by Dean, Taylor
She gasped in response. He’d taken her by complete surprise. Kneeling should’ve given her a clue, but she simply wasn’t expecting him to pop the question. Just a few minutes ago she’d thought he didn’t even love her and now he was asking her to marry him. How’d that happen? “Now that’s a serious question,” Marisa said, her voice breathy and soft.
“Give me another chance. I won’t let you down. I’ll never hurt you again, Marisa, I promise. As long as there is breath left in me, I will love you, cherish you, and adore you, I swear it. You mean everything to me, Marisa, everything. I almost lost you and it made me realize that I don’t want to live without you. Please put me out of my misery. I love you. I know we’ll be happy together. Please say yes.” He let out his breath and swallowed, unable to hide how nervous he was and Marisa found that very endearing.
“Yes,” she said almost inaudibly. Then, just to make sure he’d heard her, she said it again, this time louder, “Yes.” He stilled as she added, “Are you kidding? Absolutely.”
He couldn’t hide his smile as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, and kissing her hard on the mouth. She wasn’t sure if it was the emotion of the moment or what, but it seemed like he kissed her in a way that he never had before. He parted her lips, kissing her deeply and aggressively. He pulled her to her feet, supporting her full body weight, their lips never parting.
There were only two words wafting through Marisa’s mind. “Oh my.” Other than that, she couldn’t formulate a single cohesive thought.
He pulled away for a moment. “I’m sorry, I know we have some serious issues to discuss.”
“We do?” What now? Fear welled in the pit of her stomach. She’d been inches away from the perfect ‘happily ever after’ ending.
“Look, Marisa, I know there are things you’d like to do with your life. It doesn’t matter. Go and do them. I’ll never stop you from fulfilling your dreams. Just promise you’ll come back and marry me when you’re done.”
Puzzled, she said, “What are you talking about?”
“Earning your masters degree, traveling the world, and writin’ about it. I heard you say that’s what you wanted to do with your life. I don’t want to keep you from your aspirations. I won’t do that to you.”
Everything fell into place in that moment, all of his actions suddenly made perfect sense. “You overheard me saying that,” she stated, not questioned.
“Yes. And I want you to realize your dreams.”
“Josh, you don’t understand. You overheard a conversation that wasn’t meant for your ears. That was an idea, not a dream. That was plan B if plan A didn’t work out. You are plan A and you always have been. My dreams all revolve around you.”
“Are you sure?” He seemed surprised at her words. “I want you to live your life. I don’t want you to ever feel trapped here.”
“Thank you for that,” Marisa whispered, touched. He really did love her. Letting her go had been an entirely selfless act. “I’m absolutely positive about what I want in life and I have absolutely no doubts, whatsoever.”
He nodded, his eyebrows deeply furrowed. It took Marisa a minute to realize that he was seriously concerned over this issue. He wasn’t just trying to be polite or let her know that he wouldn’t be a controlling husband. This was really bothering him. He wasn’t kidding around when he’d implied that he had abandonment issues. Marisa had to admit, she was slightly floored. Josh was an extremely confident man, owner of a tremendously successful cattle ranch, and one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen. Yet, he was positive there wasn’t a woman alive willing to stay with him at his isolated cattle ranch. Unbelievable. Childhood really does affect us in ways we don’t realize. He has no idea that most women would fall at his feet to be with him. He doesn’t see it. Not at all.
Convincing him that she’d never leave him would be nigh unto impossible. There are no guarantees in life and many ways to leave somebody. Her parents had left her alone in the world, not by choice. All she could do was say it—and then she’d show him. Day after day. Year after year.
“I love you, Joshua Kensington. I want to spend my life with you by my side. I don’t really care where we are, as long as we’re together. I just want you. And Bethany. I want to have babies with you and spend our life raising our children together. That’s my dream. A houseful of children. With you.”
“That’s what you want?” he asked, slightly incredulous.
“Yes. That’s what I want.”
