Reed's Reckoning

by Ahren Sanders

  “Arianna, I wanted to say a few words to you today in front of our family and friends to express how lucky I am to have you. Finding you after all those years was the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. I spent some time with Katy when I knew I was going to ask you to marry me.” The room is absolutely still; waiting to hear what he is going to say. We agreed no sad tears today. I hold my breath waiting for his next statement.

  “Even though she knew I loved you, she wasn’t convinced I deserved you. I told her that there was nothing in this world I wouldn’t do to provide a wonderful life for you and our children. I explained that I loved you enough to cover every heartache, deception, and misunderstanding. Your heartbeat is the bloodline to mine. I may have lived without you, but I never, ever knew love without you. There is no doubt in the world, I don’t deserve you, but I promise every day on this earth, you will never doubt how cherished you are.”

  Sniffles and sighs fill the room, and I let my tears fall. I want to say something but I’m too overcome with emotion. I glance away from his stare for a second and see Luke smiling widely with a sheen in his own eyes.

  Reed wipes my tears away and moves in to kiss me but the minister clears his throat loudly. We look at him and he looks at me with a questioning glance. I shake my head.

  When he finally announces husband and wife, a loud chorus of cheers breaks out behind us. I don’t look anywhere but in the crystal blue depths of my future and seal my lips to his.

  Our kiss is sweet and slow but takes a new direction when he pulls me close and grips my head. His tongue dances with mine and we breathe each other’s air to continue. My body melds to his and I run my hands up his torso until I reach his neck and hold on for life. The kiss turns passionate and needy and I pour everything I feel into it.

  The cheers continue but I don’t stop kissing my husband until there’s a tugging on my gown. I nip at his lips and turn to see Davis staring at me with huge eyes. He doesn’t understand the magnitude of what just happened. He simply reaches up for me to lift him. I bend down but Reed stops me and picks him up instead. We turn to the small galley and see flashes all around us. Sophie hands me my bouquet and we walk outside to thunderous applause.

  Once we get outside, I’m surprised to see a small bar set up with drinks and a sitting area lined in fans. The South Georgia heat is extreme and the people flock out behind us to the coolness and open bar. Shani brings me water with a koozie while I wait for pictures to begin.

  I laugh out loud when I read the caption on the koozie; ‘Operation Matthews’. Reed gives me a sly smile and leads us back to the chapel for the remaining pictures.

  An hour later, we are on the ferry heading to our reception. Reed got a special permit to have a bar on the boat so we can mingle intimately and enjoy the small group of guests. Cara is sitting alone on a bench looking silently at the water.

  “Did you help with all this?” I motion to the bar behind me.

  “A little.” She smiles shyly.

  “Come here!” I open my arms for a hug and she flies into me. I hold her tight and she freely melts into my shoulder.

  “Care Bear, are you mauling my wife?” Reed interrupts and wraps his arms around both of us.

  I see the happiness in her face that his nickname has returned. We all hug for a few more seconds before Davis blows in insisting Cara go look for dolphins with him. We watch them walk away and I feel at peace.

  When we get to the dock, loads of black extended SUV limos are waiting for us. I look at Reed in confusion and he shrugs, and each of the drivers stand with the names of their occupants. Reed helps me into ours and I notice a car seat in the middle. I grin and look back at Connor who is watching me closely. I wave and blow him a kiss, which causes a groan from Reed.

  We arrive at the Ritz with a huge reception waiting for us. Amy and Cara take Davis and give us a few minutes alone before they announce us.

  “I can’t believe this is happening.” I say breathlessly.

  Reed takes the opportunity with us alone to move me into his lap and nuzzle along my jawline. “Believe it, Angel, this is all for you. I wish we could leave tomorrow for a real honeymoon.” He keeps kissing and tingling runs through my body.

  “Stop it. I’ve got to face like a million people in a minute. I’d rather not do it flustered.”

