‘It’s gorgeous, Valentine,’ Hannah agrees. ‘Can we go inside and see her?’ she adds.
‘Yeah, of course. I’m sure she’d love you girls to help her get ready. Her Dad and Patrick will be here soon with the Minister. I’ll send Tyler in to get you when we’re ready.’
‘Perfect,’ Sarah announces, grabbing Hannah’s hand and disappearing into the house with a squeal of excitement.
Ryan and Ethan both suddenly look a little lost, but Zane breaks the moment of awkwardness by offering them both a drink.
‘Here guys,’ he says, handing them a glass of champagne. ‘Champagne on tap tonight!’ he laughs.
‘Oh, thanks,’ Ryan says, finishing the full glass in one long gulp.
I get the idea he’s uneasy. ‘You okay, mate?’
‘Yeah, kind of, Sarah has been dropping hints about weddings ever since Izzy and Patrick got married and how she wants hers to be – and to be honest, I don’t know if anything I’d ever suggest would be good enough for her.’ He gulps, glancing around at the decorated gazebo, ‘And I’m not entirely certain I can beat this.’ He holds his glass out to Zane, ‘Do you mind pouring me another? I’ve had a rough day,’ he adds.
Zane chuckles and obliges.
‘Sarah is a bit of a livewire, isn’t she?’ I offer.
‘That’s for sure! But, to be honest, I’m sure she’s the one for me. And if I don’t put a ring on her finger soon, I’m worried that I’ll miss the boat,’ he replies, taking a smaller gulp of champagne this time.
Ethan and Jed seem to be deep in a conversation regarding music, so I head down to check on Dad, watching Tyler chasing the moths fluttering around the candle-lit mason jars lining the pathway to the gazebo.
‘Hey Dad,’ I say, pulling up a chair.
‘Hey, son,’ he replies, patting me on the shoulder affectionately.
‘Wishing mum and Dillan were here?’ I ask quietly, a lump forming in my throat.
‘Oh, nah, not wishin’, son – they’re ’ere alrigh’ – right ’ere beside us,’ he says, patting the empty seat beside him. ‘They never go far away, ye know that?’
‘Yeah, Dad, I know,’ I agree. I know they’re here with us. But I silently wish they were physically here to hold our hands, slap us on the back and kiss our cheeks. But knowing they’re here in spirit is enough.
‘You got your ma’s ring?’ Dad questions.
‘Yeah, Sam has it with my wedding band, ready for Tyler to hand over. I think everything is in place.’
‘Then yer ma is here, son.’
I try to lighten the mood a little. ‘I’m singing for Abbie when she comes down that aisle,’ I say, with a grin – catching Dad’s look of surprise.
‘Ye didn’t tell me that! You’re a bit of a romantic, ain’t ye?’ he laughs.
‘I learnt from the best,’ I reply, wrapping an arm around him.
He turns it into a hug and we hold each other for a long time, before I finally pull away.
‘You’d better get sorted then,’ Dad says, clearing his throat and wiping his face. I suspect he’s cried a few tears, but he hides them well.
I stand up and straighten my jacket. ‘She’ll be out soon, so yeah, I’ll go grab my guitar.’
∞~∞~∞~∞
Heading back up to the house to grab my guitar and get prepared to watch Abbie walk down the aisle, I’m stopped by Robert, Patrick and Minister Turner as they step out onto the alfresco in a whirlwind of smiles and handshakes. I’m instantly swept up in the good cheer and introductions as the men greet each other.
‘How’s the bride-to-be?’ Robert asks, grinning from ear-to-ear.
‘She’s been hidden away in the bedroom for about an hour, so I think she’ll be ready soon. She was blown away,’ I reply, grinning in return.
‘Good, good, I’ll go in and check on her. Can you just show Minister Turner to the gazebo and take your places? I’ll see if I can’t hurry them along.’
‘Sure,’ I agree. ‘This way, Minister Turner,’ I say, leading him down to where Dad is waiting. I figure they’ll keep each other entertained for a while, until my bride is ready to make her entrance.
Chapter 24
Minister Turner takes up his position beneath the gazebo, while the rest of us settle on the chairs and wait for Tyler to signal from the French doors. He’s on look-out duty and will lead the ladies and my beautiful Abbie down the rose-strewn pathway to where I’m waiting with my guitar.
