The Cane Series: A Complete Forbidden Romance Series (4-Book Set)

by Shanora Williams

  Any other time, I would have held off, waited a little, but not this time. No, this time I was hungry for her. Ravenous. I found the perfect position and thrust my cock into her. Her back bowed against the wall, mouth parting on top of mine. She gasped louder as I stroked faster, her eyes both surprised and entranced. She had no idea why I was being such an animal, or why she liked it so much.

  To be frank, I didn’t know why either at first, but when I thought about it, I realized that it was me leaving my mark. Creating a stamp for this moment. This would be our last time fucking as fiancé and fiancée. By Saturday afternoon, she was officially going to be my wife and we had to walk into this matrimony with a bang.

  So yes, I fucked my future wife in the shower. Yes, I sucked on my future wife’s neck, and cupped her ass in my hands while my cock swelled up inside her. Yes, I made her mine, because tomorrow, she wasn’t going to be Kandy Jennings anymore. She was going to be Kandy Cane. My Kandy Cane, and the idea of that sparked a fire in me so intense that I couldn’t let go.

  When I reached my final pump upwards, I pulled out and came between our stomachs.

  She sighed loudly, holding onto me as I jerked with each spurt of release. I huffed a laugh, and she broke out in a smile. When I placed her down, we rinsed off and then washed, but before we got out, I turned her toward me and asked, “You’re mine, right?”

  “I’m yours,” she replied.

  “Always?”

  She smiled. “Forever, babe.”

  I never got tired of those words coming out of her mouth.

  “I can’t wait to see the final look on Saturday,” I said after we got dressed. “I have no doubt you’ll be stunning…not that you aren’t already.”

  “And I’m sure you’ll be dangerously handsome.” She chewed on her bottom lip, and then looked away, getting quiet. I knew that look all too well.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m nervous about leaving Chance for five whole days for the honeymoon.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never been away from him for that long, Cane. It’s going to be weird. Now that I have him, it’s weird picturing life without him. How did I survive before?” She laughed.

  “No idea how either of us did,” I chuckled. “But you pumped enough, right?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “No buts, Kandy. It’s a short honeymoon to Paris. If the fridge is loaded with your milk, he’ll be okay. Trust me, Chance will be fine. Your mom and my mom are here. They won’t let anything happen to him.”

  “I know,” she sighed. “I know.” She walked up to me, hugging me. I hugged her back, looking around our closet, at her clothes on one side and mine on the opposite. “Are you ready to spend forever with me?” she asked, her cheek pressed to my chest.

  “Forever and always, baby.”

  “Are you just saying that?”

  “No, I’m not just saying it.” I reached down and cradled her face in my hands, putting her eyes on mine. “I mean it.” I gave her a full, deep kiss on the lips. “Saturday will be amazing, and you will look amazing, and you’ll be surrounded by amazing people. Amazing, you got it?”

  She nodded. “I already have the jitters.”

  “As do I, but we’ve been through so much shit. It’s only right that we meet one another at the altar, right?”

  She blushed, revealing a beautiful white smile. “Right.”

  Twenty-One

  KANDY

  WEDDING DAY

  The day I’d been waiting for—dreamed of—had arrived. I thought it would never come.

  Before this day, I got to really unwind and relax at the bachelorette party. Honestly, it wasn’t a bachelorette party at all. It was a chill, relaxing day with lots of snacks, food, drinks, facials, and massages. I shared a spa day with Frankie, Lora, and Mom, and to my utter surprise, Morgan and Gina showed up at the spa, too.

  “Oh my gosh!” I wailed as soon as I saw them. I rushed away from the massage table and wrapped them both up in my arms.

  “Look at you, you fine-ass woman!” Morgan hollered. She looked me all over and then hugged me again. “Didn’t I tell you to stay in touch?”

  “I know, I know!” I laughed. “Things got intense in my life after that whole thing with Brody and Sophie.” I waved that topic off, focusing on Gina, who was smiling so hard. “Gina! You look so damn pretty!”

  “You’re one to talk! You’re glowin’ like the sun, babe!”