“A houseful?” he questioned with a raise of his eyebrows.
“Yes. I want to have a houseful of children with you,” she repeated. “Lots of ‘em.” A life didn’t get more commitment-filled than that. Hopefully, he was beginning to comprehend the underlying promise in the fulfillment of such a dream.
“Lots?” he said, his expression beginning to transform.
“That okay with you?”
“Oh, I think I might be able to oblige you,” he said with a huge smile. “Tough work, but someone’s got to do it.” Then, in all seriousness, he added, “I would love that, Marisa. I would absolutely love that.”
Josh retrieved a ring from his pocket. Reverentially, he placed the ring on her finger. “Do you know how long I’ve had this ring?” He didn’t wait for her to ask the begged question. “I’ve had it for two months. I knew I wanted to marry you even then.” His lips brushed hers softly.
“I have only one request,” Marisa added.
“Anything,” he murmured.
“I want to marry you right here in the Folly.”
His smile was tender. “Perfect. There’s not a better place in the world.”
“No, there isn’t,” Marisa agreed and his eyes seemed to glitter with happiness.
“But I have a request too,” he stated.
“What?”
“I don’t want to wait. I want to marry you right away. Next week. Do you mind wearing a cast with your wedding dress?”
“I think it will be the height of fashion.”
Josh laughed aloud, the sound echoing around the Folly as if it were as normal as the sounds of nature.
And it was.
–19–
Marisa sat in a tub full of scented bubbles—her cast propped up and out of the water—feeling a little stunned at the happenings of the last week. It had been a whirlwind of preparations. Mary and Constance had taken over, planning every detail. This left her and Josh with precious moments to be together and quietly contemplate their new life. However, in between wedding dress shopping and a myriad of other elements—colors, flowers, invites, decorations—she’d still felt swamped and a little overwhelmed. It took Mary awhile to realize Marisa could care less about all of the details. All that mattered to her was that she was marrying Josh. In all honesty, she would’ve been perfectly happy with Josh, herself, a preacher, the Folly, and a quick, “I do.” But Mary was thrilled with the event and Marisa appreciated all of her efforts. It was going to be a beautiful wedding.
A knock on the door took her out of her reverie. “Marisa, are you almost done. It’s time to get dressed.” It was Mary, sounding a little flustered. Marisa had just finished shaving her legs—the parts she could reach anyway—in preparation for her wedding night.
Wedding night.
Tonight would be her wedding night—with Josh. Her stomach fluttered. It seemed as though everything had happened so fast. One minute she’d thought everything was over between them and the next, he was declaring his love for her. Not only that, he wanted to marry her. Right away, as if he was scared of losing her.
Not going to happen.
Once he’d explained, his actions made an odd sort of sense, even though the thought of that horrible I’m-not-in-love-with-you moment still made her knees weak. She didn’t agree with his methods, but he’d apologized so many times for his rash measures, Marisa was willing to forgive him. After all, he’d had her best interests at heart. He’d already promised he’d spend the rest of his life making
it up to her—and Marisa had every intention of making him live up to that promise.
She also had every intention of healing the gaping hole in his heart his mother had so ungraciously bestowed upon him when she’d left him at the tender age of three.
“I’ll be out in a minute, Mary.”
Mary was anxiously waiting for her. She helped her slip into her dress. It was made from a lined white lace that covered her body like a glove, showing off her slim figure. Mary sat her down and worked magic on her hair, pinning it up into an elegant chignon. Small little curls hung wispily around her face. After a light application of make-up, Marisa hardly recognized herself. Bethany watched, eyes bright, looking adorable in her flower girl dress. Her hair was already done in a perfect little upsweep. “You look so pretty, Marisa.” Then she approached, holding something in her hands. “This is from Dad, but he said I could put it on you since you’ll be my new mother.” She placed a dainty pearl necklace on her neck and clasped it shut. Marisa hugged Bethany tightly as Mary covertly wiped at her eyes.
