by Maree, Kay
A soft hand rubs up and down my back and I smile at Emily, loving that these girls are here with me for this.
“It says three minutes,” Cora murmurs.
Slipping her hand into mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
For nearly three minutes we stand there hunched over the vanity together as we watch the three small scenes in front of us.
My fingers squeeze against Cora’s as the first one starts showing two pink lines.
Tears are sliding down my face as the second one begins showing a smiley face.
My knees shake.
The girls are gripping my arms.
Keeping me standing as the third one reads Pregnant - Twelve weeks.
“Oh God,” I blubber, full ugly sobs now.
“You're going to be a mummy,” Cora sniffs.
“Congratulations Lucy, I am so happy for you,” Emily chokes out.
I hear Sophie crying down the line and it breaks me wide open.
“I am so proud of you, Lucy,” she sniffs.
Looking at both the girls at my sides, their eyes watery, cheeks wet, and I pull them both into a big hug.
“I’m going to be a mummy,” I whisper, shocked.
“You are going to be the best mum, Lucy,” Cora rubs my back.
“I cannot wait to squeeze you, sis,” Sophie cheers down the phone.
“Come here, Little Mumma.”
Lucas’s deep voice breaks through the heavy moment.
Swinging around, I take him in from head to toe through blurry eyes.
He takes up the whole doorway, crooking his finger at me.
Those clear blue eyes shine down on me.
I know he is trying to hide the emotion of the moment.
Rushing forward I wrap my arms around his neck, leaning up on my tiptoes, his hands grip my ass pulling me the rest of the way up.
“We are having a baby,” I choke out.
“Fuck I love you, Lucy, you just keep getting better and better and soon you will be my wife,” he breathes into my lips.
He gruffs out before stealing my next breath.
Making my toes curl in my shoes as everything around us drains away.
It’s just him and me in our own private bubble.
Lucas
1 month Later...
“Are you ready, brother?” Nash knocks my shoulder with his own.
“I have been ready for the past three months.”
Jebson and Nash both chuckle.
“My advice after the bridesmaids and flower girls come down the aisle take a deep breath cause you are going to be lost for words,” he whispers, clapping me on the shoulder.
“Son,” my dad says, shaking my hand.
“Your mother would be so proud of you; we couldn't have picked a better match for you. Lucy has always been like a daughter to us and I’m just damn glad you finally woke up and saw what we all already knew,” he chokes out.
All I can do is nod a lump forming in the back of my throat, dad must see it as he rubs a rough hand across the back of his neck.
Winking he turns heading towards the front row, taking a seat on one of the hay bales lined up either side of the aisle.
Looking out at the small crowd gathered in June and Lou’s backyard it’s set out similar to what Cora and Nash did for their wedding but instead of holding it at sunset, Lucy wanted a nighttime wedding.
We are blanketed by a crystal clear night, the temperature just right.
The sound of crickets chirping in the distance, the murmured voices of our guests taking their seats around us break through the stillness of the night
Mason jars with lit candles inside light up each side of the aisle, lit lanterns scatter around the outside of the area giving off a warm glow as the full moon shines above us bouncing off the pond at our backs tying everything together perfectly.
The scent of rich black magic roses mixed with baby's breath and Eucalyptus leaves entwine around the wooden arch behind me, permitting a sweet aroma through the air.
Calming my racing heart as soft music begins to play.
Tilting my head, I try to listen to the words, smirking when it hits me straight away what song it is.
Heaven by Kane Brown.
I told Lucy she could have whatever music she wanted for the night.
However, the song she walks down the aisle to me and our first dance will be my choice.
I chuckle, knowing I should have known she would have slipped Kane Brown into our night.
Straightening up as one by one Emily, Sophie then Cora make their way down the aisle in dark red silk floor-length dresses.
Grinning watching as Alexa and Elise are pushed down the aisle in a beautifully decorated old fashioned pram down the aisle by June.
Both girls have roses in their dark hair and wearing their own matching red dresses.
Their multi-coloured eyes shining under the warm glowing lights.
“You are so Fucked when they get older,” Jebson says out the corner of his mouth to Nash.
“He’s already fucked” I murmur, biting off a chuckle when Nash grunts.
“Don’t I fucking know it,” he grumbles.
June’s laser-like stare pins us to the spot.
“Nash Jacob Steel. Language,” she hisses.
“Sorry Mum,” he mutters, making me and Jebson chuckle.
“You wait fucker, I can’t wait to give you shit when your baby is born,” he whispers, my stomach cramping at his words.
“Fuck,” I grunt.
Now those assholes laugh at me.
“Boys behave,” June whisper shouts, we all nod in unison knowing she won't hesitate to come up here and whack us for swearing.