Hannah, Gail and Sarah finally appear and scurry down toward us to take a seat, Hannah leaning down to whisper to Tyler as they walk past him.
‘Dad!’ Tyler shouts at the top of his lungs, ‘Princess Abbie’s coming now!’
I chuckle and give him a thumbs up, standing up and taking my place on the stool with my guitar perched on my leg. I strum a practice line and clear my throat. Shit, I’m nervous – singing in front of a crowd of people was easy. Singing and strumming a guitar for the woman who is about to become my wife is much harder.
I run my fingertips across the strings and they automatically begin to find their way. Tinkering at first, testing the chords until I begin to sing. ‘Wise men say, only fools rush in… but I can’t help, falling in love with you.’ I pause and glance up and Abbie appears at the flowered arch. Our eyes lock and I continue. ‘Shall I stay? Would it be a sin? If I can’t help falling in love with you…’
Tyler leads the ladies toward us and although I notice the girls are wearing pretty, pale pink gowns and carrying bouquets of white roses, my eyes never waver from Abbie. She’s smiling, even as tears stream down her face. Her arm is tucked tightly into Robert’s as though he’s her safety blanket.
The words I’m singing to her, I hope will mesmerise her, like they did on that first night we met. She jokes about how it was me who fell for her first, and I can truly say, that’s more than likely exactly how it was.
‘Like a river flows, gently to the sea, darling so it goes, some things are meant to be,’ I pause, offering her a smile. ‘Take my hand, take my whole life, too… for I can’t help falling in love with you…’
She reaches me and I put down the guitar. The moment seems to stop; time, space, friends and family blend into the background. It’s just us now and I want her to know, it’ll always be us.
‘I love you,’ I whisper.
‘I – I love,’ she lets out a sob, ‘I love you, infinity,’ she manages to say.
I pull her into a tight hug and whisper, ‘Don’t cry.’
She pulls back and gathers herself again, taking hold of Robert’s arm and glancing around at everyone watching on. She’ll be okay, she always knows how to draw on her inner strength. And when the promises are made, we’ll celebrate.
‘Welcome, family and friends of Valentine and Abbie,’ Minister Turner says, ‘I’m Minister Turner, and I’m here tonight to join these two in marriage. A marriage that, although it has clearly been set up as a surprise for Abbie, is nonetheless every bit a wanted promise for these two beautiful people. They are due to welcome their baby into the world soon, and I understand their little baby will be lucky enough to have a big brother, too.’ He looks over to Tyler, who is now standing proudly beside me, with a smile. ‘And who gives this young woman in marriage today?’
I pull my gaze from Abbie and flick a glance at Robert. He is standing proud, chest puffed out and smiling wide. ‘I do,’ he says, unwavering in his response. We lock eyes and he nods. That’s his “okay”, and I accept it wholeheartedly with a warm smile.
‘Shall we begin the vows?’ Minister Turner asks.
Abbie smiles at me and I nod; we’re both unwilling to tear our gazes away from each other.
Her eyes are sparkling green and I love that her freckles aren’t completely covered by make-up; she’s never needed all that gunk. She’s absolutely perfect, breathtakingly beautiful, without any outside help. Those crazy red curls I love so much, are twisted up into a loose bun with her veil pinned so it falls behind her in a trail reaching to the floor, sho
wing off her dress of vintage cotton and soft lace, which gathers delicately around her baby bump. I’m a bloke, why am I noticing all this? Because it’s Abbie. And I want to remember this moment and how she looked, for the rest of my life.
‘Abbie, are you ready to say your vows?’ the minister asks quietly.
Abbie releases a nervous giggle and replies, ‘Oh, um, I actually have my vows prepared, Minister Turner – I just wasn’t expecting that I’d be using them tonight.’
‘Excellent, that’s wonderful. Shall we get started?’ he glances at me for confirmation and I nod.
Abbie squeezes my hand and looks down at Tyler, offering him one her beautiful smiles. ‘Are you happy if I begin, Tyler?’ she asks him. My heart lifts, knowing she loves Tyler so much and wants him to be a part of this as much as possible.
Tyler nods excitedly.
