by B. A. Wolfe
“What about you, Mel?”
She leaned away from me and snickered. “Oh, I’m part of this family whether they want me or not.”
“They want you. They wouldn’t have it any other way. But what about Moose?” I asked quietly.
Her lips frowned. “It didn’t work out. I never had time for him. My job and Greg own me.” She shrugged, but the sorrow she tried to hide didn’t go unnoticed.
“Someday,” I told her. “It’ll happen someday. Mark my words. You two will end up together.” If there was ever anything I knew to be true, it was that. They were too perfect not to be together.
“Sure.” Mel playfully rolled her eyes, but I could see the glimmer of hope in them.
“Oh, Cass!” Moose exclaimed as he strutted into the tent. Mel, Jase, and I all glanced in his direction.
“Unk Moo! Unk Moo!” Jase left his mess at the mirror, his tiny legs taking him to Moose.
“Hey little guy,” Moose said, bending down to pick him up. “How’s our little ring bearer doin’?”
“Rarrrrr.” Jase did his best bear impersonation, getting a chuckle from the three of us.
Moose set Jase down and we all watched as he continued growling.
“No, silly. You’re not a bear. You’re a ring bearer. Come on. Let’s go find the pillow,” Mel said, taking Jase’s hand in hers.
“You look gorgeous, mama. I’ll see you at the altar.” She flashed me a wink and I blew her a kiss before she left the tent. She passed by Moose with her eyes to the ground. Not even a glance in his direction. It pained me to watch.
A heavy breath expelled from Moose’s lips. “I can’t get over how gorgeous you look, Cass.”
I flashed him a grateful smile and adjusted his tie for him. “You clean up pretty nice yourself.”
He took my hand and wrapped it through his arm. “Thanks for letting me walk you down the aisle.” His voice struggled as he spoke. I squeezed his arm and smiled. If there was ever anyone I’d have walk me down, it was Moose. He was there for me in ways he’d never understand. He stood by me, looked out for me, kept me from losing myself; he was always there. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re one of my best friends, Moose.”
“And I’ll never stop being there for you.”
“Thank you for everything.”
He smiled as if he knew the depth of my comment. “Let’s get you married.”
***
Dan
The musician tucked the violin under her chin, raised her arm, and set the bow to the instrument. The soft melody of Canon in D wafted through the air and everyone rose from their seats. All heads turned toward the end of the aisle. I’d been waiting for this moment—the one where I finally got to set my eyes on her.
I gripped my hands together in front of me and forced myself to remain cool and collected on the outside. Inside, I was a damn mess. There was a light tap on my shoulder. I turned my neck to see my father—my best man—smiling.
“I think you’re more nervous than the bride,” he chuckled under his breath.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad.”
His lips swept to the side. “I’m really proud of you, son.” His voice was calm and quiet, but his eyes began to well.
He’d never know how much those words and him standing by my side meant to me. “Thanks, Dad,” I muttered under my breath. “For everything.” Things were finally okay between us—more than okay.
Ooh’s and ah’s gushed from the audience and I knew she was there. My heart thudded against my chest, beating like it was the first time I ever saw her. Breathing hard through my nose, I fought the tears that threatened as I watched her step slowly down the aisle.
She wore exactly what I imagined she would. How she knew was a mystery. There was no way she heard my pleas and cries that day in the chapel, when I divulged my most intimate feelings out loud to whoever could hear them.
A toe of her white cowgirl boot peeked out from beneath her dress as she stepped forward. Her hand clasped around Moose’s arm—who I couldn’t thank enough for walking her down. I unlatched my hands and without caring who saw, wiped a single tear from the corner of my eye. I couldn’t get over how breathtaking she was. Every day she was gorgeous, but today she glowed. My lips curved as she made her way closer. She had everything I envisioned, down to the loose curls that swept across her shoulders. She was my living angel and she was walking toward her forever—me.
