All I Want: A Valentine Family Novella (The Valentine Family Book 1)

by T. J. Robinson

  I love your modesty, Myra. I also know the orange one is catching your eye.”

  Myra smiled without pausing, reached for the orange rose set in a vase shaped like a question mark, and pulled the note from it. On she went, reading each note in their suggested order, falling more in love with the man who’d obviously loved her longer than she could have imagined, until she came to the final two roses. The second to the last was the most beautiful blue rose she’d ever seen, set in a vase of rose-gold with tiny diamond encrusted hearts circling its base. With trembling hands, she gently pulled the note from the rose’s stem and flicked it open.

  “Blue is the color representing something that is unattainable. For so many years Myra, I thought that you were that unattainable thing. I had your friendship, and if that was all I could have had, I would have cherished it forever, but I wanted so much more. I hoped, I had inclinations, but I didn’t know for certain that you wanted more too. Myra, you have proven to me that impossible and unattainable are only words we use as an excuse not to try. Thank you for giving me a chance. Thank you for not shooting me down when I did try. I will show you every chance I get, that I treasure you as a priceless and unattainable gift that I’ve been blessed with.

  You are more valuable than any precious stone could ever be.”

  Myra sniffed again, swiping at the tears rolling along her cheeks. She always felt like the screw-up of the family, had never dreamed that someone like Liam would think of her as valuable. Then she thought about her parents who loved her so much, and thought that maybe they didn’t actually see her the way she saw herself. Could it be that they really were proud of her? As she contemplated the state of her own self-doubt, Myra hung her head. Maybe all the things she’d beaten herself up for not attaining, were only significant in her eyes. Was it possible that her value had nothing to do with her accomplishments, but who she was? It was a thought she’d never had. One she wanted to revisit.

  Myra stared at the last rose from across the table. She wanted desperately to see what its note contained, but she didn’t want this to end. The clearing of a throat caused her to flinch in her seat, and Garret’s quiet voice informed her that she had five more minutes before they needed to move on. Reluctantly, she reached for the last vase. Blown glass, encompassing the rainbow of colors for each previous flower, housed a soft, yellow rose with dark red tips. Myra wondered how Liam put all this together in such a short time as she pulled the last note free and opened it.

  “Myra, my love. My life. My heart. Yellow is the color of friendship, red, that of love and passion. My desire is for the friendship that we’ve carried all these years, to blend into the love of a lifetime. My heart cannot contain what I feel for you, so it seeps into every fiber of my being. When I tell you, sweet Myra, that I love you with all that I am, I mean that I love you with every cell and fiber of my being. I always will. I look forward with joy to a life of friendship, a life of love, surpassed by no other. You are my everything, and I cannot wait to be yours. With all that I am, and all that I have, I pledge my love to you and you alone.”

  Myra’s head was in a fog, a happy fog, but a fog nonetheless. How was it that she never knew Liam had this side to him? And how was it that they’d wasted so much time, when what they felt for each other was so strong? She didn’t want to wait another moment. Myra wanted to find her man and have him. Now. Pushing her seat back, she rose abruptly, turned swiftly, and smacked straight into Nina.

  “I’m sorry!” Myra exclaimed in astonishment. “Were you waiting for me?”

  “It’s time for stage two.” Nina told her with a half-smile. “Follow me.” The woman turned, leading Myra out the front door, to a large, black SUV with privacy tinting on the windows. “Don’t worry about anyone seeing you,” Nina encouraged. “How you look right now doesn’t matter. When we get to our destination, you’ll be well cared for.”

  Chapter 16

  As Myra climbed into the backseat, where Nina held the door for her, she wondered what that was supposed to mean. She sank into the plush, leather seat, Nina gently shutting the door behind her, and it was a few seconds before she realized they were moving, the dark privacy glass between herself and the driver preventing her from seeing the road ahead. They drove in silence for a few miles before Myra realized they were nearing the small town and she leaned toward the window to watch as they approached. Even in the light of day, it was magical, with the biggest Christmas tree she’d ever seen adorning the center of the town square. Tinsel and greenery, colorful lights and wreaths, big red bows, and signs proclaiming “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy Holidays!”, were everywhere she looked. This was why Myra loved this place at Christmastime, and why she’d been so disappointed when her sisters had come without bringing her along. She couldn’t help the grin that swept across her face when the car stopped in front of the old church she loved so much.

