by Robin Deeter
Doug pulled her into an embrace. “You look so beautiful. My little girl is all grown up. It’s getting empty in the house with you and Brock getting married and moving out. I’m sure that it won’t be too awful long before Aaron finds someone, too.”
Nora laid her head on his shoulder for a moment. “I’m sure you’re right. And you’ll see us all the time, so you won’t have much time to miss us.”
“I know.” Doug squeezed his eyes shut against the threatening tears, regaining his composure. “All right. Let’s not keep that groom of yours waiting.”
Doug’s presence had a calming effect on Nora and she became more excited than nervous. “I’m ready.”
They left the room and took their places at the entrance to the sanctuary. Maggie signaled to Pastor Clem that they were ready and the music began. Instead of the Wedding March, Nora and Wheels had chosen a pretty piece of classical music that he liked.
Ginny guided Clyde down the aisle, Ollie following them closely. About halfway down the aisle, Ollie snatched the little pillow that the rings were attached to and ran down to the altar. Clyde complained loudly.
“Hey! Bad Ollie!”
Carl called the monkey to him and took the rings from him. Nora giggled as she watched it all. Then her attention turned towards her groom and her heart stopped for a few moments before beating in a rapid tempo. She hadn’t known that he was going to wear his braces and seeing him standing up was still novel to her.
Maggie had practiced walking gracefully down the aisle, which was a lot different than her usual walk. Spending all day in a junkyard meant that she didn’t wear feminine clothing much and she didn’t concentrate on walking in ladylike fashion. She was relieved to make it to the altar without mishap. Unbeknownst to her, several sets of male eyes followed the dark-haired beauty’s progress, admiring her fine form.
Rena and Daphne made their way down next, taking their places by Maggie. Doug patted Nora’s hand and began walking. The grin Wheels sent her and the desire in his brown eyes quickly dispelled Nora’s lingering anxiety. His tuxedo accentuated the breadth of his shoulders and chest. She had to work hard to suppress the urge to run to him, instead walking sedately by Doug’s side as they made their way to the altar.
As she came to stand before him, Nora’s eyes stung with happy tears, which she had to blink away. This was the man of her dreams, the man who’d captured her heart with his kind, generous personality, bravery, and wonderful sense of humor.
In her eyes, there was no finer man than the man who now took her hands in his. She was so focused on Wheels that she barely registered Doug’s peck on her cheek or the guests they stood before. Her world at that moment consisted of only her and Wheels.
Wheels was just as spellbound, unable to look away from her radiant smile and her loving gaze. He meant every syllable of his vows, intent on carrying them out to the fullest for the rest of his life. Loving, honoring, and cherishing Nora would be the most important things to him in the coming years.
The guests were impressed by the fact that Wheels was standing, but they were even more in awe of the love that radiated between the bride and groom. It shone in their eyes and was heard in every word they spoke to each other. Many eyes held tears, brought on by the beauty of the strong emotions exhibited by the happy couple.
When the time came for them to seal their new commitment, Wheels took Nora in his arms and delivered a devastating kiss that made her body temperature rise and left her breathless. When he lifted his head and smiled into her eyes, she saw the same desire in his gaze.
Pastor Clem looked on rather disapprovingly, but simply presented the newlyweds to the congregation. Applause broke out and the couple beamed over the celebratory ruckus. Ollie leaped over onto Wheels’ shoulder, squealing loudly, seeming to voice his own approval.
Brock quickly took the wedding photographs, mindful of the fact that Wheels would soon tire of standing. The last thing the man needed was to go into a back spasm on his wedding day. Ollie was in almost every picture, something that Nora insisted on.
Wheels hated sitting down again, but he knew it was time. Aaron and Carl helped him remove his braces and get situated in his chair. Then he and Nora made their way out of the church. There were several steps at the front of the church, but Aaron and Carl carried Wheels down to the street level.
Wheels said, “I’m starting to like being carried around like a king.”
Carl grunted. “Don’t get used to it.”