Moose and Cassandra stopped a mere arm’s length away. “I’d tell you to love Cassie and take care of her with everything you have, Dan, but truth is, you already do. No two people are more meant for each other than you guys. I couldn’t be happier for you both.”
Cassie wiped a tear from her eye as Moose placed her hand in mine. “Thanks, Moose,” I told him and shook his hand.
He nodded, turned, and took a seat next to my mom and Jase.
She was finally here, holding my hand as I intertwined our fingers. I mouthed the words ‘you look stunning.’ Her lips parted to say ‘thank you.’ She passed her bouquet to Mel behind her and within seconds her other hand was in mine. My stomach tightened at her touch. She’d never know the power she held over me. Hold it together, man.
“Family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of Cassandra and Aidan.” A breath of relief flowed from my lungs and out my lips. Our moment was here.
The minister continued on with the ceremony. My heart beat rapidly as we said our I Do’s, and the minute I slipped her wedding band over her finger I was sure it would catapult from my chest. It wasn’t until her calm hand took mine in hers as she placed my wedding ring on my finger that all the nerves vanished. Seeing my ring for the first time eased every bit of anxiety I had. It showed the world that I was hers.
“You may now kiss your bride.”
It didn’t matter how many times I’d already kissed her, this one kiss was the ultimate. She was now mine in a way even she couldn’t understand. We shared vows, rings, a last name, and now this moment solidified it all. I’d be kissing her for the first time as her husband. The person she’d come to for everything. The one she’d count on for protection. Her soul mate, her best friend, her everything.
I slid my fingers through her hair, gently cupping her face with one hand. Her eyes twinkled and her lips curved into a smile.
There wasn’t anything that could describe this moment. I could only imagine it’d be as memorable as the day she’d tell me she was pregnant with our baby.
My mouth hovered over hers. “This is it,” I whispered. One breath later and my lips claimed hers. Her hand moved to my neck as she deepened the kiss. Reluctantly I pulled away, pressing one last soft kiss to her lips.
“I now pronounce you, husband and wife.”
“We’re married,” I murmured.
“I’m officially yours.”
Truth be told, she was always mine. We missed our first chance, but fate so graciously gave us a second.
With her hand in mine, we turned to face the guests. They stood and clapped. Mom wiped her eyes. Dad patted my shoulder.
It was perfect, there was just one last thing. I pulled a pocketknife from my suit jacket. A warm smile played on Cassie’s lips as she flashed me a wink. Goddamn, I love this woman. Side by side, we made our way to the only single letter in the tree. It wouldn’t be alone for much longer.
The knife slipped a little in my sweaty hand as I applied pressure to it. The sharp tip dug into the trunk and I carefully etched in an A next to her C. I finished the bottom of the letter then flipped the knife closed. My lungs released the air they’d been holding.
Cassie’s fingers ghosted over the fresh carving. Her eyes welled as she traced each letter with a shaky finger.
“It’s done,” I murmured.
Cheers and whistles poured once more from the guests. To any person who didn’t live in Keaton, carving your initial into a tree didn’t mean anything. But to us, it meant everything. Call it r
idiculous, childish—it didn’t matter. It was a big deal to everyone who lived here. It meant our love would be there for a lifetime and longer. A tradition our kids and grandkids would carry on.
Cassie crashed her body into mine and hooked her arms around my neck.
“Jase was right,” she muttered. “My guy was always close by.” She pressed her lips to mine and kissed me. What I wouldn’t give to have my brother here today. I smiled, holding her tight as I whispered into her ear. “We’re officially carved into the tree.”
“Forever.”
***
Cassandra
“Can I take the blindfold off yet?” I sat not so patiently in the passenger seat as Aidan drove us to our ‘honeymoon’ destination. It was Aidan and his dad’s busy season and we both decided to only take a one-night trip and do something as a family with Jase later in the year. It still didn’t help that I was blind as he drove us to who knew where.
