A Reason to Stay

by Melissa Ellen

  I decided to skip the nap. I dragged Rhett onto the couch with me, pretending to watch a movie as we made out like a couple teenagers.

  “To Emily and Jackson, may you have many long years of happiness and make me an aunt sooner than later!” I grinned, raising my glass to toast the end of my heartfelt speech as we all congregated around the large farm table in the private dining room of the main house. Everyone cheered and toasted Emily and Jackson. The merriment of the night continued as we drank and ate, celebrating the upcoming nuptials of the couple.

  As the rehearsal dinner started to dwindle down and people headed home for the night, Jackson, Emily, Rhett and I moved to the living room of the main house, which had been converted into a bar and lounge for guests staying at the cottages on the property. The four of us sat, drinking and joking around a warm fire place.

  Rhett and Jackson made their way to the bar to get themselves another glass of whiskey. I watched the two of them walk away, wondering what it would be like in years to come. As they made their way back over to us, Jackson took a seat next to Emily. Rhett pulled out a small white box wrapped with a gold ribbon and bow from his coat pocket. He handed the box to Emily before taking a seat next to me. Emily looked at Rhett slightly confused.

  “For you and Jackson. A little wedding present,” he explained. “I felt it would be best to give it to you the night before the wedding.”

  Emily smiled, looking at Jackson. “Well, open it,” Jackson smiled, nudging her shoulder with his.

  She slowly unraveled the bow, opening the box before pulling out a set of keys. I choked on my wine a little shocked and confused by the gift. It being a little too familiar. Rhett looked at me, chuckling as he rubbed my back, knowing the thought I just had.

  “They’re keys to our home in the Hamptons. You won’t actually need them as the house will be unlocked and the staff awaiting your arrival, but I figured I should have something for you to unwrap.”

  “I don’t understand,” Emily’s brow furrowed.

  “It’s for our honeymoon,” Jackson added. “Rhett has arranged for us to leave tomorrow night.”

  “There will be a limo waiting for you after the reception. They’ll take you to the airport to our jet and fly you out. It will stay there, available for you in case…,” he trailed off not wanting to say in case of what. We all knew. “You guys are welcomed to stay as long as you like. The staff will take good care of you.”

  “Thank you so much, Rhett,” she looked from Jackson to Rhett, a smile spreading across her face. She looked at the keys again, letting out an excited squeal. “I’m going to the Hamptons!!” she exclaimed, jumping to her feet, doing a little happy dance.

  CHAPTER 19

  “Ava.” I heard my name being whispered, waking me from my sleepy haze. “Are you awake?” I heard my sister’s whispering voice again.

  She had slept on the trundle bed in my room last night –trying to maintain the one tradition of the groom not seeing the bride, until the wedding – while Rhett slept in the guest bedroom. The room that was formerly hers growing up. When Emily moved home after college and into a house with Jackson, my parents decided to convert her bedroom to a guest bedroom, since there was rarely a need for her to stay in it.

  “Ugh...I am now,” I groaned, rolling over to look at her bright eyed and beaming face.

  “It’s my wedding day,” she grinned like an excited child on Christmas morning.

  “You woke me to tell me that?” I rolled back over annoyed. “I’m well aware, bridezilla,” I closed my eyes, again.

  I felt a swoosh of air followed by the soft smack of a pillow on my head. If I wasn’t awake before, I was now. “Hey!” I screamed with laughter as I popped up, raising my arm in front of my face in case she struck again.

  “I am not a bridezilla,” she said offended.

  I couldn’t help laughing harder at her for being offended by the accusation. “Okay, whatever you say.” I gave her a sarcastic look. “What time is it anyway?”

  “Seven.”

  “Seven!” I groaned, burying my head back in my pillow. “Why are you waking me? I could have at least slept another few hours,” I grumbled through the muffling of my pillow.

  “I couldn’t sleep.”

  I lifted my head to study her. “Are you nervous?”