  Before she could open her door, Garret was there, swinging it wide with a flourish, inviting her out with an outstretched hand, then ushering her into the beautiful old building.

  “What…” She stopped just inside the doors, mouth agape, blinking in awe at the vision before her. The high, cathedral ceiling was strung with tiny white lights, white tulle elegantly draped in sweeping patterns from the back of the church to the front. Huge, red poinsettias lined the aisle, while dozens of roses in every color Liam had given her this morning adorned the stage. Just as her mind caught up to the things her eyes were seeing, Rhonda and Marilyn appeared from behind the stage and rushed toward her.

  “What is going on?” Myra asked in bewilderment when her sisters were by her side.

  Marilyn grinned from ear to ear, clasping her hands in front of her, while Rhonda smiled down at Myra and pulled her into a hug. “Oh honey, today is going to be the best Christmas ever.” Then she took Myra’s hand and pulled her towards a back room, while Marilyn gleefully skittered ahead of them. When the trio walked through the stage-door to the back room, tears filled Myra’s eyes when she saw her mother rise to greet her. With a big hug, and some tears of her own, Brenda smoothed Myra’s hair away from her face, then looked solemnly into her daughter’s eyes.

  “Baby,” Brenda began, her lower lip quivering with emotion. “Your father and I are so proud of you. We want you to know that we love you with all our hearts and fully support what’s happening today.” Myra blinked in confusion, then looked around the room where Garret, Nina, and Simone, had assembled a slew of garment bags, hair appliances, make-up stations, and shoe boxes. “If I didn’t know better,” Myra chuckled nervously. “I’d say a wedding was happening today.”

  Her mom and sisters continued to stare at her seriously, and Myra swallowed, taking a quick breath as understanding dawned on her. “I’m getting married today?” She breathed with disbelief.

  “Only if you want to, honey.” Her mother replied earnestly.

  “I…” Myra shook her head, unsure if she was actually awake, or if this was all a dream. “I want to, I think… Liam?”

  “Myra.” She spun at the sound of his deep voice, tears spilling over as she took the few short strides to where he stood in the doorway. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close while he spoke to her in low tones. “I put all this together because I want to marry you, my Love. Today. I want to marry you today and start the rest of our lives together. I don’t want to wait another hour.” He chuckled, deep and low in his chest. “I may have to wait an hour or so, but I don’t want another day to pass without you by my side. Will you marry me, Myra?” He place a finger under her chin, lifting her head to meet his steady gaze. “Will you marry me today and share forever with me?”

  “Yes!” Myra choked on her tears. “Yes, of course I will. Oh my god, Liam, I can’t believe you did all this!”

  Liam bent to brush his lips against hers in a chaste kiss. “I will do anything in the world for you, Love. This is only the beginning.” Then he straightened, addressing Garret directly. “Two hours enough time for you?” “Ye
s, sir.” Garret replied with a slight bow. “Good.” Liam bent to kiss Myra one more time. “I’ll see you at the altar, my future wife.”

  Myra smiled against his lips, giving a nod as he straightened again and turned through the door. When she turned back around, her mother and sisters were wiping their eyes, smiling at her through their sniffles. Not wasting any more time on sentimentality, Nina grabbed Rhonda and Marilyn, Simone took Brenda, and Garret ushered Myra to one of the make-up stations. Two hours later, Myra hardly recognized herself when Garret spun her around to view her reflection. Her blonde hair was piled loosely on top of her head, with a few loose curls falling to frame her delicate face. Her blue eyes looked huge with the smokey makeup Garret had applied, her skin looked dewy and fresh, and her lips were the perfect shade of Christmas red.

