Something Forever

by M. Clarke

  I walked to the dining table and picked up a pamphlet to read. The list of an array of exclusive amenities was long: unlimited golfing on a private, secluded area, passes to San Diego parks, complimentary wireless Internet, and wine, soft drinks, waters, and organic iced teas refreshed daily. This was fantastic, though I wouldn’t need most of their services. Since we were getting married here, Max and I had special bride and groom amenities, the room Max would stay in until I joined him after we got married.

  After we unpacked, Dad went to play golf. Mom, Becky, and I walked around to explore. While passing through the bakery, Becky and I bought chocolate chip cookies. I didn’t know if they used a special ingredient or if it was due to me being pregnant: but whatever the reason, it sure tasted mouth scrunching delicious.

  When we entered the small shop, Becky’s engagement ring caught my eyes. It sparkled against the bright light. I’d caught her staring at and admiring it several times in the store. Her attention was more focused on the ring than the beautiful items the shop had displayed. I understood her. I had done that many times when I first got engaged. In fact, I still did it to this day. I couldn’t believe Becky and I had gotten engaged in the same year.

  “It’s so peaceful and secluded here,” Becky said when we exited out to the pool. It led us right to a path. “Now I understand why Max wanted to get married here.”

  “Maybe Dad and I will stay here a bit longer. I’m really loving this place,” Mom said, linking her arms with mine.

  “You should. You don’t get to travel that often.” We walked in silence as we observed the nature around us. The endless path took us past the garden, the fountain, and the sandbox where the children were playing. It made me smile watching them play. A little boy’s parents were helping their son build a fort. Someday, Max and I would be doing the same. When I caught Becky smiling, I wondered if she was thinking the same thought.

  “I can’t believe my baby girl is getting married,” Mom said with teary eyes, gazing in the same direction as I was. “You used to be that little. It went by so fast.”

  I nodded with a smile because that was all I could do. Tears were already threatening to fall. A part of me felt so sad that I wanted to cry. It just hit me hard that tomorrow would be the last day anyone would call me Jenna Mefferd. It felt like a part of me would disappear, but I couldn’t think of it that way.

  “When we were getting married back then, our generation would say that we were losing our daughter, but I would like to think that I’m gaining a son. Max is very lucky to have you, and you’re very lucky to have him. I know that I’m not losing you. Don’t forget that your dad and I are always here for you.”

  Mom’s hug and tears made me lose it. As tears ran down my face and I felt my mother’s love, I was a little girl all over again. I was no longer a child, nor a teenager, nor a young adult—though I might have acted like one or the other many times before—I was going to be a wife and a mother. I would not only have one set of parents, but two. I would also have gained a brother-in-law, and hopefully a sister-in-law, soon.

  When Mom released me, she wiped my tears like she had many times before when I was a child. “Live your life to the fullest and be happy. I know I sound like a broken record when I say this, but I’m so happy that you were able to get pregnant quickly. I almost gave up. I’m so glad I didn’t. There is no greater joy than raising a child. They give us one of the few precious moments in life. And your dad and I can’t wait to be grandparents.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I sniffed. Soaking in her words, we started walking again. Becky turned to us with a smile. She had walked away to give us space. Her eyes were teary, too.

  I looked at my watch. I couldn’t believe it had been a couple of hours. “We need to meet up with our wedding coordinator. She’s going to give us the details of what we need to do tomorrow. Then we can go get ready for dinner.”

  “Why are you doing this without Max?” Mom asked worriedly.

  “It’s because of our schedule and when Max is able to fly in. It’s really simple. She needs to show Becky and me the room we’ll be coming out from and where we will be standing. Also, where I will meet up with Dad so he can walk me down. It won’t take long.”

  “I see.” Mom nodded. “We’d better go get your father.”

  “Can’t wait to see everyone,” Becky said. “I just got a text from Nicole and Kate. They’re here, checking in.”

  My phone buzzed inside of my back pocket. I pulled it out to see who the caller was. “Max just landed,” I said aloud. Relief washed over me. He had arrived safely, but he still had to drive to the hotel.

