Sex

by Jillian Dodd

“Yep,” he smirks. “She’s quite proud of me. Thanks for being so entertaining. I just earned major bonus points with my wife.”

  “How is my getting drunk earning you points?”

  “Do you remember my wedding?”

  “Yes, I was so fucking hungover. Hell, I may have still been drunk,” I say.

  “Payback is a bitch,” Dallas says calmly. “Or so my wife believes.”

  “That was like ten years ago,” Katie giggles. Keatyn busts out laughing, too.

  “There’s a good life lesson for you, Knox,” Dallas says. “Women are like elephants. They don’t forget a thing. And they never forget when you fuck up. So my marriage advice to you is don’t fuck up.”

  I can’t help but laugh along with them.

  “So, while you boys recover, I’m taking Katie downstairs. Missy arranged for hair and makeup.” She glances at her watch. “It’s one o’clock now. We’ll be ready to leave for the palace at four. That means you will be dressed and ready by then, too.” She gives Dallas a glare. “And paybacks are officially over, correct?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he says. “Today is all about the celebration.”

  “I can’t believe you’re getting married at Kensington Palace. That is so incredibly cool.”

  “Have you ever been there?” Katie asks Keatyn.

  “Actually, yes. We were at a wedding held at the Orangery there a couple years ago. And we’ve been to a fundraiser the prince held there. The grounds are beautiful. Your photos will be amazing. Although, I believe you’re going to be married in one of the private gardens on the property. The Orangery is open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, and the prince certainly understands your need for privacy.”

  “I feel like I’m living a fairytale,” Katie says, causing me to almost blush. She finishes eating then gives me a kiss on the cheek and says, “The next time I see you, I’ll be walking down the aisle.”

  “Wow,” I say, the full force of what I’m about to do weighing on me.

  After she and Keatyn leave the room, Dallas says, “You sure this is the right thing, Knox? What about a pre-nup? Do you need me to draw one up?”

  “I didn’t even think about that.”

  “It’s my job as your friend, to remind you of that.” He stands. “Let’s go get some fresh air. You could probably use some.”

  “Yeah, I could,” I reply, following him out to the terrace. When I sit down, I realize my ass does really hurt. I can’t help but rub it.

  “You took a pretty good fall,” Dallas says with a laugh. “I’ll have to show you the highlight reel. I’m surprised you’re moving around as good as you are today.”

  “I think I’m still numb,” I tease. “Dallas, do you think this is a bad idea? I’m really surprised no one has tried to talk me out of it.”

  “It helps that we all know Katie and know what kind of person she is. We know she’s not marrying you for your money. She’s had a lot of men want to marry her before, but she always said they were never the one, and she didn’t want to settle. I don’t believe she would be going through with this if she wasn’t confident that you were it.”

  “I’m crazy in love with her. We’re extremely compatible in the bedroom, but it’s so much more than that. I feel like I’m starring in one of those gushy love stories Keatyn writes. I just can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her. Do you think I need a pre-nup?”

  “I think everyone with significant assets going into a marriage needs one, but I didn’t come up with the idea. She asked me about it last night.”

  “Asked if I would ask her to sign one?”

  “No, she asked me to draft one. She said you hadn’t said anything, and she didn’t feel right about it. She doesn’t want your money, Knox. She wants your love, and she has your best interests at heart.”

  “God, that makes me love her even more. So what should I do?”

  “That’s up to you.”

  “Do Keatyn and Aiden have one?”

  “They have a financial agreement that covers how any monies split upon a divorce or even death will be handled. Their biggest worry, honestly, is that if they have children and the other gets remarried, is to protect their children’s assets.”

  “That makes sense. I’d like something like that.”

  “Are you thinking about children?”

  “Actually, yes. We both want them. Probably not right away. I want to enjoy having her to myself for a couple years. Travel, show her the world.”