  “Are you saying I fluster you?” He continues to kiss around my earlobe and neckline.

  “You know you do.”

  “Did I tell you yet how gorgeous you look?”

  “You didn’t.”

  “Well, be prepared for the Neanderthal you married to come out tonight because you are exquisite. And all mine.”

  I lean in to kiss him but a knock at the window lets us know it’s time.

  We exit the SUV to cheers and more applause. He leads me through the lobby to the ballroom and dance floor. People surround us as we dance to “Someone Like You” by Van Morrison.

  Molding into his arms, I let him carry me away with the lyrics he mimics in my ear. Davis runs out a few seconds before the song ends and Reed picks him up and into our embrace. We finish the song and turn to face our guests.

  The room goes crazy and I am swept in one direction and him in another. We do sit by each other for dinner, but we get separated as the night goes on. Sophie and Jack seem to be glued together and Luke is dancing with a beautiful brunette I recognize from the football games.

  When another Van Morrison song starts to play, he walks over and grabs my hand to dance. I clutch his embrace and breathe in his familiar scent.

  “You know nothing changes right? You’re still my rock?” I say to him insecurely.

  “Ari, baby, everything changes, but I am okay with that. I trust him. It’s time I let go and let him take the reins.” He whispers back.

  “Luke, you will never be replaced. I love you with all my heart.” I hold back a sob.

  “And I you, but you deserve this, Arianna Matthews. He will take care of you—without a doubt in my mind. I wouldn’t turn the job over to him so easily.”

  I look into Luke’s eyes and see nothing but happiness. He winks and twirls me so I fall into the rock hard chest of the man I love. He smiles down at me and I melt. Luke squeezes my shoulder and then kisses my cheek.

  We make our way off the dance floor and talk to numerous people until my throat is dry. I wave to the bartender I need a drink and Lamar saunters over with a look on his face that makes me nervous. Reed goes on alert and yanks me to him.

  “No FUCKING way! I’m telling you right now, I will make your life a living hell if you try.” Reed clings to me desperately.

  “Reed man, sorry, but it’s Shani’s tradition. You can give her to me willingly or we got to take her.”

  I look between them confused but feel Reed’s grip tighten on me. Lamar reaches out for my loose hand and smiles seductively. I get nervous but know he would never hurt me. As soon as my hand lands in his a few guys haul Reed away and Lamar launches me over his shoulder chanting something as he runs to the dance floor. I try to beat at his back but he weighs about two hundred pounds more than me. When he sets me down the familiar tune of Sir Mix’a Lot’s “Baby Got Back”, and I’m surrounded by tough, burly football players gyrating to the music. I laugh out loud and join in.

  My dress is so bustled I can enjoy dancing in the circle with the guys cheering me on. Every once in a while, someone jumps in and we grind together. After the third song, I’m exhausted and have hugged or kissed every man dancing. These guys went through hell with me last week and have made sure tonight I was treated like not only a princess but also a player’s wife.

  When Beyoncé comes on, a few ladies jump in with me and we dance like we are auditioning for MTV. I look up to see Reed red-faced but grinning. I motion to him with my finger and he comes willingly. We dance seductively together for a few minutes until the cake is announced.

  We walk together hand in hand to the table and he bites on my earlobe. “Tonight, yo
u will pay for that.”

  I smile sweetly and look at Shani who is grinning widely. I wink in appreciation.

  Reed

  Hold it together, hold it together, hold it together. I keep reciting in my mind. All I can think of is stripping her out of that dress and sinking as far into her as possible. I’m pretty sure she’s taking her time to torture me on purpose.

  I pour us some champagne and watch the ocean from the balcony. In my mind, everything was perfect today but there was an obvious absence. Ari held it together like a champ, but I know she felt it. I’d do anything to take her on a proper honeymoon, but with the season starting next Sunday, it’s impossible. My plans are to take her to Tahiti as soon as I can.

  “Reed?”

