Surviving the Storm (Surviving Series Book 2)

by Virginia Wine

  I could hear his breathing pick up, the panic in him rising.

  “Alex, wait. I’m safe in a hotel room, and I’ve changed my flight to leave here in the morning. I’ll be home by the afternoon.”

  “I could send the jet.”

  “That’s not necessary. I have things under control, trust me.”

  I shared every detail with him. He needed to know everything.

  I understood his anger, his rage, and his helplessness. I promised we would talk about options once I returned.

  ***

  Sleep didn’t come easily. I was constantly replaying the horror in my mind like a loop repeating itself. My phone’s alarm woke me early, and I could barely function, but I rallied, the memory of last night slamming into me like a freight train. I fought the sudden urges to allow it in and to consume me. Doing that meant he would win, and I couldn’t let that happen.

  Alex was standing in the waiting area of the airport when I arrived, his anxiety spilling over, trapped among the dozens of other people awaiting their family. I could read his thoughts as his hand ran through his hair. “If she had used the company plane, she would have been in my arms an hour ago.”

  Our eyes met seconds before our bodies collided. The rawness of our emotions bounced between us as I fell into my safety net within his arms. I could sense his obvious regret at what had happened, but it had been my decision to go alone.

  “Are you all right now?”

  He was holding me back, gripping my shoulders so he could see me properly.

  “Yes,” I lied, thinking the worst was over. “I’m just happy to be home with you.”

  He took my hand, snaking through the busy airport. My suitcase was following behind me. Finally, we reached the waiting car.

  “Where’s the R8?”

  The driver popped the trunk and got out, putting my suitcase inside as Alex opened the door. I climbed inside as he followed. Then he gathered me close, both arms wrapped protectively around me.

  “I can’t do this in the R8.”

  I felt his finger under my chin, lifting it as his lips brushed over mine, gently soothing, comforting me.

  I knew the discussion to come, and I’d prepared for it, but to my surprise, once we reached home, he only wanted to comfort me, as did my parents. Then I was back in his arms. He was lost in thought, and apprehension surged between us.

  ***

  The next several days were filled with finalizing the apartment. It was easy enough to accomplish long distance. Leo emailed me almost daily with updates, images of the completed designs, and an array of other information. It left me with little to do but design.

  One morning Alex approached my office, and I could feel the dark energy rolling off him before the words were even said.

  “One of Steel’s men will be keeping an eye on you when you are out, but you won’t even notice him,” he said, pacing. “I have to know you’re protected, Madison. For my own peace of mind, as well as yours.”

  Did I want this? No. But I wouldn’t fight it.

  “I understand if this makes you uncomfortable, but after the last turn of events, we’re left with little choice.”

  “I understand.”

  His screech to a halt surprised me, as he looked completely perplexed by my lack of protest.

  “Well, okay then.”

  “Let the guy know I have to stop by Eden’s to drop off her dress. She’s got her final fitting, and I have to fulfill my maid of honor duties.”

  He nodded in understanding.

  ***

  When I arrived, I was slightly nervous, cradling the gown in the garment bag in my arms. My signature was on it.

  I knocked, looking over my shoulder to the man who’d followed me here. I had acquiesced to the new addition to my routine who was sitting in his car. For now.

  “You’re here!”

  Eden was practically bursting with joy. I felt pressure, but I followed her in.

  “Let’s go to the spare bedroom. I moved everything in there. Poor Theo was overwhelmed with our dining room piled sky high with stuff.”

  Her high energy was catching, despite my worries.

  “I’m nervous.”

  I had to admit it. Although Eden had approved my design, it could be quite different when you saw it in person.

  “Stop, just stop.” Her hands were on her hips. “I’ve seen your work, and you’re amazing.”

  I followed her into her a completely chaotic room. It looked like a total mess to my eyes.

  “We’ll need your shoes, too, to check the length.”

  I watched as she got down on her hands and knees. As she reaches deep into a closet, she triumphantly held one shoe up.

  “Found it!”

  “I’ll hang the dress by the full-length mirror.”

  She stripped down to her strapless bra, her breasts spilling over the top and matching panties.

  I unzipped and carefully pulled out the gown. Then I heard a huge intake of air as Eden covered her mouth.

  “You kept all my mother’s beading and embroidery.”

  A tear fell down her face as she shimmied into the pure white satin. The off-the-shoulder lace was embellished with her mother’s original, antique jewels. They were delicately placed upon the only lace on the gown, which rested just off her shoulders and across her collar bone. Her natural curves were enhanced by the satin. It had a slight ruching along the sides, for comfort.

  “Theo’s going to love this.”

  As she ran a finger lightly over the lace, her breast peeked over the top. It was the perfect fit for her waist and thighs. The sheath style and chapel train was quite delicate. Then she added the shoes. I pulled on the veil, which had hints of the same embroidery down each side.

  “This will trail a few feet longer than the gown.”

  I placed it on top her dark curls, gently drawing it out to full length.

  “Oh Madison, it’s perfect.”

  She wiped her tears away.

