Falling for the Best Man

by Joanne Dannon

  Staring at the water, all she could see was Jonah’s smile. Her fingers came up and touched her lips, remembering how magical their kiss had been. Despite the wrongness of it, she’d loved the feel of him holding her. Thinking back, she reflected on the softness of his lips and how good they were as they trailed along her jaw to her ear.

  Unlike Felix whose lovemaking was polished, as though he were being judged on his performance, Jonah’s touch was raw, uninhibited and more passionate. She’d felt alive when he touched her, like she’d been awoken from a deep sleep.

  She had no doubt that Jonah would be a considerate lover, because he valued her. It would come through in every touch and every kiss. He genuinely liked her and there was no hidden agenda.

  It might be wrong to compare the brothers, but she had to. It was because of Jonah that she had a broken engagement. She hadn’t cancelled the wedding because of him, but rather she’d had a realisation that she was giving up her self-worth to be with Felix.

  She valued faithfulness and integrity, two ideals that were not part of her engagement to Felix. All because she wanted his family.

  Yes, she’d had a crappy childhood, but unlike many other women, she’d overcome adversity and made a career for herself. She was smart, independent and hard-working. Look at what she’d achieved despite not finishing high school. Her body relaxed into the sand.

  Did she want to try a life with Jonah? Should she allow gossip to affect her decisions? She didn’t have to call Elaine to know what her advice would be. Forget others and focus on yourself. That’s what she would say.

  That meant she needed to stop with the oh-woe-is-me attitude and get on with her life. Good. Decision made.

  Her breathing slowed and she took long, easy breaths of the salty air. From now on, she’d focus on the present and make decisions based on what she wanted. Not what her past self wanted. It sounded contradictory but she wanted to live her life fully and not have regrets. All starting now.

  Jonah trudged back to the hotel and despite wanting a drink to help ease the pain of rejection, he found a park bench and watched the roll of the waves. The calm movement of water reminded him of his months at Samoa, and he made a mental note to ensure he spent time regularly at the beach. Whether he went swimming or walked along the foreshore, the ocean had a calming effect on his soul.

  Leaning back, his legs stretched out, he gazed at the darkness and a heavy dullness settled in his chest. He’d really hoped to win Kaylah over. He’d tried and failed. Time to return to Melbourne and re-start his life. Thanks to the money he made from developing apps, he was in the fortunate position to buy a place he wanted, and wouldn’t be restricted by money. He’d look at the Bayside suburbs, near the beach. His heart lifted, just slightly, knowing that even without Kaylah in his life, he would continue to focus on being healthy, exercising and finding a work/life balance.

  Rising, he stretched his legs and started to turn towards his hotel when he saw Kaylah sprinting from the beach towards the resorts. Was she okay? Why was she running? Bad news?

  “Kaylah,” he cried out. “Are you alright?”

  Instead of waving away his concerns, she jogged up to him. “I came to see you.”

  “Me?” his voice sounded squeaky, as worry made his belly tie up in knots. “Why? Is Felix okay? Elaine?”

  She brushed away his questions with a wave of her hand. “No, I wanted to speak to you. It has nothing to do with anyone else.”

  He grimaced in anticipation of being rejected again. How much could a guy like him bear?

  Her movements were short and jerky, and she cleared her throat a couple of times. “I don’t know how to say this, so I’m just going to say it.” She pasted on a smile and said, “I want to give us a try.”

  His heart felt like it had skipped a beat. “What?”

  “I’m sorry that I let you go, I should’ve…I don’t know what I’m saying. All I know is that I really like you. I felt guilty that I liked you more than Felix. It was wrong of us to kiss when I was engaged, but we did.” Her breathing came in rapid bursts. “I didn’t call off the wedding because of you, but because of me.”

  He took her hands in his and was surprised to see a slight shake. Nerves? He was more nervous than her.

  “I know, Kaylah. I think you made the right decision in not marrying Felix. He wasn’t the right guy for you, and you were marrying for the wrong reasons. I think you would’ve felt trapped.” His thumb massaged her pulse point. “I can’t imagine what you went through when you grew up, but all I see now is an incredibly talented woman who’s smart, charming and beautiful. You are amazing and you don’t need to give away your principles just to be happy. You can do that yourself. Any man would be lucky to have you as his wife.”

  Blinking rapidly, she said, “I want to get to know you better and if people talk, let them.”

  He took a deep breath. “You mean that?”

  Nodding, she said, “I do. I hope it doesn’t hurt your parents but…” She blew out a long breath. “If I worried about everything everyone said about me and my background, I’d have to live solo and never come out of my apartment.” She held his hands tighter. “I want us to date and see what it’s like without the shackles of me wanting a family, and me being engaged. I just want to be with you and see how we go.”

  He grabbed her in a hug, holding her tight. “Thank you, my darling.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You’ve given me the chance I wanted.” He paused. “I have to be honest. I’ve never fallen for a woman like I have for you. It’s pretty scary for a guy like me.” Hope fluttered in his belly. “I just want to jump for joy but at the same time, I want to kiss you.”