  “Why don’t I talk to Katie about it, since you aren’t supposed to see her until the ceremony. If she agrees, we’ll handle everything as part of your estate planning. You know, if you were marrying anyone other than Katie, I would be handling this very differently.”

  “That makes me happy,” I tell him.

  “Why?”

  “Because I trust you, Dallas. And you believe in her as much as I do.”

  I contemplate calling my mother and telling her what I’m about to do, but I think I’d rather ask forgiveness later than answer the million questions she’s sure to ask.

  “How’s it hanging?” Riley says, stepping out onto the terrace with a cheeseburger in one hand and a plate stacked with more food in the other.

  “Dallas, did you even get drunk?” I ask.

  “No, I did not. I was too busy live streaming your shenanigans to my lovely bride.”

  Riley breaks out in laughter, but then sets the food on the table and holds his head. “Laughing hurts my brain. Whose idea was it to invite the prince?”

  “Mine,” Aiden says, joining us with a similar plate full of food. He’s also carrying a bottle of whiskey under his arm.

  “Oh, no. No more of that!” I say, holding my hands in the air in defeat. “Trust me, the whiskey won last night. I don’t need a second round.”

  “Hair of the dog,” Aiden says, ignoring my protests and pouring shots in the glasses Marvel just brought out on a tray.

  “How can you even stand to smell that shit?” Riley asks.

  “It sure tastes better going down than it does coming up,” Aiden agrees. “But this is the only way to cure a whiskey hangover. Or so the prince tells me.”

  “He’s full of shit,” Riley argues, but he still takes one of the glasses and raises it into the air. “Here’s to those who wish us well. Those who don’t can go to hell.”

  We all drink and then Aiden mutters, “We may already be in hell.”

  “Aiden, I’m shocked. You don’t usually drink that much.”

  “I know. I don’t know what got into me.”

  “Irish whiskey,” the rest of us say with a laugh.

  Marvel brings out platters of more food for us, but before we eat, Aiden pours us each another shot. “I think we all need to toast the groom.”

  “Aren’t we supposed to do that after the wedding?”

  “Wait!” Missy says, running out onto the terrace. “I’m playing photographer today. We’ll want to capture this moment.”

  “I’m in a bathrobe,” I mutter.

  “I don’t care how hungover you are, Knox Daniels, you will smile for the camera. You want to have photos to remember your wedding day.”

  I stop slouching and nod to her.

  “Okay, Aiden, go ahead,” she says, camera at the ready.

  We raise our glasses in the air again, and Aiden says, “Knox, may all your ups and downs be between the sheets.”

  Dallas roars with laughter.

  Missy runs back and forth between the guys and the girls taking photos. We’ve moved from the terrace to the salon and are playing pool when she announces that it’s time for us to go get ready. We’ll be leaving for the palace in a half hour. When I step out of the shower and into my room, she’s steaming the wrinkles out of my tuxedo.

  “How does she look?” I ask her.

  “Katie looks stunning. The more I get to know her, the more I like her. You made a good choice, Knox. Have you called your mother?”

  “No. I thought ab
out it, but I figured maybe it would be better to call her on our honeymoon.”

  “Well, the last thing you want is for her to find out in the papers and not from you.”

  “Yeah, I suppose you are right. Any chance we can keep it out of the papers?”

  “I think so. At least until we are ready to announce it. The makeup and hair people who are prepping her and Keatyn believe it’s for an event of Keatyn’s. They don’t even know that you are here. The prince assured me that things will be kept hush on their end. But I still think you owe your mother a call.”

  “Yeah, you’re right.” She hands me my phone, my mother’s cell number already dialed.

  “Knox, sweetie, how are you?” my mother asks. I immediately get choked up.

  “Hey, Mom. How’s Haiti treating you?”

  “Oh, Knox, we’re doing such good work here. But I’ll be ready to see you over the holidays. I miss you.”

  “I miss you, too. Uh, mom, I have something I need to tell you.”

  “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “Is Keatyn okay?”

