“My wife didn’t wear underwear on our wedding day. I’m a lucky man!”
Beth raised her head from his shoulder. She batted her eyelashes then smiled. “Yep, an underwear fetish. But, I brought some to wear for the rest of the night. Don’t worry, they’re sexy, and you get to remove them later.”
“Maybe it’s more like a bare ass fetish?” He chuckled. “Sweetheart. No. Doubt.” Jake exhaled a long breath. He searched the limo for the rest of his clothes. “We better get dressed. I forgot about the photographer.”
“Oops! I’ll have to go outside to get my puffy skirt back on.”
He pulled his pants on while Beth got white lacy panties from her bag, slipped them on, and slid her thigh-high dress down. “I’m still tingling inside.”
“Don’t you say that every time? Makes me proud for you to feel a lasting effect.” He tucked in his shirt. “That was crazy wild. Let’s do it again.”
“We’ll have to wait until we get to the hotel in Phoenix, although your truck is pretty big inside…kind of like its owner.”
Jake stopped everything to relax a moment, breathing in then breathing out a couple times. “If you’re decent, I’ll have the driver stop.” Beth nodded, and he rolled the window down. “Can you find a spot to pull over? Preferably a secluded spot?”
“Sure, Jake.” The window went back up.
Beth gathered up her poufy skirt as the driver pulled to the side of the dirt road. Jake stepped out and gave her a hand since puffiness filled her arms. Once outside she shook the skirt out and wrapped it around her waist. “Can you hook this for me?”
He took her arm and moved to the front of the limo in front of the headlights to figure out what he had to do. “At least now I know how to get it off later when we dance.”
“Yeah!” Beth chortled. “It’ll be so much fun and such a surprise.”
“I love you’re so accommodating, but do you think anything will surprise these people tonight?” When finished, he moved back to the side of the limo, tapped the door, telling the driver to kill the lights. He embraced her near the side door to kiss her in the dark. “You’ve made me one happy man tonight, honey. I agree with what you said. We’ll have a happy future. All four of us. Four of us? Yow! Ten years between Trace and this baby. Get in the car, woman. We have a party waiting at the high school. Don’t drink the punch. It’s spiked real good.”
Beth bunched up her dress and held it up to step inside. “I can’t believe the superintendent let us use the gym, but it’s the only place big enough to hold everyone who wanted to attend. It’s like we’re having a reunion!”
Jake told the driver they were ready. “What if we skipped the party? Let’s hit the road.”
“Skip the party? What about the photographer?” Her brain scrambled. Skip their own party after waiting so long? Their friends might send out a lynching party.
Jake tapped his fingers against his temples. “All right. We’ll go back for photographs and cut the cake. That’ll give me a chance to tell Trace we’re skipping out early. We’ll order in at the hotel.” He poured himself a glass of champagne. “I guess I have to drink this alone.”
“For a while. We can’t cut the cake before dinner. Lilly will be so mad at me for not adhering to her plans.” Her excited heart beat in turn to the tires slapping against the dividers in the road. She grinned when she peered at Jake.
Beth sat back against the warm leather seat. Her heart fluttered and hands sweat like the same teenage girl who had prepared to run away with her boyfriend all those years ago. Her insides did cartwheels, and her inner glow should’ve reflected off the windows. She wrapped her arms around him. “Don’t ever let me go, honey.”
“Ditto.” Jake embraced her, and she curled into him for the remainder of the ride.
***
Wade met them at the door. “I’ll announce you. Give me a minute to grab the mic from Rob who doesn’t have a problem hogging it.”
Jake blew out a big breath when Wade walked away. “You know I don’t like to be the center of attention, and now he’s about to announce us.”
Beth burst out laughing. “Since when? That isn’t how I remember it. Attention could’ve been your major in college. I’m eyeing cake over there in the corner.”
Jake followed her gaze and chuckled. “Me too.”
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Wade waited until it got quiet, but when it didn’t, he let loose, “Hey, dudes, stop talking. In other words, shut the…” He snickered. “Be quiet! Put your hands together for… Wait. Let me put it this way. Finally, put your hands together to welcome as husband and wife, Beth and Jake Lawton!”