Mary then placed matching pearl earrings onto her lobes. “You are a stunning bride, Marisa. Josh isn’t going to know what has hit him when he sees you for the first time.” Mary knelt down next to her. “The day you came into my life was the day my life changed forever. You are one of the greatest blessings I’ve ever received. I couldn’t be happier for you and for Josh. I know you will be very happy together.”
“Thank you, Mom,” Marisa said purposefully. No more slip-ups. Mary deserved the title of mother. Marisa couldn’t stop her tears, feeling unable to speak and tell Mary just how much she meant to her.
“No crying, you’ll ruin your make-up,” Mary scolded, even as tears still continued to run down her own face.
Marisa wasn’t sure she could comply either as Mary quickly attempted to repair the damage.
It wasn’t until she nervously waited—ready to walk down the sidewalk-aisle, with her arm linked with Jerome’s—that she finally took a deep breath, the first one in a week, or so it felt.
This was it. She was marrying Josh. In the Folly, the most perfect spot on earth.
To her left, a huge sign done in an elegant script sat on an easel. It read: The wedding of Joshua Kensington and Marisa Michaels.
Opposite the sign, was a huge poster sized picture of the two of them, also on an easel. It was a picture Mary had snapped. Marisa was behind Josh as he’d carried her around the house, piggyback style, her arms wrapped around him. Piggyback had become the preferred method of transport since Marisa loathed the crutches. The photograph boasted huge smiles on their faces, happiness literally shining from their eyes.
The sound of a lone violin wafting gently through the air caught her attention. The sound met her ears, soft, sweet, high notes, achingly tender—achingly romantic. She had to take several deep breaths to keep herself from crying. The ceremony was beginning. Bethany walked down the aisle in a carnation pink sundress, shocking pink petals falling gracefully from her hands. Mary took her place at Marisa’s side and stole one last hug, and as she did so, she slipped something into her hand. As Marisa looked at it in surprise, she saw that it was the picture of Joshua that she kept under her pillow.
“All these years? You knew?” Marisa inquired, taken aback. She’d left the picture upstairs, tucked under her pillow. Lately her life was filled with unfolding secrets.
Mary nodded with a secretive smile. “Only insomuch that he was your protector, the person who kept you safe at night.” She wrapped her hand around Marisa’s hand that held the picture. “Go marry your prince, Marisa. He loves you, he adores you, and he will always keep you safe.” She tucked the picture into Marisa’s bodice for safekeeping. Marisa was speechless.
Before walking down the aisle, she turned to Jerome who smiled at her proudly, “Am I dreaming?”
He only chuckled softly as they walked slowly towards Joshua, Mary on one side of her and Jerome on the other, her hands tucked into the crooks of their arms, giving her all the support she needed—just as they had given her since she’d joined them at the age of eleven. Mary and Jerome were now giving her away, placing her in Joshua’s loving care.
She’d expected the wedding to be a small affair. To her utter surprise, the chairs were not only filled with many members of Josh’s staff, but also with many of his friends from local ranches, people she’d met at the barbeque. Constance was there, wiping at her eyes, and Jake, looking upon her with a huge smile. Even Leila and her husband were there. Leila sent her a conspiratorial wink and a thumbs-up as she caught her eye. Even old Mr. Marshall waved at her with a silly grin.
Her eyes were drawn to Josh, waiting for her next to the fountain, his eyes only for her. He looked devastatingly handsome in his tux, the light wind picking up his jet-black hair, his eyes looking bluer than usual. Marisa couldn’t believe this was really happening.
When she reached him, their hands joined tightly, her face turned up to his, their eyes locked and he smiled a smile that made his eyes sparkle. She smiled back, knowing that all was right with the world.
The ceremony was beautiful and when they were pronounced man and wife, Josh took her in his arms and before his lips descended onto hers he whispered, “I love you,” and then kissed her as if they were the only two people in attendance, which brought on clapping and cheering from their guests. And a little whooping and hollering from the ranch hands too.