  She didn’t seem nervous and I had no idea why she would be. She and Jackson were perfect for each other and there was no doubt they loved each other deeply.

  “Not really. I think I’m just anxious or something. There has been so much planning and time put into it. I just can’t believe today is finally the day.”

  “Well, if you’re going to wake me this early, you could at least go make me some coffee,” I chided, laying my head back down. She shook her head at me, rolling her eyes.

  “I thought it was my day. Shouldn’t you be making me coffee?” She sat up and dropped her legs to the floor to get out of bed.

  “Your princess day doesn’t start until after nine,” I goaded her slowly moving to get myself up.

  “You’re such a brat.” She laughed, pulling me to my feet.

  I followed her downstairs to the kitchen where we found Mom and Rhett awake, talking in soft voices as they drank their coffee. Hearing our approach, they both turned their heads to us. Rhett stood as he saw me and pulled me into his arms as soon as I made it to his side.

  “Good morning,” I looked up at his handsome face. He had showered, and I could smell his heavenly scent. “You’re up early.”

  “Morning, beautiful. I could say the same for you,” he cocked an eyebrow.

  “Not by choice,” I turned, glaring at Emily who was now pouring us both a cup of coffee. Chuckling, he kissed me on my forehead before releasing me to doctor up my coffee.

  We relaxed around the beautiful bridal room of the estate home, giggling our excitement and drinking champagne as we awaited our turn for hair and make-up. Before we knew it, it was time to slip on our bridesmaids’ dresses and help Emily into her wedding dress.

  The dress was more gorgeous than I remembered. The vintage style lace dress went so well with the whole ambiance of the rustic farm wedding. Seeing her all done-up and wearing it, had tears surfacing in my eyes. I quickly brushed away an errant tear with my finger before it messed up my make-up.

  “Oh, Emily,” Mom gasped with tears of her own as she admired my sister in her dress.

  “A sight for sore eyes.” We heard my dad’s deep voice from behind us. He had just walked into the room, looking devastatingly handsome in his black suit. He had a smile on his face, his eyes glassing over. I had never seen my dad cry, so seeing his tear filled eyes made mine build up even more.

  He moved across the room to Emily where he took her in his arms, hugging her. They held each other tightly for a few moments before he pulled back and looked at her again. “You look beautiful, darling. I hope Jackson knows how lucky he is.”

  “I think he has a pretty good idea.” She smiled at my dad.

  He chuckled, releasing her to kiss Mom and me each on the cheek. “All my girls look beautiful,” he said fondly looking at all of us. “Are you ladies ready? The coordinator needs you all downstairs.”

  “Oh! Let’s get a move on,” Mom rushed all the girls out the door, leaving my Dad with Emily to have a few minutes alone. He would escort her out after the procession had started.

  As I stood awaiting my turn to walk down the aisle, I saw Emily and my Dad from the corner of my eye, walking up to stand behind me. I turned, giving her a thumbs up and a smile before I headed down the aisle.

  As I walked holding my bouquet of wildflowers and baby’s breath, the dusty rose colored chiffon of my dress swayed and shifted as I glided down the aisle. I looked straight ahead, praying my heels didn’t get stuck in the soft green lawn.

  The ceremony location had been transformed into a simplistic but romantic elegance with sprays of wildflowers covering an arch, and white chairs set up in rows to create the aisle. Th
e coordinator had allowed the beauty of the farm to come through by keeping everything minimal. My sister had chosen to start the ceremony just as the sun was setting, so the sky was filled with vibrant colors as we walked.

  I approached the front row and caught Rhett’s eyes locked on me. He smiled his sexy smile that made my heart melt. He was sitting beside my mom, between her and Nana, who had a strong hold on his arm. I grinned back at him as I passed, moving into my designated place next to the other bridesmaids.

  The music changed, signaling the guests to stand as my sister and dad began their walk down the aisle. I glanced over at Jackson, wanting to see his face as he saw my sister for the first time in her wedding dress. He wore the biggest smile I had ever seen, and I could see tears of happiness flooding his eyes.

