by Danni Rose
From her window, Beth saw the trellis covered with organza, roses, and stargazer lilies, her favorite flowers. A few days earlier, Marco had strung crystal star-shaped lights that created rainbows when the sun reflected off them in the trees and bushes. After the sun set, the lighted stars sparkled and created a fairytale atmosphere.
They prepared the ballroom for the reception and dancing. It was an elegant room with a large Victorian crystal chandelier and three walls of windows from the ceiling to floor. She was eager to see how the room looked with the white, gauzy organza draped over the walls and windows. The tables were to have floral arrangements made with the same white roses and stargazer lilies used in her bouquet.
Beth hugged Erik when she saw the cake. He had created a three layer masterpiece of white chocolate cake with a raspberry cream between the layers. The design on the frosting matched the lace and pearls on her dress. On top of the cake, Erik placed a crystal cake topper of a bride and groom dancing under a heart-shaped trellis.
Abbey and Lupita had both insisted on overseeing the caterer's work. "They might be the best, but they need someone around to deal with crises," Abbey said. Beth felt sorry for the caterer. The dinner menu was a leg of lamb stuffed with goat cheese, truffle potatoes au gratin, and candied ginger carrots. They had champagne and wine flown in from Jason's personal wine cellar.
In the afternoon, after a soak in a lavender scented bath, Beth dressed with Abbey and Callie's help. While Callie fastened the tiny buttons at her back, they teased Beth.
"Do you think Jason will have the patience to undo the buttons?" asked Abbey.
Callie leered. "Not if he knows what she's wearing under the dress."
They laughed.
Beth stared at the woman in her mirror and brushed a finger over her face. Her eyes sparkled. No risk was too great to be with Jason, not even a broken heart.
Soon it was time to begin the next chapter of her life. Beth stood at the door to the garden. The butterflies in her stomach had returned and waged a war. Then she saw Jason. He watched her and wore a bright smile on his lips. He hadn't said the words, but she felt his love in the way he cared for her, supported her, and encouraged her. She returned his smile and walked to the man who owned her heart.
When she reached Jason, he kissed her hand and pulled her close. They listened to the minister. He spoke of patience and understanding, friendship and trust, and he spoke of love. Neither of their smiles wavered during the ceremony. Then it was time to exchange vows. They had agreed that they wanted to write their own.
Jason held the wedding band she had treasured for nine years. He kissed it then slipped it onto her finger. "Beth, you are my angel, my love, and my joy. You are everything good and true in my life. I fell in love with you the day we met and will love you until the day I die."
Her lips trembled. He loved her. She gave him a shaky smile and slid the gold band on his finger. "Jason, I promise to be your friend, your wife, and your lover. I will laugh with you, support you, and love you every day of my life. I will be by your side in good times and bad because my heart and soul are yours—forever."
The minister pronounced them husband and wife. With those words, the fear that Beth might change her mind vanished and Jason's smile widened.
"At last you're mine." With love and joy flooding his heart, he lifted Beth into his arms and kissed her until he needed air. Pleased with the dazed look in her eyes, he kissed her again until the laughter and applause reminded him of their audience. After one last kiss, he whispered, "Later."
They turned to the guests to be introduced as husband and wife. Jason lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. The guests stood and cheered with one exception—Archer.
After a last kiss, they raced up the aisle to the open lawn. Then Jason lifted Beth and spun in a circle. She threw her arms wide and laughed while her dress billowed around them.
They held hands as they went to the ballroom to receive good wishes and congratulations. So many cameras flashed, he had to blink to get rid of the spots in his eyes. The best part of having their picture taken was the excuse it gave him to kiss Beth.
By the time they sat for dinner, one thought consumed him. How soon can I get Beth alone?
After the waiters served their salads, Jason watched Beth push her food around her plate. Worried, he asked, "What's wrong?"
She looked at him with tears that glistened on her eyelashes. "I never thought this day would come. I am so happy and love you so much."