  Ugh. It was so good to have all my favorite girls around me. I was glad Lora sent them the invitation, and that they came early to see me. I needed that one-on-one time with them. I felt bad that I hadn’t kept in touch with Morgan and Gina much. I mean, yes, we did have a group chat, but we hardly used it. And back when the stabbing happened, they did text me a lot, but I would never respond, and eventually they stopped trying. I just wasn’t in the headspace for conversation.

  During my spa day, I explained it all to them and promised to keep in touch for good this time. They were happy that I invited them to the wedding, and I was glad they came. I loved those girls so much. Frankie got to know them too, and could see why I’d become so tight with them while at Notre Dame.

  I was nervous about the big day. I hoped everything would be perfect and run smoothly. My hair was done, my dress was on. I was in the extra room Cane let me call mine, sitting in front of the vanity, my heart pounding.

  The sun was out that fall Saturday, the leaves on the trees in many shades of yellow, orange, and rustic brown.

  I stood from the chair and looked into the mirror, running my hands over the creamy dress. It was exactly what I wanted, and fit me just right. I decided to go with an embroidered, spaghetti-strapped dress, made of a mixture of chiffon and satin. It was simple, and if anyone knew anything about me, they knew the simple things were usually my favorite things.

  A knock sounded on the door, and I looked back. Lora popped her head in with a big smile. Her cotton-candy pink hair was braided into a crown and her makeup was absolutely flawless. I’d never seen her wear much makeup, but it was a natural glam, and she looked spectacular.

  “You ready, munchkin?” she asked, sliding through the crack of the door and closing it. Even her dress was pretty—a simple, mid-sleeve gold dress, the bottom half made of tulle.

  “I think so,” I breathed, running my slick palms down the front of my dress. “Do I look okay?”

  She blinked rapidly, her thick lashes batting. “Kandy…you look like a fucking goddess. I mean—” she scoffed, “you are stunning, babe. Q is going to flip, and by flip, I mean he’s going to be drooling all down those lush tits of yours tonight.” She walked my way, and I laughed, turning to look in the mirror again.

  “Are there already a lot of people here?” I asked as she fixed the loose tendrils of my hair. It was in an updo, and styled with a tiara made of pearls and real diamonds, while two strands dangled in front of my face. Lora had hired a hair stylist and a makeup artist for me, and they came this morning and made me up like a princess.

  “Oh, yeah. I think everyone you guys invited is here. Rich people are prompt motherfuckers.”

  “My parents too?”

  Just as I asked, there was another knock on the door. Lora went to open it, peeking out first before letting the person in. Mom sashayed into the room with a big smile, Chance in her arms. Frankie followed in behind her, gawking as soon as she saw me. When Chance spotted me, he grinned and reached for me with a tiny grunt, but Mom held onto him a little tighter.

  “Oh, no, little man,” Lora said, scooping Chance up in her arms. “Can’t ruin your mama’s dress! She’s gotta be pretty all day, and we don’t need baby vomit all over her!”

  While Lora taunted and teased Chance, Mama focused on me. As she looked me over, her eyes shimmered. “Oh, honey.” She pressed a hand to her mouth, fighting tears. “You look so beautiful. Like an angel.”

  I bit back my tears as she came toward me, giving me a tight squeeze.
“Thank you,” I murmured over her shoulder. Lora smiled at us in her corner briefly before looking at Chance and pushing his hair back.

  “Seriously, though, K.J. I’m digging this dress, hard. I mean, when you sent me the picture when you tried it on, I knew it was the one, but now that I see it in person…yeah, this really is the one!”

  I couldn’t fight my smile. “It’s pretty comfortable too, surprisingly.” I looked at Chance as he looked at me. He wanted me to hold him so badly. “Aww, look at him in his little tux!” I cooed. I reached for him but Lora held up a hand.

  “Kandy, no. This little boy just had a bottle, which means he can blow at any time. He can’t hold a thing down, and you know it!”

  “I just want to hug him!” I laughed, and she gave me a momentary look of defeat before letting me grab him.

  “Fine.”

  I kissed Chance on the nose, then pressed my forehead to his as he made tiny noises. When I gave him a little squeeze, he let out a tiny grunt and frowned. Mom and Frankie laughed.