  I looked back at my sister, who wore the same expression and my dad who looked like the proudest father in the world as he escorted his daughter down the aisle. A mixture of emotions inundated me as I watched them walk. I felt overwhelmed with pride and joy for my sister, but a pang of sadness as I watched her linked with our dad.

  I looked over at Rhett, who was watching Emily. His eyes turned onto me as he sensed my gaze on him. I stared in his eyes for a moment before turning them back to Emily. Tears of sorrow building. I realized in that moment, I would never be able to have my father walk me down the aisle. We would never be able to share our father-daughter dance.

  I couldn’t help to feel a bit jealous, but as Emily took Jackson’s hands I pushed the emotions down, not wanting to take away from the joy of the moment. I watched my father move to take his place next to my mother. I gave him a small smile as he grinned and winked at me.

  The ceremony was short and sweet and before I knew it they were kissing for the first time as husband and wife. After the tormenting task of repetitive forced smiling and taking pictures, we finally were allowed to move to the reception hall to join the other guests.

  The reception hall was breath-taking. The coordinator had transformed the entire space into the perfect ambiance for celebrating the wedding. Small white lights lined the rafters above and in combination with the votive candles placed around the tables, they created a warm glow throughout the space. There were large arrangements of wildflowers overflowing on all the tables and the wooden columns in the space had been covered with miniature arrangements of trees and flowering vines that gave the impression that they had been naturally overtaken, bringing much of the rustic nature on the exterior into the space.

  I found Rhett immediately surrounded by blushing girls as he stood with Nana hooked on his arm. It made me giggle how attached Nana was to my man. I took my time making my way to him as I greeted guests and family members.

  I knew he was watching me, and I was surprised he allowed me to torture him with my slow pace. I spotted Lizzie and Mike as I drew closer to Rhett. I stopped to give them a hug and a chat. I wasn’t standing there long before I felt Rhett’s hands sliding around my waist to pull my back to his front. “Lizzie. Mike.” He greeted them before nuzzling his face into my neck, kissing it. I leaned back into him, reveling in his strong embrace.

  “Oh, there you are!” I feigned my surprise. He tickled my side for my little stunt.

  “You took long enough making your way to me. I wasn’t waiting any longer,” he whispered in a husky voice.

  “I figured you had enough beautiful, blushing girls giving you attention, there was no need for me to rush,” I giggled.

  He swiftly spun me around in his arms, pulling me in closer to feel the protrusion in his perfectly fitted suit pants. Leaning his head down, he placed his forehead on mine.

  “You are the only one I want and need attention from, beautiful. I don’t see any other woman but you.” His words came out soft yet firm.

  I felt the sparks ignite inside me and the electric shock course through my body as he placed his lips on mine.

  “Get a room already!” Lizzie interrupted us, laughing.

  Shit. I had forgotten where we were, once again. I turned my head to stick my tongue at her, which made her laugh harder. She grabbed my arm, pulling me from Rhett.

  “Come on. Let’s find a table to sit while the guys get us drinks,” she commanded, looking at Mike. He didn’t argue, just nodded at Rhett before the two of them walked away to grab us all a drink.

  The four of us all stayed close together talking, joking and drinking – my family joining us occasionally when they weren’t being plucked off into conversations with all the guests. Shortly after the meal was served, Jackson’s best man got up to give his speech followed by my Father’s which brought the whole room to tears.

  The dancing ensued after Jackson and Emily had their first dance and my sister had her father-daughter dance. I was avoiding dancing all together, content just to be sitting and socializing with Rhett and my friends when my dad interrupted us to pull me onto the dance floor.

  I took his hand as he led me to a spot. He held me tight in his arms, leading me around the dance hall. I rested my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes, trying to pretend like it was my wedding day and this was our dance. He kissed my head and laid his head over mine, giving me the feeling he was doing the same thing. I fought back tears as we held each other, dancing.