They made their way to the town hall, where the meeting hall inside had been converted into a ballroom. Nora’s bridesmaids and other women had decorated it beautifully, dressing the tables in fine white linen and draping swags of rose silk around the room.
“It’s beautiful,” Nora said to Daphne.
Daphne smiled. “We wanted it to be special for you.”
Nora hugged her. “It is. Thank you.”
It wasn’t long before the meal was served.
“Happy?” Wheels asked his bride.
“So very happy,” Nora said.
“Me, too. You’re gorgeous, like an angel,” Wheels said, looking her over again.
Nora blushed as she smiled. “And you’re the handsomest groom I’ve ever seen. I love you so much.”
Wheels longed to kiss her full lips, but settled for brushing his lips over her cheek. “I love you, too.”
All through the reception, their love was evident and they didn’t stay apart very long. Their first dance as bride and groom was incredibly romantic. Nora sat on Wheels’ lap as he slowly moved his chair in time with the music.
Vern and Susan’s hearts swelled with happiness for their son, who had found a woman who appreciated him for the fine man within. They couldn’t have hoped for a better daughter-in-law and were happy to be gaining another daughter.
When the cake was served, Wheels and Nora fed each other nicely until Wheels put a dollop of icing on Nora’s nose and then sped away from her. She laughed and swore revenge. The party got into full swing at the point, the musicians providing both lively music and elegant waltzes.
Standing off to the side, Walt spotted Ellie standing across the crowded room. She looked lovely in her blue taffeta gown with her brown hair piled on top of her head in a mass of curls. He yearned to dance with her, but he had no wish to be rebuffed publically, so he stayed put and swallowed his anger and disappointment.
Instead, he laughed at something Reese said to him and then excused himself to get a drink before heading home. Glancing once more in Ellie’s direction, he was surprised when his gaze met hers. What was it that he saw in her blue eyes? Regret? Fear? She looked away before he could figure it out.
Heading for the bar, Walt smiled a little. Although somewhat discouraged as of late, he hadn’t given up on Ellie. Not by a long shot. One way or another, he’d reel in the woman who’d won his heart. He’d let her stew long enough. It was time to become more aggressive. He gulped down a shot of whiskey and went on his way, mulling his options over as he drove home.
Chapter Fourteen
Going away on a honeymoon would have been difficult for Wheels since most hotels wouldn’t have the sort of facilities he needed. Someone would’ve had to go with him and Nora would’ve ended up taking care of him and he didn’t want that. Once again, Nora’s understanding and generosity had surprised him when she insisted that she’d be just as happy having some uninterrupted time with him at home.
It still made him feel guilty, but he silently vowed that he’d take her on a trip one day when he had the funds to stay in a more upscale hotel that would have the proper accommodations for him. After paying Luther three thousand dollars, his funds were limited and he wasn’t about to ask his family for more money. His parents and Carl had fought him, but he insisted on paying them back the thousand dollars they’d loaned him. They’d reluctantly acquiesced, settling the matter.
Carl drove Wheels and Nora home that evening, laughing with them over the way Ollie had wanted to dance with people and
the fact that Susan had gotten a little tipsy thanks to Vern.
Once they were alone, Wheels patted his lap. “Have a seat, wife.”
Nora laughed. “I love the sound of that. Why am I sitting?”
“So I can carry you over the threshold, of course. But you’ll have to sit on me like a chair so we can get through the doorway.”
Nora giggled as she got situated. “This feels so strange.”
Wheels chuckled. “Yeah, but nice, too. Hold on to the arms. I don’t wanna dump you off.”
Nora gripped the chair tightly and Wheels set off for the door to their little house. Nora felt giddy at the thought that this was where they were going to spend the rest of their life together. She loved the carriage house and didn’t anticipate ever moving.
She opened the door and Wheels propelled them through it into the kitchen. He stopped and Nora stood up. She lit a lantern and discovered a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket sitting on the counter.
“Did you put this here?” she asked.