"Angel, I love you too, always have, and always will." He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her to the delight of the guests who cheered for more. So he kissed her again and laughed when she blushed. "Now, no more tears. Eat. You need to keep up your stamina for tonight."
After dinner, a band replaced the quartet. Jason led her to the open floor, and they danced wrapped in each other's arms. As Jason turned Beth, he saw Gabriel off to the side of the room. When they finished their dance, they went to welcome him.
Jason smiled. "We're glad you could be here."
"The wedding isn't the reason for this visit." Gabriel shook Jason's hand and kissed Beth's cheek. He rubbed his chin. "I thought of waiting until after your honeymoon…."
Beth tightened her fingers around Jason's hand. "… but this was too important."
"Yeah."
"Let's go to my study." Jason lifted Beth's chin and whispered, "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it together."
She gave him a shaky smile. In the study, they sat and waited.
Gabriel rubbed the back of his neck. "Let me tell you what I know before you ask questions."
They nodded, and Beth moved closer to Jason.
"We tried to track down the adoptive parents with the name and information you gave us, but we couldn't find them. I wanted to try the hospitals again. This time I sent in a female operative. She got them to let her read Beth's records. In a file, she found a notation—a name—Addison. It could be the name of the adopting parents."
Gabriel scrubbed a hand over his face. "I decided it was time to check the information in Woodson's records. I took two of my men with me and paid a midnight visit to his office. He has a walk-in vault for his files. There are hundreds of files. We looked through a handful. It was enough to confirm that Woodson works with couples desperate for children and who will pay anything to adopt."
Jason asked, "Are you certain they're sales and not expensive adoptions?"
"Woodson keeps very detailed records," Gabriel said. "His fees are outrageous. Then, after a couple has a child, he blackmails them. He threatens to inform the authorities about the illegal adoption if they refuse to pay."
She gasped. "How does he get away with it?"
"There are people so desperate for children they will pay any price. He's arranged adoptions for some influential people who protect him."
"Why would people take such a risk?" She asked.
Gabriel's eyes darkened. "How much would you pay to get your son back?"
Beth and Jason looked at each other.
Gabriel shrugged. "Anyway, we got into his files and confirmed the information my operative found in the hospital records. The couple who adopted Daniel was Julia and Jeff Addison. I photographed the information and left the file in the vault. I don't want Woodson to know we're on to him, at least, not yet."
"Have you located the Addisons?" Jason frowned. "Wait. What do you mean was?"
Gabriel ran his hand over his face. "There was a car crash."
"Oh, my God!" Beth gasped. "Daniel…"
"Daniel is fine. He was with a babysitter."
Jason shuddered. "What happened?"
"The Addisons were out for the evening. It was winter, and the roads were slippery. A truck lost control, crossed into their lane. Their car was demolished. They died at the scene of the accident."
Jason asked, "Was it an accident?"
Gabriel rolled his shoulders. "Good question."
Beth asked, "What happened t
o Daniel?"
"He had no other family, so he went into foster care. That happened a year and a half ago. I talked to my contact at Department of Children and Families to find out where he's living now. She's his caseworker."
Jason asked, "Do you think he's safe?"
"She's vigilant about safe placements for foster children."
"I'm sorry about the Addisons." Jason ran a hand through his hair. "But if Daniel is in foster care, we can file for custody without concern about a court fight or taking him from an adoptive family."
Jason looked at Beth. "How would you feel if we postpone our honeymoon?"
"Thank you." She squeezed his hand. "Gabriel, what can we do about Woodson? We can't let him continue to swindle people who want a family."
Gabriel's eyes narrowed and every muscle in his body tensed. "Don't worry about him. I'll make sure he gets what he deserves."
Jason hoped he was never on the receiving end of that look.
The door flew open and Archer stomped into the study. Deidre raced after him. "Archer, please stay out of this. You agreed not to interfere."
"Did you think I meant it?" He turned to Gabriel. "Mr. Michael. I guess you didn't take my second warning any better than you did the first."
