“Reverend Patrick, Tierra has promised me her love and support, and I have pledged to give that back to her tenfold. I don’t know what might happen to me once I report back to duty. I don’t know if I’ll survive tomorrow without being hit by a bus. I just know that right now, today, I love that woman with everything in me. I pray daily that God will wrap his hands around this union and support and nourish it.
“There won’t be a day that goes by that I won’t tell Tierra how much I love her and want the best for her. And I will share everything I have in me to share, with her and only her. I stand on the power of faith that she will do the same.”
The two men continued talking, the minister throwing questions at Travis and Travis answering them from his heart. When John poked his head into the room to let them both know that Travis needed to get dressed if the ceremony was going to start on time, Reverend Patrick nodded.
Rising from his seat, he extended his hand in Travis’s direction, the two shaking hands easily. “Son, I wish you and Tierra much success. I am honored to be able to bless this union this afternoon. I think you should go get yourself ready. You definitely don’t want to keep that pretty lady waiting.”
Travis grinned. “Thank you, sir. And no, I don’t. I wouldn’t want her to change her mind,” he said teasingly.
His pastor laughed with him. “Son, I do not think you have anything to worry about!”
Chapter 21
Tierra had not known it possible to be so happy. Staring out to the swell of activity outside, she was mesmerized by the sheer magnitude of what was about to happen. The grounds had been transformed, and she couldn’t wait to see what Travis had designed for their wedding ceremony. Knowing that he’d spent the last four weeks discovering what she’d wished for herself, she instinctively knew that she would not be disappointed.
Turning to admire her reflection in the full-length mirror, Tierra took a deep breath. The woman who stared back at her was confident and sexy, determined and beautiful. She had waited her whole life to be in this place with a man whose love for her was all encompassing. She passed her hands down the length of her dress, fanning the skirt of her gown around her small frame.
Her Monique Lhuillier gown had been donated to a women’s shelter to be auctioned at their annual fundraising event. This gown, a Manuel Mota original, had been flown in from Barcelona, Spain, specifically for her. The delicate, classical gown was layers of sumptuous embroidered lace and silk taffeta. Her wedding gown was everything she had ever hoped it would be, and Travis had made it all possible.
Tierra believed beyond any doubt that Travis loved her with all his heart. She knew that she loved him as much, if not more. She was excited at the prospect of their future, eager to see what fate had in store for them.
Understanding that they still had much to learn about each other, Tierra was excited by the possibilities. Every day forward would be a day of exploration and learning for them. Time would be a welcome friend as they grew together, determined to reach new heights hand in hand.
As Eden stood in the doorway telling her it was time for the ceremony, Tierra closed her eyes and whispered a prayer skyward, giving thanks for the blessings of that moment and for the man she was ready to promise herself to.
Travis walked the length of the cobblestoned courtyard back toward the chapel. Understanding that he needed just a few minutes to himself, his family had gone on ahead, awaiting his arrival for the ceremony. The late-afternoon air was exceptionally warm but comfortable. Taking a deep breath, Travis willed away the rise of anxiety that had nestled in the pit of his stomach. Nervous energy was abundant.
Had anyone told him that a chance meeting would have changed the entire direction of his life, he would not have believed them. He was completely in awe of everything that had changed for him since that day he’d stepped out of the elevator at Tierra’s apartment and had seen her standing there in the hallway.
With much certainty, Travis knew that Tierra completed him. Tierra had been that one thing that he had been longing for even when he hadn’t had a clue that anything was missing from his life. Tierra was that one piece that completed all of his puzzles.
He would never have imagined any woman having his heart so completely, but Tierra did. He had relinquished every ounce of himself to her, heart and soul. He loved that woman beyond reason, and he was excited by the prospect of them sharing the rest of their days with each other.
Pausing just outside the door of the chapel, Travis’s only regret was that his parents couldn’t be there to share this day with him. But as his cousin Mark gestured in his direction, waving him to stand with his family at the altar, his heart lifted with abundance. He had family who loved him immensely and family he loved just as much.
As he moved to the front of the church, clasping his hands in front of him, he looked out over the friends and family who had gathered to celebrate the occasion with them. The joyous energy filled the room, the magnificence of it almost overwhelming. Luke tapped him on the shoulder, his head nodding ever so slightly. Travis smiled at the four men by his side, the brothers of his soul who had helped make this moment possible. He had family, and it brought him the greatest joy to have Tierra want to be his family, as well.
Ever so thankful, Travis lifted his gaze, thoughts of praise being carried toward the clouds on a gust of breeze that seemed to rise just for that reason and blow warmly. He was thankful for their health, their spirits and the wealth of love between them. He was thankful, and he wanted everyone to know how much.
As if they’d transported the Stallion rose gardens into the chapel’s interior, brilliant white roses adorned the altar and decorated the end of each pew. The sweet nectar scented the late-afternoon air, reminding Travis of the time in the gardens when he first realized that Tierra had hold of his heart. Tiered candles shimmered between the blooms, casting a warm glow around the space and Travis was excited for Tierra to walk into the room. He said a quick prayer that it would be everything she had ever imagined for herself.