  “Now,” Garret grinned down at her with a twinkle in his eye. “If you ever wanted to feel like Cinderella, tonight your wish comes true.” He left her for a moment to grab a black box with a big red bow, sitting atop the rehearsal piano that took up most of the room’s center space. “Here.” He offered, holding it out to her. “Open it.”

  Myra opened the box, revealing a gorgeous white mermaid-style gown. “Oh, my god.” She gasped as she ran her hand over the silk bodice. “Please tell me those aren’t real diamonds.” Garret just smiled serenely at her as she held the dress up in front of her. “Oh, it’s so beautiful.” Her mother said breathlessly. Myra turned to see her and her sisters holding up identical gowns, each with tiny embellishments of green and red crystals woven throughout the bodices. Myra laughed tearily. “You guys are going to be the most beautiful Christmas decorations I’ve ever seen!”

  Marilyn laughed too, holding her dress out in front of her. “You know, if Liam had told me I was going to have a dress in Christmas colors, I would have slapped him, but this is exquisite. You are one lucky girl, little sister.”

  Myra nodded, dabbing at her eyes, trying desperately to keep her makeup from smudging.

  “Come on,” Garret interrupted. “Let’s get you into this, and get you married!”

  Fifteen minutes later, Myra stood in front of the big mirror on the wall, giving herself one last glance. The silky, white backless gown was absolutely stunning. It fit her like a second skin, and left her wondering how Liam had gotten it so right.

  “I’m so happy for you two.” Rhonda whispered when Myra’s eyes met hers in the mirror. “Liam loves you like no one ever will. Hold onto that, sis.” Rhonda’s eyes shimmered with tears and a sadness she couldn’t hide, but before Myra could ask her anything, Garret was beside her, ushering the three women out the little side door. Tears rose in Myra’s eyes again, once they’d made their way to the back of the church and the big doors opened wide, revealing pews full of friends and family. Soft white candles lit and lined the stage, her father and brother stood at the front, beside the man she loved with all her heart, who was looking at her now with all the love he had for her shining in his eyes.

  Liam had done it.

  Somehow, he’d made her dream wedding come true, in her favorite little old church, on the holiday that meant more to her than any other. He’d given her the Christmas wedding she’d wanted since she was a little girl, and make-up be damned, she couldn’t stop the tears of joy that fell from her eyes.

  As her mother and sisters walked down the aisle in front of her, Myra’s father walked up to where she stood. Paul’s strong gaze held hers for a moment as he said quietly, “Pumpkin, you are so precious to me. I love you and I love Liam like a son. You have my full blessing, but no pressure just because of all this.” He gestured to the inside of the church with his hand. “Is this what you want? To marry Liam? Because if you don’t, if you have any apprehension at all, I’ll walk out with you right now.”

  Myra smiled up at her father, not even paying attention to the tears anymore “I want this daddy.” She whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I want this more than anything. And thank you, for loving me and supporting me so unconditionally.” “I always will.” He answered. “Come on, then.” He tucked her arm into his. “Let’s get you married.” Myra smiled, then allowed her dad to lead her down the aisle, with all her closest friends and family seated around, their love surrounding her.

  Her heart banged in her chest, as it seemed like everyone important in her life was there to usher her forward to her next journey. As they made their way down the aisle, Myra scanned the faces of friends, aunts, uncles, even her boss smiled back at her, and when they reached the front of that little church, on a march that seemed to last forever, but only a few seconds at the same time, Myra’s breath hitched as Liam’s dark eyes locked onto hers. The light from the candles and the twinkling lights above, made him look like some kind of dark angel, the one from all her fantasies, come to steal her away. She tore her eyes from his to glance at her father with a smile. “I love you, Daddy.” “Love you, too, pumpkin.” His eyes became shiny with unshed tears as he pulled her into a tight embrace. “You’re gonna do so good, baby girl. And you don’t smell like cows.” Suddenly Myra burst out in laughter, her nerves fading away. “Thank you, daddy.” She gave him one last squeeze and turned to face her future.

