More Than I Wanted

by Ava Catori

  Chapter 23

  As time wore on, he seemed to settle back into a pattern, and over time we started planning the details of our wedding. We’d chosen a semi-local beach, a simple ceremony with a handful of people, and we both wanted to be dressed nicely but barefoot. We’d write our own vows and start our lives together. Austin would move in with me, and he’d let his apartment go. I had more space at my home, and we hoped to eventually get a small house together.

  I wasn’t sure what I was going to wear at first. I had a picture in my mind of what I wanted, but was having trouble finding something that looked how I wanted. It was hit or miss, and finally after almost giving up hope, I stumbled on the perfect option.

  I know so many little girls visualize their wedding gown, and want to be princess perfect. They want to see a look of adoration in their man’s eyes, one that says you made the perfect choice. I hoped I’d make a decision that showed he was happy I was the one he’d chosen. I longed for that look, knowing as he saw me in my wedding dress for the first time, that there was nobody in the world he wanted more as his wife. I know, it’s a silly illusion, a dress can’t do all of that, but we always hope it will.

  The dress I found was a lovely antique white piece, almost offering a champagne colored tint. It was strapless and tea length with tulle beneath the skirt. The satin bustier portion of the dress fit me perfectly, and there would be little to take in or let out. It wasn’t traditional, but it was perfect and similar to what I was looking for. Getting married barefoot in the sand, I didn’t want a gown length wedding dress.

  His parents agreed to come willingly, but I wasn’t holding my breath that his mom would behave. At this point, I just avoid her as much as possible. Austin’s younger sister was there too, giving me a chance to finally meet her. You’d think we’d have made the effort beforehand, but Austin said he wasn’t super close to her, since they were easily 8 years apart in age. He loved her, but they didn’t share a lot in common, other than parents.

  Maggie looked a lot like her mother, but was a little warmer – only a little. I wouldn’t say we’d be best friends, but at least she didn’t bite my head off the moment I met her. I could see that Austin adored his younger sister, and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face when he saw her. I bet if they were closer in age, they would have been great friends growing up together. I was glad she was able to make it, it meant a lot to Austin.

  While Maggie was mostly polite, she did get a snarky comment in. She was definitely her mother’s child. I cringed when she made the comment that I was a lovely bride, but you should have seen Emily. Now she was a gorgeous bride. I almost wondered if her mother put her up to that. I could tell the women in Austin’s family were not going to be my biggest fans. Were they protective of him, or was there something about me? I just didn’t get it, and promised myself to spend as little time with them over the years as possible.

  My parents were there too, and I just hoped they didn’t clash with his folks too much. I held my breath and just prayed everybody would be on their best behavior for our special day. I hated that what was supposed to be my special day had me stressed out on top of it all, hoping our parents wouldn’t be an issue. We should have run away and gotten married alone. I had visions of our parents brawling in the sand. Sure, I know I exaggerated it in my head, but do you blame me?

  Heather and Scott would stand for us, and of course Jake and his latest girl would be there as well. That was all that we wanted - a small affair, our closest friends, and our family. Of course my mother was horrified I wouldn’t be inviting Aunt Sally, and swore my grandmother would never forgive me, and what about second cousin Ginny, and so on and so on. I let her ramble on, and gently reminded her that this was my wedding to plan, not hers.

  She took it well enough, but added a layer of guilt that she was so skilled at. I was sure my Grams would enjoy the pictures and understand we were keeping it small. Though who knows, if my mom is this good with guilt, she had to get it from somewhere.

  When the day arrived, standing before our friends and family, we said our vows. Thankfully the weather held out, and when we exchanged rings and finally said our do’s, Austin leaned forward and kissed me. I was his wife, and he was my husband, a blessed union indeed.

  I was so touched that he’d written our vows. They were beautiful and graceful. His words brought tears to my eyes, and he spoke so eloquently – and most of all, as he promised his love to me, I knew that we would become united as one.

  After kissing my husband, I turned around and smiled at our friends and family. It was a magical moment to be standing there with Austin. We were husband and wife.

  I refused to let his mother’s glares and loud, deep sighs ruin my day. As far as I was concerned, she was lucky I let her show up. I knew how much Austin adored her and did it for him, but I’ve avoided her as much as possible until this point. I hated her all ready, and I didn’t see that situation improving. She couldn’t pocket her disapproval for one moment.

  I’ll be honest, it doesn’t give me especially warm feelings that she’ll be a part of our lives, but Austin swears there are redeeming qualities about her somewhere deep inside. I guess time will tell, and who knows if she’ll ever accept me. I tell myself I don’t care, but I’m lying, of course I care. I plan on spending the rest of my life with Austin, and I don’t feel like fighting it every step of the way, with his mother in my face.

  Austin squeezed my hand, “I love you, Mrs. Sharpe.” I smiled and forgot about his mom for the moment. Austin was my husband, wow, I have a husband!

  I looked at everybody around us, but all I really saw was Austin. It didn’t matter how many people surrounded us, he made me feel like the only person in the world at times, special and secure in the knowledge that he loved me, truly and deeply.

  He was happy; I saw it in his face. His eyes were smiling, and there was love between us. I knew everything would be okay – we were husband and wife, and were about to start our journey to happily ever after. He was more than I ever wanted, and is all that I need.

  THE END

  If you enjoyed reading “More Than I Wanted” by Ava Catori, be sure to keep your eyes out for the follow up “All That I Need”. The story continues as Kate and Austin build their lives together. With a child on the way, and Austin struggling with post traumatic stress disorders, their lives aren’t quite what they’d planned. Can the couple find the strength to get past their emotional hurdles and find their happily ever after? Take a sneak peek below:

  All That I Need

  “This is more than I wanted. I didn’t bargain for this,” I cried into the phone. “It’s not fair! I sent him away as one person, and he came home another. He was fine for awhile, but it just keeps getting worse. I thought time would help, but it’s not improving.”

  “He’s talking to somebody finally, getting help, that’s something, right?”

  “I guess,” I said rubbing my swollen belly. “The baby is coming soon, and I’m worried. I’m not sure how we’re going to get through this. I need him to be present, and he’s despondent, detached a lot of the time, and the nightmares…” I trailed off.

  “Kate, give him time. He went through a lot over there, but he’s home now. He needs to heal. The fact that he agreed to get help says a lot. He wants to get better.”

  “He’s going to be a father, and I just don’t know if he can handle that right now.”

  “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder isn’t going to be fixed over night,” she gently reminded. “Give him the time that he needs, it will get better. He loves you so much, Katie.”

  “I know, Mom, I’m just scared. What if he doesn’t get better?”

  Coming soon to your favorite e-book retailer, be sure to add it to your wish list today. Follow Austin and Kate as they tackle the next phase of their relationship. Add the second book in a two part series to your reading list, and see how the story finally ends.

  Looking for more stories by Ava Catori? Want another tast
e of what’s to come?

  Future release “Compulsive Desires” tackles the question – is it infatuation or love?

  Sophie Samuels was in love. Well, okay, maybe it was lust, but who wouldn't be smitten? Bear Trevor, the Bear Trevor, famous adventurer and male model had just fallen in her lap.

  It started with a conversation, and then a wicked one night stand, but now Bear was asking for more. The only problem was that Sophie was confused by what she was feeling. Were her growing feelings real, or was she simply infatuated with the handsome star?

  Sifting through the details of their fling, Sophie is forced to admit her new obsession may be just that – an obsession. Can Bear convince Sophie that they could be much more together, if she’d just give him a chance?