Innocence

by Kristin Mayer

  “Sure thing. How does cereal sound?”

  Ty cheered for getting the sugary goodness he was only allowed on occasion. As the two of them disappeared to the kitchen, I brushed my teeth and freshened up a bit more. As I walked, the fabric of my pajamas brushed against me, reminding me of my earlier need.

  I took a deep steadying breath as Jaxson appeared at the door. “You’re looking flushed.”

  “Umm . . .”

  Casually, Jaxson leaned against the door. “Do you want me to help?”

  Facing Jaxson, I smirked at him as I leaned against the counter, my hand slipping down my pants. “I think I’ve got it. No assistance required.” My head fell back as I moaned. My own fingers worked me up.

  A strong hand stopped my movement. “This will have to be fast, sweetheart.”

  “Yes. Where’s Ty?”

  “Watching cartoons.”

  I smirked at Jaxson through my reflection. Ty never got to watch cartoons while he ate, which assured us some privacy.

  Jaxson spun me around to face the mirror and ripped the T-shirt over my head. My nipples beaded and my core tightened. “I want you to watch yourself fall apart while I fuck you. Lean forward. Hands on the mirror.”

  I followed his instructions precisely as he pulled my pants off and spread my legs. His hardened length pressed against me. A moan escaped.

  “You have to stay quiet.” He pushed in while his hands moved up my sides, finding their way to the underside of my breasts.

  I closed my eyes to absorb the sensation as Jaxson withdrew and then pushed in. “Keep your eyes open.”

  At his command, they sprung open. Jaxson’s muscles on his chest were strained. The hard pinching sensation of my nipples made me gasp. The pressure increased as Jaxson quickened his pace. Within me, Jaxson hit that spot that built me up faster than anything. I was close. So close. He rolled my nipples, creating a zing to my core.

  Jaxson shoved into me hard, sending the pleasure-filled orgasm spiraling through my body. He stilled as he released himself in me. As my arms gave out, Jaxson grabbed me. Between words, he kissed my shoulder. “Perfect. Every. Single. Time.”

  “I love you. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

  “Me either. Then I’ll have you for three days to myself.”

  Jaxson rented a cabin up in the Rocky Mountains for the honeymoon. Now with Crystal in the picture, I was glad that we decided to go for a shorter amount of time. After pulling up his pants, Jaxson gave me one last kiss before heading back to the living room to check on Ty.

  Dressed, I headed out to the bedroom. My phone vibrated. Checking the message, an icy feeling surged through my veins followed by cold dread.

  Unknown: Glad you’re now listening and staying away, I’m still watching.

  I dropped the phone as it clanked on the wood floor. “Jaxson.” My voice came out hoarse. I sank to the bed, numb.

  “Mom is here. Ty is—” Jaxson was in front of me, kneeling. “London, what’s wrong?”

  Deftly, I pointed to the phone on the ground. Jaxson picked it up. “Fuck that fucking asshole.” He took my face in his hands. “London, we’ll report this like the note. Give me a second.”

  Jaxson left the room, leaving a pounding headache in its wake. All I wanted to do was leave the past behind and live my life. Why was the past refusing to let me go?

  IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR, I looked at the woman who stood before me. It was me. A complete difference from when I first was released from prison. The hollowness of my features were filled in. The lifelessness in my expression gone. I was happy. Healthy. And in love.

  My best friend rested her chin on my shoulder with blonde curls piled on top of her head. “You look beautiful, London. Are you ready to become Mrs. Jaxson McCole?”

  “I am.” Last night, I’d stayed in the guesthouse with Millie and Dad. We’d watched Donna’s wedding on 90210. We even talked Dad into watching an episode. He’d fallen asleep within five minutes of it starting. It was like old times as Millie and I lay in bed later that evening while we talked.

  Backing away, Millie affixed the comb of the veil in my hair. “How are you feeling?”

  Since yesterday when I got the text message from the unknown person, I wasn’t able to shake the looming headache trying to ebb its way forward. My body felt achy. This morning I’d taken some cold medicine to help me get through the day without feeling terrible. There was nothing that would ruin this day.