Abbie takes a deep breath and gazes into my eyes. ‘I, Abigail Bennet, choose you, Valentine Gabriel Hewitt to be my husband, my best friend and one true love. I promise to respect and honour you in all ways, supporting you in all your accomplishments and trials.’ She pauses and swallows back the emotion threatening to bring tears. ‘When times get hard, I promise to stand by your side as your wife and help to get us through. When times are great, I promise to join you in cherishing every special moment. I know we’ll be the best parents we can possibly be, and there will always be plenty of room in our home and our hearts for the ones we love. I promise to love you, infinity.’
I squeeze her hands as I lift them to my lips, with the affirmation of accepting her promises – I know, without a doubt that this amazing woman loves me. In turn, my chest tightens and the words I’ve been waiting to tell her come to the forefront of my mind; ready to become my vows.
‘I, Valentine Gabriel Hewitt, take you, Abigail Bennet, to be my partner, my best friend and precious mother and step-mum to my children. I promise to hold you close every night for the rest of our lives, in happy times and in difficult ones. I’m not an easy person to love, but I make this promise, here today, with our loved ones present, to always put you first.’ I have to stop for a moment and swallow down the huge lump forming in my throat. Abbie’s eyes are searching mine. Is she looking for the man she found on the bathroom floor? Or the man who enticed her into our first date, with his tough-guy exterior? That man isn’t here anymore. The man standing before her has decided to follow the light – her light – and make a conscious effort to be the best man he possibly can be. I continue. ‘You burst into my life with a bright, blinding sunshine – pushing away the storm clouds and giving me a rainbow. I want you to always bring me that rainbow,’ I bring her hands to my lips again, kissing them with a smirk.
Tyler squeezes between us and wraps his arms around Abbie; his head resting against her baby bump. Minister Turner speaks again, watching Tyler indulgently. ‘Well, I guess this seals the deal, then!’ and everyone laughs. ‘You may kiss the bride, Valentine,’ he adds with a chuckle.
I don’t need any coaxing. I move toward her with Tyler still firmly planted between us. I place both hands on her precious face and press my lips to hers. We’re swept up in a flutter of white butterflies as somebody releases them into the air. I don’t take a lot of notice, but Tyler rushes off, trying to catch them and giving me the opportunity to draw Abbie closer. Her lips taste like fresh strawberries and I feel a hot wash of arousal sweep over me. Not now! I don’t need an erection now in front of our guests, and the minister, for Christ’s sake – so I take a deep breath, still kissing her, but deliberately corralling my rampaging hormones.
‘Valentine, would you like to bring Abbie over to sign the certificate?’ Minister Turner’s voice pierces our moment and the heat between us dies down a little.
‘Sure,’ I say quietly, gathering my senses and clearing my throat.
Abbie smiles at me and there’s an unspoken deal made – to resume where we were interrupted, later, when it’s just us. I know that promise very well and I wink at her in a token of acceptance, before leading her over to the table.
As we finish signing and have numerous photos taken, Zane moves in and sweeps Abbie up from the chair, leading her up onto the alfresco. Jed, Sam and the other guys gather around me, offering me a round of back slaps and a glass of champagne. I watch Abbie step up onto the alfresco and she’s immediately swarmed by the ladies hidden from sight.
‘Well done, son,’ Dad says, patting my shoulder.
I turn to him and see he’s a little choked up. ‘Thanks, Dad. She’s beautiful, yeah?’ I reply. I know what he’s thinking. He misses Mum. So do I.
‘Very. And you’re a very lucky man – so work hard at looking after her,’ he responds; lightening his tone and winking at me.
‘Valentine!’ Gail screeches.
My heart leaps into my throat, as I turn to the alfresco.
Abbie.
Chapter 25
Everyone’s eyes are on me; panic stricken. And I can’t see any sign of Abbie.
Time slows, almost to a halt.
Oh, shit. The baby.
I take off in a sprint toward the group of women and as I close the gap, I hear Abbie; she’s on her knees on the floor, panting and groaning. One hand is pressed against her belly and she’s rubbing furiously at her bump.
‘I’m here,’ I say, pushing my way through the group and kneeling beside her. I put one arm around her for support and brush her hair back gently with the other. ‘Are you okay?’
