by Amy Wiseman
“Sorry. I’m actually meeting my fiancée to go to the Marriage Bureau and get our license,” Jason answered uncomfortably, as he looked to the boys for help and received none.
“Oh! Well…congratulations,” the dealer spluttered, then reached out and hugged Jason a little longer than was appropriate. Jason patted her back stiffly and pulled away, dragging both his silent, laughing, unhelpful friends along with him.
~*~
Getting their license took about an hour; thankfully the lines weren’t terribly long, and things were progressing right on time. Waiting, Kara found she had a constant need to touch Jason, which she happily indulged. She had begun kissing him as soon as they were situated in the cab outside their hotel, and didn’t stop until the driver announced their arrival. Holding his hand in line, stroking his arm, and kissing his shoulder, she just couldn’t get close enough. He didn’t seem to mind, returning her affection willingly with enthusiasm. Once they returned to the hotel, certificate in hand, Kara kissed Jason goodbye and was once again ushered away by Evalyn to make the final preparations for their wedding.
Jaime headed off to help Jason, and to get herself ready to stand beside him as his best man. She was jumping with excitement over the opportunity to stand up for her twin, and had purchased the same dress as Eva - a very light weight silky red slip dress, only hers was in black to match her brother’s suit. Evalyn ushered Kara to the hotel salon to have her hair and make-up done, and once complete, returned to Eva’s room to dress. With gentle hands, and easy movements, Evalyn carefully pulled the gown from its protective bag, and helped Kara slip it on. On any other day Kara would have conceded Eva the most beautiful woman in the room, but today was her day. In her white gown with her hair piled on top of her head, tendrils falling down around her face, and with her tiara nestled in amongst the intricate hairstyle, she knew she looked stunning.
Dressed and ready, the two women made their way down to the lobby where Ryan waited to escort them to the chapel. As they walked along, people went out of their way to congratulate Kara, and comment on how beautiful she looked. She indeed felt like a blushing bride. She smiled wide when Ryan’s mouth dropped open at the sight of the ladies approaching.
“I’ve never seen you look so amazing. Thank you for letting me be a part of this,” he whispered into her ear, as he helped her into the waiting limousine. Kara gave him a watery smile, and as he settled in beside her, a playful shove for making her tear up. Grinning in return Ryan opened up a bottle of champagne and poured them each a glass, toasting to friends, love, and happiness.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The chapel was small and quaint, and Kara’s limousine arrived just before it was time to begin. As she climbed out of the limo, Jaime approached and handed her the bouquet of flowers that Jason had selected. Kara took a deep breath and paused, lost in the moment. She opened her eyes and the chapel doors opened. The music began, the soft strains of Pachelbel’s Canon in D floated through the afternoon air, and Eva began her walk into the chapel and down the small aisle. When it was Kara’s turn to walk down the aisle, instead of the bridal march, the music switched to “In My Life” by the Beatles. Kara let out the breath she’d been holding as she walked toward Jason, and as the Beatles sang about lovers and memories past, about finding the one unforgettable person who reigns over all, Kara walked toward her true love.
She didn’t bother to try and stop the tears that fell, and could only pray her make-up wouldn’t smear too badly. Eva had the forethought to use water-proof mascara, so at least she knew she wouldn’t have to worry about raccoon eyes after the ceremony. As she made her way down the aisle, her eyes locked with Jason’s and held them. She had never seen him look more gorgeous, dressed handsomely in his suit, his eyes tinged red from his own overpowering emotions. His smile was wide and his eyes sparkled as Kara got closer, and when she reached him, he held out his hand to her. As she slipped her hand into his, he gently pulled her closer and brought her hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. When the officiant asked who was giving her away, Ryan announced that he was standing in for her father Paul, passing along his blessing to the happy couple. He patted Jason’s shoulder and kissed Kara’s cheek, then took a seat in the front row next to Eric as the ceremony continued.
When it was time to place the ring on Kara’s finger, Jason slipped both her rings on, and Kara let out a surprised gasp. The rings were everything she would have asked for, had she known what she had wanted. With his vows, Jason described the symbolism of the ring and how they related to his feelings for Kara. She was his best friend, held his heart in her hands, and would have his loyalty forever. Fate had brought them together in high school, only to separate them just long enough for them to grow up, and be ready for the commitment they were now making to one another. This was their destiny.
When the officiant announced he could kiss the bride, Jason tenderly took Kara’s face in his hands, leaned in slowly, and kissed her mouth ever-so gently. As soon as their lips touched, his hands moved from her face to embrace her in his arms, as hers circled under his, around his waist, and up his back to grip his shoulders. He twisted her into a dip that caused her leg to lift, and the room erupted with whistles and clapping. Kara’s head swam with emotion as Jason righted them, and broke from their kiss. Still holding hands, they stared into each other’s eyes as Jason mouthed ‘I love you,’ and Kara responded in kind.
~*~
Pictures came next, and the whirlwind excitement continued. Instead of throwing her bouquet, Kara handed it to Jaime and winked at Ryan, who blanched and tugged on his tie. When they finished at the chapel the limousine took the group back to their hotel, where Jason guided Kara around all night, his hand always touching her; claiming her, bragging to anyone looking that he was her husband.