  Nothing.

  “I’m okay. I think the stress from the text message toppled me over the edge along with Crystal.”

  I shuddered at the thought of Crystal being out there or causing any more trouble. She’d been released from jail. Plus nothing new had been found regarding who was behind my drugging or the notes. Currently, Millie was volunteering in the records department in order to investigate other patients the doctor had seen. Between Crystal and the phantom stalker, I was stressed to the max and knew that was the case behind me feeling ill.

  Millie snapped her fingers in front of my face. “There will be no negative thoughts on your wedding day. The crazies are not allowed to be part of this day.”

  Saluting, I said, “Yes, ma’am.” For some unknown reason the gesture elicited a laugh from us.

  “Here, take this. It’s full of vitamins and will help keep the cold at bay.”

  With gratitude, I took the medicine. At first, Millie thought I was pregnant. Considering my period ended just under a week ago, I knew I was in the clear. The thought of a baby was the last thing we needed right now.

  The door opened. “Punkin’, Pam says it’s time.”

  “Okay, Daddy. I’m ready.”

  This was it.

  I stood and pushed the queasiness aside. Jaxson and Ty awaited me. My family. My future.

  With my arm in his, Dad led me out of the room. “You have a fine young man waiting to marry you. Your mom and I are so very proud of you.”

  A bittersweet smile passed over my features. It was doubtful Mom realized I was getting married or that I was released from prison for that matter. At least there would be video. With her condition, the doctor advised against moving her to attend the wedding. I understood, but wanted her here. Dad promised at some point he would bring her thinking the mountain air might be good for her despite what the doctor said. With the threats looming over us, we thought it best for me to stay away from Guin for the time being.

  Dad placed his hand over mine and I relaxed.

  Walking the short distance down the stone floor, Millie stayed a few steps in front of us. Faint strains of classical music played through the air. This would be the first time I would see the church. Everything but the cake and dress were kept a secret from me. Millie looked back from her emerald-green dress, eyes sparking with excitement. “Are you ready?”

  “I am.”

  A flowery smell wafted through the air as the doors were opened to the church. I remained out of sight beside the door. Before Millie took off down the aisle, she whispered, “I love you, London.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Emotion swelled within me. Dad led me in front of the doors as I kept my eyes closed. Upon the slight pressure from Dad, I opened my eyes and gasped. White twinkle lights hung from the beams of the ceiling in the old, grey stone church. White flowers of every kind covered the surface. It was like a dream come true.

  Jaxson moved to the center of the aisle, awaiting me with Ty. The sight took my breath away as I gazed at the strong man who captured my heart. Millie stood slightly off to the left after walking the short distance. The melody changed to “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” the song Mom walked to Dad on their wedding day.

  The entire world faded away except the man I was about to pledge my undying love to.

  I took a deep centering breath as Jaxson impatiently waited for Dad to deliver me to him. We arrived and I stood only a few inches away from Jaxson. The preacher said something but all I was able to focus on was Jaxson as he searched my ey
es with his green ones. This was right. I was meant to be his.

  My heart thudded in my chest as I anxiously awaited to be in his arms.

  As Dad handed me over to Jaxson, I turned back to him realizing he’d given me away. “Dad, I love you forever and ever. I’ll always be your little girl.”

  “That’ll never change, punkin’. Never.”

  A tear slipped free. Kissing his cheek, I whispered, “Never.”

  Jaxson took my hand and the energy flowed between us. Our gazes locked. This was right. He was the man I was meant for all along. The ceremony progressed in a haze. Quicker than I imagined, but slow at the same time. Ty stood there enamored with the entire process with a huge grin on his face.

  All my thoughts were consumed by the man in front of me and the child I was becoming the mother of. As we said our vows, Jaxson broadened his shoulders as he declared his love for me. My voice was steady and strong, unwavering as I pledged my thoughts.

  “You may now kiss the bride.” Cheers erupted and a fire danced within Jaxson’s eyes.

  Our lips met.

  We were one.