Wheels smiled. “No, but I had someone do it for me.”
Nora caressed his cheek. “You are so sweet.”
“I try. Pour us a couple of glasses and bring them into our room,” he said.
He left the kitchen and Nora tried to control the trembling in her hands. Their room. From that night on, she would no longer sleep alone. She’d sleep with her husband, the man she loved. Fear froze her in place as she envisioned failing Wheels on their wedding night.
His voice jerked her from her thoughts. “Nora, there are some strawberries in the ice box, too.”
They were her favorite fruit. She smiled at his thoughtfulness. “All right.”
She poured the champagne into flutes and took them and the bowl of strawberries into his—their room. Her family had bought them a brand new bedroom suit and Nora loved the rich cherry wood pieces and the new curtains that Amelia and Susan had made for them.
Wheels had taken off his jacket and tie and was unbuttoning his shirt. Nora almost missed the bureau when she went to sit the drinks down because she was too busy watching him. She put them down carefully and stood uncertainly while he took the shirt off. The rippling play of his chest and stomach muscles as he hung it on a straight back chair fascinated her.
“You ok?” Wheels asked, noticing her hesitancy.
“Yes, of course. No. I don’t know,” she admitted, hating the knot of anxiety in her stomach.
He smiled understandingly. “Honey, it’ll be all right. There’s no rush, no pressure.”
Nora nodded, but her nervousness remained. “You’re right. I’m going to go change.”
Wheels said, “Wait. Just stand there a minute. You look so beautiful that I almost don’t want you to take your dress off. Almost.”
Nora giggled at his naughty statement and turned around slowly. “How was that?”
“Wonderful. Thank you.”
She gave him a smile and turned to leave the room. Then she remembered something that Wendy had told her and faced him again. Giving him what she hoped was a seductive smile, she said, “I won’t be long. Be naked when I get back.”
Stifling a laugh at his surprised expression, she went to the bathroom.
Her flirtatious order sent a dart of desire through Wheels and he grinned, hurrying to comply. He grabbed the bowl of strawberries from the bureau, put them on his lap, and took them over to his nightstand. After turning down the bedcovers, he transferred over to the bed and took off the rest of his clothes.
Vern’s words about keeping his things picked up came back to him. He didn’t want to start off their marriage with Nora mad at him, so he neatly folded them and sat them on his chair, figuring that it was a lot better than just throwing them on the floor. Once he’d propped a couple of pillows up against the headboard, he lifted his legs into the bed, covered up his lower body, and waited for his new wife.
Nora took great care in preparing for their first night together. She wanted to be beautiful and exciting to Wheels and the task helped calm her. Finally ready, she departed the bathroom. She tried to be confident when she entered the bedroom again, but it wasn’t easy.
Wheels sat up a little at the sight of her in the slightly sheer, silk pink nightgown. With her platinum hair tumbling loose around her shoulders and the tops of her breasts showing, she was the most gorgeous thing he’d ever laid eyes on. Hunger to see the rest of her burned inside, but he reined in his urges for the time being.
“Sugar, you’re stunning.”
“Thank you.”
He patted the empty side of the bed. “Bring our drinks and get comfortable.”
Nora brought their champagne over and handed him a glass. She sat hers down on her nightstand and slipped into bed, sitting up against the pillows he’d arranged for her.
“Strawberry?” he asked.
“All right,” she said. “I’m still full.”
“Just one. They go really well with the champagne.”
“Really? I didn’t know that.”
Wheels sat the bowl on his lap and picked out a small one. “Open your mouth.”
Nora smiled suspiciously. “What are you up to?”
His dimple flashed. “Nothing. I just want to feed it to you the way Egyptian queens were fed by their loyal subjects.”
She laughed but did as he wanted. His fingers grazed her lips as she took the strawberry from them and she watched his eyes darken in response. When he would have taken a strawberry for himself, she stopped his hand and scooted over until she leaned against him a little.
Wheels said softly, “Just so you know, I’m naked, just like you wanted.”