When they walked past the blackjack tables, Jason spotted the dealer who had hit on him earlier in the day. When she looked up, he smiled and tilted his head to the beautiful bride beside him, then mouthed ‘my wife.’ The dealer gave a small smile and nod in return, and went back to dealing the cards for her table.
Everyone played a few games, trying their hand at craps and roulette, along with some slot machines; luck being on their side, each of them won more than they lost. However, as much fun as they were having, Kara and Jason were both eager to return to their room to be alone together as husband and wife for the first time.
Taking the Player’s Club card from his bride’s hand, Jason handed it to Evalyn, telling her to have a good time He then linked his hand with Kara’s and tugged her along with him toward the elevators; her giggles floated in their wake along with air kisses and waves goodbye. Once in the elevator Jason attacked Kara’s mouth, holding her firmly to him as he pushed her into the wall, grinding himself against her.
“Finally,” he whispered. “I’ve been dying to get you alone, Mrs. Dietrich.”
“All you had to do was ask, Mr. Dietrich,” Kara replied seductively.
“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Do you know how stunning you are? Have you any comprehension of my love and desire for you?”
Kara sighed, and he reclaimed her lips in another searing kiss of desire.
When the bell dinged to indicate its arrival at their floor, Jason leaned down and scooped her into his arms, surprising her, then carried her to their room. He placed her gently on the ground as he fished the key card from his pocket. Swiftly opening the door, he lifted Kara into his arms once again and crossed the threshold. Letting the door close behind him, he carried her all the way to the bed before setting her down. Leering down at her, his intentions so very clear, he walked back and slipped the do not disturb card on the outside door knob. After setting the locks he turned back to gaze at Kara on the bed. He stalked back to her slowly, tugging his tie loose and pulling it from his neck in one swift, suave move, before tossing it aside. He licked his lips and smiled when it looked as though Kara had stopped breathing. He relished her gaze as he
stood before her and pulled his shirt slowly from his pants, toeing his shoes off at the same time. He stood by the edge of the bed and stared down at her as he unbuttoned the shirt, and as he was about to take it completely off, Kara jumped from the bed to help.
The button down now lying on the floor, Jason chuckled as Kara reached for the hem of his undershirt and lifted it up over his head. Once it was also off and tossed aside, he grabbed her and kissed her long and slow. With one hand lightly gripping the back of her neck as his tongue tasted the heat of her mouth, his other grasped his belt, unfastening it and pulling it from his pants as easily as he had his tie. Once his belt was removed, Kara took over, undoing his pants then slipping her hands inside, over his firm ass. When she pulled him firmly against her, Jason was ready to throw her on the bed and take her hard and fast. He kicked his pants off and then turned Kara around, letting his fingers drift up and down her back a few times before undoing the buttons along her spine. Once that task was completed, he slipped both hands up along her shoulders and pushed the dress down, watching as it fell effortlessly into a pool at her feet.
Guiding her back onto the bed, he kneeled in front of her. He paused a moment, his eyes lingering on the sight of Kara lying on the bed below him, wearing only white satin and sheer stockings. So very little white satin. He unfastened the garter at her right thigh, carefully slipping his fingers under the edge of her stocking and pulling it down slowly, completely absorbed in the feel of her smooth skin against his fingers. Feeling helpless and unrestrained, he leaned in and kissed her thigh, running his lips all the way down her leg to her foot, stopping to kiss the top of it before putting it down to move onto the other leg and repeat the process. He then pulled her into a sitting position and slipped his hands behind her back to unhook the strapless bra. As it fell to her lap, Jason pushed her back down to the bed and latched his mouth to her breast, teasing her nipple relentlessly with his tongue and teeth. Kara moaned and writhed at his assault while he took advantage of the moment to undo her garter belt. Slipping both it and her underwear down, he pulled away from her breast with an audible pop of suction, pulling the remaining clothes from her body. His eyes roamed her entirety as she lay naked before him, her scent of arousal calling to him. He could no longer contain his lust and slipped his fingers inside the wet heat between her thighs. He pumped them gently before pulling them out and pushing her legs open wide to taste her. As his tongue worked her over as his long fingers returned, slipping inside and pumping her into a frenzy. Her orgasm hit hard when he curved his fingers up and pressed.
“My wife is incredible,” he licked his lips as he slipped his body up hers and settled himself between her thighs. He felt her shiver as he covered her body with his, and didn’t hesitate to enter her, having almost let go himself as he watched her writhe from his tongue and hand.
Once inside he held still, and when he finally regained control he slowly eased in and out, feeling her slick heat glide around him, knowing they were tied together now, in love and in life; husband and wife. He nudged her ear with his nose then kissed it, capturing the lobe gently between his teeth and sucking softly. Letting it go he began whispering words of love and loyalty.