  We were just about to go to dinner when there was a knock on the door.

  “Must be the housekeeper.” Dad opened the door. “Max.” I heard a pause for a second. My dad must have given him a hug. “You’re going to be my son-in-law. Call me Jonathan.”

  My heart thumped faster from the sound of his name. Instead of going to him, I hid behind the bedroom door. My mom rushed to the door. “Max, my son-in-law.” She was going to give him a hug for sure. “You can call me Mom or Paige. I don’t care which one. How was the flight?” Mom asked. When I heard the sounds of their footsteps, my heart hammered even faster.

  “It’s always the same. I’d rather be on land.”

  My dad chuckled. “I have to agree, but we would fly for days for our daughter’s wedding.”

  “I would fly anywhere for her, too,” Max said, slipping his hands inside his dress pants and glancing around. Max was looking for me. “Are you comfortable here? Do you need anything else?” Max asked like a perfect son-in-law.

  “Everything is great. Thank you so much. Have a seat.”

  “Don’t keep him hostage,” Mom laughed softly. “Jenna is in her room.”

  “Thank you.” When Max took a step toward my door, I scurried away and hid behind the bathroom door. I was acting childish, but I was having fun.

  “Come out, come out, wherever you are,” Max sang. “You’re not thinking of backing out, are you?” His voice and footsteps were closer. I was about to jump out in front of him, but I decided to wait.

  “If I could have this view when you’re not around then I wouldn’t miss you as much.”

  What the heck was he talking about? What view? I turned to see Max peeking through the space between the door and the door hinge. Max was staring at my ass. “Max.” I walked out, laughing.

  “I found you,” Max said excitedly, embracing me in his arms. He placed a tender kiss on my forehead. “I’m never going to let you go.”

  I snuggled into his warmth and his love. “You better not,” I murmured against his chest.

  Max pulled back. “How are you feeling?

  “A lot better for sure.”

  “Are you comfortable here? Is it spacious enough?

  I snorted at his words. “Nope. It’s not big enough.” I lightly smacked his arm. “Are you seriously asking me that question?”

  Max’s eyes opened wide with a grin. “I thought it was a good question to ask. Maybe I should ask another. Did you miss me?”

  “Yes,” I said, unbuttoning the button at the top of his dress shirt, then the second, and the third. I felt Max’s chest shudder lightly when I slipped my hand inside his shirt.

  “Good.” Max’s hand slid up the back of my legs and he started kissing softly on my neck. “You look beautiful in this lavender dress.” His hot breath against my neck caused a sudden tingle on my clit. “I love how I can feel your ass.” He lightly squeezed it. Then his finger slid further down, making me gasp with air. “I love your easy access dress.”

  “My parents, Max,” I warned.

  It was as if he had forgotten they were right outside the door. With one hand still on my ass, the other fell down to my stomach. “How is baby doing?”

  “We are both good and we are very hungry.”

  “Then we better get going.” Max raised my leg and anchored it on his hip. “There, much better.”


  “Okay.” I nodded, but I had no idea what I was saying. Max was playing with my clit. His touches were slow and tender, but oh God, I wanted to take off his clothes. I started to unbutton his shirt, not caring about my parents.

  “What are you doing, babe?” Max chuckled. He loved that I was losing control. “Remember our deal?”

  I didn’t get a chance to answer. Max tilted my body to the side and kissed me in hunger, devouring me like he couldn’t get enough. “It’s time to go. We’re already a little late,” Max said, pulling back.

  My breaths were so heavy I had a difficult time answering. Max helped me to stand and make sure my feet were planted on the ground. “You’re bad, Max.” I straightened my dress.

  Max fixed a few strands of my hair to their places. “I can’t help it. Every time I’m near you, a switch turns on inside of me. I’m at your mercy.”

  I bore my eyes deeply into his. “Are you going to feel that way when I’m fat?”

  Max laughed out loud. “Of course I will. You’re not going to get fat. You’re going to be very pregnant.”

  “Are you ready to be my husband and the father of our child?” I didn’t know why I asked that question. I knew he was, but I needed to hear it one last time.