The girls giggling their asses off beside us.
Pulling our focus back to the end of the aisle.
My heart stuttering in my chest as the song changes to the unmistakable sound of Speechless by Dan + Shay blasts through the speakers.
Before I even have a chance to catch my breath, there she is standing at the end of the long aisle, head turned slightly.
Her beautiful hair covering her face as she listens to something Lou whispers in her ear.
Then, as if in slow motion, her face tilts up.
The warm glow of the lanterns casting a beautiful shadow across her soft face.
Those evergreen eyes lock with mine.
Her black midnight hair cascades down her bare shoulders before settling and curling around her breasts.
Feeling the need to run down and sweep her off her feet, I plant my boots firmly into the ground.
“Not so easy to stay is it fucker,” Nash murmurs under his breath, lightly chuckling.
Reminding me all too well of the fact I had to hold him back from his wife at their wedding not so long ago.
Gritting my teeth so as not to turn and punch him in his smug face.
My shoulders tense when my eyes lock on my girl as she begins to take slow measured steps towards me.
Letting my eyes trace down her body taking in the black magic teardrop rose bouquet gripped in her hand in front of her.
My attention is drawn to the slight sway of her hips, mesmerised by the hypnotic movement.
It takes me a moment to pull my eyes back to hers.
That cheeky smile pulling across her lips blows me away on a normal day, but today a whole different feeling rushes through me.
Quirking a brow.
She bites that damn lip and winks at me and I know she is going slow on purpose.
With each step closer I take her in from head to toe, my mouth drying taking in her dress.
White floral lace covers the top part of her chest that’s cut into a sweetheart neckline the same lace covers her arms from just under the shoulders.
Her smooth skin peeking out in different spots through the lace as if enticing me to taste those revealing spots.
Clear crystal beads
scatter throughout the lace shining under the warm lights, the ruffle tulle ball gown starts high on her waist and flows down to the floor, beading in an intricate design stitched into the bottom of the skirt.
The back of the dress flows into a beautiful, long train, a small beautiful clear crystal tiara sits on top of her hair with a stunning white tulle veil attached; it's the same length as her dress flowing down her back and out along the aisle at her back.
The dress sticks out a little more at the front from her gorgeous little baby bump, and it sends warmth spreading through me.
She’s a fucking vision and all fucking mine.
Twelve months ago if you had asked me what tulle, beading and ruffles were I wouldn’t have had a fucking clue.
But being around Lucy, June, Emily and Cora over the last few months has changed that.
Even if I don’t care in the slightest about any of it, I’m glad I listened to them yammering on.
I breathe out as she takes the last steps towards me.
The last bars to the song begin to fade out.
I stare into the eyes of my forever that are shimmering with unshed tears.
I love you, she mouths.
I can’t resist.
Leaning down taking her lips in a soft kiss needing that sassy daiquiri flavour exploding across my tongue as the priest finally makes her mine.
Taking her delicate hands in mine, giving them a little squeeze as the priest starts speaking.
I tune him out, completely captivated by the vision in front of me.
Her hair is flowing in dark ringlets down her chest, the moon shining down on her making those midnight strands glow with a tinge of blue completely captivating me.
Someone clears their throat and I’m pulled back to the priest talking.
“Repeat after me.” The priest smiles, nodding as I look back towards a smirking Lucy.
“I, Lucas Knight, take you, Lucy Jacobson,
to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish,
Till death us do part, and this is my solemn vow,” I repeat the words back to Lucy.
Watching as a single tear rolls down her rosy cheek.
My heart hits a crescendo when she repeats the words back to me.
The ground seems to shake under my feet as she binds her heart, body and soul to me.
Leaning down, swiping my lips across hers again.
Nash chuckles behind me, the girls are laughing when I hear the priest clear his throat, I smirk feeling Lucy’s lips curl into a smile under mine.
“Sorry.” I gruff out, chuckles echo around us, Lucy winks.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss your bride.” the priest announces.
Wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her tight into my chest, not giving her a chance to catch her breath.
I slam my mouth down on hers.
Humming as the taste of Daiquiris with a bite ignites and explodes through me, her nails bite into my neck making me hiss.
Lucy
“Wife, are you ready for our first dance?” his voice is so low in my ear.
I don’t miss the dangerous edge of dark promises to come, sending tingles racing down my spine.
His rough fingers lock with mine, pulling me towards the makeshift dance floor set up with the warm glow of the festoon globe lighting strung up through the trees.
Zig zagging above our heads, crossing from one tree to another.
“I’ll go wherever you lead husband,” I breathe back, fluttering my lashes up at him.
“Fuck,” he grounds out behind a locked jaw, nose flaring, making me laugh.