She tries to force a smile through the panting and her face contorts. ‘Ahhh… Yes, it’s just… Braxton…’ she pants again, rubbing her hand in circles on her belly.
My heart settles back into place. I know what she’s talking about, but I’m still not convinced it’s a false alarm.
‘Are you sure? It could be the real thing this time?’
‘I’m sure.’ She locks her eyes on mine, sheer exhaustion shadowing her gaze.
‘Valentine, maybe it’s time to get Abbie into bed to rest,’ Gail says, crouching beside Abbie and taking hold of her daughter’s hand. Our eyes meet and I know this isn’t a question or a suggestion, it’s an order. One I’m more than happy to follow.
‘You’re right,’ I nod, glancing around at everyone’s concerned faces. ‘Princess, are you ready for bed? You’ve had a huge day, babe, and celebrations with our friends can happen another time.’
She eyes her mum’s concerned frown and nods. ‘Yes, I think so. I’m very tired.’
I don’t wait for her to change her mind or start with long goodbyes to family and friends. In one swift movement, I scoop her up in my arms and pull her close. She tucks her face into the crook of my neck and I head toward our new bedroom, leaving the muttered conversations of our guests behind us.
When we arrive at the doorway to the bedroom, I stop for a moment, to flick on the light. Abbie lifts her head and scans the room which is revealed by the soft lighting.
‘It’s beautiful,’ she says quietly.
‘Zane and Jeb’s handiwork,’ I chuckle. ‘It’s not the way I would’ve designed our bedroom, but it’s pretty cool.’
The four-poster bed is trimmed with delicate lace and covered with large pillows, and it looks like something straight out of a Disney movie – fit for a Princess. I would’ve gone with a basic bed and normal-sized pillows, but Abbie looks pleased – and if she’s pleased, I’m a happy man.
I carry her over to our new bed, laying her down gently on the lacy cover. ‘I’ll go and see everyone out. Don’t move. I want to help you out of that dress,’ I suggest with a grin.
She frowns unhappily. ‘Oh, Val—’
I cut her off instantly, touching my finger to her lips. ‘I know, I wouldn’t expect to make love to you, not tonight. But I do have something special for you – and you just need to relax.’
Making my way back outside, I discover they’re all busy stacking up the chairs and cleaning up. I stop in the doorway to admire these amazing people. Our family. I don’t know if I deserve th
em, but Abbie certainly does.
‘Valentine!’ Gail sees me and calls out, rushing over as she twists a tea towel through her fingers. ‘How is she?’
‘She’s just really tired. Why don’t you go in and check on her for yourself?’
‘I will, thank you. I’ll say goodnight to Abbie and then we’re all going to head off.’ She pats my arm. ‘We’ll drop your dad off at home.’
Relief has my shoulders slumping. ‘Oh, thanks, Gail. For everything.’
She offers me a gracious smile. ‘Anytime,’ she says, before disappearing into the house.
Goodbyes, thankyou’s and plans to see Sam off on his mission on Boxing Day take up the best part of an hour; then I tuck Tyler into his new bed and return to our bedroom to find Abbie dozing peacefully. She’s curled up on her side on the bed, still wearing her beautiful wedding dress. I grin when I notice she’s not wearing any shoes, and her little feet are twisted around one another.
Taking off my monkey suit – thank goodness for that – and brushing my teeth, I fill a bowl with warm water, drop some lavender oil into it and grab a couple of face washers and a towel; mentally thanking Zane for the tip.
‘Princess,’ I speak quietly, as I make my way over to our bed.
‘Hmmm,’ she moans, stretching her arms up to stretch and blinking open her eyes.
‘I’ve got a little something for you.’ I place the bowl and towels on the bedside table and climb onto the bed. ‘I’ll take this dress off for you, and you just relax.’
She smiles and I lift her head forward so I can reach the clasp at the back, before pulling the gown down from her shoulders and sliding it down past her bare feet.
My head buzzes and my heart pounds. God, she’s beautiful. Removing the dress has revealed a lacy white bra, lacy white knickers and a large baby bump – another precious girl for me to love. Tears threaten to fall, so I blink hard and swallow heavily, trying to regain control.
‘Just relax,’ I whisper, as I begin to bathe her feet and lower legs with the scented warm water.
Absolution (The Infinity Series Book 2) Page 14
