out of frustration. “I tripped,” I pout. “And I think my ankle is sprained.”
And my pants are ruined, I mentally add. The knees are stained with dirt which I doubt will come out.
“Oh dear,” the old man frets. “Well, there’s a bench just over there. Let me help you up and we’ll hobble on over to it.”
“I’ve got her George.” Ben’s voice is warm, and I sag with relief even though I want to snap It’s about fucking time.
Ben’s familiar hands slide under my arms and gently, he lifts me until I’m balancing on just one foot. Then he bends and lifts me into his arms and carries me the short distance to the bench. His hold on me is firm as we sit down and he reaches up to brush away my tears with the pad of his thumb.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” he says softly. “I didn’t mean to just dash out like that.”
“Why did you?” It seemed like he was jealous of them which makes me wonder if his desire to get married has something to do with his anger at his brother and Vanessa.
“I agreed not to talk about marriage, remember?”
“Are you jealous they’re getting married?”
Ben looks disgusted. “God, no! Vanessa is an awful person and I’m sorry to say that once, I was engaged to her.”
“Really?”
“At the time, I thought it was the right thing to do. We’ve known each other since primary school and have similar backgrounds. It seemed like a good match.” He rests his forehead against mine. “Thank god it wasn’t otherwise I wouldn’t have met you.”
He kisses the tip of my nose and smiles.
“So, why did you storm out of the dining room?”
“Because Alastair will finally have the money to buy me out.” He pinches the bridge of his nose and winces like he’s in pain. “Vanessa’s father owns a large development company and he’s long coveted the land Alistair wants to buy.”
“Shit.” Even though Ben is adamant about not running
the estate, he seems hell-bent on making sure his brother doesn’t gain sole ownership of it.
“And now you’re hurt because of me,” he says, glancing down at my ankle which has started to swell. “We should get some ice on that.”
“We should,” I agree. “But first I want you to kiss me.”
“I kiss you all the time, Milly.”
I shake my head. “You haven’t kissed me in days.”
Ben slides his hand up through my hair and leans forward until his lips barely touch mine. His kiss is soft and hesitant but, in an instant, he deepens it. My hands clench the lapels of his suit jacket as I reciprocate, kissing him hard.
I want to marry you; I tell him with my kiss. I’m afraid to lose you.
As if he could read my mind, Ben breathes out, “Marry me.”
“Yes,” I reply in barely a whisper.
He kisses me harder, deeper, swallowing my answer.
“Do you mean it?” There’s a glow in his eye and a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Yes,” I assure him.
His smile turns into the biggest fucking grin I’ve ever seen.
“You’ve made me the happiest fucking man in the world.”
“Take me back to the cabin,” I suggest. We’ve wasted so much time over the last few days. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted and all I want is him. Correction: I need him.
He presses his lips against my neck and hums. “I’ve got a better idea.” Ben’s hands slide under my ass as he stands. He carries me farther into the garden, away from the house until he stops at a what could only be described as a shed.
“It’s not ideal but it’ll do,” he says once he’s set me down. He twists the handle on the door and with a little effort, it opens with a loud creak.
It smells like wet dirt inside but who am I to complain when the moment I enter the shed, Ben has me pinned to the back wall. His mouth covers mine, claiming me in a hungry kiss and his hands drag down my front until his fingers find the waistband of my trousers.
“I’ll buy you a new pair,” he murmurs right before he rips them open. He shoves his hand inside and his fingers brush against my panty-clad pussy. He smiles with approval because it doesn’t take much to make me wet and wanting.
Wanderlust Wedding (Wedding Season Series) Page 2
