“Presents?” she asked as they went upstairs.
“Oh, yeah. You know old Jakey can be greedy. I want it all.”
“Sì!”
They stopped in the middle of the stairway where Jake removed the mistletoe from his pocket and held it up. “Commence kissing.” Their lips locked in a passionate kiss, tongues tenderly touching, playing together, their lips barely coming apart until Beth backed away, but came back nipping his lips with more little kisses. It was the little kisses, making his head swirl and his erection twitch.
Jake stuck the mistletoe into his pocket, leaned against the banister so they didn’t tumble downstairs, and lifted her. “Kiss me again, and get used to it because I’m hanging this right over that barn wood bed. Argh! I’m marrying you sooner than later, Ms. Beth Marconi.”
“It’s a date, Jake. I’ll be the one walking down the aisle holding flowers. I wonder who will walk me down the aisle...” Her lips quivered, and her voice broke. “I miss my dad.”
“I know you do, baby. He’ll be watching us.” Jake brought her head to his shoulder. He placed a kiss against her hair. “It could be Wade to walk you down the aisle, you know, since he’s already seen—”
“Don’t you dare!” Beth lifted her head to wipe at her cheeks and chuckled.
He had dragged a laugh out of her. All he wanted to do was quell her ache. Jake grinned, yet held the rest of his sentence back about Wade. Hopefully by now, Wade admired his own woman nearly naked. “We’ll walk each other down the aisle, darlin’. You and I arm in arm. It can’t be any other way.”
Beth leaned forward to give him a soft kiss. “I like it. Done. Shall we be fashionably late?”
“Hell yeah!” He carried her the rest of the way upstairs, put her down at the side of the bed, and whispered while his hands explored the satin of her dress. “You’re luscious. Beautiful tonight, by the way, but I want you out of this. It took everything I had to keep my hands off you earlier.”
Beth turned around and lifted her hair.
Jake held the zipper, snickering. His lips gingerly touched her neck, kissing his way over to her shoulder. “Before I pull the zipper down, tell me what color underwear you’re wearing today.”
Beth glanced over her shoulder, eyelashes fluttering, and a devilish grin quirking her lips. “What underwear, bambino?”
The zipper went down lickity-split. “Were you like this all night at your house? Please say no because I’m already excited thinking about it.”
“I’ll never tell.” Beth faced him while wriggling out of her dress. It hit the floor, and she stood in nothing but sparkly green high heels and an engagement ring. “Strip, Lawton.”
He moved hair over her shoulders so it didn’t cover her fabulous breasts. Jake knelt to remove her shoes, running his palms up her legs and over the rest of her body until he stood, rushing to get out of his clothes. His inner glow shone brighter with each beat of his heart. Bring it on, lady.
Beth sat on the bed and lay back. She brought one leg up with the other folded to the side. “Seems my sexy little Santa get-up is still downstairs. Come on. You’re wasting time.”
So freaking sexy. Inviting. Irresistible. He’d erupt if he didn’t do something soon while she lay there enticing him. Without any more hesitation, he fell in bed beside her, but rushed back to lock the door. On the way back, he did a dive onto the bed. He took her into his arms, and they lay side by side, skin against skin, enjoying the moment.
“Sooner than later, huh?” she asked. “That’ll give me little time to plan, although I want sooner.”
“Plan the biggest wedding Canyon Junction has ever seen.”
“Bigger than the mayor? Sheriff Thompson? In a short time?”
“Yep.” Jake brought her closer, and she curled up beside him. The room was cool, but together their skin was hot, sizzling like the two of them were together. He glided his hand over her body, touching her with tender caresses. “We have another chance to work on our baby this morning. A Christmas conception?” He laughed. “Let’s just go with the flow. No pun intended!” Jake lowered his hand to her midriff, her waist, lower to her thigh. He scooted close enough to press everything he owned against her, his fingers slipping between her legs.
“Kiss me, Jakey.” She smiled and placed both hands at his nape.
He tapped her on the chin and licked his lips. “Would you rather have kisses like Jakey or Jake? I promise the latter is much better. Sexier. Longer. Slower.”