  I was his.

  He was mine.

  We were forever.

  A hand touched my waist. I broke the kiss. “You’re really my mom forever.”

  I knelt down and hugged my son. Son. It all felt real now. “Always and forever, Ty. I won’t leave you.”

  He squeezed me tighter, then looked at his dad. “Does this mean I get a little sister or brother now?”

  Frozen, I glanced at Jaxson while the few people laughed. “One step at a time, buddy.”

  A huff escaped my son. “That’s what you said about London being my mom and that took forever.”

  More laughter.

  We stood as Jaxson picked up Ty and held me close. The moment was perfect. Incredible. Facing our families, they rushed to give us hugs. The voices melded together as congratulations were given. Jaxson never faltered with his hold of me.

  The reception was in the small room off of the chapel. The same twinkle lights gave the fairytale feel. The five-tower cake was more than we could ever eat, but it was stunning as the crystal beads embedded in it sparkled mimicking the pattern of my dress. The sweet confection filled the room with a sweet, savory smell.

  The Italian crème flavor exploded on my tongue while Jaxson fed me. As we shared our first drink of champagne, the bubbly concoction did not sit well with me as the adrenaline from the day receded, leaving a dull ache within my body.

  I will not be sick on my wedding night. I will not.

  “Are you ready to leave, sweetheart?”

  “Never been more ready,” I said.

  A devilish grin appeared. “Words every man loves to hear from his wife.”

  Heat crept on my face as the anticipation built of our night together. Ty hugged me tightly to him as we said our goodbyes. Over the last week it was explained repeatedly what would happen after the wedding. Of course, Ty wanted to come and we planned to take a family vacation sometime this fall. He was going to go fishing with Levi and Pam for a few days to help keep his mind off of everything. “Promise to call me every morning and every night, Mom.”

  “I promise.” He kissed me hard on the check. “Love you, Ty.”

  “Love you too, Mom.”

  Jaxson took Ty and they whispered the same sentiments. Levi hugged Pam as they watched the scene unfold, approval on their faces. Millie approached. “Was your day perfect?”

  “Yes, because of you. I’m still in awe over what you guys did. It was beautiful.” A huge grin appeared on Millie’s face at the praise. They had worked tirelessly to make this wedding stress-free and stunning.

  Pam and Levi gave hugs. “Welcome to the family, London. You’re perfect for our son.”

  “Thank you.” Pam’s words resonated through me as Levi spoke to Jaxson. I was like a daughter to them now. A true family member.

  As we made our way to the car, Sydney and Mallory gave us one last hug. The atmosphere only heightened as news was received that her husband would be home for Christmas from his tour. We were blessed. Dad waited at the car in his tux, an abstract difference from his flannels and jeans. The worry wrinkles that were pronounced the day I was released had lessened and been replaced by joy.

  The familiar woodsy scent wrapped around me as I prepared to get in the car. “I’ll see you soon in Mobile. I’m so proud of you, London.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  Dad turned to Jaxson as he handed me off. The significance of the moment formed a lump in my throat. “Take care of my little girl.”

  “I swear I will.”

  Dad dipped his head in acknowledgment. “I know.”

  Getting in the car, I sank against the seat as my body felt warm. “Are you ready for your honeymoon, Mrs. McCole?”

  “Yes. I like the sound of my new name.” I closed my eyes for a second. Exhaustion was making itself known.

  Light touches of my husband’s fingertips slid along my cheek. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

  “I took some cold medicine earlier today. I think I’m getting a cold. But, I’ll be fine.”

  A hand rested upon my thigh. “Rest. We’ll be there in a couple of hours.”

  “I can’t wait.” Sleep was welcomed and would give me more energy. I will not be sick on my wedding night.

  As my eyes closed, I relished in this moment of happiness.

  “London, sweetheart. Wake up. You have a fever.”

  I felt terrible. Achy. Hot. “Jaxson. Where are we?”

  Cold hands touched my face. My eyes adjusted to the dim light. We were pulled over on the side of the road. Jaxson had his phone up to his ear. “No, I’m bringing her home. She’ll be more comfortable.”