Jake clasped her hand, and they entered the gym. Everyone continued clapping until they made their way to the bridal table—decorated with the same flowers from the church—out of place for a high school gym. White linen tablecloths adorned all the tables while pink roses surrounding white pillar candles were used as centerpieces. The small stage and dance floor was surrounded by tiny white and green lights. Nighttime brought out the ambiance and romantic flair.
She held his arm and pulled him close. “You have no idea how proud I am.”
“I get it. Like I said the other day, it’s been a long time coming.” His arm went around her waist. “When’s our baby due?”
Beth laughed. “I only recently found out. Maybe seven months from now?”
Jake lifted his hand to the air. “High five, baby!”
Beth went to slap her hand against his, but he lowered it—lifting it again with a laugh. “High five.” It tickled her to see him so excited and playful.
Jase, Tristan, and Dane Carlson, Wade, and some other friends from around town congregated near Rob. A few saddle bronc buddies lingered in the background. Rob lifted a beer mug toward Jake.
Jake gave a thumbs up. “Hey, Rob, get the tunes spinning so I can dance with my wife.” The guys laughed, chugged down their beers, and then they moseyed out to mingle with the crowd.
Beth took his hand, and they strolled to the dance floor. “Unchained Melody” started to play. Jake chose the fast one to come on soon, and she had no idea what might show up when the music switched from her slow choice to the fast one. Her eyes almost teared when the words of the song rolled out, but—this time was different. She had longed for him in the past, but now the longing didn’t fill the pit of her stomach. Love did. Happiness enveloped her all the way to her soul.
Jake bowed then took her into his arms. “Make it good, sexy.” After a few minutes of dancing to the slow song, Jake twirled her around and when her back was to him, he ripped off the skirt of the dress at the Velcro and tossed it aside.
Wiggling her hips to the faster beat of the music, she took his hat off and tossed it across the room, removing his jacket, all while continuing with her own little sexy dance. “Shame on you for picking this song. I do not have a big, ahem…BOOTY!”
“The singer has nothing over on you, darlin’. Your booty is perfect.” Jake stood taking it all in, even when she took off his tie and unbuttoned his shirt. Whistles and hollers came from their guests, egging them on.
Beth laughed, surprised Jake carried it through, but he wouldn’t let her remove his shirt.
“Afraid someone will see your muscles, big boy?” The music gradually got faster.
A sexy saxophone blasted out a sensuous tune to slow things down just a bit. More instruments blended in, rolling into rock and roll, growing in tempo—their dance—downright sexy, and semi-dirty because there were kids in the room. With Jake up against her back, she wiggled her rear end against him and glanced over her shoulder with a flirty smile.
Lordy, but her man looked delicious with hair in his face, sexy, sweaty, grinning and grinding as if he’d take her right there. She had to slow it down before he took the dance further. Beth slid the hem of her dress down, took his hands from her hips, and spun into his arms. “Calm down, sweetie, I’m sweating, and you aren’t helping.” Beth gasped when he pulled her tight agai
nst him. “Jake!” She put her palms against his chest to keep a safe distance. “Save it for later!” Just in time, the music went back to the beginning song, slow and smooth, and she sank into his sizzling embrace to finish the dance. “Whew, you turn me on.”
“Didn’t think I had it in me, did you? I’m just getting warmed up.”
“Oh, I knew you did, but I wasn’t about to have it…I mean you in me, in front of everyone.”
“You’re the naughty one tonight. Whose idea was it to do this dance? You only got what you asked for.”
True. He lifted her leg and dipped her to the right, kissed her as flashes went off around them. They continued until the slow dance ended. “I’m glad we didn’t miss this part of the party.”
“My mom’s probably still blushing.” Jake swallowed down the champagne Wade handed him, then hooted.
Their friends surrounded them. Pats on the back mixed with hugs, and this was almost like a reunion for sure.
Lilly carried the poufy bottom to her dress over and handed it to Beth. “Hot damn, girl! This was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. My husband’s getting lucky tonight.”