  When the song ended, we stayed embraced for a few seconds longer, not wanting the moment to end. The music changed from slow to fast, bringing all the young crowd to the floor. My dad pulled away, looking at my face before kissing me on the cheek, spinning me into Rhett’s arms. He smiled at the two of us and gave Rhett a manly clap on the shoulder as he passed by, leaving us to dance.

  In a weird way, I felt it was my dad’s way of giving me away to Rhett to show his approval of us as a couple. I smiled inwardly as I clanged to Rhett and started to move with his body. Lizzie and Mike joined us on the dance floor, along with Emily and Jackson. We all spent the rest of the night dancing and living in the moment.

  The night neared to an end as everyone moved outside to form a line that led to the limo to see Emily and Jackson off. I pulled Rhett with me towards a spot next to the limo door where my parents and Nana were standing.

  Emily and Jackson ran through the crowd as everyone cheered and waved sparklers over their heads. They stopped at the door to hug each of us before sliding into the limo and disappearing into the night.

  Most of the guests departed from there. Only a few stragglers hung around to enjoy the last bit of free alcohol and dancing. My parents loaded the gifts into their car with the help of family and friends. They told us goodnight before leaving for home. With only a few couples still dancing, the music slowed to help bring the party to an end. Rhett pulled me onto the dance floor with him. He spun me into his arms, holding me close as I Won’t Give Up On Us by Jason Mraz played.

  I held his gaze as was moved. Feeling emotions overwhelm me, I rested my cheek on his chest, listening to his heart beat as the music played. When the song ended, he lifted my head to look at him. He ran the pad of his thumb over my lips before he leaned in to kiss me. My body became instantly responsive. I groaned the loss of his lips when he broke our kiss.

  “Come with me,” he said softly, looking into my eyes. “And don’t argue,” he added firmly with a smirk before I could say anything. He took my hand, pulling me with him to leave the reception hall.

  He led me along a path through the farm lawns to a small cottage on the property. He opened the door to the cottage, stepping aside to allow me to enter first. I looked at him with curiosity, and he grinned at me with his mischievous smile I had grown to love.

  I walked into a tiny, homey cottage covered with glowing candles and a lit fireplace. It was a one room cottage with a separate bathroom off to the side. Two masculine leather chairs and a small wooden chest, being used as a table, sat in front of the fireplace. A bottle of champagne and two glasses sat on the chest. In the middle of the room was a four post wooden canopy bed adorned with elegant fabrics and pillows.

  I took in the room
as Rhett folded his arms around me from behind, kissing me behind my ear down my neck to my shoulder as he pushed the straps of my dress down. He unzipped my dress, letting it fall and puddle on the floor below.

  He slowly moved, dragging his fingers tantalizingly across my back, around the side of my waist to my belly until he stood in front of me. He took a moment to peruse my body. His eyes causing goosebumps to course through me. Lifting me in his arms he carried me to the bathroom. The bath had been drawn with bubbles floating on top of the warm water and candles lit around the edges of the tub.

  He placed me on the side of the tub as he finished stripping me of my heels, panties and bra. He stood, removing his shoes and socks to undress. I stood with him, wanting to be the one to strip him of his clothes.

  I stopped his hands that were making work at the buttons of his shirt. He allowed me to, dropping them to his sides. I slowly undid each button, kissing down his chest as his shirt revealed it. I pushed his shirt down over his broad shoulders, dropping it to the floor.

  As I moved to undo his pants, he groaned from my hand brushing up against him. I pushed his pants and boxers down his legs, to where I was eye level with his arousal. I took him in my hands, looking up at him as his eyes hooded over. I pulled him into my mouth, savoring the taste of him. He moved his hands to my hair, caressing my head as I made work at bringing him to his release. He stopped me abruptly before I could finish. He pulled me to my feet, lifting me in his arms as he stepped us both into the tub.

  “I need to be in you,” he growled as he moved me over his lap to straddle him in the tub. Nodding my understanding, I lowered myself onto him where we worked together, synchronizing our climax.