Matt looked at the face so like his own. 'The pain I carried for so long Zander, was nothing compared to the fear I had at the thought of losing Ella last Saturday. You and I have always been two halves of the same coin, but Ella completes me.' Matt shook his head at the wonder of it all.
'I never thought I wanted to get this close to anyone but it feels amazing - brilliant! Right. Goes to show, you just can't plan your life! Don't get too bogged down in work bro - don't miss your chance to meet someone special.'
Zander shrugged his comment off, but that unsettled feeling was back. He'd have to get used to no longer being the main person in his brother's life. They'd shared so much together, particularly in the last fourteen years but Matt was now about to embark on the next chapter of his life and share that with Ella.
*
'You look beautiful Ella. I'm so proud to call you my daughter.'
Daniel watched Ella descend the stairs. Everyone else had headed off to the small chapel, which sat amongst a wooded copse at the east side of the ranch. They'd all been along to have a look in yesterday and had oohed and aahed about how quaint it was, and the perfect venue for an intimate wedding service.
Daniel took her hand as she reached the ground floor. He stood in front of her, his eyes filled with tears.
'I'm sorry.'
Ella looked at this man who had given her life. 'What for?'
'For not doing enough to be a part of your life when you were growing up. For leaving you there and not coming for you.'
Ella squeezed his hand. 'I understand why Daniel. You have nothing to apologise for.'
Daniel heaved a big sigh. How had this beautiful young woman come through all that she had and then been so forgiving of his selfishness?
Ella continued. 'I haven't had any illusions about my mother for a long time. And I've finally given up hope that she or my sisters could be any different. I don't need to work anymore at getting them to love me.'
Daniel gave her a hug. 'You have a wonderful family now who loves you.'
Ella smiled. 'Yeah, I know. But that also includes you. I don't want to lose you when we've just found each other. And for all that my birth family are poisonous, if Bianca hadn't exposed you we may never have got to know each other.'
'No, I guess that's true. I'd reconciled myself to watching your life from the sidelines. But I wouldn't have missed this honour to give you away for anything.' He took her arm and walked her towards the horse drawn carriage that was their transport across the ranch.
'Matt's a lucky man.'
Ella agreed with him there. 'But so am I.'
'Well from what I've seen of you together, you complement each other.
'Was there no other dress in the shop that maybe had a little less material?' He complained, as he tried to lift her long train into the carriage.
Ella smiled at his mumbling. There had been but this was the only one she'd wanted, just as Matt was the only man she wanted.
Daniel gave out a mock sigh of despair as the dress seemed to have a life of its own. He held up the last bit and quickly shut the door.
'There we are! Now let's get you to your man before he thinks you're not coming.'
*
Matt stood beside his brother and looked back up the aisle as the bride's music started. He felt tears pool in his eyes as he caught sight of Ella on Daniel's arm. He was blown away that this gorgeous woman loved him. It was fitting that the woman he loved more than life itself had entered his life on the anniversary of the day they'd buried their parents. How had he got so lucky?
Ella floated down the aisle amidst a billowing train of chiffon. Her fitted strapless dress accentuated her wonderful curves and slim waist. The intricate lace detail on the bodice caught his eye and he followed it as it swept over her hips and down the length of the dress in panels. Her veil flowed down her back to join the train. Around her waist lay the silver studded waistband of her train which Ella had told him could be removed. She'd chosen not to have a bouquet - she'd said the dress was statement enough. Matt may not have seen Ella last night and this may have been his first view of her dress but she'd shared all the detail with him when she'd returned from shopping with his sisters.
Although she'd failed to tell him that she would look so sexy in it. He couldn't wait for them to be alone when he would enjoy helping her out of it.
Daniel had no sooner passed her hand into Matt's than he took her in his arms and kissed her. 'You look stunning. I love you,' he whispered. Ella kissed him back. 'I love you too.'
In front of a small circle of family and friends, and without taking their eyes from each other, they made their vows and exchanged their rings.
Following the photos they made their way back to the house in a number of horse drawn carriages. The ranch provided the perfect backdrop to a romantic wedding. Despite the modern additions to make it a top notch tourist resort, it retained an old world charm. As they made their way back to the house for a four course meal, they meandered past many traditional vehicles and implements from days gone by. They glimpsed the top of the Montauk Point Lighthouse in the distance as they passed woodland trails and fields with cattle. This side of the ranch was set away from the part now being enjoyed by the summer tourists.
They'd had the most perfect and private of days and were now alone in the honeymoon chalet. Matt's sisters, Daniel and the Browns were all staying on for a holiday in the guest house. Much as Matt and Ella loved them all, they didn't want to see them until they were back in the UK.
'Mmm, at last.' Matt came up behind Ella and took her in his arms. He ran a trail of kisses across the top of her shoulder and up her neck, nipping at the sweet spot just below her left ear that was so sensitive. He turned her in his arms and gazed into her eyes. 'I missed you last night.' He was amazed at how quickly he'd got used to having her beside him all night.