“Patience,” he murmured.
“You’re such a bossy husband.” Happiness bubbled inside me as I called him that. “At least tell me where are you taking me, please?”
“You’re such a demanding wife.” Wife. Would I ever get tired of hearing that word? He took my hand in his and intertwined our fingers. “It’s a secret. That’s why you have a blindfold on.”
I huffed in mock annoyance. “You’re not going to answer any of my questions, are you?”
“Nope.”
“Did you at least remember my overnight bag? Mel was supposed to give it to you.”
“We’ve only been married for five hours and you’re already questioning everything I do. What am I going to do with you?”
I giggled. “I have a few ideas.”
“Oh, so do I.” He pressed his lips to my hand. I wished I could see his sexy face. I hated this blindfold. “And you’re in luck . . . we’re here.”
That was a short drive. “Can I have a hint at least?” He chuckled and released my hand. His car door shut and seconds later mine opened. His hand reached to my hip, unlocked my seat belt and just when I thought he was going to help me step out of the car, his arms lifted me out. The door shut behind me as I rested against his chest. His lips were close to my ear, barely grazing the skin. “It was a first for us both,” he whispered.
I gasped. I knew exactly where we were. “The barn.”
“It’s away from the world and we only have one night. I’m not spending it driving hours in a car when I could be holding you instead. I hope that’s okay.”
“Aidan, I’ve had fancy and all the things that go with it. What I haven’t had is you. You’re all I want. I don’t care where we are as long as we’re together.”
“And that’s why you’re my wife. I love you so much, Cassie.”
“I love you. I’d have picked the barn too.” I’d never tell him, but in that moment, I could feel the fast beating of his heart as my body rested against his chest. What he didn’t know was my heart was pounding just as hard. “Oh. Don’t forget my bag.” I had something for him in there.
“Don’t worry, I have it, but you won’t need anything in there. I’m not even sure I want to take this dress off of you. You might stay in it all night. You’re so stunning. It’s like it was made just for you.”
My cheeks heated and my pulse reacted heavily to his words.
“You’re blushing.” His voice created a heat deep in my belly. If he didn’t walk faster, I wasn’t sure I could wait until we got inside the barn.
I heard the heavy barn door close behind us. His fingers hooked around the blindfold and he gently pulled it off. Twinkle lights hung from the rafters. Several fluffy pillows rested on the blue quilt that lay out in the middle of the floor. Wine glasses sat next to a wicker basket atop a barrel of hay.
“Aidan,” I said softly, returning my gaze to his eyes.
His hands framed my face and slid back into my hair. “I still can’t believe you’re my wife,” he murmured. He closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath.
“Say it again.”
He opened his eyes, his pupils dilated as he gazed at me. “You’re. My. Wife.”
I sighed in sweet happiness. I was his.
A sexy grin swept across his face and before I could say anything his lips seized mine. Aidan scooped me in his arms, our mouths still touching as he padded across the floor to the blue quilt.
***
We lay post-coital on the quilt together, Aidan’s arms wrapped around me, my legs tangled in his. I lifted my head from his chest and looked into his eyes, green swirls illuminated under the lights. I pressed a kiss against his cheek and whispered, “Stay right here.”
His brows knit together as he watched me rise from the blanket. I slipped his dress shirt over my bare body and headed toward my bag. I pulled out my gift to Aidan and held it to my chest as I made my way back to him.
“What are you up to?” Suspicion was apparent in his voice.
“I have a surprise for you.” I knelt beside him and took a deep breath. “It’s your wedding gift.”
He sat upright, tenderness crossing his features as he smiled. I pulled the book from my chest and handed it to him.
His eyes searched the cover. “Stay,” he murmured.
It was the title. A grin split my lips. I continued to stare at him. The minute he got to the part where it read my name, he lifted his gaze to mine.
“What’s this?”
“Our sequel.”
His eyes widened. “It’s done?”
