Wild Fire (The Fairy Tale Match Series)

by Danielle Rose-West

  “What are you doing just standing there?” Jake asked in a teasing voice from behind her. Laura gasped and spun around to see him standing in the doorway, dressed in dark trousers and a soft blue polo shirt. He looked remarkably handsome, his hair damp from a shower and his face freshly shaved. He looked at his watch. “You’d best get moving if we’re going to make our booking.”

  “What are you talking about?” Laura stammered.

  “I’ve rebooked our table at the place I was going to take you last night. I explained what happened yesterday and that this is a special occasion. They’ve happily fitted us in even though they are fully booked tonight. So, you’d best get moving.” He tapped his watch playfully.

  Laura’s brow creased. “I don’t know Jake,” she said doubtfully. “Look at my face. People will stare. I can’t even cover it up with make-up.”

  “You will look beautiful, no matter what,” he told her sincerely. “It doesn’t matter what other people think, you taught me that.” He indicated his own scar with a wry smile. “After everything we went through, we deserve this celebration.”

  Laura smiled and nodded her head, humbled by his words. He was right, they did deserve this and she couldn’t let a little thing like her appearance get in the way. “Okay, give me some time and I’ll get ready as quickly as possible.”

  She showered and dressed as quickly as she could. She decided to leave her hair down, as much because Jake loved it that way as to cover her face a little, so people wouldn’t stare too much. She knew Jake was right, that she shouldn’t care what other people thought and she didn’t, but she still felt too vulnerable to want to draw that much attention. Looking at herself in the mirror, she decided she was as good as it was going to get.

  Gliding down the stairs, Laura’s breath caught in her throat at the hot desire she could see in Jake’s gaze. His eyes slid over her, making her feel beautiful and desired despite her injuries. He held out his hand to her and she took it, feeling his warm fingers close around hers. He pulled her closer, giving her a soft kiss.

  “You look amazing sweetheart,” he whispered into her ear, making her shiver.

  “As long as you think so, that’s all that matters,” she replied. He took her out to the car, helping her into the passenger seat. They drove for some time, with Laura begging Jake to tell her where they were going, but he refused. The road they followed seemed to be heading up into the mountains. The air around them felt more clean and crisp the higher they drove.

  At last they came to a large open space, where several cars were parked. A large stone building stood nestled into the side of the mountain. Laura could see a wide veranda that encircled the building, with tables set out onto it. Each table had a vase of flowers on it, with even more flowers in large tubs standing in strategic spots all around, scenting the air with gentle floral aromas. Waiters scurried to and fro with delicious looking plates of food that hungry customers waited for impatiently. Fairy lights were strung up around the whole area, lighting the place with a soft romantic glow as twilight hung in the air. The whole thing looked enchanted.

  Jake helped Laura from the car, walking her to the restaurant. Laura’s mouth fell open as she took in the incredible interior of the dining room. A large fireplace stood proudly centre stage, with wooden beams spanning the ceiling. Every table was solid wood, with plush comfortable seats and expensive looking china at every place-setting. The splendour of the place filled Laura with awe.

  “This is incredible!” she breathed to Jake.

  “I thought you’d like it,” he said softly in her ear. “You wait until you taste the food!”

  The waiter led them to a table for two outside. Laura gasped at the view still visible in the dwindling light. The valley below spread out like a glorious natural painting. The sight was beyond words. Laura drank it in as the waiter brought their drink order and left them menus. Laura hardly knew what to choose from the extensive selection. In the end they took two meals and shared them. Jake was right, the food was exquisite and Laura enjoyed every bite, wondering if she couldn’t create something like it.

  “Have you enjoyed yourself?” Jake asked as they finished their coffee and dessert.

  “It’s been perfect,” she smiled, her eyes sparkling in the fairy lights. “I’d like to come back here for every one of our anniversaries. This is our special place now.”