Jason's eyebrows pulled together. "There was a second warning?"
Gabriel shrugged. "I'd left my office when two men stopped me. They suggested I drop my investigation. I wasn't certain who sent them until now." He laughed. "Did you think two third-rate thugs could make me give up the search? It backfired, Mr. Kingsley. Like I told your messenger boys, I don't give up a case once I've agreed to take it."
"Elizabeth, you will stop this investigation." Archer raged. "If you don't, you will ruin all I've worked for."
She glared at her father. "You'll do anything to protect your inflated opinion of yourself, won't you?"
"I will not allow your bastard to be part of this family."
Deidre put her hand on his arm. "Archer, you promised."
He jerked his arm so hard Deidre lost her balance and fell to the floor.
She looked up at him, her mouth open, and her eyes filled with tears.
"Mother!" Beth ran to her.
Jason and Gabriel grabbed Archer.
He struggled to get free. "Let go of me. What do you think you're doing?"
She held her mother's hand. "Are you hurt?"
Tears ran from Deidre's eyes. She sobbed, "No."
"Deidre, we'll take you home." Jason said, "You can pack whatever you need and come back here."
"It wouldn't be right. You were just married and don't need your mother-in-law living with you. I'll get a room somewhere."
Jason shook his head. "We'd worry about your safety. If you're here, Archer won't be able to get through my security."
"Please, Mother."
"If you promise not to change your plans, I'll stay."
Another knock at the door. Jason grimaced. Now what?
His parents walked in and saw Deidre on the floor. They rushed to her, and Helen asked, "What happened?"
Beth pointed to Archer. "His temper is out of control, again."
Helen and Matt helped Deidre to her feet. "Jason, you need to return to your guests. We'll take care of Deidre. Why don't we take her upstairs?"
"No!" Beth said, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to yell. We have to take mother home to pack, and then she'll come back to stay here."
"We'll go with her." Helen patted Beth's arm. "You return to your guests."
Matt nodded. "We can help Deidre collect whatever she needs. If Marco is with us, we won't be any danger."
Jason asked Gabriel, "Would you keep Kingsley away from his house until Deidre leaves?"
Gabriel's scowl promised retaliation if Archer bothered Deidre. "My pleasure."
Jason shrugged a shoulder. "After that, you can take him home or dump him in a ditch, the choice is yours."
Helen handed her purse to Beth. "There's powder and lipstick in there. Deidre, do you need a minute?"
"I'm fine, just shaken. I'd like to go now."
Beth returned Helen's purse. "Thank you."
Deidre put an arm around Beth, "I'm sorry this happened. But don't let Archer ruin your day. Don't give him the power to hurt you. This day should be a happy memory." Deidre glared at Archer, lifted her chin, and walked out.
Jason squeezed Beth's hand. "We don't have to return to the reception."
"Yes, we do. Mother is right. I won't let Archer ruin the happiest day of my life. Besides, I want to dance with you again."
"I love you." He brushed his fingers over her cheek. "Maybe we can get the band to play a jitterbug."
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
When they returned to the ballroom, the guests, unaware of the drama, teased them about their long absence. Jason laughed and Beth blushed. Then the band played his jitterbug. He twirled her until she was breathless. She laughed when Erik pulled her into the chicken dance, but it didn't keep her from watching for her mother.
When she returned to Jason, he said, "Marco is with Deidre, and Gabriel promised to keep Archer away. They won't let him hurt her."
Then Jason distracted her. He pressed his hand to her cheek and his lips to hers in a kiss meant to comfort, but soon sizzled with heat. He lifted his head when the wolf whistles and enthusiastic applause broke through the lust that flared whenever they kissed. Flushed, they turned and bowed to their friends.
While Beth danced with their guests, Jason went to the study and called Mason Reed, owner of the River Inn. He got lucky. The bridal suite was available. It had a king-size bed, a Jacuzzi, and a balcony with a view of the river and forest. Jason made a few requests that Mason promised to arrange.