  “I’m thrilled you like it. You look like an angel.”

  She turned left than right, riveted on the dress she would get married in.

  I shared in that joy, because my brother was marrying someone I considered to be a dear friend.

  “Not to outshine the bride, I will be wearing a slightly different version, in blush. It will keep some of the elements of the original, and include some new ones as well.”

  We were only days away from the big day now.

  “How many guests are coming? I know you wanted it small and intimate.”

  “That’s easy, I can name them all. Obviously, the wedding party, which is the four of us, plus Gage, who’s walking me down the aisle. His plus-one, Christopher, the planner, her staff, and I have a handful of college friends, several of my parents’ close friends, Ben and Jordon, and your parents. There’s also Theo’s secretary, several college friends of Alex’s and Theo’s, Janelle, and a few I haven’t met yet. The total number is still under twenty-five.”

  Janelle?

  I’d let that go, but not before a fleeting moment of jealousy ran through me. I helped Eden out of the gown and put it back into its protected black bag.

  “We don’t want Theo getting a peek!”

  “Honestly, he completely avoids this room. It just provokes panic attacks with his need for order.”

  I rolled my eyes as we shared a laugh.

  “It’s better than him throwing himself onto the floor kicking and screaming in a temper tantrum.”

  My body stiffened at the sudden memory, the first real scene I’d recalled since our reunion. Funny that it would be that incident.

  “How’s the planning going?”

  Trying to distract my inner thoughts, I walked with her over to her whiteboard. I was amused to see checks by everything.

  “Wow, that’s impressive.”

  Her eyes sparkled as she glanced my way.

  “Everything is in place.” She beamed. “Now, if everyone can just do as t
hey promised, we will all be good.

  “What time do you need me here?”

  “Just a couple hours before, to help me with the dress and go over last-minute details. I assume it’s the same for Alex, and feel free to take the tour when you arrive. I would love to get your opinion on the finished results.” Then the corners of her mouth turned up. “Thank you so much for everything!”

  “You’re welcome. So, you’re sure you don’t want a bachelorette party? No wedding shower? Last chance.”

  “No. We decided that this was about our vows, and focusing on the end result—becoming husband and wife.” Her lower lip trembled as she fought back tears once again. “I have to get all the tears out before the big day.”

  “True. Call me if you need anything, otherwise, I’ll see you the day of.”

  I left with an array of feelings. Relief that Eden loved her dress and the excitement of the wedding, but the peculiar memory had me oddly puzzled. With everything else going on, why would I remember it now?

  ***

  When Alex and I pulled up to Theo and Eden’s home on the day of the wedding, we could see the valet.

  “Nice touch,” he said, getting out the car. “Can we assist with any packages?”

  One of the young men replied. “Please take the garment bags to the bride and groom, but make sure you guard them with your life.”

  “You may want to ask for collateral,” Alex teased. “This car is like my firstborn child.”

  The young man appeared nervous, so I decided to pity him.

  “He’s kidding, but just be careful.”

  The other young man took our keys and we discovered that we were the first to view Eden’s creation. There was a warm welcome sign, hand calligraphed on a black chalk board, pointing us and all the guests to circle to the backyard. We made the turn, overwhelmed by a sense of awe.

  “Cool.”

  Alex picked up a pair of sunglasses from the array of baskets sitting on the table. There were also white umbrellas for the sun, flip-flops, and disposable cameras for “had-to-be-there” moments.

  We moved over to the pool area next. It was covered with a clear plexiglass for dancing. Small round tables surrounded us, each were hidden in all the nooks and crannies, covered in white linens and tan-cocoa table runners. There was lush centerpieces, with a colorful mixture of sunflowers, tiger lilies, and dahlias—to name a few.

  The wedding party table was set on a platform. It carried the same design, except the length of the four chairs were all embellished with the same flowers.

  “We’ll sit here, on either side of the bride and groom. Did you work on your speech?” I asked him.

  “What speech?”

  He was teasing—I hoped.

  The bar was stationed closer to the house, and an overhang protected guests from the sun. I could see where the music would be set up, slightly off to the left of the main reception area.

  “Check out the hanging lanterns,” Alex commented, I looked up to see all styles and colors of them floating with candles inside.

  “Who’s lighting all those?”

  “The wedding planner has help. Don’t worry, Alex.”

  He reached for my hand as we moved on.

  “A popcorn stand?”

  I giggled at his youthful enthusiasm. Truthfully, who didn’t love popcorn? When we reached the cobblestone pathway, we found more lanterns hanging in trees. The twinkling lights overhead just added to the overall ambiance.

  As we moved along the path, unique surprises were scattered from left to right. A canoe filled with ice, beer, soda, and water. There was a wood sign above it which simply said, “Grab and Go.” A swing bench for two sat under an old oak, which was decorated. These were all romantic touches that we couldn’t resist enjoying.

  “Eden pulled it off perfectly, and it’s not even underway yet,” I said as we both swayed in the swing, shaded from the sun. “We need something like this, don’t you think?”

  “I agree. This entire party is pretty amazing—as far as weddings go.”