  “Stubborn like his mother, I see,” Mom teased with a laugh.

  “He’s just like her,” Frankie added.

  Lora quickly took Chance from me and handed him back to Mom. “Okay, you can hug him more later. The wedding is about to start, ladies. Mrs. Jennings, I’m assuming you and my mom are on baby duty?”

  “Yes, we are. We’ve got you, right, chunky-lumpkins?” Mom was baby-talking to him, and of course Chance got a kick out of it, grinning and kicking. He always did.

  “And Mr. Jennings is still at the bottom of the staircase waiting for the bride?” Lora asked.

  “He was there when I came up. I’m sure he hasn’t gone anywhere.”

  “And Frankie, you’ve got that camera ready for some personal pictures?”

  Frankie held up her phone. “Hell yeah. Best camera phone out there!”

  “Okay, good! Let’s get this wedding started then, shall we?” Lora turned to open the door, and Mom and Frankie walked out, Mom hiking Chance on her hip.

  “Let me know if you need anything,” Mom called over her shoulder.

  “I will, Mom!”

  She smiled on her way out, and Lora watched them go before coming back to me. “Okay.” She held my upper arms, looking me all over. “You literally look like a million bucks, which is good because that’s about how much this entire wedding cost. Well, maybe more like two million, but who’s counting, right?”

  “Oh my God, Lora! Two million dollars? Are you serious?”

  “What? Everything had to look good, okay? I wasn’t letting my brother, who I thought would never marry anyone, have a half-assed wedding! And you, my dear, deserve the world. Don’t think about the money. Just live in the moment, okay? Besides, it wasn’t a million. More like half.”

  I pressed my lips, giving her a playful eye roll. “Fine. I’ll try.”

  “Good enough. Now, come on. Let’s get your ass downstairs.”

  Lora helped me walked down the marble staircase of our house and on the way down, I noticed the flowers wrapped around the railing and even the petals of peonies, which are my favorite flower. Lora struggled to find them since they weren’t exactly in season.

  “Nice touch on the flowers,” I murmured to her as we walked down.

  “Yeah, thanks. They were a bitch to find, so you better enjoy them.” She smirked, looking at me through the corner of her eye.

  On our way down, I saw my dad standing at the bottom of the staircase with a tuxedo on. I have to admit, I wasn’t positive he’d be there. I had mentioned that I wanted him to walk me down the aisle and hand me over to Cane several weeks ago, and I could tell the idea of handing me over didn’t sit well with him, with his throat clearing and head shaking, but reluctantly he said he would do it. For me and Chance.

  “Well, Mr. Jennings, don’t you look swell!” Lora chimed when we got closer.

  Dad put on a small smile, and when his eyes shifted over to me, they stretched wider. He looked me up and down, shock taking over him. “Wow,” he huffed.

  “What?” I asked nervously.

  “I knew my daughter was gorgeous before, but today…you are breathtaking, kid.”

  I felt heat swim up to my cheeks. “Thanks, Dad.”

  “All righty. Here is your bride.” Lora released my arm to hand me over to Dad, and Dad hooked his arm through mine.

  “Got her.”

  “I’m going to go out back and make sure everything is in order and that the band is ready. You guys will wait here until I come back.”

  “The band?” I asked, deadpan.

  “Yes, the band, Kandy. Look, a lot of shit is going to surprise you today, so just get ready.” She pointed at me. “It’ll be the best day you’ve ever had!”

  Dad and I laughed while Lora turned on her wedges and walked through the foyer. When she was around the corner, Dad said, “She’s a hot mess.”

  “She really is. But she’s a good person. Has a good heart.”

  “Must be a Cane thing.” Dad shrugged. “They all have good hearts, deep down. It’s just a matter of getting past all the layers to see it, I suppose.” He sighed. “She did a great job. I took a look around earlier. The wedding will be beautiful.”

  I smiled. “I’m glad.” I shifted on my heels. “Dad…thank you for doing this.”