Beth smoothed her fingers over the back of his hair and sighed through a shiver. She moved closer to his lips. “I’m in need of you. Surprise me. Make love to me.”
“Do me a favor, sexy woman?” He kissed her neck, her mouth, moving his lips lower toward his fingers as he spoke in a trembling voice. “Tomorrow at my parents for dinner, don’t wear anything under your clothes.”
Chapter 15
A tap on the door woke her from a deep sleep. Before opening her eyes, she turned her head into the pillow where Jake’s cologne lingered. She spotted an empty space beside her. Another knock rattled the door. Jake wouldn’t knock. “Who is it?”
“Can I come in?”
Huh? Trace? Holy crap! “Wait. One moment, please.” She pulled her naked body out of bed and ran into the bathroom for her robe—secured it around her with the tie belt, and went to open the door. “Is everything okay?”
He rushed into the room, plopped on the bed on his knees, and began bouncing. It wasn’t long before Kasha did the same thing, but she rolled around in the blankets. “It’s Christmas morning. Wake up!”
Beth yawned and rubbed sleep from her eyes. His joy made her smile, and she went over to him, wanting to bring him into her arms for a hug, but she refrained. Instead, she gave him a soft smile. “Merry Christmas.”
“Dad had to leave. Something broke, and he went to their ranch.”
“Leave? This morning?” How had T.J. felt about finding her in his dad’s room this morning, although he knew last night she’d be staying?
T.J. got off the bed and rushed to the door. “Yeah, he told me it’s his job. Come on, Kasha.”
Beth chuckled. He sure was in a good mood today, and it tickled her to see him this way. “Did you open presents already?”
“Yep, some of them, but Dad wanted me to wait for you.”
“You’re kind, honey, but you didn’t have to. Did you know I have a breakfast dish all ready to stick in the oven? If you turn the oven on to 350 degrees, I’ll get changed and get it going.” She ran her fingers through her hair to separate the tangles, a little self-conscious to be found this way by Jake’s child. “Oh, honey, take the pans out first.”
He giggled. “All righty.” Trace came back to give her a hug, and at that moment, Kasha ran back in through the door, plopping in the center of the bed again. They both laughed. Hugging this boy seemed normal. She gave him a squeeze. Had Christmas magic landed upon this ranch today, or at least on Trace?
“I’m hungry. Come on.” He patted his thigh for Kasha who tumbled off the bed. Tongue hanging out at the word hungry, she went out after him.
“I’ll be right there, T.J.” Wow, his initiation of the embrace made her heart go pitter-patter. Had he accepted her as being a part of them now? Beth waited until a few minutes after he closed the door before jumping in the shower to wash off a night of romance with a hunk.
Afterward, she released her hair to let it fall around her shoulders. Where had Jake gone? She dialed his number. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart,” she uttered immediately when he answered. “Trace said you had to leave. He’s in a joyous mood this morning!”
“Merry Christmas to you, babe. One of the ranchers outside of town had a part break. I’m taking her a new one as a loaner until we can get the old one repaired. She doesn’t much know what’s going on without a decent ranch hand around to give her proper advice.” He laughed. “His advice was to call Jake.”
Her? Of all the other ranchers she could’ve called, it had to
be Jake? What now, was she jealous? No, it wasn’t jealousy—it was pride.
“Ranching machinery doesn’t know a holiday from a Wednesday. I’ll see you soon. Beth?”
“Yeah?”
“I’d like you to get used to being here in the morning. My son wanted you here, too. You should’a heard him blabbering about you coming back last night.”
Awww! Those were happy words to her ears.
“He also knows I gave you the ring—that we’re getting married, which reminds me… I love you.”
And T.J. was okay with the news? “You know I’ll always love you. Always have. Always will. I’m putting breakfast in the oven—”
“I’m starving now. Do you have on your sexy little Santa outfit?”
Her nerve endings tingled at hearing his husky voice. “Um, not yet. Tonight, I will. Ho-Ho-Ho. Merry Christmas to you!” Clearing her throat, she said, “Come home soon.”
“Take care, baby. Go ahead and open your gifts.”