  “And how much do you know about weddings?”

  “First stop to the honeymoon?”

  He grabbed me and kissed me.

  When we reached the raised altar, it was covered in the exact flowers seen throughout the rest of the magical scene. Edison bulbs were hanging crisscrossed over the guest chairs and around the altar.

  Alex stood on the platform, holding his hand out.

  I hesitated, thinking that their altar was sacred.

  “Come, baby, just for a moment.”

  I joined him face-to-face, our hands joined.

  “Someday, Madison.”

  “Someday?”

  “You’ll be mine, forever.”

  Asilent question hung in the air between us. Promises of the future, of what was to come.

  “Yes,” I answered. I wanted all this, too, so I placed a kiss on his lips, sealing the deal.

  “We need to get to our stations,” Alex said, breaking the moment we shared, but I knew there would be opportunities to kindle this particular conversation in the future.

  When we reached the kitchen, he went his way and I went mine.

  ***

  “Knock, knock,” I said softly.

  “Madison, is that you?”

  I opened the door to see Eden had a makeup artist and hair stylist working on her simultaneously. The sunshine filled the room and spilled a ray of light focused entirely on her. It felt almost spiritual, as if her mother might actually be sharing this moment with her within those rays.

  I kept it to myself as my eyes welled up.

  “You look so beautiful, and you’re not even dressed yet!” I saw the gown and her veil hanging side by side. Her shoes and undergarments were all in position. “How can I help?”

  “Just be with me. The planner will do everything else. Did you have a chance to tour the back?”

  The memory of Alex’s touch and his words on the altar sparked a fire deep within me, fueled by emotion, love, and the future.

  “It’s spectacular, more than I dreamed. You did an amazing job, Eden.”

  She blushed, and then there was another knock on the door.

  “You-hoo! Little dove, it’s your big day,” Gage said as he strolled in and bent to air-kiss both of Eden’s cheeks.

  Her gaze fell to his royal-blue tux and black velvet lapels. A black bowtie and black pants completed the look, along with his alligator shoes.

  “You really played it down today,” Eden teased him.

  “Not. A. Word,” he answered her playfully. “The fuchsia was already taken, so count your blessings.”

  This caused everyone to break out in laughter.

  “How’s Mr. Perfect?”

  Gage was sitting on her bed, one leg crossed over his knee. He was also viewing himself in the mirror, seemingly pleased at the results.

  “Perfect,” she answered. “And Christopher? That hot piece of…?”

  “Ho. Keep your eyes diverted from my man, please.”

  His voice raised a few octaves as his hand flew through his perfect hair. Then he reached over to turn Eden’s music on.

  “Is this a funeral, or what?”

  Her giggles and his slap shots turned the room inside out. I decided I was sticking by Gage tonight. I imagined that fun followed him wherever he went.

  “Are you here to make trouble, Gage?”

  “Me? Gee, thanks.” His hips were moving of their own accord to the beat of the music.

  After another knock, a tray of champagne and a round of glasses appeared.

  “See why you keep me around?”

  There was another rap on the door.

  “Not me!” Gage shouted.

  I open the door to see Alex in his black tuxedo, holding a small gift box. I melted at the sight in front of me, almost coming undone on the spot.

  The sexy beast was grinning ear to ear.

  His wink acknowledged the look on my face. What he couldn’t se
e were my wet panties and the ache between my legs.

  “I know your body very well, Madison,” he whispered, his eyes all dark and sinful.

  Christ.

  “This is for the bride, from the groom.”

  Then he just disappeared, leaving me desperate and wanting.

  “Fuck-a-luscious.” This was high praise from Gage. “Yours, huh?”

  “How’d you know?”

  “The floor melted beneath him.”

  Gage snorted softly, then we all changed our focus as Eden opened her gift. She pulled out a letter first.

  Eden,

  Marry me, and be mine forever. When the preacher asks you to place the ring on my finger, this is the ring I want you to use—my father’s wedding band.

  Your groom awaits.

  Love,

  Your future husband

  The band was simple—even a little scratched. It was obviously worn, yet loved. I noticed it was silver, with a scroll design. Several of Eden’s tears hit the letter, disfiguring several letters as the ink spread. We all attempted to save her makeup, but I was weeping as well.

  “I’m going to get dressed.”

  I desperately needed to find a private bedroom and text Alex.

  You’re such a tease. Find me—and fuck me.

  His reply was instantaneous.

  On it.

  Exciting anticipation flowed through me as I waited for him to make good on his word. Two minutes later, the soft knock finally came as I stood in my robe.

  “What took you so long to text me?”

  He was always so sure of himself, and I wanted to fuck that smirk right off his face.

  He locked the door, then turned as I opened my robe and lay flat on the bed.

  “Fuck, Madison, you don’t play fair.”

  I watched as he fought to take off his jacket. I smiled at his urgency.

  “Yeah, neither do you.”

  Then his fly caught a snag, slowing the process.

  “It’s stuck.”

  “Yes, I can see that.”

  I amused myself by reaching down and rubbing between my legs.

  “One second, please.”