  Taking a step back, but still holding his hands, she looked at him with a cheeky smile. “You want to kiss me before we even have our first date?”

  “It’s a little forward of me, I know.” He pretended to apologise, placing his hand on his heart. “But perhaps, it’s a getting-to-know-you kiss?” He lifted a brow.

  She grabbed the front of his T-shirt. “Forget it, I want a kiss and I don’t care what anyone thinks about it.”

  She tugged him towards her and their lips met. This time, without the worry of Felix and the impending wedding, they relaxed into each other’s arms and kissed. Kissed because they wanted to.

  He dropped his hands to her hips, anchoring her to him. Their kiss started off slow as though it was their first time together. He heard her sigh as he deepened the kiss, and he groaned as she welcomed his tongue. They stood in the moonlight on a warm, balmy night kissing.

  His hands came up to cup her cheeks, before he trailed his fingers down the side of her face. The scent of her hair, a mixture of berries and flowers, filled his nostrils and he wanted to remain there with her, holding her always.

  Moving his lips, he pressed kisses along her jaw and to her ear where he tongued her lobe and gave it a tiny nibble. “Your skin is so soft,” he murmured.

  Stopping, he just gazed at her, taking in the beauty of her smile, and the radiant glow of her skin. “You are so beautiful,” he said, before kissing away her answer.

  Eventually, they broke apart. “I think we’re giving a show.” She nodded towards the families who were packing up after their barbeque dinners, in the nearby picnic area.

  He chuckled, not really caring. All he cared about was having her in his arms. Looking at his watch, he said, “I should take you for dinner, our first date.” He brushed his lips against hers and felt her shiver.

  “I’d like that very much.” Her wide smile made his heart melt with joy.

  With his arm around her, they walked slowly to the strip of restaurants along the beachfront. “Any preference?”

  “I don’t mind, I’m happy to be with you,” she said.

  “Me too, sweetheart. Me too,” he said, guiding them towards the restaurants.

  Epilogue

  Fourteen months later

  Kaylah admired her reflection as she looked at the pret
ty 1920s-styled vintage dress she’d found in the thrift shop. The length and casual style suited her slim figure and she smiled, happy that the predicted warm Autumn weather had eventuated for their special day.

  Knock, knock. She turned at the sound of someone coming into the room and her eyes widened as Jonah strolled in.

  “What are you doing,” she hissed. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before we marry.”

  With a casual lift of his eyebrow, he walked over and kissed her cheek. “You look stunning, and did you notice, I didn’t mess your lipstick?”

  “You’re so thoughtful. No wonder I want to marry you,” she cooed. “But seriously, you’re not supposed to be here.”

  “Apart from Mum and Dad, Elaine and Colin, everyone thinks it’s our engagement party and since engaged couples should be together kissing, I saw no reason not to be with you.” He took a step back and gazed at her face, before looking downward at her dress. “You look…incredible.” Lifting her hand, he kissed each knuckle.

  Tears filled her eyes and she brushed them away. “Jonah, I’m so in love with you. I know we will have ups and downs, and this last year and a half has been challenging with your brother and parents, but we did it together.”

  “We did. We’re a team, you and me.”

  “I’m so excited we’re going away tomorrow,” she said.

  “You, me and two airline tickets.” He kissed her cheek. “We’ll be away for six weeks travelling.” His eyes glowed with joy.

  “I’ve never been to Europe, UK or even America. We’re going to have the best time.” Her heart was bursting with excitement at seeing all the tourist sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Big Ben and the Statue of Liberty.

  “We sure are.” He smacked her bottom playfully. “But we need to get married first. Are you ready?”

  Fiddling with the pearls around her neck, she confessed, “I am. In February last year I was supposed to marry Felix, and now it’s April, well over a year later, but…”

  “What did we say about others?”

  “We don’t care,” she mimicked him in a parrot-fashion while looking at him with such love and adoration that she thought her heart would burst.

  “That’s right,” he said before kissing and licking the skin behind her ear. “Do you think people would notice if we left and I took you home and made love to you,” he asked with such innocence that she started giggling.

  “I think so,” she said with a dramatic sigh. She took his face between her palms and said, “You’ve organised the best wedding day for me. A simple garden event at your parents’ home. It’s not overly done; it’s tasteful and we’re with the people that matter.”

  “I would’ve married you underwater in a scuba suit, if that’s what you wanted.”

  “Really, now that’s an idea,” she said tapping the side of her nose.

  Her hands came up and ran along the muscles of his shoulder blades. “But you look divinely handsome, as always,” she said taking in his cotton shirt tucked into dress pants. Those shoulders, those arms, those abs. Her skin prickled in anticipation of touching him tonight.

  Jonah had maintained a healthy regime of running, Pilates and swimming. That glorious, well-toned bod, was hers and hers alone, to enjoy. His kisses could make her knees tremble but when they made love and they became one, it was like their souls joined. She treasured every day since he’d come to her in Palm Cove. He was hers, and she was his. The perfect combination. The nerve endings along her back tingled and she couldn’t wait till tonight, when she could run her hands over his flat belly and make love to him with her fingers and lips. She shuddered with delight, thinking about how amazing their sex life was. He pleasured her in ways that left her breathless, tingling all over and feeling very much loved and special.