  “Out here, Angel.” I call back to her and see her moving through the suite to me. She’s taken her hair down and it flows down her back in soft waves.

  “Hi.” She says softly as I hand her a glass. “What are you doing out here?”

  “Waiting on you. Thinking about today. Planning our honeymoon in a few months.”

  “Hmmm, sounds nice.”

  I can’t stand another minute not touching her so I gulp the rest of my drink and position her in front of me. Inhaling her scent, I drop my head to the crook of her neck and nibble on the skin. Each little nip I take, I blow lightly to sooth it. She leans into me and I spread my stance so she fits into my body.

  “Was today—”

  “Everything I could have ever wanted. Besides missing Katy, it was perfect. Reed, you thought of every little detail.”

  “Do you know now how much I love you? There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

  “I think the seven tier red velvet cake proved that.”

  She sips her drink and I take advantage of unbuttoning the back of her dress. I see lace and skin until I get to the bottom and realize there is nothing at all.

  “Fucking help me.” I hiss.

  “Nope, all yours…”

  “Get inside now! And don’t turn around. “

  Walking behind her, I close the blinds. Seeing her dress spread open, I start unbuttoning my shirt. Shoes, socks, pants, and shirt fly off. She turns to me and tries to lower the straps, but I stop her. I drop to my knees and roll them down her arms until the dress pools at her feet.

  She stands in front of me in just a strapless bra and strappy sandals. I can’t decide what to consume first. Her body deserves worshiping, but my cock has other ideas. I move toward her bare skin, inhaling her scent, and cup the back of her thighs bringing her closer. My tongue licks lightly and I hear her moan. The taste of her sends my own body into overdrive. I run my hands down her legs until I reach the wrap-around straps and start to take them off. When she is bare foot, I look back at her and see lust in her eyes.

  “It’s your one and only wedding night, Arianna, any requests?” I ask sucking against the skin of her calf.

  She throws her head back and sighs, “I don’t know…”

  “Anything you want, Angel. Lick, suck, bite, all of it…”

  “YES!” she groans as I move up her thigh.

  Moving my hands up her sides until I hit her breasts, I use my fingers to circle her nipples through the lace until they are in stiff peaks and the use my tongue to run along the line of her slit. She steps aside a little and her taste floods my mouth. Once my tongue hits her soft spot, she grinds into my face. She starts to moan and I move my fingers lightly up her thighs hoping she feels the sensations. Her body tightens against me when my finger rubs along her ass.

  Changing my motions a bit, I suck hard and enter her with my finger. Her body starts to go limp and I butterfly my fingers up her sex until I hit her clit. She screams her release and I suck until she trembles and falls over me.

  I lick one last time and lean up taking her limp body to the bed. She is still panting when I lie over her.

  “Where the fuck did you learn that?”

  “Baby, those women leave their Cosmopolitan magazines everywhere on the away games. I guess I got nosy.”

  “Cocky much?”

  “Want more?” I move her to the side and remove her bra. “I swear, Ari, tonight you gave me the greatest gift ever.”

  Positioning myself gently, I slide into her heat. I move slowly in and out of her, never breaking eye contact. “My world doesn’t exist without you. All the love in my heart belongs to you, forever.”

  Her eyes fill with tears, but she grips my hips tight. “I was overwhelmed today, but looking back, I have something to say to you too.”

  She grips harder and holds my stare.

  “When I first saw you across campus, I knew you would own me. I know the challenges we went through, and I hate we hurt. But from the time you knocked on my door in May and now, I have always been yours. You have always owned my heart. We are finally together. And now that it’s official, you will never get rid of me.”

  “Angel, it’s us against the world.”

  I glide in and out of her and try to spread every inch of love I feel. She surprises me by pushing to the side and moving me on my back. She leans down and circles my nipple with her lips and then bites harshly. I jump a bit and she smiles shyly.

  “What are you doing?” I ask with a ragged breath.