“Gifts? I’ll wait for you before opening.” Beth peered at her diamond—large and maybe more than two carats—the best gift she’d ever received. She turned her hand to the sunlight beaming through the window to catch its sparkle.
Jake’s sensuous voice spoke low into the phone. “My gifts were the ones Santa brought last night in the body of a sexy high school sweetheart.”
His words excited her. The shiver down her spine didn’t lie. “Wait until you see what awaits in our future.”
“I’m at the ranch now so I gotta go. I won’t be long. I’m excited about the future with you, darlin’.”
After disconnecting, Beth dressed in a red sweater and faded skinny jeans, taking a minute to apply a little makeup for now. Hurrying downstairs, she stuck her dish into the oven, poured a cup of coffee, and stood at the back window to greet the morn. No one else was around today. She turned on the radio, switching the channel from country to Christmas carols, laughing to herself. Jake and his music.
This did feel like home. My goodness, but her jittery stomach tumbled. In a matter of months, she’d marry the man of her dreams. She shouldn’t be nervous, but she was, and her whole body experienced the anticipation. Trace came in carrying his radio-controlled robot and set it on the floor while Kasha barked at it. “This is fun. Wanna try it? Get away, dog.”
Doubtful, she sat her cup down and took the remote when he handed it over. “Show me how so I don’t wreck him.” But her thumb accidently pushed the forward button, and it took off across the room. Beth giggled, and so did Trace when it ran into the wall. Kasha nipped at it. “Oops! How about I give this back to you.”
She found the right cupboard, removing a stack of plates, but Trace drove the robot into her feet, and she nearly dropped them. Albeit, she gave a jolly laugh and set the plates on the island.
She sat at the table with another cup of coffee to call her mom while she had a chance. “Guess what?” she asked when her mom answered. “I’m sending you a picture. Do you remember how to open an attachment?”
“Yes, dear. Let me set my coffee cup down.”
“Hold on.” She snapped a picture of her hand, the ring center stage, and sent it. “A picture is on the way.” Beth waited until her mom screamed.
“You and Jake got engaged? I mean officially?”
“Yes, last night! We’re getting married soon. We’ll talk later, but I had to show you. I’ll be home this afternoon to get you for dinner at the Lawton’s. I’m kind of nervous about going. I’m glad you and Elly will be there too.”
“Honey, I’m happy for all of you. Not everyone gets to marry the man they’ve loved all…well, you know, figlia mia. You’ve made the right decision, but you’ve always known. Stubborn parents got in the way. I’m glad you get your second chance. Jake’s parents must feel the same way.”
“Let’s hope so. It’s time to take care of breakfast. I love you, Mom. Merry Christmas!”
She brought out the fruit salad she had made when she put together the breakfast bake. Heat warmed her face upon opening the door to check the oven. Her dish was nearly finished. When she rose abruptly, she got lightheaded and leaned against the counter as Jake came in the back door to catch her dizzy.
“You okay?” He rushed over and led her to a chair at the table. “Got a love makin’ hangover?”
Beth raised her hand to her forehead. “Nerves. It’s good you’re home in time for breakfast. I’m taking it out of the oven in six minutes.”
“You sure you’re all right? What are you nervous about?”
She nodded while clasping her hand around his forearm. “I’m not sure. Maybe going to your mom’s. I know she still has something against me, thinking I drove you to drink, and fearful I’ll do it again.”
“Hush, Beth. I drove myself to drink. Don’t bring a black cloud over us today. What happened was a long time ago.” He patted his mouth. “Come right here and give me a kiss.”
Jake removed his hat then knelt in front of her. His hands rested on her waist, and he peered into her eyes.
She leaned forward to kiss him. The familiar smell of ranch life wafted through her nose. The aroma of breakfast permeated the air, too, and she’d concentrate on the smell of food instead.
“Can you plan a wedding to take place in a couple months?”
Beth got up to check the oven one more time. “Well, mister, I’ll do my best. I’ll contact Lilly. She’ll get things going.” At the counter, she spooned fruit salad into individual bowls.
“Invite ranch hands. Everybody.” Jake chuckled as the timer buzzed, and he went to shut it off. He came back to steal another kiss.