I nodded with excitement. “Yeah.”
“Cassie, it’s beautiful.” He palmed the cover and drew in a breath.
“I signed it for you. Open it.” My heart pounded against my chest as he lifted the cover and began to scan my handwriting. I waited with bated breath . . .
For my husband
Thanks for the best sequel a girl could ask for
Life’s been an amazing journey for us
First love, then marriage, and now . . .
Another baby to rock in a baby carriage
Congrats, Daddy!
Your X’s and O’s forever, Cassie
His eyes beamed as they flickered between the first page and my stomach. “You’re pregnant? Are you sure?”
“Three positive tests sure.”
“We’re having a baby?”
I nodded. “You’re already an incredible daddy to Jase, but I can’t even explain how amazing it is to know I have a piece of you growing inside of me. We’re having a baby, Aidan.”
His eyes welled as he lowered the book to his side, keeping his focus trained on my belly. “I love her already.” His words were laced with awe.
“Her?”
He reached out and the minute his warm hand touched my stomach, tears pooled in my lower lids. “It’s our Maggie.” He spoke as if he was talking to our little seed and no one else.
I wiped the wetness from my cheeks and knew I’d never forget this moment. “Maggie?”
He lifted his gaze and nodded. He seemed so certain it was a girl. “I love the name. It’s beautiful.”
His hand left my belly and cupped my cheek. “I want three more kids.”
Whoa. I wasn’t expecting that. I chuckled under my breath. “Let’s just work on the toddler and baby we’re about to have first.”
His other hand framed my face as his eyes locked on mine. “You don’t get it. I want our kids to be just like you and I want as many yous in the world as possible, making it a better place. You don’t understand how amazing you are.”
“I love you so much.”
“I love you.”
I inhaled a soft breath. “So what happens next?”
He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “We finally get our happily ever after. The one that someone knew we’d always have.”
The End
***
They say you never forget your first love. And I never would. I never wanted to forget Jase or the journey he took me on. If Jase hadn’t rescued me,
I’d have never met him and been given the memories of a great first love.
I feared deeply a love like that wouldn’t happen again; Jase knew better, though. The push he gave was exactly what I needed. It helped me let go, and let love in again. Without it, I’d have missed my second chance at love.
Aidan wasn’t my first kiss, my first date, or my first love. But I knew I wanted him to be my last everything.
Special Delivery
A Keaton Series Short Story
B.A. WOLFE
Chapter 1
THE SCENT OF FRESHLY BAKED cookies lingered in the family room as Jase set a full plate next to a glass of milk by the fireplace.
“No, no, Daddy.” Jase pushed Aidan’s much larger hand away from the plate of decorated sugar cookies. “Sanna be sad. His cookies.”
“He won’t miss just one,” Aidan said, and reached for the candy cane shaped cookie.
Jase’s brown eyes narrowed. “Daddy bad boy.” He pointed his chubby little finger toward the couch. “Time out.”
I bit back a laugh along with Aidan, who turned his head in an attempt to hide his smile.
“When did our three-year-old turn into the parent?” Aidan chuckled and eyed me with disbelief.
“Our little man is growing up.” My voice was full of sweet sorrow. I missed the days of Jase being small enough to cradle in my arms in the rocking chair. But there was no use trying to slow down time, especially when we had another on the way. I palmed my ever growing stomach as I watched Jase run from Aidan, giggling. Both of them wore their new pajama bottoms—Batman for Aidan and Robin for Jase.
“Baman! Baman gonna get me!” Jase screamed between shrieks of laughter as Aidan chased him. It was their thing, Daddy was Batman and Jase was Robin.
A huge smile splayed across my face as the picture perfect scene continued next to our twinkling Christmas tree.
In one loving sweep, Aidan scooped our little toddler into his arms. “It’s time for bed, Robin.” He perched him on his side and walked toward me. “Give Mommy a kiss and tell her goodnight.”