  “Babe, I’ve been ready since the first moment I saw you. I’m going to be honest. You already knew that I didn’t want to start a family right away, but that’s okay. That’s what life is all about. I can’t wait for you to officially be my wife. And I can’t wait to take you to my bed.” He growled underneath his breath. “I’m going to make sure you remember our wedding night. You’re not getting any sleep.”

  Max’s words shot pleasurable shivers through me. Satisfied with his answer, I gave him a big smile. Max held my hand and led me out the bedroom door. Thank goodness my parents were in their room. I wondered if they wondered what was taking Max and me so long?

  Chapter 29

  Becky

  “I’m coming,” I said out loud, hearing the doorbell ring. It was funny to hear that sound. It sounded like I was home.

  “Hello, beautiful,” Matthew said all flirty, leaning against the door hinge with his hands in his pants pocket. I was short of breath, admiring this beauty in front of me. He wore a striped blue and white dress shirt and dark navy pants. He scanned my body with his eyes, making it obvious that he was. “Maybe we should be late to dinner. It’s not like we’re the reason why people are here.” Matthew imprisoned me with his arms, walking backwards, away from the door.

  “Yes. But we are in the wedding party. I’m sure someone will miss us,” I replied, feeling Matthew’s soft kisses on my face. “Why didn’t you just use your keys to come in? I saw that you had unpacked already while I was out and about with Jenna and her mom.”

  “What would be the fun in that?” he murmured against my lips. “We had an appointment with the wedding coordinator. The reason why I didn’t let you know. We just finished.”

  “We really should get going.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Matthew pouted, then he became serious. “How are you feeling?”

  “You don’t have to ask me that every time you see me. Don’t worry. I’ll let you know,” I said cautiously. I didn’t want him to think that I was ungrateful.

  “Okay,” he replied, sounding defeated.

  I felt terrible, so I tried to lighten the mood. “So, are we going to have a big wedding?”

  “Babe, you can have whatever wedding you want.”

  “We better get going. Nicole and Kate already texted me twice. I was just about headed to get Jenna and her parents.”

  “No need. Max is their escort.”

  “And you are mine?”

  “I’m always yours.” Matthew winked.

  Matthew always had a way of saying the sweetest things. “That you are. Come hither.” Hooking my index finger through the loop of his pants, I reeled him out of our villa.

  “Here we are.” I traced the 3D white wooden letters with my eyes. Addison, it read. “Pretty name for a restaurant.”

  “I like it,” Matthew agreed. “My grandmother’s name was Addison. They named this restaurant after her.”

  “Really?” I squealed excitedly. How amazing it was to have a restaurant named after you.

  “Just kidding.”

  “Matthew!” I lightly pushed his chest. It didn’t matter that I did; he didn’t even budge.

  “No, but seriously. My grandmother’s name was Addison.”

  Our friends cut off our conversation and stopped us in place. “Becky!” Kate bellowed, followed by Craig.

  “Matthew!” Nicole said out loud. She shook Matthew’s hand and gave me a hug.

  “Have you been here before?” Craig asked.

  “When we get a chance to get away,” Matthew answered. “Is this your first time here?”

  “Yes, but it won’t be our last.”

  “So...what do you need to tell us?” Kate asked, changing our conversation.

  I swung my arm out, making sure they had a clear vision of the diamond ring. I didn’t know why I suddenly felt shy about it.

  “Awww,” Nicole said smiling. “Congratulations.”

  “It’s beautiful,” Kate gushed.

  “We should get going. We’re already late. I’ll tell you all about it during dinner...or maybe after.” Mathew and I headed inside hand in hand, where a room full of people greeted us.

  I was introduced to Matthew’s cousins, aunts, and uncles. I could tell by the gestures how much they loved and cared for one another. Jenna caught my eyes from across the room. She had the brightest, happiest smile. As I continued to smile and gaze at her, I couldn’t help the sadness I felt in my heart. No matter how genuinely happy I was for her, even knowing I would see her soon, she was no longer my roommate. I was going to miss her terribly.