  “Yes, everyone is okay. I wanted to tell you that I met someone.”

  “I assume you meet people every day, Knox. Are you referring to a girl? Someone special?”

  “Yes, her name is Katie. She’s a friend of Keatyn’s. We actually met at their wedding. And I’ve been seeing her since.”

  “I saw the news about their wedding on the internet. That was last week, right?”

  “Yeah, um, Mom. Katie and I are eloping today. I’m getting married.”

  “Knox Nathan Daniels. What are you thinking?”

  “I’m thinking I’m crazy, madly in love with this girl, and I want to make it official. I just wanted you to hear it from me. And I’m super excited for you to meet her.”

  “Sorry, I’m a little shocked by all this. Are you sure it’s the right thing? You’re not drunk are you?”

  “No, Mom. If anything I’m drunk on love.”

  “Well, that’s sort of romantic. Will you at least send me a picture?”

  “I will, but promise me you won’t show anyone for a week. Until we announce it to the press.”

  “Agreed. Well, I guess congratulations are in order.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, son. Does this mean I might have grandchildren some day?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Well, then I’m warming to this idea already.”

  “Phew,” I say, hanging up.

  “Sounds like she took it well?” Missy asks.

  “Yeah, I think so. She was shocked, but I know she’ll love Katie when she meets her. And she’s been wanting grandkids for quite a while now. All her friends are grandmothers already. I told her just a few weeks ago not to hold her breath. Amazing how quickly your life can change.”

  “I’ll say,” she agrees. “Just a few days ago, I never imagined I’d be spending the week in London with my love.”

  “You two have fun. And thank you for everything you’ve done this week. What do you think of Katie’s dress?”

  “I think you have a gorgeous bride. And it has nothing to do with what she’s wearing, Knox.”

  “Thank you,” I say, feeling grateful.

  “And please, I heard all about last night. No more shots for you, no matter what your friends say.”

  “You gonna whoop on them if they try?”

  “Hell, yeah. They don’t wanna mess with Missy.”

  “I hear that,” I tease.

  She smacks my butt. “I’m leaving. Get your ass in your tux and get out to the car.”

  I give her a salute as she walks out the door.

  Next thing I know, I’m standing at the far end of a beautiful garden. The brick walls are covered in vines and moss giving it a storybook feel. Tucked into the vines are richly hued English cabbage roses, peonies, and sweet peas in deep rich reds, purples, and pinks. There is an arch at the end creating an altar covered with more of the flowers. Red rose petals are sprinkled on the ground to form a path to the altar. A lone violinist is playing a romantic tune.

  Aiden cups my shoulder with his hand. “You ready?”

  “Yeah. I just realized. Missy forgot to give me the wedding rings.”

  “I have them in my pocket. You really think Missy would forget that?”

  “Yeah, you’re right. She wouldn’t. Were you nervous at your wedding, Aiden?”

  He shakes his head. “I’d say I felt a lot of nervous excitement. I couldn’t wait to watch her walk down the aisle and I couldn’t wait for her to be my wife.”

  “Why did you wait so long?”

  “Because she said being married didn’t matter to her. That all that mattered was that we were together. But I wanted more. And I suspected she did, too.”

  “I figured as much. Are you glad you did it?”

  “I’m very glad. You getting cold feet?” he asks.

  “A little.”

  “They will go away the second you see her at the end of the aisle. If they don’t, you run, I’ll take the flack.”

  The thought of running away from Katie turns my stomach. It’s not that I don’t want to marry her, it’s more like I have a case of stage fright, which is something I’ve never experienced.

  But Aiden’s right. The second I see her, it’s gone. She looks beautiful. Gorgeous. Stunning. I try to pay attention to her dress, because I know the dress is a big deal to women, but I barely notice that it’s anything more than white. It’s the total picture of her. White dress, short veil, beaming smile, bouquet of red roses. The way her eyes lock on mine. The way they bring tears to them. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than this. This gorgeous creature is going to be my wife, and that makes me incredibly blessed.