  “Whatever you want my love,” Jake smiled back, linking his hand with hers. “From now on, we can plan our future with nothing hanging over us. It’s going to be amazing.”

  Jake paid the bill and they headed home. As the entered the ranch house, he swept Laura off her feet and held her close in his arms, careful of her injured ribs. Her breath caught in her throat at the intense desire she saw in his eyes. His lips descended on hers as he carried her up the stairs, reminding her of the night they’d made love for the first time. It seemed so long ago now with everything that had happened, had it really only been the other night?

  Her body felt drunk on desire as they entered their room, Jake kicking the door shut. They stopped in surprise at the sight before them. Someone had been in there while they’d been out. The bed had fresh sheets that had been turned down, soft rose petals scattered across the surface. Several candles had been lit and placed around the room, giving a beautiful romantic air. A chilled bottle of champagne had been placed in the room with two glasses.

  “Kerry,” Laura sniffled, touched at her friend’s thoughtfulness.

  “Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Jake asked pulling a face, his expression worried.

  Laura took his face in her hands and kissed him deeply, knowing he was worried about the reminder of Victoria’s little set up. She pulled back and stared into his eyes. “What is past is past,” she told him firmly. “All that matters now is me and you. Let’s enjoy this wonderful romantic setting without letting any of that colour our happiness.”

  “You’re right. It’s over. We have our whole lives ahead of us to enjoy each other.” He grinned wickedly in anticipation of their passion filled night to come. Laura’s eyes darkened with desire, her breath catching in urgent need.

  Jake set her gently on her feet and kissed her again as he unzipped her dress. He pulled the material down her shoulders and let it drop to the floor in a pool of pink at her feet. Laura’s breath caught in her throat as his lips descended on the soft skin of her throat. She shivered at the contact, desire raging up through her blood. Heat spiralled through her, making her lose control, as only Jake could.

  She gripped his polo shirt in her hands and swept it up over his head in one smooth motion, letting her fingers trail over his chest, her lips following suit. She felt the deep rumble of laughter rise up from his chest.

  “I thought you’d prefer this style of top,” he grinned wickedly. “I’ve bought quite a few more, in preparation for our life together. I thought it would be less expensive than shirts.” Laura giggled along with him.

  She gasped as he turned them around, landing on the bed on his back with Laura straddling his hips. Her hair cascaded down over them both, like a curtain of silk. His lips captured hers in another searing kiss. Laura felt herself burning up with desire as his hands trailed over her body, slowly and tantalisingly removing her underwear.

  Unable to wait any longer to feel him completely naked under her, Laura undid his trousers, pulling them from his body. The heat between them built with every touch, every desire filled kiss. They were soon lost to the magic of the wild fire between them, creating their own world where only the two of them and their love for each other existed.

  *****

  Lotta was satisfied. Their charges were finally in a position to take care of their own happily ever after with no more help needed from them. Flo, however, stood beside her sobbing into the handkerchief she’d conjured from mid-air.

  “Come now Flo! Pull yourself together. You knew this was coming,” Lotta admonished, but her gentle smile and pat on Flo’s arm took any sting fr
om her words.

  “I know, but it’s so hard!” sobbed Flo, big fat tears running down her face and splashing onto her dress. Her cries echoed round the stable where they were standing, making Charger snort with agitation, his ears flattened to his head.

  “You’re scaring the horses!” Lotta exclaimed, indicating Charger.

  “Sorry,” sniffled Flo. Just then a sparkle of light filled the space and a parchment of paper appeared in front of Lotta. With a worried look at Flo, Lotta took the parchment, opening it with a tap of her wand and a few chanted words. She read the contents, her brow wrinkled.

  “It is as we expected. There is to be a full investigation into our assignment and our actions on said assignment. Until the results of that investigation are complete, we are to be suspended from duty.”

  Flo gave a wail of disappointment. “But if we hadn’t interfered, they wouldn’t have got a happily ever after!” she cried.