  Liam’s gaze raked her from head to toe before his heated eyes met hers. “No one has ever looked as beautiful as you do right now.” He whispered to her as he stepped forward to take her hand. Keegan smiled at her from his place as Liam’s Best Man, while her sisters beamed from their place as her Maid and Matron of Honor. The pastor stepped forward to give the introduction, but Myra barely heard him as she stood there, lost in Liam’s eyes, feeling like her heart would burst from her chest. Then he was speaking, vowing his life to her in words she’d never imagined hearing from his lips.

  “Myra, I’m not perfect. I make mistakes, and I’ll make mistakes, but I promise that I will always love you, I will always respect you, and I will always protect you. You will always come first. I promise to encourage your dreams, I promise to you my trust, my protection, and my life, as we go on this journey together. You have seen me at my worst, but I will love you forever at my best.”

  Then the pastor leaned in to whisper to Myra that he would lead her in her vows, but she shook her head and drew a deep breath. She knew what she wanted to say, what was in her heart, and she blinked the tears back as spoke them to the man who held her soul. “Liam, I accept you as my husband. I promise to live in truth with you, and to communicate fearlessly. I give you my hand and my heart, as a hiding place, a refuge of warmth and peace. I pledge to you my love, my devotion, and my honor.”

  Liam’s dark eyes bored into hers as he placed a gorgeous vintage ring on her finger, then put another of solid gold in her hand, which she placed onto his finger. “My mother’s and father’s rings.” He explained. “To remind us that love is not easy, but it is forever. You and I, Myra, we are forever.” Myra swallowed with some effort as the pastor pronounced them husband and wife, then Liam swept her into his arms and covered her mouth in a kiss of desperation before the command to kiss his bride had even been uttered. The crown laughed, then cheered, but Myra knew that what Liam felt in that moment was beyond the comprehension of those surrounding them. She knew, because she felt it too.

  Epilogue

  Myra's heart was going pound right out of her chest. She licked her lips and tried to remember how to breathe as Liam covered her body with his. Why was she so scared? Isn't this what she'd always wanted? Wasn't this her fantasy man, and hadn't she fantasized about this moment for half of her life? She ran her hands over his back, tilted her head back when he kissed her neck, and desperately pleaded with her muscles to relax. After their vows and a short celebration with the people who had come to witness their union, Liam shuttled them to the honeymoon suite of the local chateau. Everything was perfect. She and Liam were alone, married and alone. Naked, except for her tiny lace panties and his black boxer-briefs, a bottle of champagne sat unnoticed in an ice bucket on the nightstand beside the gigantic bed
where they lay. Rose petals covered the bedspread and floor, while soft candlelight flickered from dozens of candles, gently illuminating the room, bathing them in a warm glow. Everything was perfect. And Myra was terrified.

  "Open your eyes, doll."

  Myra didn’t even realize she’d been squeezing them shut until Liam's gentle command broke through the swirling thoughts of her mind.

  "Why so scared, Love?"

  "I don't know." She confessed remorsefully, a tear sliding from the corner of her eye.

  "I love you.” Liam proclaimed firmly. “I've made you my wife." He tenderly caressed her cheek, holding her eyes with that intense gaze of his. "I've never been a woman." One corner of his mouth quirked up at her small huff of laughter. "So I don't know what it's like for you, but I promise to do everything in my power to make your pleasure far exceed any pain you might experience this first time."

  Myra nodded and swallowed while Liam's fingertips traced circles over skin.

  "Do you trust me, Myra?"

  "With my life.” She answered without hesitation.

  "Trust me with your body. I promise you won't regret it."

  Myra nodded on a deep breath, willing to surrender to the man she loved, hoping she could get through this first time and move on to better experiences. As Liam pushed up and sat back on his heels, her heart continued its staccato rhythm while he looked at her. He’d told her what he wanted, what he needed, when they were together. Total control in the bedroom, her complete submission. And she was totally willing to do that, if only she knew what he wanted. She wanted it to be good, but she didn’t know how to make it that way. She wished he would just tell her what to do, something, anything. She just needed some instructions and she would be able to relax, doing what he wanted.