Jason got back to the reception at the same time Deidre returned with his parents. Beth ran to her mother and hugged her. Deidre reassured her she was fine. He told Beth and their families about their reservations at the River Inn.
Beth's reply was immediate, "I don't want to leave Mother."
Deidre said, "You need to celebrate your marriage and not worry about me. I'll be fine."
Helen put an arm around Beth. "Your mother needs time to figure out how to deal with all that's happened. She won't be alone. We'll stay here until you return."
"I can't avoid the problems in my marriage or bury my head in the sand any longer." Deidre frowned. "Archer's behavior has hurt the family and the business. It has to stop."
Beth nodded. "All right, but promise you'll call if he causes trouble."
Deidre laughed. "Gabriel made it clear that Archer is not welcome here."
Jason said, "Gabriel isn't a man you want to cross."
With a cocky grin, he lifted Beth into his arms. The musicians stopped playing, and he turned to their guests. "Thank you for helping us celebrate this happy day. Please stay and enjoy yourselves, but I've waited nine years to go on this honeymoon and refuse to wait any longer."
Beth laughed while the guests cheered and clapped. Jason carried her to the limousine under a shower of confetti. Before they got into the car, Beth reminded him she wanted to throw the bouquet. Jason turned, and she threw it over her shoulder. Loud laughter rang out. They turned to find Erik, his face a deep crimson, holding the bouquet.
Although it wasn't the honeymoon he planned, Jason wanted Beth to have happy memories of this day. He refused to let Archer ruin their wedding or cast a dark shadow over their marriage.
At the Inn, Mason greeted them and told Jason, "Your room is ready."
Beth opened her mouth, but he pressed a finger over her lips and winked. "It's a surprise." At the door to their suite, he again lifted Beth into his arms and walked into the room. "At last."
He kicked the door shut and took her lips in a kiss that demanded all she had to give. She returned his kiss with an intensity that drove his need to the edge. When she parted her lips, his tongue slid in to tangle with hers. In desperate need of satisfaction, he caressed the sensitive skin of her mouth. He lowered her legs to
the floor and brushed his hand over her cheek then stepped back.
Beth grabbed his arms. "Don't stop."
"I want to be certain no one disturbs us." He locked the door.
"Oh, Jason. This is beautiful."
He turned to find a fantasyland. He'd asked Mason for candles, but he never expected this. Lighted candles and vases of flowers were everywhere. Next to the Victorian style loveseat was a bucket of ice with a magnum of champagne set to chill. If they got hungry, on the table was a silver platter with hors d'oeuvres and desserts.
Jason dropped his coats and shirt then went to stand behind Beth. He wrapped his arms around her waist before kissing a path down her neck and shoulders. "You're beautiful in this dress, but you'll look even better out of it."
He flicked a button on the back of her dress. "I noticed these earlier. Did you do this to torture me?"
Beth grinned when she shrugged. "Callie thought it would be fun."
"Little sisters cannot be trusted," Jason mumbled while he struggled with the first button. After it was undone, he managed the rest of the buttons without a problem. He turned Beth, but she'd crossed her arms and held her dress in place. He frowned and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I bought you a gift, but I didn't want to unveil it until I had your full attention."
"You have my complete, undivided attention." He grinned.
A coy smile curved her lips when she released her bodice and wiggled her hips. Her dress drifted to the floor and formed a white, chiffon cloud at her feet.
Jason's mouth fell open. Beth still wore white, but now she wore her satin and lace corset, lace thong, a garter belt and white thigh-high stockings. She was an invitation to sin no sane man could deny.
She stepped out of her dress and bent to pick it off the floor. On the back of her thong was a lace bow that teased his already overwrought senses.
Jason muttered, "Have mercy."
Beth looked at him over her shoulder and smiled.
His cock went from stiff to hard as steel. If he didn't bury himself in her soon, he might pass out from a lack of blood to his brain.