'From the moment you walked into the chapel, all I have wanted is to have you to myself. You have driven me to distraction in this dress Mrs Duval-Adams.' The train had been removed when they'd sat down to eat and now Ella stood in the floor length gown that displayed every sexy curve of her body.
Ella smiled. She couldn't have had a more perfect wedding and to be Matt's wife was beyond her wildest dreams. 'I'm glad you like it Mr Duval-Adams.'
'It's beautiful, but so are you and I'm going to take great pleasure in removing it.' Matt nuzzled the rise of her breasts as his hands cupped her body just underneath and pushed them up. He buried his face in their fullness. 'I love your breasts. It was all I could do not to rip this off you at the altar.'
Ella closed her eyes as she felt the effect of his caress. She slipped her hands under his jacket and up his back. Matt found the zip to her dress and lowered it to her waist. He freed her breasts and captured a nipple between each thumb and forefinger. He tweaked them whilst he ravished her mouth. As Ella matched every thrust of his tongue with a heady need, she fast reached fever pitch and needed him inside her. She reached for his trousers and released his throbbing erection. She curled her hand around it and caressed it up and down, twirling his juice around the tip.
Matt pushed the rest of the zip down and lifted her clean out of the dress. He rescued a condom from his trouser pocket as he kicked them off and before Ella knew what was happening, they were on the bed, he was protected and inside her.
They both sighed with pleasure as they enjoyed the joining of their bodies.
'I'm not going to last.' Matt panted as he pound in and out of her. His hand found her clitoris, stroked it and flicked it in rhythm to their bodies. Ella gripped his shoulders as she met him thrust for thrust, letting out a loud scream when she climaxed. She threw her head back and bucked her hips as Matt joined her moments later.
The next week was blissfully spent enjoying the luxury of the chalet, including the two-person whirlpool bath. They went for secluded walks along their own little beach and sat out on the balcony watching the sun set. They made love, sometimes tenderly, at other time
s with passion. Ella, no longer inhibited, blossomed under Matt's expert hands and surprised him with her inventiveness to try new positions.
*
'I've never been so shattered! You're wearing me out woman!' Matt pulled Ella down on top of him. She squealed as she collapsed onto his chest.
Ella went for mock indignation. 'Excuse me - who woke who last night?'
Matt chuckled. 'Fair point. I can't get enough of you.'
'Mmm, likewise.' Ella moved her head to one side to allow him better access to her neck. They'd just finished moving the items of furniture she wanted out of her apartment into Matt's. They'd agreed they wanted to stay close to the rest of his family and for now, his apartment was plenty big for the two of them.
They'd been home from the States less than a week and had kept a low profile. As their marriage was being announced tonight, they'd risked being seen in public and had brought a load of Ella's things over. She was going to sell the apartment - there was no need to keep it and she didn't think she could bear to be associated with it given the bad memories it now held.
Before she knew it they were both naked on the bed. Matt leaned over her and looked deep into her eyes. 'I love you so much Ella.' Ella reached up to stroke the side of his face. In her eyes he saw reflected every ounce of his own feelings. He slid his hand down her body, over her curves and smooth skin until his fingers found the sensitive little nub that he never failed to stimulate to fever pitch. Her body lurched at the first feather light touch.
Matt felt his penis pulse as he marvelled at her aroused body. He took a tight nipple into his mouth and flicked his tongue around it, sucking until it was a deep, dark red. He did the same to the other one. Ella cupped his balls and glided her hand up and down his shaft, matching the rhythm of the two fingers he'd pushed inside her snug, moist channel. Their pace quickened until Matt was fighting to hold on. He grabbed her hand and holding it above her head, captured her mouth in a bruising kiss. His throbbing erection rammed into her. He thrust in and out as Ella matched his rhythm, their bodies slamming together. He used his other hand to rub her clitoris until he felt her muscles contract around him. His orgasm rocked through him leaving him panting for breath on top of Ella's equally sated body.
Chapter 14
'Did you have to turn up looking like you'd just got laid?'
Matt was in a tux like himself but he had a 'just out of bed' air to him.
Matt grinned from ear to ear. 'Jealous by any chance?'
He was but he wasn't going to admit to it. 'Nope! Enjoy it while you can. Now you're an old married man, the first flames of passion will die pretty quickly.'
Matt laughed out loud. 'Oh Zander, you're a hoot. There's nothing like married sex wrapped up in a whole lot of love you know.' He disappeared to check on the kitchen.
Zander smiled. He was pleased for Matt, he really was. If he could get the problems at work under control maybe he'd go looking. Dark, chocolate brown eyes flashed into his head. He shook it. No, the woman now working in his Finance department was not his type. He had to get her out of his head, fast. Besides, there was something he didn't trust about her, even though she seemed to have hit the ground running and taken some pressure off himself.
To focus on the task at hand he went to join Tess and Ronnie in mingling with their guests at the champagne reception, something they did every year. If anyone wondered where Matt was, they didn't say - they probably assumed he was stuck in the kitchen.