  I peered up, and he pressed his lips. He’d shaved his beard away totally. His face was the cleanest I’d seen it in months. Normally he rocked his scruff. “I love you,” he asserted. “You and Chance are my family, and all I want is for you to be happy.” I watched his throat bob as he said, “And when you’re with Cane, I see it. The light in your eyes. Your fire, and how alive you are when he’s nearby. He wakes you up—awakens a part of your soul that only he can touch. Who am I to stand in the way of that anymore?”

  Tears crept to the corners of my eyes, but I blinked rapidly, trying to fan them away. “Oh, God.”

  Dad chuckled. “Don’t cry on me. I can’t risk Lora’s wrath for messing up the bride’s makeup.”

  I giggled, then rested my head on his arm. “I love you so much, Dad. I always will. Like Cane said, you’re the number one man in my life, for life.”

  He smiled smugly, but I noticed the way his eyes glistened. “Oh, trust me, I know,” he said, then he gave me a wink.

  Music began to play. Live music. A band was playing a wedding march melody.

  Lora appeared, trotting around the corner. “Okay, you guys ready?” she asked breathlessly.

  “Nervous,” I admitted.

  “Oh, don’t be,” she said, meeting up to my side. “This is your big day, and remember that at the end of that aisle is a man who loves you and can’t wait to make you his wife.”

  “Okay.” I drew in a breath before exhaling. “Let’s do this.”

  “Thatta girl.” She winked before stepping in front of us. “Follow me.”

  We followed after Lora, my arm linked through Dad’s. My heart thundered with each step we took, moving closer and closer to the music. Before I knew it, we were at the end of the hallway, where the double doors were perched wide open. From where we stood, I could see the lined up chairs and the tall white arch in the large backyard, past the pool.

  We followed Lora down the cement steps that led to a gold runway, covered in creamy white flower petals. I felt Dad tense up as everyone looked back at us, all of them standing and staring.

  “Oh boy,” he muttered.

  There were so many eyes—and most of them were stranger’s eyes. I’d never met half of these people, but I visually sifted through the crowd until I found my first familiar face. Miss Cane was standing at the end of the second row, holding Chance. She smiled at me, and relief swam through me as I smiled back. I looked at the row in front of hers and saw Mom next, who had her hands clasped, holding them above her lips. Her eyes were filled with tears—I could see that from where I stood. I smiled at Mom and noticed Frankie a few seats over, waving like a damn maniac. Morgan and Gina were ne
xt to her, grinning as I made my way up.

  I giggled quietly and looked away before I got too distracted and allowed my best friend to make a fool out of me in front of everyone.

  Finally, my eyes shifted over to the middle, right at the end of the altar, and there he was.

  Mr. Cane.

  My Cane.

  He had his hands clasped in front of him, and my God, he looked so, so handsome. His ivory tuxedo, gold bowtie, and gold vest looked amazing on him and fit him well. His hair had been trimmed, and I could tell it’d been fingered with gel, a sleek look that only he could pull off. His beard was gone now, his face bare and clean. His gray-green eyes locked on mine, pulled me in, and from that moment forward, he was all I could focus on.

  I didn’t care about the crowd.

  Didn’t care that everyone was gawking over me.

  Didn’t care that my heart was about to beat out of my chest due to my nerves.

  He was right there, waiting for me like he’d promised he would be. His eyes were full of wonder and surprise and awe, and I sucked in a breath, holding in most of the air until I was at the step that led up to my Cane.

  The arch was beautiful, swathed in white, gold, and beige flowers. Creamy drapes hung down from the beam, lightly shifting with the fall breeze.

  I lowered my gaze to Cane’s again, and as the minister requested my dad to hand me over to Cane, Dad didn’t hesitate like I thought he would. I peered up at my dad, who cupped my face and kissed my forehead. He smiled down at me before putting his focus on Cane.

  “Take care of my girl,” Dad murmured.

  “Always,” Cane said.

  Dad gave a slight nod, offering my hand to Cane’s, and when our hands connected, I released the trapped breath in my lungs. Finally.

  “I don’t even have the words to describe how I feel right now,” Cane murmured as the minister began talking. His eyes were lined with tears, and when he blinked, the tears spilled down both his cheeks. “You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.”