“Why don’t you round up your son, partner?” When Jake left the room, she went to the oven to remove their breakfast. They’d help themselves at the island, but then carry their plates to the table she had decorated in a holiday theme. She included a jolly snowman with a red ribbon tied around his derby hat as a centerpiece.
Trace beat his dad to the kitchen. “Dad went to wash up. Where do I sit?”
“Beside your dad in the dining room.” Beth put her arm loosely around his shoulder. “Trace? I love you, but I promise not to overstep my bounds. That means I won’t push my feelings on you, too fast. I know you still hurt for your mom, and I understand the yearning you have right here.” She patted his chest at his heart. Then she patted hers. “I do understand.”
“You hurt for your dad, too.” Trace drew his arms close to his body. He gave a longing gaze toward the doorway. Within a heartbeat, he smiled, peering up at her. “Can we eat now?”
“You can fix your plate. Come on.” Jake entered the kitchen wearing a pale green shirt and black jeans, his hair combed back, and he held a blue gift bag. The scent of his cologne was outrageously sexy. He handed her the package.
“Oh, guys. I know where this bag came from! Thank you.” She smiled at both of them. Beth removed a blue box from inside the bag, tore off the ribbon, and lifted the top. Gasping in awe, she raised one hand to her chest. “Oh! Wow.”
“It’s an infinity bracelet, whatever that means.” Trace couldn’t get the words out fast enough, sputtering like an engine trying to turn over.
Her mouth remained open, and then she closed it, half-way into shock. “Yes, of course. Forever and beyond. This means so much to me. Please help me put it on, Jake.” She set the box down and let the bracelet dangle from her finger. He put it on her wrist, and they all admired the way it looked. She draped her arms over his shoulders. “I love it, honey.” She hugged them both together. Beth could’ve done a back flip in the kitchen. A lifetime with Jake promised to be phenomenal.
It took a long time for life to add up and come together, but this is the way it always should’ve been. Trace’s grumbling tummy brought her out of her muse. “Come on, Trace, you fix your plate first.” She glanced over her shoulder and smiled at Jake. He wrapped his arms around her, and he didn’t let her go until T.J. finished filling his plate at the counter and had left for the dining room. She
swatted his hands while fixing her plate, as he caressed her breasts. His hands traveled below her waist, below her belly button… “Jake!”
“You love it,” he whispered, sneaking in a squeeze to her breasts.
Grinning, she gave it right back to him when it was his turn to prepare his plate. Jake had apparently underestimated her playfulness, and he wasn’t quick enough to grasp her hand. “Gotcha,” she whispered, getting in a good squeeze.
In the middle of serving himself, he set his plate down and spun around. Jake backed her against the counter across the kitchen. Again, they couldn’t, or more like didn’t want to, keep their hands off each other. Jake straddled his legs around hers.
He clenched the back of her blouse and pressed into her. “See how quickly you can turn me into a stud?”
“And I’m mighty proud.” Their soft sighs mingled while kissing—which set the stage for the beginning of their lives together. She gave him an affectionate smile and leaned forward again to meet his tender kisses—to kiss the only lips she’d kiss for the rest of her life. “A handsome stud you are, Jake, my love. I’ll love you from now until infinity!”
Chapter 16
Jake peered out the old whitewashed church window at the bright March day, checking his watch for the third time before he acknowledged the nerves. He never expected to be this anxious over marrying Beth. The old pine pews gradually filled with their guests, many he hadn’t seen for years, yet they had all been friends in high school.
Earlier when he had walked through the church, he overheard someone say seeing him and Beth get married was like seeing a royal wedding. Ever since they had released the news in her senior year of high school, their wedding was what the kids had talked about—a big deal for a couple kids back then.
A smile curved his lips when the white limousine came down the dusty road. He glanced back to where Trace waited in his matching black tuxedo, beside Wade. Both appeared to be as uncomfortable and out of place at being dressed up, as he did. Pride radiated from within, and he removed his phone to get a picture of his boy before heading outside to meet the limo.
Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas (Canyon Junction: Hearts In Love #1) Page 25