  Our ceremony is short and sweet. We hold hands, repeat our vows, and are pronounced husband and wife. I don’t even wait for the officiant to say it. I dip Katie back and give her a dramatic first, married couple kiss.

  After the ceremony, a waiter brings champagne on a silver platter, and I make a toast to my beautiful bride.

  “Katie, I want to share a quote with you that my dad shared with me when I got my first acting role. Eleanor Roosevelt once said that ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ At the time, I thought it related to achieving my dream of becoming an actor, but now I understand it so much better. You are my future, Katie, because you are the beauty of my dreams.”

  Katie’s eyes fill with tears as I clink her flute and drink in her honor.

  “Knox,” she says, “You swept me off my feet from the start. From our first kiss, to my first helicopter ride, to the most outrageous proposal anyone has ever dreamed up, to asking me to elope, to getting married at a palace made me believe in something I didn’t think I’d ever find—true love.” She throws her glass up in the air. “Everyone toast to my new sexy-as-hell husband!”

  I look out at my friends, Keatyn, Aiden, Riley, Dallas, Missy, and even the damn prince. And know I’m finally getting everything my father ever dreamed of for me.

  TUEDAY, OCTOBER 28TH

  Bam’s Yacht - Pacific Ocean

  SHELBY

  I’m sitting on a yacht—a freaking, huge-ass, floating hotel of a yacht. The thing is incredible. Juan gave me a brief tour when we arrived, acting like all this excess is normal.

  I guess for him, it probably is.

  “So what do you think of my boat?” he asks.

  “I’ve never seen such extravagance and wealth all on display in one place,” I answer honestly.

  “You should see our family castles.”

  “You have castles, as in plural?”

  “Yes, we have one in Argentina, where our family mining business started. And one—”

  “What do you mine?” I interrupt.

  “Everything. Copper, gold, silver, zinc. Things like natural gas, crude petroleum, uranium, cadmium, and lithium.”


  “Are you telling me you own a gold mine?”

  “Yes, of course,” he says with a sexy laugh, like it’s the most common thing in the world. Like saying you own a coffee maker. “Would you desire a glass of champagne?”

  “Is it good champagne?” I joke.

  “Everything I surround myself with is of the finest money can buy, of that you can be assured.”

  “Then, yes, I would love some.” He snaps a finger, and a waiter dressed in all white immediately returns with a bottle of champagne in what looks to be a real silver champagne bucket—probably silver from his freaking mine.

  “You are a funny girl, no? You are teasing me about my wealth. That is—uncommon.”

  I can’t help but laugh. “Let’s just say my family was not wealthy.”

  “But, yet, you do not seem like—what is the saying—a gold digger.”

  “I used to proudly consider myself a gold digger. That was my goal. I thought if I married a man with money, all my problems would disappear. Then I met a man with money. He wasn’t into monogamy and I was okay with that because I don’t think one man could ever keep me sexually satisfied. But, I told myself I was in love with him because of the things he could give me. Things I’d never be able to possess on my own, probably. And he took care of me. Put me up at the hotel where we met.” I let out a sigh. I don’t know why I’m telling him all this. He will probably kick me off his boat. It’s clear he’s just looking for a good time. Like Riley. “But then I realized I want more than money. I want more than just sex. I want a man to shower me with his attention, with his love. Would I like gifts? Sure, but I want them to mean something, you know? Like I’d rather have a diamond chip from a man who worked to save for it, just for me, than a carat from someone who bought it with no thought.”

  Juan smiles at me, hands me a flute, and raises his into the air. “To the most romantic soul I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Salud.”

  He takes a drink, but I don’t. “What does salud mean?”

  “It means to your health in Spanish, similar to cheers.”

  “Oh, that’s nice. Salud,” I say, thinking about my baby and wondering if I should be drinking this. I take a polite sip then set the glass down.