  He broke her thoughts as he tongued her ear, just the way she liked it. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m going to strip you naked right now and show you how much I love you.”

  Her breathing hitched. “I don’t think I should walk outside looking totally ravished,” she said in a low voice. Catching his gaze, she stood on tiptoes and brushed her lips against his. “Thank you for the most beautiful day of my life.”

  “It’s still the morning. You haven’t had the day yet,” he said with a quizzical look in his eyes.

  She pulled him towards her and hugged him tightly. “I know you’ve made this the day that I wanted. You spoke to your mum ensuring it was what we wanted, not what they wanted.”

  “But this is your day,” he insisted.

  “But you’re the groom. It’s your day, too.”

  “Of course, but us coming together is more than a day. I get to spend today, tomorrow and the rest of our lives together. We’ll grow old together and that’s more than just a wedding day.” His hand came up and caressed the curve of her hip before moving lower. “I get to make love to you, kiss you and hold you every night.”

  “You’re such a romantic,” she said with a smile. “I’m so lucky.”

  “I’m the lucky one,” he said before he cleared his throat, the skin along his jaw tightened. “Just so you know, Felix just arrived.”

  Her breath hitched in her throat. Initially, she’d avoided him as much as she could over the past few months, but she couldn’t avoid him totally. An easy truce had settled between them and there were times she struggled to imagine that she’d been engaged to him. Felix seemed so wrong for her compared with Jonah, and she was grateful every day that she’d had the courage to break her engagement. It hadn’t been easy. It had caused a rift between the brothers and also their parents that had taken months to heal.

  “Felix is here with Megan. He brought her as his date. You don’t mind?”

  “Of course not. My feelings for Felix are brotherly. I would love for him to find someone special and be as happy as we are.” She brushed her lips across his, careful not to mess her lipstick.

  “You two have been amazing. I know Mum and Dad have been so appreciative of how you’ve behaved when we’re all together.”

  “It was easier for me. I had you to support me and hold my hand,” she trailed her fingers down his face. “Felix is your brother, I didn’t want to come between you two.”

  “You haven’t, at all, my sweet. It took time but Felix realises you and he weren’t meant to be together long term.” He paused. “He still wants a family and to create a home life like what we had with Mum and Dad.”

  “Do you think he’ll find it with Megan?” she asked, sincere concern filling her eyes.

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. But I hope he finds someone who’ll understand him. He’s my brother, and I want him to be happy, too.”

  “I know you do. He’s a good guy, just not the guy for me.”

  Jonah pinched her bottom and she squealed. “You’d better believe it. You’re mine and in an hour, we’ll be married. Best day of my life.”

  “I’m so thankful,” she added.

  “I know. It’s been a bit rocky these past few months, but now everything has worked out. We live by the beach, you’re the queen of hacks and…”

  “You develop apps.” She cooed. “You’re so clever. The wedding app is brilliant.”

  “I couldn’t have done it without you.” His fingers skimmed her jawline.

  “My clever husband…to-be,” she added with a breathless voice. “My love.”

  Noises of people talking filled the air. “Our guests are arriving. Shall we go?” He pointed to the door.

  “Sure,” she beamed at him.

  They started walking and he turned to her. “You look exquisite.”

  She felt her cheeks warm. “Thank you. But I know I’m not that beautiful.”

  His searing look told her that he didn’t agree with her. “You are, and you are looking so beautiful that I don’t know how I’m going to get through today without kissing you, properly.”

  She grinned at his eagerness. “After the formal photos, I’ll remove my lip
stick and we’ll have plenty of kissing. Deal?”

  “Deal.” His face lit up, and his fingers curled around hers. “Let’s go and get married.”

  “Yes, let’s,” she said. “I love you.”

  “I love you more,” he said, before brushing his lips against her cheek. “I’m the luckiest guy in the whole world. I got a second chance at life and a second chance at the girl. We’re going to have a wonderful life together.”

  “Indeed, we will,” she said. With Jonah by her side, she knew that her life was complete. She’d found the man she loved without reservations and without restrictions. They were equal partners and she knew in the next year, when they hoped to start trying for a baby, that he would be a wonderful father. She. Could. Not. Wait. Her life was now brighter and happier. She’d found true happiness with Jonah. It no longer mattered that she was marrying into his family. She loved them a lot, but she loved Jonah more and the family they would create.

  Hand in hand, out they walked to spend the day declaring their love and devotion not just to each other, but in front of their friends and family.

  Their dreams had been fulfilled. How lucky were they?

  Acknowledgments

  Dear Reader

  When I decided to write a Valentine’s Day romance, I asked my readers what trope they would like. I suggested a number including, “fish out of water” and “opposites attract” but they chose “being left at the altar”.

  I have to confess that I found this difficult, and struggled to create a storyline that was fresh, interesting and believable. Why would a happily engaged woman marry someone else? Why leave her fiancé when she has everything she wants?