Beth smirked at Lilly. “Omigod, tomorrow I’ll be so embarrassed. How many recorded it? I hope it doesn’t get on social media.” I hope never to see the limo driver again, either.
Lilly gave a hardy chuckle, apparently, the effect of overindulging in champagne. “Too late. You’re the talk of the town. Tomorrow, the world! I’m so happy for you and Jake.”
***
They had stayed for dinner after all and took advantage of every clang of fork against a glass—the traditional sign of making them kiss each other. By the time they got around to cutting the cake, most of the cowboys had their share of booze. Voices got louder, and laughter came more often. Pats on the back were harder.
Jake came over to Beth and Lilly. “I need my wife. Hope you’re having fun tonight, Lilly. Your husband better appreciate you.” Slipping his arm around Beth’s waist, he led her away. “It’s time to play hooky. Let’s get outta here.”
“I’m ready. Let’s at least say we’re leaving.” Together they walked over to Isabella. Beth hugged her mom farewell. “I’m so happy, Mom. I hope you’re having a good time.”
“Fantastica. I love you, baby. You’re glowing tonight. Your papa would be proud.” Isabella hugged her and Jake. “I’m thrilled for you two. You go. Begin your life. When you come home, we’ll talk about the little bambino you kept secret.”
Sorry, Mom. “Talk to you later. I love you. Enjoy the rest of the night.” Blushing, Beth handed her the poufy skirt to take care of until she arrived back home. She held Jake’s arm as they walked up to his parents. Derrick patted him on the back.
His mom hugged him, sticking in a line of ridicule. “Well, there was a dance they’ll be talking about for some time to come. Not to mention blurting out the pregnancy right in church.”
“Cool,” said Jake. “In case you don’t know it, Mom, they’ve talked about me before. Don’t worry. They’ll all get over it when the next bit of scandal comes up. The best part, about you being a new grandma, must have flown over your head.” Jake sought out Trace, but he had made his way over to them.
Silvia hugged him again. “I’m happy about the baby.” She smiled at Beth. “And I’m excited as can be for Trace to have a brother or sister.”
“Thank you, Silvia.” Beth patted her mother-in-law on the back while trying to hide her shock at Silvia’s kind words.
“Dad, the dance was…um, nice, I guess. I didn’t know you could dance.” Trace beckoned Jake closer. “Beth is having a baby?” He gazed at Beth.
Jake wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Yes, sir. Your half sister or brother. We’ll talk about it more when we get back. Are you okay with having a brother or sister?”
Trace nodded and peered at Beth again. “I’ll teach him how to ride a horse!”
“We’re taking off, T.J. You be good for Grandma and Grandpa. We’ll see you in a few days.”
“Awesome!” By now Trace had his jacket and tie off. He hugged Beth and then he hugged Jake tight. “Good night, Dad. Have fun on your honeymoon! Gross.” He ran off to be with a couple of the kids who had come with their parents, tapped Destiny Carlson on the shoulder, and danced with her.
Jake watched after him, and Beth snuggled against him. “He’ll be fine, sweetie.”
“I know, but look. He’s dancing with a girl. Hell, who knows. Destiny could be his future wife. Oh, for crying out loud, shut me up now.”
“Who is she? She’s a pretty little thing.”
“Dane Carlson’s niece. Tristan’s daughter. They’re in the same class.” Jake took her arm, and they headed toward the cake, grabbed a couple pieces, and he nodded to Wade on the way out. “Wade said we needed a bed. I like his idea.”
Beth nodded in agreement as they went out the door. Outside, the truck was parked in a dimly lit spot. The parking lot had been as crowded as a school day. She slid into the seat. Peering up at him before he closed the door, she smiled.
He hopped inside, removed his hat and black shirt, and then pulled Beth over for a kiss. He winked and slipped the truck into gear to ease on out of there. Three feet farther, he hit the brake. Beth laughed like a crazy fool. “What the hell is rattling?”
She rolled her window down to glance back. “I know what it sounds like.”