  “I know. I don’t regret our actions, but we didn’t blend them in sufficiently and our charges were left with thinking they’d had extra help. They even thanked us.” Lotta tapped the parchment and it vanished.

  “It was so nice to have a thank you for once,” Flo said dreamily.

  “It was,” Lotta agreed. She knew it would be some time before the verdict on their actions came through. She wondered if they would have to give up their wands for good. She dearly hoped not. Whatever happened, this happy ending had been worth it.

  Epilogue

  Six Months Later

  Laura gazed at herself in the full length mirror, hardly able to believe this day had finally arrived. Jake’s mother stood behind her with Kerry, both crying at the sight of Laura in her wedding dress. The gown was gorgeous, with lace covering the bodice and train. The tiny sequins sewn all over the ivory white gown shimmered in the sunlight coming through the windows, making them look like stardust had been scattered over the dress. Laura’s hair had been half pinned up, small blue and pink flowers woven through its shiny strands, matching her bouquet.

  Becca, Jake’s mother, had given her a beautiful necklace that she’d worn on her wedding day to Jake’s father. Becca and Laura had got on from the first moment they’d met and they’d fast developed a mother daughter relationship. Becca had been so happy that her son had finally found the right woman for him.

  Laura took the flowers Kerry was holding for her, taking a deep breath. She’d got her wish to be married at the ranch. A huge marque had been put up outside ready for the reception. Flowers hung everywhere and the horses were all out in the pasture nearby, so they felt like a part of the celebration. Everything was just as Laura had dreamed it that awful day she’d been trapped in Victoria’s car. She closed her eyes a moment, giving thanks that she stood here on her wedding day, when it had seemed at one time she’d never make it.

  Things had been tough for a time after that fateful day. Walter had had a complete breakdown and attacked several police officers after he’d been told of his sister’s death. He had been transferred to a secure mental hospital where he was undergoing treatment. It seemed unlikely that he’d see the outside world for many years to come. The last they’d heard, Walter sat in a world of his own where he still talked to Victoria. Despite everything, Laura hoped that he’d find peace one day.

  Kerry gently squeezed her shoulder in understanding, bringing her back to the present. “Today is not a day for sad thoughts,” Kerry whispered gently.

  Laura nodded, squeezing her hand back. She was right, today was for the happy future she and Jake were about to begin together as husband and wife.

  “You look beautiful,” Laura told Kerry. Her soon to be sister in law glowed in her bridesmaid’s dress, her dark hair pulled up in cascading curls. It was only a month away that Laura would be returning the favour when Kerry married Dan. Smiling at her friend, Laura stepped out of the room, ready to make Jake her husband at last.

  They slowly descended the stairs, smiling down at Bill who awaited them. He’d choked up when Laura had asked him if he’d give her away on her special day. She wouldn’t have wanted anyone else. In the short time she’d known him, he’d been more of a father to her than her real one had ever been.

  He took her hand and tucked it into his elbow. “You ready?” he asked gruffly.

  “I have never been more ready for anything in my life!” Laura stated firmly. Smiling, he led her outside. The music started up and Kerry led the way up the aisle. Most of the town had turned out for their big day, except Henry Blankton who still had sour grapes ever since he’d lost a large portion of his business to Martha.

  Laura smiled as she spotted Martha in the crowd, crying and clinging to Alfie’s arm. Laura’s heart filled up at the sight of them. She’d sold her house back in England and properly quit her job after she knew she’d be staying here for good. She’d invested in the diner and become a partner with Martha, taking some of the pressure of running the business off her shoulders. It felt so good to be a part of something and the diner was going from strength to strength.

  Her eyes connected to Jake and suddenly nobody else existed. She gazed at his handsome face as he stood waiting for her. Her heart swelled in her chest at the sight of him. His gaze moved over her from head to toe, taking in every detail. The look in his eyes set her body on fire. She barely noticed Dan standing next to him as best man. It had taken hardly any time at all before they had been able to put the past behind them and resume the friendship that had meant so much to both of them before Victoria’s interference. Laura had been so happy when Jake had asked Dan to stand up for him. The shadow of the past was finally gone.