Beside him, his four cousins stood regally in charcoal to gray tuxedos. Their pristine white shirts and black bow ties were accentuated by velvet red boutonnieres. Standing to the right side of the family minister, Marla, Eden and two of Tierra’s cousins stood in silver-gray ball gowns, bouquets of red roses held primly in front of them. The women were smiling and dabbing away tears of excitement.
As a trio of flutists began to play the Wedding March, announcing the bride’s arrival, Travis eagerly searched the back of the church. As Tierra stepped inside, her brother, Tingin, escorting her down the aisle, tears swelled full in his eyes.
The exquisite woman was angelic as she glided toward him, fighting to hold her own tears at bay. She had never looked more beautiful. Stepping to his side, her mouth lifted in smile, and Travis wanted nothing more than to taste the sweetness of her lips. As Tingin passed her hand into his hand, every ounce of nervousness wafted out the door.
A wide grin spread across the man’s face. Tierra’s excitement was consuming as he pressed his cheek to hers, whispering into her ear that he loved her. She grinned in response, her love shimmering like ice in her eyes.
Hand in hand the couple exchanged their wedding vows, both promising each other an eternity of love and devotion to one another. When Reverend Patrick pronounced them husband and wife, Mama Dee cheered loudly, clapping her hands as a “Praise Jesus” rang through the air.
With the happily married couple off for pictures, the Stallion family gathered together for a few minutes to admire their handiwork.
“It was a beautiful wedding!” Joanne Lake, Luke’s fiancée, exclaimed. “And what an absolutely gorgeous bride!”
Everyone nodded their agreement.
“So, who’s next?” Eden asked, looking from Matthew to Luke and back again.
“Yeah,” Marla interjected, “we’ve gotten this wedding thing down to a science. Which one of you Stallion boys are we going to get to work our magic on next?�
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Luke laughed as Joanne shook her head.
“We like being engaged,” Joanne said sweetly. “We’re in no rush, thank you very much.”
Matthew held up both hands. “Do not look at me.”
“No, we’re looking at you,” John interjected. “I’m hearing an awful lot of rumors about you, boy!”
“Ditto that!” Mark chimed as he caressed his wife’s pregnant belly. “Baby rumors, female rumors, all kinds of rumors.”
Matthew blushed. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”
“How is Vanessa, by the way?” Luke asked, inquiring about their very pregnant family friend.
Matthew smiled. “The last I heard, she was still pregnant.”
“But is she still a lesbian?” Luke asked. “Inquiring minds want to know!”
“I want to know about your new judge friend,” John teased. “The woman who helped with Travis’s marriage license. Seems you two have been spotted together around town a lot lately. Something we should know about, little brother?”
Matthew laughed, the warmth of it flooding his dark face. “Why, John, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Marla moved to John’s side, wrapping her arms around her husband’s waist. “Does the brother protest too much?” she said with a sly laugh, everyone laughing with her.
Matthew smirked, still shaking his head. “Y’all are some nosy people.”
The group laughed.
Marah shook her head. “I think it’s starting to get hot up in here!”
Nodding his agreement, Matthew headed in the direction of the bar. “Don’t you know, sister dear, we wouldn’t be true Stallions if we didn’t bring some heat!”
Chapter 22
With their wedding guests still dancing the night away, Tierra and Travis politely said their goodbyes and disappeared to a lavishly appointed suite at the Hotel Palomar. The artful boutique accommodations couldn’t have been more special. The rich, earth-toned color scheme was a wonderful backdrop for the wealth of roses that adorned the room. Only Travis knew just how much Tierra loved her roses.
Retiring into a jetted soaking tub, Tierra lay between Travis’s legs, the water washing away the urgency that had consumed most of their day. With his arms wrapped tightly around her torso, her back cradled tight against his chest, Tierra couldn’t remember having ever been happier.
“Thank you,” she whispered softly, peering up to meet his gaze.
“For what?” Travis questioned, pressing a moist kiss to the top of her head.
“For the most perfect day any woman would ever wish for.”
Travis smiled as he hugged her closer. “It was perfect because of you, Tierra. You don’t know how happy you have made me.”
A smiled pulled at Tierra’s mouth, saline glistening in her eyes. She clasped her arms around his, cuddling down against him. The two lay together for some time just enjoying the quiet of each other’s company. Tierra lavished beneath Travis’s touch as he cupped his palm full of warm water and trickled it down the length of her arms and over her breasts and abdomen. The light, feathery strokes of his fingers sent trickles of electricity through her, her whole body tingling with pleasure.
“Why don’t we take this into the bedroom,” Tierra whispered, her seductive tone low and teasing. “I have something I want to show you.”
Travis beamed. “I like the sound of that, Mrs. Stallion.”
Rising from the tub, Tierra passed him a large, plush towel. “I’ll be waiting,” she said, moving away from him toward the other room.
Minutes later when Travis stepped inside, Tierra was splayed out across the bed top, a red bra and thong set adorning her petite frame. The man smiled broadly.
“Nice!” Travis exclaimed, his eyes widening with desire. “Very nice.”
“Since you lost the receipt and I couldn’t return it,” Tierra said, her index finger trailing over the lace between her breasts, “I figured we needed to put it to good use.”