  After dinner, most of the elder couples headed to bed while the young ones ordered drinks and went to a hangout close to the bar.

  “Did you set your wedding date yet?” Nicole asked. With her legs crossed, she snuggled to Keith on the sofa.

  When I turned to Matthew, I almost kissed him. His body was pressed against mine. It’s like he needed to touch all of me. If he could, he would be on top of me. I had to laugh at that. “We’re going to wait until next year.” Nicole and Kate had no idea that I was pregnant. I planned to tell them when we got home. I wouldn’t be able to hide it soon.

  Suddenly, Max and Jenna stood up. “We’re going to bed.”

  “So soon? The wedding isn’t until late afternoon,” Kate said, giving Jenna and Max a hug.

  “I don’t know if I can sleep, so I’m going to try to get much rest as possible.”

  “Oh...I understand. I didn’t sleep at all on the night of my wedding.”

  “Really, hun? I slept like a baby,” Keith snorted.

  “Guys don’t understand. All that work you do, you want everything to be perfect. We understand, Jenna. You want to be refreshed and look your best on the most important day of your life.”

  After their good-byes, they left.

  “Let’s go to bed, too,” Matthew whispered in my ears so that only I could hear. Everyone else was in a heated conversation about the time shares one could purchase here.

  “I’m not tired.” I wanted to toy with him.

  “I have lollipops in my room. All kinds of flavors.” Matthew licked the tip of my earlobes, causing me to tingle between my legs.

  “Do you have my favorite flavor?”

  “My firecracker, I’m going to rub your favorite flavor on your cherry and suck it hard,” he stated under his breath.

  Holy Jesus! Take me now!

  Chapter 30

  Max

  “You ready?” Matthew asked, standing by the door. Dressed in a Gucci black tuxedo, purple vest, and purple bow, he looked all grown up.

  “I am,” I replied, looking at the mirror in front of me to adjust my shirt.

  “Have Mom and Dad come by yet?”

&nbs
p; “Yes. A few minutes ago.”

  “I’m here to let you know it’s almost time.”

  “I can’t believe this day is finally here. It doesn’t feel real.”

  Matthew patted me gently on my back. “It’s because you never thought you would find the right woman to have forever with.”

  “I found love when least expected. Same goes for you. And I can’t believe we’re both going to be fathers soon.”

  “I can’t either, but it’s all good. It has to be.”

  I knew my brother the best, especially when he tried to hide his worried expression...forehead creased and his brows angled. However, I understood why. I would feel the same way if Jenna was in Becky’s situation. Matthew had visited me the day after he brought Becky back from Paris and told me everything. “Don’t worry. Think positive thoughts. Make sure Becky goes to her appointments. She will have them more frequently than a normal pregnant mom. Rest assured that you have found her the best doctor. And don’t worry. I haven’t told Mom and Dad. That’s your job. But they will be thrilled. I got first dibs on babysitting.”

  “We’ll see about that,” Matthew challenged. “We plan to tell our parents after we visit her parents. I’ve never met them, but they know who I am.”

  “Good. Don’t wait too long.”

  “Well...that’s the music. It’s time to go.”

  “Thanks for being my best man,” I said, smiling at my little brother. No matter how old he was, he would always be the little brother I would protect.

  “Thanks for agreeing to be my best man,” Matthew said. “I don’t know when that date will be.”

  “It’s okay. I’m here. I’ll always be here for you.”

  “I know.” Matthew paused and his facial expression changed to a playful one. “Race you to the front?” Matthew dashed to the door.

  “Not today. I’m taking my time. I’m going to savor every moment of today.”

  Jenna

  Professional makeup artists did mine and Becky’s hair and makeup. I had to say that they did a fabulous job. She tied my hair up elegantly and let a few loose strands down the side of my cheek. The makeup was natural, just the way I liked it, but it was definitely professional looking. I felt like one of the fashion models. My wedding dress hid my little belly, the reason why I had made sure my dress would flow out just enough from the waist. It was flattering to my shape, but hid what I wanted.