  She hardly noticed as Bill stepped back after placing her hand in Jake’s. His warm strong fingers closed over hers, making her feel safe and loved. Before long the ceremony was over and she was finally Jake’s wife. He held her close as he kissed her deeply, their first kiss as husband and wife. The crowd around them cheered, breaking into the heated kiss of the newly married couple. Laura laughed joyously as they made their way back up the aisle, the crowd pelting them with confetti. They were bombarded with congratulations from all sides.

  The evening went on with a wonderful wedding breakfast and before long the music began for the dancing. Laura stepped into Jake’s arms for the first dance, twirling to the music like she was on air. She felt like a fairy princess with her handsome prince. Everything was magical and perfect. She had no idea what she’d ever done to be so lucky but she would be forever grateful for the advert that had come up on her screen and sent her on a wonderful journey to a whole new life.

  Laura and Jake danced every dance until laughing, she begged for a moment’s reprieve for her poor aching feet. Jake headed off to get her a drink while she sat for a while to catch her breath. Laura smiled as the two women that had come from the Fairy Tale Match approached her. She’d sent an invitation to the organisation, but hadn’t really expected anyone to turn up. The small plump woman beamed in Kerry’s direction as Kerry spun past her on the dance floor in Dan’s arms. Kerry, in turn, stared back. For some reason the woman looked familiar, but she simply couldn’t place where she’d seen her before.

  The tall thin woman that Laura remembered was Ms Feather, clasped her hand. “Congratulations Mrs Carter. We are so happy we found the perfect match for you. We wish you many years of happiness ahead.”

  “Thank you so much. And thank you for coming,” Laura replied warmly.

  “It was our pleasure dear,” said the small plump woman, drawing Laura into a bone crushing hug before kissing both her cheeks. Laura hardly knew what to do.

  Ms Feather cleared her throat, pulling the other woman away. “Please excuse my colleague,” she said with apologetic eyes. “She always gets overcome at weddings. She’s a hopeless romantic.” The other woman dabbed away at her teary eyes with a handkerchief while sniffling loudly.

  “Its fine,” Laura assured, thinking it very sweet that the woman was so romantic. “I should think it really helps to be that carin
g in your line of work.”

  Ms Feather rolled her eyes. “Sometimes it’s nothing but trouble.” With that cryptic remark, Ms Feather pulled her companion away.

  Jake tapped Laura on the shoulder, drawing her into his arms. He handed her a drink. “Having a good time, Mrs Carter?” he asked, nuzzling her ear. Shivers of heat flowed through her at his touch.

  “I am, but I can think of something else I’d rather be doing right now,” she whispered back, her eyes scorching him with her heated look. He groaned.

  “You’ll be the death of me one day,” he teased. “How about we get out of here?”

  “Won’t people wonder where we’ve gone?” Laura protested half-heartedly.

  “They won’t need much imagination to guess where we’ve gone!” Jake laughed. “I’ve waited long enough to have you all to myself. Come on.”

  He grabbed her hand and like a couple of naughty school kids, they snuck off to change and head to the hotel they’d booked for the night before going on honeymoon the next day. Laura stuffed a hand over her mouth to hold in her giggles. Jake simply laughed, not caring who saw them ducking out. Life had finally given him everything he’d ever wanted. He sent a prayer of thanks to the heavens.

  *****

  Lotta and Flo left the wedding, each smiling in joy at how well things had turned out. They stood in a meadow, where they could still hear the sounds of the distant music. Things had turned out perfectly for these two couples. If only the same could be said for their fairy godmothers.

  “When do you think we’ll hear the verdict on this case?” Flo asked impatiently. “It is taking such a long time. I want to get onto another assignment.”