Her hand stilled above the bowl of fruit. Their eyes locked and neither looked away, his statement setting off erotic thoughts in their minds. Nora took a strawberry and held it up to his mouth. He took it slowly, his eyes never leaving hers until he reached for his glass.
“Take a sip,” he said, handing it to her.
Nora was amazed at the explosion of flavor as the champagne and strawberry mixed. “Mmm. That’s delicious.”
Wheels groaned inwardly when she licked her lower lip. Leaning closer to her, he pressed his lips against hers briefly.
“Mmm. You’re right. That is delicious.”
He fed Nora another strawberry, which she followed up with more champagne before giving him one. Then Wheels took a larger berry and held it in his teeth. A devilish glint entered his eyes as he leaned towards her. She giggled, but took the other half in her teeth. They bit down at the same time, splitting the tangy berry, their lips brushing together.
They finished their drinks and Wheels sat the bowl over on his nightstand. As he brought his hand back, his left pectoral muscle flexed, making Nora smile.
“Do that again,” she said, putting her hand against his warm chest.
“Do what? This?”
She laughed when the large, well-defined muscle jumped under her palm. “How do you do that?”
Wheels grinned and flexed the right one. “I don’t know. I just do it.”
Nora put her hand over that one, too, and Wheels made his chest dance, making them both laugh. When he stopped, Nora went on touching him, enjoying the feel of his firm flesh. It was perfectly all right for her to explore him now and the past two months had whet her appetite to do just that.
His strength amazed her and she loved being in his arms. Running her fingertips over his collarbone and up his neck, she smiled when he shivered a little and broke out in goosebumps. His lips curved, too, drawing her attention to his sensual mouth. Winding her arms around his neck, she kissed him leisurely, threading her fingers through his hair.
Wheels enjoyed letting Nora lead, curious about what she might do. He’d remembered the way her inhibitions had disappeared the night she’d drank half his beer and he thought that the champagne might have the same effect. Apparently it did, if her increasingly insistent kiss was any indication.
Her kisses were unlike any he’d ever expe
rienced before. She genuinely enjoyed kissing him and truly wanted him, which still astounded him. He groaned and pulled her harder against him as fire sparked to life inside. Her sweet taste, quickened breathing, and roaming hands all heightened his desire for her.
The way the silk nightgown moved over her back as he caressed her back through it, created a pleasant sensation for both of them. Wheels ran a hand down over her hip to her thigh and grasped the filmy material, drawing it higher while he skimmed his palm over the flesh his actions bared.
Her leg was smooth and firm and he squeezed it lightly before taking the nightgown firmly in hand and drawing it upwards over her body. Nora slowly broke away from him and, even though uncertainty shone in her eyes, she helped him pull it the rest of the way off. The sight that greeted his eyes elicited a groan from him. Nora’s pale skin and lush curves were the stuff of dreams and he’d never gazed upon such loveliness.
Meeting her gaze, Wheels said, “I swear there isn’t a more beautiful woman on the face of the Earth, sugar.”
Nora smiled in relief. “I’m glad you think so.”
Leaning closer so he could nuzzle her neck, he whispered, “How could I not when you have such pretty legs and you feel so good in my hand?”
Nora gasped as he cupped and kneaded her breasts. His appreciative words and caresses excited her beyond belief, but he wasn’t going to stop there. She yelped when he suddenly lifted her and brought her back down to straddle his hips.
He laughed, his dark eyes smiling. “Surprised you, huh?”
She giggled as he helped her find her balance. “Yes, but it was fun.” Looking down, she saw that the covers were still between their bodies. “We have to get rid of those.”
“Not just yet, honey,” he said, plucking a strawberry from the bowl.
He fed it to her and got another, but, instead of eating it, he squeezed it a little and ran it over the hollow at the base of her neck. Juice slid down between the valley of her breasts. Wheels leaned forward, quickly catching the sweet liquid with the tip of his tongue, which he trailed all the way up to her neck.