  “It’s my first wedding night…I want to experience everything.”

  Fuck no!

  I turn her over and pound steadily. “It’s your only wedding night. I plan on taking care of you for the rest of our lives. Babe, hang on.”

  I don’t quit until Ari screams three more times.

  Chapter 34

  Two Months Later

  Reed

  Hell yeah! I broke fucking records tonight. It felt amazing. I look up to the box and see my family cheering and dancing around.

  “Matthews!” Coach yells my name and I run over to him. “You’re on fire today, whatever it is, make sure you bring that to Texas with you for next week’s game!” He slaps me on the back and I run to the locker room behind the rest of the team.

  I wasn’t about to tell him that my new pre-game ritual includes an Ari blowjob. I’m pretty sure she would kill me if anyone knew the things we do game day mornings.

  Fist pumping a few of the guys on the way to the shower, I groan when I spot the reporters setting up in front of my locker. Our quarterback takes the first round of questions, but when I shower and throw on some clothes, they are waiting for me.

  The questions are always the same, but since we made headlines a few months ago when Alex Moore went crazy, reporters always ask about my family. I am always polite, but remembering that day brings back some of the most horrifying moments in my life.

  Ari and Davis have both been seeing counselors and all nightmares have stopped. After the wedding, the media storm was ruthless for about two weeks. The Moore family made a formal statement and acknowledged their daughter had an infatuation that led to a distressed mental state. Her death shook them to the core, but they apologized for her actions. That was the last we heard from them.

  I still keep a bodyguard on Ari and Davis when I’m not around, but that isn’t often. I barely let Ari out of my sight. She claims that I’m smothering her, but she’s getting used to it.

  When I walk out to the parking lot, Davis is running around with the other children and my family is waiting for me. Ari comes running towards me and jumps in my arms, showering me with kisses.

  “I’m so proud of you!” she yells, holding on tight.

  “Do you even know the records I broke today?” I ask watching her face.

  “Of course!”

  Looking behind her, I see Jack and Luke smiling, shaking their heads.

  “The guys told you, didn’t they?”

  She tries to remain serious but burst out laughing and nods. “Reed, I’m trying to understand the game, I promise!”

  “I know, Angel.” I laugh along with her. “I will probably be retired before you understand the game.”

  “I’m not that sl
ow a learner!” she protests.

  I carry her over to our family and friends and join in the after game tailgate.

  Ari

  I can’t believe this! I knew something was wrong last week, but I ignored the symptoms. When I threw up this morning, there was no doubt in my mind.

  I hear Reed coming back from taking Davis to daycare and talking on his phone in the kitchen. Once again, my mind fills with uncertainty and I think back to the twenty-one year old sitting in the café. The minute the doubt creeps in my head, I dismiss it.

  “Ari, where are you?” Reed calls.

  “In the bathroom.” I open the door.

  He walks in and tugs me to him. I lean back into him and enjoy the feel of his lips along my neckline.

  “What are you doing in here?”

  “Just having flashbacks.” I grin at him.

  “Flashbacks to what?”

  “Flashbacks to when I first figured out you have super sperm.”

  He looks at me with confusion and I giggle in his face.

  “Once again, I find myself pregnant—while on birth control.”

  “Wha—”

  “We’re having another baby.” I pull the stick from behind my back and show him the positive test. “I’ll have to see a doctor to confirm, but I think I’m about eight weeks along.”

  His expression turns from confused to excitement. I wonder if he realizes he may have gotten me pregnant on our wedding night. He picks me up and spins me around.

  “Hell yeah!” he screams and carries me to the bed. “We’re having a baby!”

  “Reed! “ I squirm against him.

  “No way, baby, stay still. I want you to remember this for the rest of your life. This is the same reaction I would have had all those years ago.” His hand moves to my lower stomach and he rubs lightly. “This right here is my reason for living. You, Davis, our baby. I swear to God, you will always know how loved you are.”

  “I already do.”