The reception was catered and seemed, to Marisa, interminable. Her cheeks hurt from smiling and she was tired of greeting guests when all she really wanted to do was be alone with Josh.
His thoughts were not far from hers as he said, “Shall we leave?”
“Okay,” she whispered.
It took another hour to throw the bouquet and the garter, but finally they waved goodbye, and made their escape. With Marisa in Josh’s arms, they quickly dashed into the deserted house, turning on no lights.
“I kinda like being carried everywhere by you,” Marisa whispered.
“I’m not complaining,” Josh answered as he immediately kissed her as if he couldn’t wait another second. “We did it,” he whispered.
“Yes, we did. I’m so happy.”
“Me too.” Josh carried her up the stairs—no piggyback in a wedding dress—leaving the house below them dark and empty. Mary, Jerome, Bethany, and Constance were all staying in one of the vacant cottages for the next few days. They had the house to themselves. They’d decided to honeymoon right there on the ranch. At Marisa’s insistence, their first night together would be in Josh’s bedroom, their new master bedroom. She wanted the unforgettable moment to take place where she’d always remember it.
After telling her in no uncertain terms that she had to wait at the threshold, Josh closed the drapes, dimmed the lights, lit a few candles, and then turned to face her. She was watching his every move.
Slowly, he smiled at her, and she smiled back.
“Mrs. Kensington,” he said as if greeting her formally.
“Mr. Kensington,” she replied.
“The moment we’ve been waiting for,” he uttered as he slowly removed his tux jacket and tossed it onto a chair. His eyes never left hers as he untied his tie and left it dangling. He unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt. He unbuckled his belt and slid it out of the belt loops, taking his time. The belt joined his jacket. He unclasped his cuff links and tossed them onto the chair also, as if he couldn’t wait to be rid of all the accoutrements that came along with a tux. His eyes still held hers. She continued to watch his every move, her breathing becoming uneven. The sounds of the reception still going strong in the backyard and Folly met her ears—people laughing, the low hum of talking, the pulsating purr of music from the live band. It all echoed through the air seeming distant and faraway. All that mattered to her was right now, right here.
Josh kicked off his shoes, walked over to her, placed his hand on her cheek and kissed her ever so softly.
He picked her up into his arms, carried h
er into the room and crushed his lips down onto hers, kicking the door shut with his foot. Somehow, he managed to lock it without interrupting their kiss. The kiss became deep as their mouths opened to each other and their tongues met. The embrace quickly turned urgent and demanding. They’d waited a long time for this moment.
Obviously not wanting to rush, Josh slowly set her down onto her feet, her body sliding down his, their lips never breaking contact. His hands began to roam, touching her in places he’d never touched before, making her gasp. Their lips parted as he covered her face with kisses. Her back arched and she let her head fall backwards as he kissed her neck and chest.
Slowly, Marisa began to untuck his shirt and then slipped her hands under it, running her hands over his back and chest, as he took her mouth with his again.
His hands wandered up to her neck, her face, ever so tenderly. “I love you, Marisa. I’ve always loved you.”
“I love you, Josh. I wanted to live just for this,” she mumbled under her breath.
When her words registered, he stilled. “What?”
Her hands moved to the buttons of his shirt and she began to unbutton it, one by one, agonizingly slow, as she whispered, “After my accident, my prevailing thought was that I didn’t want to die, not yet, not before I’d had the chance to make love with you.”
“Marisa…” he said, noticeably touched. She stopped him with her lips, kissing him hard and deep. His hands ran through her hair, removing the pins that held it up. When her hair was free, he buried his hands in it, massaging her scalp.
Her hands slid down his chest and rested on the waistband of his pants. Their eyes met and held for a moment. She stepped a little closer and ran her lips over his chest, kissing him gently. His heart was racing, matching her own. It was their time tonight and it was long overdue.