Jake jumped out, and she followed. Tied to the back of the truck were at least twenty beer cans. He chuckled and left them there, then they got back inside. “Lots of noise. Look at the rowdy bunch over there laughing their asses off. They must’ve had a blast emptying the cans.” Jake laid on the horn, rolled his window down, and gave them a thumbs up. “Y’all are nuts!”
“And I love the Just Married sign attached to the tailgate.” They peered at each other and grinned. “Boys will be boys,” she said. “This whole night makes me feel like a teenager again. Them too.” They pulled out of the parking lot and sped away—beer cans clanging behind them.
Sitting back to relax, Beth went over the goings-on of the night. When she played the dance over in her mind, her body tingled. No doubt the dance had been bold and daring on their part, but so much fun. Once, she had caught a glimpse of the principal, his eyes as large as a gym basketball hoop, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. She snickered.
“What’s so funny, darlin?”
She told him, and he got a laugh out of it too. About five miles out of town, Jake veered off the road. Beth glanced around. Omigod. No way. “What are you up to, Mr. Lawton?”
Jake shoved the console up. “Seems to me one night almost fourteen years ago, I pulled over right in this spot.” He cocked his head to get her over.
Beth pressed her teeth against her bottom lip, glancing out the side window and then the rear. She grinned. We have to wait. Not here. We could get caught. Jake moved the seat back, and Beth pulled her dress up, scooted over to his lap, and cupped his face. “Hey you. Does being married to me bring out the reckless side of you? The dance? Here now?”
“Hell if I know. Whatever it is, I like it.”
“I would’ve done this the first time, too, you know.”
Jake wrapped his arms around her, his finger tracing the zipper. “It happened in my dreams many times. Are you a dream now?”
“Mmm, you tell me…” Beth pressed her body down on him.
“Ah, hell no,” Jake shouted. “Absolutely not!” He ran his finger over her breasts, smiled, then lifted his eyes to hers. “Sit still a moment, darlin’ if you don’t want to do this here. Because if you keep moving against me, we’re doing this here. You’re damn sexy.”
“I’d hate to get caught making love on the side of the road, but I want you, later.”
Jake’s breathing was deep and raspy as he, apparently, tried to speak with control. “The sheriff and probably all the deputies are at the party. No one is watching the town, I guess.”
The area was dark, but a car dr
ove past them, and one came in the opposite direction. Beth laid her head on his shoulder. “You’re so much fun. The sooner we get to the hotel, the sooner we become one again.”
Jake arched his hips and moved slowly, pressing against her white lacy panties. “Turn me to mush. Make me explode.”
“Mmm,” she moaned. Tranquility rested in her soul. Beth closed her eyes and floated away to the fantastic place of desire and hope—a place only Jake could provide. She sighed pleasantly, content in his arms…where she had always belonged.
Jake placed his hand on the side of her face, and he smiled in the blackness of the night. “Our missing piece slipped right into place when you returned to Canyon Junction. Now, let me point this truck toward Phoenix before I end up with mayo on my macaroni.”
Beth chuckled, but laughter came to an abrupt stop when flashing lights pulled up next to them. “Oh, no!” She held him tight in case someone tried to rip her away from him again.
Jake rolled his window down. “Hey, Sheriff. What the hell’s up?” Jake chortled. “You can’t have her this time.”
“Howdy. Thought you lovebirds might want an escort out of the county. I know y’all can’t wait to get started with the life that should’ve been started years ago. Fall in behind, Lawton’s! I’ll get ya there.”
Beth and Jake smiled at each other. She scooted over, and they hooked their seat belts. He followed Sheriff Thompson—flashing lights and siren blasting, out of the county, though Jake didn’t drive at ninety miles per hour like Thompson did—but close.
The sheriff pulled off ahead, waiting at the county line before heading back toward Canyon Junction.
Jake drove up beside him, giving him a salute. Leon nodded before he hit the gas pedal, burning rubber to road while turning around.
It was the two of them left beneath a star-studded sky and a perfect night. Beth caressed the back of his neck, giving him a warm smile, and met his lips when he leaned over for a light kiss.
Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas (Canyon Junction: Hearts In Love #1) Page 27