  Home? I wanted my honeymoon. Hoarsely, I tried to speak, then felt the queasiness take over. I needed out of the car. I needed out of it right then. I hurled myself onto the side of the road while Jaxson swore. My stomach wretched as I lost everything from the day. Jaxson was beside me in a second. I was thankful I’d changed out of my gown.

  “London, we’re going home.”

  Soft strokes ran along my back. “Jaxson. Our honeymoon.” More retching occurred and I nearly collapsed. Strong arms kept me from colliding with the gravely pavement.

  A handkerchief appeared in front of me. “London, we’ll have a honeymoon. But, you’re sick. We need to get home. Millie is going to look you over.”

  I wanted to argue. But I was weak and lacked the energy. “Promise?”

  Hoisting me up, Jaxson cradled me to him. “I promise you.”

  Relaxing, I let my eyes drift closed as the cold leather seats cooled my blistering body. The last thing I heard was the muffled sound of the car door closing before I drifted off.

  The morning light shone through the windows as I glinted into the bright sun coming through the balcony doors. The soft breeze created a fresh smell which waned the grossness I felt from being sick. Maybe it was the afternoon light. Bits and pieces came back over who knows how long. Millie was here at some point and said it was the flu. Hopefully I was over it.

  I stirred to sit up. Jaxson was there with a light hand on my back to help me. Pillows were propped behind me. “You’re awake. How are you feeling?”

  “Tired. Weak. Better.”

  Someone beside me stirred. I heard a whimper. Peeking my eyes open, I saw Ty. I remembered him coming home too. Sick. “How’s he doing?”

  Lightly I brushed my hand over the back of his Superman pajamas.

  “Better. You both were sick. It was easier to take care of you guys in here together. Millie said it would have to pass. There wasn’t much we could give you guys because it was viral. All I could do was keep you hydrated and give you fever reducer. He’s about a day behind you.”

  My body ached as I threw my arm across my face. “I spent my honeymoon . . . with the flu. That’s terrible.”

  I felt the mattress dip and my arm removed. “It’ll be a memory we�
�ll never forget. Something to tell our grandkids one day.”

  A chuckle escaped. “Jaxson, we haven’t even . . .” I glanced over to Ty who was fast asleep catching myself before I said consummated our marriage.

  Soft lips touched mine. “We will. I promise, sweetheart. We will. Rest. I’ll get you some food.”

  Five days passed since I recovered from the flu. By some miracle, Jaxson avoided it. Mallory had it two days after Ty. So far, that was the end of the contamination. I sat on the back porch gazing at the mountains as the sun set, sipping a cup of hot tea. The fall mountain air felt good as I took a deep breath and watched the gray puffy clouds roll in. A storm was brewing. I loved the distant rumble.

  “It’s getting cold. Why don’t you come inside? I don’t want you getting sick again.” Jaxson nuzzled me while his deep voice vibrated from within. The outdoorsy manly smell infiltrated my senses and my libido came to life.

  Slightly turning my head, I kissed him. “Let’s head inside.”

  Marriage was wonderful; well, the few days I’d been married were. Jaxson was attentive to my every need while simultaneously working on the McCole Classic and running the clinic. Today was the first day I felt like a human. Same with Ty.

  Jaxson nibbled my ear. “Are you feeling better?”

  “Yes.” My breathy reply conveyed everything. Since being sick, Jaxson hadn’t touched me intimately. I needed him.

  With an extended hand, Jaxson helped me up and we walked inside with his hand on my lower back. He filled me in on what happened today at work. As soon as he’d gotten home, he took Ty to feed the sheep.

  Thinking of the little man. “Where’s Ty?”

  “He’s occupied. I want to show you something.”

  I quirked a brow. “This sounds intriguing.”

  No further reply came as Jaxson led me back to our bedroom. A gasp of air left me as I saw rose petals sprinkled on the floor and onto the bed. Candles burned on every surface. The curtains from the deck billowed with the impending storm. “Jaxson . . .”