“I like the way you think, baby!”
Tierra shifted up to her knees, beckoning him to her. As she did, an erection lengthened beneath the damp towel tied around Travis’s waist, his member full and engorged. Travis let the towel drop to the floor at his feet as he moved himself toward his new wife. Just as he neared the bedside, Tierra gripped his hand with hers and pulled him to her.
Like a puppy on a leash, Travis followed willingly, dropping down onto the bed as Tierra rolled them over until she was lying sprawled on top of him. Her brilliant smile hinted at her intentions, sending a shiver of desire into Travis’s groin. Blood surged, making him harder than he ever remembered being.
Using her knees, Tierra pushed his legs apart. Her small hands took full control of his body, traveling hungrily over his flesh as she claimed possession of his sex, and his mind. Reaching for her, his hands were slapped lightly away.
“Don’t move, soldier,” Tierra commanded, pushing him back against the mattress.
“Yes, ma’am,” Travis whispered huskily, falling back against the bed.
Tierra’s lips followed where her hands led. She trailed hot kisses across his neck and shoulders, sweeping over his chest, back down to his taut abdomen. The heated teasing was like fire and brimstone against his skin. Travis began to rock and grind against her, his wanting about to erupt with a vengeance.
Pushing down against him, Tierra teased him with promises of what was still to come, her pelvis grinding against his. As his jagged breathing increased in tempo, Tierra continued her oral assault, stopping to dip her tongue into the curve of his belly button.
Travis cried out her name as Tierra took him into her mouth. Her sweet lips were wrapped around his manhood as her hot, serpent-like tongue slathered him with affection. It was almost too much for him to handle as he struggled not to explode, his whole body throbbing with anticipation.
“Not yet,” Travis groaned softly.
Tierra suddenly felt him, his hands everywhere, pulling her against him as he flipped her over onto her back, pushing her back against the bed. He gripped the cheeks of her behind tightly, a wild, abandoned look of pure desire staring down at her.
“Don’t make me come yet!”
Tierra pulled herself against the center of the bed as Travis knelt down between her thighs. Before she could inhale, she felt his tongue searching, and she marveled at the soft strokes he painted against her skin. The sensation was incredible as she pushed herself against his mouth, wanting more. Then, just as she felt her temperature rising, her pulse starting to race, the length of his body hovered above her and she gasped as the length of his manhood pushed against the door of her femininity and eased its way inside. Travis entered her easily, claiming what was rightfully his.
His strokes were slow at first, an easy tempo against the walls of her flesh. Sinking deeper and deeper into the fleshy folds, his pace quickened, the elongated strokes filling every niche and crevice until there was no more of him for her to take and no more of her left to fill.
His loving became fast and furious, his want of the woman controlling every move. Their orgasm was intense, coming in perfect unison. When Tierra screamed, pleasure sweeping through her body, he collapsed, the essence of her name rolling over his tongue. Lying with their bodies cradled tightly together, neither one of them wanted to imagine the moment when it would have to end.
Chapter 23
The young soldier announcing he had mail lifted Travis’s spirits beyond reason. The last three months had truly taken a toll on his spirit, and knowing that he still had five more to go wasn’t doing him much good. He couldn’t begin to explain to anyone how much he missed his wife. Being so far from Tierra was beginning to wear him down.
The large box and bundle of letters were exactly what he needed. Exhausted, he couldn’t begin to imagine anything lifting the funk that had settled down over them all. The night before had been particularly challenging. Sirens had blared as a Taliban rocket attack across the Kandahar Air Field
sent them all spinning for the second time in a week. Units had moved into cement-reinforced bunkers waiting for an all-clear. The near-death experience had him and his platoon on high alert, and the anxiety was challenging.
Retreating into his quarters, Travis ripped open the first of what seemed like a dozen or more letters. The government seal on the first envelope indicated its seriousness, requiring his full and immediate attention. Short, sweet and to the point, Travis digested its contents, mulling the information over in his head before replacing it in its mailer.
He slid it beneath his pillow, making a mental note to share its details with Tierra the first opportunity he had. A smile pulled at his lips as he sat the other letters onto his lap.
Tierra had promised him she would write every day and every night, detailing how her day had gone. She’d been back to school for some time, and her letters kept him included on the little faces who spent time with her each and every morning. He laughed at the antics of her kindergarten class, and with each salutation, Tierra telling him she loved and missed him, his heart ached to get back home.
Two hours later Travis had read each letter twice, annoyed that mail took so long to reach him that it would be another week or more before the next stack of letters would take him back to Texas and the woman he loved, if only for a brief time.
Those first few weeks back had been the hardest. Travis had actually imagined himself throwing in the towel and going AWOL to ease the hurt of it all. Private Porter had thought to challenge him only once, but it hadn’t taken much for Travis to convince him that he was not the man and this was not the place. Eventually, Private Porter had let go of his animosity, finding solace in the arms of a young woman far from his home. Just weeks earlier, the soldier had been transferred to another platoon. Travis had shaken his hand and wished him well, both men moving forward on very different paths.
Promises to a Stallion (Kimani Romance) Page 16