“You’ll keep Mrs Knight.”
“Promises, promises.”
Pulling me into his arms.
Sliding my hands up the front of his black dress shirt, wrapping them around his neck.
I run my nails back and forth across the soft skin at the back of his neck, grinning when I feel his body tremble under the tips of my fingers.
In Case You Didn’t Know by Brett Young begins to play. My body melts into his.
Leaning down, resting his cheek against mine.
His warm breath caresses down my neck as he sweeps me across the dancefloor.
That deep husky voice singing every word.
For three minutes and fifty-seven seconds, that voice bleeds through me.
Filling all the abandoned broken cracks still left inside me.
Resting my cheek against his heart, slowing my breathing down those blue eyes lock with mine and my heartbeat syncs with his, everything just slips away.
It’s just him and me floating in our own little bubble as the music begins to fade away we keep swaying.
Hunger lays deep in the depths of his eyes, igniting an inferno deep in my soul.
“I’ve always belonged to you wife, since the moment our eyes locked six years ago.
My soul woke up and took notice, I love you, Mrs Lucy Rose Knight,” he whispers a breath away from my lips.
Like a soft feather running across my skin.
My body trembles with the depth of love I have for this man.
“You first claimed me under the stars just over three months ago.
Now under these stars, our bodies mirror each other as if this is where we were always meant to be. You are the other half of my soul Lucas Conor Knight and I love you with every fibre of my being,” I choke out.
My eyes glaze over; our hearts build to a crescendo.
One hand slides through my hair as the other rests against my ass as those lips lock with mine, entwining us together forever.
Our hearts. Our Minds. Our Souls,
Combine to become One.
Syncing up in perfect harmony.
No words are needed as our bodies mirror each other.
My heart warms when a feeling of coming home washes through me.
I have finally found where I am supposed to be.
It might have taken us six years to get here, but I wouldn’t change a single moment.
Look out for the next stories in the Cowboys Down Under Series
Emily’s story Coming soon - Sweet Tequila Sunshine
Keegan’s story is coming December 2020 - Scorching Vodka Embers
Iris Nyoka to be announced - Liquorice Sambuca Bite
About the Author
International Best-Selling author Kay Maree is a mother and a wife. Born and raised in Newcastle, NSW Australia.
Kay’s passion is to show her children that you are never too old to make your dreams come true.
Which is what led her to write and publish Angel Mine in 2017.
With support from her family and friends, Kay has managed to accomplish something she never thought she could.
And Kay just hopes you fall in love with her characters as much as she has.
Also Available
Mafia - Mine Series
Angel Mine - Dominic & Brooklyn
Kitten Mine - Antonio & Katherine
Sugar Mine - Sergio & Kirsty
Petal Mine - Nico & Josie
Trixie Mine - Theo & Trinity (TBA)
MC - 7 Deadly Sins
Wrath - Harlow & Mercy
Sloth - Alexis & Razor (Part 1)
Bounty Hunters - Bounty Kings
Grayson
Tanner (TBA)
Inked - Inked Alphas Series
Inked Temptation
Inked Perfection (TBA)
Romance with a Twist
Shadow Game
Stone Brothers Ultimatum
PNR
Majestic - Wolf Shifter (Midnight Crest Book 1)
Bear Illusion - Bear Shifter
Luna Blue - Mermaid
Craving Her - Vampire #1
Tasting Her - Vampire #2
Author Links
Facebook - @KayMareeAuthor
Twitter - MisKay85
Insta - miskay
Readers Group -
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AngelsKittensSugars
Website
https://kaymareesmutlover.wixsite.com/contemporary-romance
FREE FALLING
A COWBOY RANCH ROMANCE
ALEISHA MAREE
FREE FALLING
A COWBOY RANCH ROMANCE
Copyright © 2020 Aleisha Maree
The right of Aleisha Maree to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000
All rights reserved. This publication (or any part of it) may not be reproduced or transmitted, copied, stored, distributed or otherwise made available by any person or entity (including Google, Amazon or similar organizations), in any form (electronic, digital, optical or mechanical) or by any means (photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise) without prior written permission from the author.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
Warning
This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes, domestic violence and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. This e-book is intended for adults ONLY. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.
*Potential triggers lie within this book.*
This book contains dark content.
Formatting by Susan Horsnell
Editing by Elizabeth Gardner and Amanda Williams at Dark Raven Edits
Proofing and Alpha Reading by Kym Young and Nicole Powell and the beautiful women over at Aleisha Maree’s Sinful Beta Babes.
Cover Design – Susan Horsnell
Dedication
For you all who have felt the suffocating pain of a broken, lost love.
A soul that walked without its mate.