Covered in a light sheen of sweat, Kara began to moan and shake as she gripped him tighter. She urged him to move harder, faster; begged him to come inside her, to claim her as his wife; as his partner. She told him how good he felt, how he fit her perfectly, how only he could make her feel this way. He grunted as his movements became erratic, his emotions taking over as her words clouded his mind, and he felt himself ripped apart at the seams. Desperately, he reached between them and rubbed along where they were joined, teasing her, stroking her, begging her to join him. She did. He wasn’t finished with her, though, far from it, his caresses continued, his kisses seared. He continued to worship her well into the early hours of the morning, finally falling asleep blissful and sated.
~*~
The remainder of their time was spent enjoying the strip with their friends and enjoying each other alone. Before they knew it, their time was up, and they were back at the airport checking in as husband and wife. Only this time they were flying first class; Kara had never flown first class.
“I’ve never flown first class.”
“I have a feeling you’ll like it.”
Kara took her seat and settled in, waving to her friends as they passed her on their way back to their seats in coach.
“This is really nice!”
Jason laughed at her enthusiasm and opened up the laptop he had brought along so that they could watch a movie. It wasn’t long before the plane was in the air and the flight attendants began lunch service. Kara ordered the chicken salad and her mouth dropped open when the attendant returned with an actual chicken salad. She had fully expected some sort of chicken salad sandwich, but what currently sat in front of her was a chef salad with actual chicken strips. And real utensils. She enjoyed her lunch, moaning her pleasure and repeating over and over how awesome first class was. When they finished eating, they ordered a few drinks and snuggled in to watch a movie. When the plane landed they were both buzzed and giddy as they met up with their friends at baggage claim.
“Evalyn, I’m never flying coach again!” Kara exclaimed loudly. “Seriously.”
Eva laughed and smacked Kara on the butt as she kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you had a good trip. Congratulations,” she said, hugging her friend.
As their luggage slid down the ramp the men began to grab the suitcases and distribute them.
“Well, I guess we’ll see you guys later,” Jaime said, her arm slipping around Ryan’s waist. Evalyn leaned in and hugged them both, followed by Eric.
“We’ll get together soon,” Eva said as she hugged Jaime goodbye.
Breaking apart from their small group huddle, they all turned to Kara and Jason.
“I guess we’re not going to see you again before Kara moves,” Evalyn said to Jason, and Kara could hear the sadness in her voice when her friend mentioned Kara’s upcoming move to Seattle.
Jason shook his head no, affirming her words, and wrapped his arms around his wife’s best friend, embracing her.
“You’d better take care of her.”
“I will.” They both smiled at the similarity of this conversation to the one they had in Paul’s hospital room.
Grabbing their bags, the men shook hands and the women hugged again before they all tearfully parted.
“Well Mrs. Dietrich, I guess we should head to your place and get started packing.”
Kara smiled and pulled herself closer to Jason’s side as they walked.
“I love you,” she said, looking up at him.
“I love you, too.” They made their way to the car and then to Kara’s apartment. While Jason had to leave the following day, Kara would follow as soon as she had her business details finalized. The plan was to put her furniture in storage, along with most of her household items, and to box and ship the majority of her clothes. She would keep any personal items she’d need with her, and in this way they spent their last evening together organizing before calling an early bedtime.
Kara cried the following day at the airport as she clung to Jason near the security gate. He kissed her over and over, promising her forever. She watched as he passed through the security gate, and kept her eyes on him until he turned the corner and was gone. Sighing heavily, she trudged back to her van. The sooner she finished up here in Austin, the sooner they would be together again.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Two years later…
“Is that everything?” Kara asked, looking around the small house they had rented together.
“Everything that’s going in the moving truck,” Jason replied. Kara watched him, and a small smile crossed her face as he rotated his neck around, trying to stretch it out. They had spent the last week packing up all their belongings; Seattle was nice, but it wasn’t home. ; The winters had been hard on them, they were unaccustomed to the
rain, and they were both more than ready to move back to Austin.
Kara moved to Jason’s side and wrapped her arms around his waist. His immediately went around her shoulders.
“I love you,” she murmured.
Jason smiled and leaned his forehead to hers.
“I love you, too. Are you ready to get back to work, slacker?” Kara rolled her eyes at his referral to her impending return to Edible Delectables.
“More than ready; I miss it.” She had managed to keep busy, advertising in both the paper and online for baking services, but it wasn’t the same as being in her shop. Kara had even tried going to work at another bakery in town, but quickly found that being a lackey without creative privileges just didn’t work for her. Instead, she had spent most of her time working with a web designer for Edible Delectables, and exploring how to expand her shop beyond Austin. It wasn’t long before Kara was working remotely with her store manager, CJ, and gearing the bakery up to begin taking online orders. When she wasn’t doing that, she was in the kitchen experimenting. Jason had had to increase his exercise regimen to keep the pounds off, as he was a very willing guinea pig most of the time.
For Jason, the fellowship had been very educational. Spending two years treating children in emergency situations allowed him to experience a varying range of issues, but in the end, as he had suspected, he chose to become a primary care physician. Recently he had been corresponding with several different clinics in Austin, and one in particular sounded appealing. Jason hoped Dr. Mayberry was as amiable in person as he had been on the phone and in emails; he would find out soon enough though, as they had a lunch date the following week.