This year's event held a surprise for their guests because it was doubling up as a wedding reception for Matt and Ella. As he waited for everyone to take their seats, Zander wondered what the media congregating outside the hotel had made of Matt and Ella turning up hand in hand. He was surprised the media hadn't got wind of their marriage by now - getting hitched in relative seclusion in the States had helped but they had been back in the UK a few days. But then again Zander had hardly seen them and he lived in the same building! Having spent the couple of days before the wedding with them, he had to admit Ella was absolutely the perfect partner for Matt.
He started as he was clapped on the back. 'Good to go?'
He turned to his brother and his wife. 'The last couple of tables are just being seated now. Ella, your father is on the table front left with the Browns. Azzam is there too.'
He removed Ella from Matt's embrace and gave her a big brotherly hug. 'You look gorgeous tonight. Ready to be the main event?'
Ella looked between Matt and Zander. 'What are you two planning?'
'Nothing more than you already know.' Matt gave her that big grin she loved so much and drew her in to the warmth of his arms. Now she was suspicious!
Zander got the nod and walked out onto the shallow stage where they would all later perform.
He welcomed everyone to the charity ball and with some lighthearted banter gave them a run-down of the auction, saying he hoped they'd been practising raising their hands for when the bidding started. Having thanked the individuals and organisations who'd generously donated auction items, he moved to the secondary reason they were there.
'Ladies and gentlemen, if you've taken the time to check the programme at your table place, you may have spotted that we will be joined this evening by Miss Daniella Lewis-Cannon when my brother, sisters and I attempt to entertain you.' There were noises from different points of the room at that comment. They did far more than 'attempt' - their short concert was one of the highlights of the evening. Zander was always modest in his abilities. A noticeable handful of people throughout the room reached for their programmes to see for themselves that Ella was listed.
'You may be wondering why we are including someone else in the family concert.' With a huge smile on his face, Zander checked the wings to make sure Matt and Ella were ready.
'Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honour to introduce to you Mr and Mrs Matthew Duval-Adams.' His arm went up in the direction of Matt and Ella as they walked on to the stage hand in hand.
There was a moment of surprised pause before the room erupted with shouts and whistles and thunderous applause.
Matt and Ella stood centre front with their arms around each other, grinning and laughing at the response. Matt looked at his wife with an expression filled with love before leaning in to give her a lingering kiss on her lips. A cacophony of cat calls greeted the loving display. There wasn't one person in that room who couldn't fail to feel the emotion that emanated from them.
It took longer than normal to get to their table as so many people moved in to congratulate them.
From then on, the evening followed the expected path. The sumptuous meal met the usual high standard they'd come to expect at a Two's Company catered event and the wine and champagne flowed throughout.
The family concert garnered huge praise as a selection of classical and popular tunes were played. Ella and Matt played a piano duet and Tess performed a medley of her jazz hits. The finale had Zander on the saxophone, Matt on the drums, Ronnie on the guitar and Tess and Ella on the piano. After much foot stomping and calls for more, Matt compered the auction raising over a quarter of a million pounds for the Duval-Adams Foundation.
*
Zander took to the stage for the final time to announce the dancing.
'… and as this has doubled up as a wedding reception, Matt and Ella will take to the floor for an opening waltz. But just before they do, Matt has a message for his bride.'
Matt came up to the stage, with Ella holding his hand behind him, and took the microphone. Zander moved across to sit at the piano and Ronnie came on with the guitar.
Ella wasn't sure what was happening but now she understood Zander's earlier comment. Matt brought her into the circle of his arms. As the music began she looked up at Matt. What she saw reflected in his eyes brought tears to hers. She felt blessed that this beautiful man loved her. With one arm round his waist, she placed the other over his heart.
As the introduction to the song commenced, Matt whispered in her ear. 'I love
you.'
Then he started to sing, his voice rich and strong. The words of the song were so perfect for all that they'd been through since they'd met. She became aware of another voice and realised Tess was singing parts in harmony. Through the song he promised to love her and hold her until the day he died.
During a musical interlude they kissed - a kiss full of the promise of the words. 'You complete me. Thank you for loving me,' he whispered, just before he started to sing again.
By the time Matt brought the song to a close on a renewed promise of his feelings, tears were streaming down her face. Through them her eyes shone with the depth of her love. The song could have been written with them in mind but in fact it had been written some years previously for a pop group.
'Thank you,' she mouthed.
So lost in each other were they, they were oblivious to the tears that silently fell down many a hardhearted face. It seemed an age before the thunderous applause came.
Zander sat at the piano and looked across to Tess and Ronnie. They seemed united in feelings and thoughts - that one day they hoped to find the one person that loved them so unconditionally, so meaningfully and so deeply.
Song sung by Matt
I had done a brief search online for the perfect song and drawn a blank. Then, one day when I was looking for something else, I just happened across this song.
I have gone through the appropriate channels to seek permission to embed a recording of this on my website and, as I publish the novel, await a reply. In the meantime, there is a recording on YouTube that the songwriter has added to his own 'favourites' folder.
If you would like to hear a recording, of the song that Matt sang to Ella, by the original artists and songwriter, go to http://duvaladams.moonfruit.com/#/matt-ella/4567099475 where you will find a link to the YouTube video.
I hope you agree it's the perfect song for them.
Heat in the Kitchen Page 18
