by Roxy Wilson
Jamie, Heather and Tasha had helped her into the trumpet gown. Its strapless bodice dipped slightly into a sweetheart neckline. Selene marveled at how the neckline flattered her breasts, made her sexy, even though her bulging stomach was plain for everyone to see. But she knew that when she entered and exited the church, the sweeping train behind her would be a show-stopper.
In her dreams she wore her mother’s wedding gown on her special day, but when her parents were married decades ago, her mother didn’t carry around a little person inside her belly.
Selene checked her reflection in the mirror and ran a hand on her baby bump. She was almost five months pregnant. Since accepting Triston’s proposal, she often wondered if it was stupid for her to go through with the wedding when she was pregnant with someone else’s child.
But today, her wedding day, was different. Even when she was younger, she hadn’t been fickle, and she didn’t intend to change her ways now. She was in this marriage for the long haul. Once she said ‘I do’ her commitment to Triston was a done deal.
There was no turning back.
Triston had been kind enough to wait for a few weeks so she could get things organized. He’d paid her apartment lease so she could keep on staying there. But now it was time to make the commitment. And she was ready.
Because she loved him.
Always loved him.
She debated with herself about when it was the best time to tell him her feelings towards him, but no time seemed to be just right. She didn’t want him think that she was only saying the words because of what he was doing for her. She wanted him to know beyond the shadow of doubt that she loved him.
That she was unequivocally in love with him.
Lisa entered the room. “Ready, darling? Triston’s pacing the floor.”
Selene squared her shoulders. “Yes.”
“Good. I’ll tell them to start the music.”
“Lisa, wait.” Selene had always been fond of her. When she went with Triston to meet his parents after their engagement, she’d decided to tell them the truth regarding the circumstances of their marriage. “Do you think I’m doing the right thing?”
Lisa gripped Selene’s hand and patted it. “All I know is that my boy has been walking on air since you said yes, Selene. He loves you very much, and I’m sure you love him too. All I ask is that you don’t hold that love back.”
“I do love him. So much, Lisa. I really do. But isn’t this unfair to Triston? I’m saddling him with all this responsibility.”
“He’s a grown man and knows his mind. Since he turned eighteen, I haven’t told him what to do or what not to do.” Lisa laughed. “Okay, let me be honest: I strongly advise him about what he should do, but the decision he makes is ultimately his. And this child, if you both choose to keep her, will be as loved by me as would any other child that comes from both of you.” Lisa kissed Selene on her cheeks. “And now, stop fretting. This is a happy day.”
“Yes, it is.”
Just because she was confused and scared didn’t mean that this was a wrong decision. After all, she’d always wanted to marry Triston because she loved him, and now she was getting what she wanted.
When Selene left the room, she stood outside the door. She didn’t want anyone to give her away. If her father had been there, he would’ve done the honors. But since he wasn’t, she couldn’t imagine anyone else taking his place. If her parents were alive, things would’ve been different. Her mother had dreamed about her daughters’ weddings, so she would’ve gone all out to make this a momentous occasion for her. Her father would’ve been happy and proud—and yet disheartened that he would be giving his little girl away. But they were no more.
She was all alone, except for Jamie.
And now Triston was hers.
All hers.
When the music started, she stepped inside the church and walked towards the man whom she’d loved with all the passion of a twenty-four-year-old. He was a good man, and he loved her. What more could she want?
As she walked down the aisle, Selene remembered the first time she saw Triston. They’d both been fourteen. He was so handsome with his eyes the color of Persian lamb, the thick eyebrows, and full lips. They became best friends, and she still couldn’t pinpoint the moment when they’d transitioned into being a couple, going steady. She’d fallen in love with Triston so fast that there had been no time to think about anything else. He was kind, sweet, charming, loving and…well, a bit stubborn. Triston had always known what he wanted. His thinking had been very clear. And it was something that she admired about him. Ironically, it was also the very thing that pulled them apart. Once he made up his mind about the army, it had been impossible to sway his decision.
But now they were back on track. Back to where they’d stopped.
And as Selene walked towards him, she saw the pleasure in his gaze, and the pride in his stance. She felt the sun in his smile, and knew without any doubt that she’d made the right decision.
Selene came to a stop beside him. She handed her bouquet to Jamie who was standing as bridesmaid. She and Triston turned to face each other. His face shone with love and affection as he held her hand
He was happy.
And she was happy too.
But Selene was scared of her happiness. It felt as if it would be snatched away if she placed too much faith in its permanence.
The minister began to speak. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join together Selene Alexis and Triston Walker in the holy union of matrimony. Selene and Triston, the possibilities in a marriage are vast and infinite. As you spend time with each other, you will discover how your love will grow stronger with each passing year. We are honored that you have chosen us to witness this joyous occasion today, and we wish you all the best.”
When Selene echoed the vows, she meant them. No matter what the outcome of their marriage, she would never be able to forget that Triston had offered her a lifeline when the entire world turned her down. For that alone he deserved her full commitment and dedication to this marriage.
Finally it was time. Triston slid the ring over her finger, and she slipped one on his.
The minister beamed at them. “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Their first kiss together as husband and wife was chaste and sweet, but it left a ball of longing lodged inside her stomach. Selene couldn’t wait to start this new life with him, and she was determined to make a success of it.
After the ceremony, Jamie threw her arms around Selene and hugged her. “Congratulations. You’re the most beautiful pregnant bride I’ve ever seen.”
“And what about me?” Triston teased her.
“You’re a handsome devil. And if Selene hadn’t picked you up, I would’ve made a beeline for you myself.” Jamie hugged him. She’d always been fond of Triston. Selene was glad that her sister had been delighted with her decision. Jamie thought the world of Triston and had been devastated when the two broke up.
One of Triston’s friends sauntered over to him. He was a fellow soldier. “Congrats, man. Now, I know why you never looked at any of the ladies back at the training camp. She was waiting for you at home.” He pumped Selene’s hand. “And the baby is an added bonus.”
Selene was about to say something, but Triston beat her to it. “Yes, it is. We’re both very happy. Thanks for coming, John. My parents are throwing a reception dinner tonight. Please, join us.”
“I’ll be there.”
Has he been giving his friends the impression that the baby is his? Why would he do that? Is he embarrassed because it isn’t his child? We need to have a serious talk.
Selene waited until they were alone at their home where they planned to change before heading for his parents’ house. They didn’t have time for much else.
But tonight…
Selene tried to release the long row of fabric-covered buttons at the back of her gown, but she couldn’t get her arms that far back. “Why didn’t you tell Jo
hn that this baby wasn’t yours?”
Triston walked over to unbutton the dress for her. As his fingers trailed along her skin, a shiver of delight coursed through her body. Desire reared its lusty head.
“If you decide to keep her, she’ll also be mine.”
The simple logic blew her doubts away. How could he turn something so complicated into something so simple? Triston had always been the kind of guy who saw right through to the heart of the matter. It was one of the many qualities that she loved about him. And perhaps now that they were going to live together, she would be reminded of all those qualities of his.
Selene turned around to embrace him. “You’re amazing, Triston,” she said, lifting her head to look deep into his dark eyes. “And I love you.” She tiptoed and kissed him softly on his lips. “With everything that’s in me.” She was rewarded with one of his smiles that made her heart stop beating, and then gallop at full speed. She couldn’t resist the pull, his magnetism, she wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him down for another kiss.
They’d decided to wait until the night of their wedding to consummate their relationship. It meant something to Triston, so she’d played along. Maybe there was some kind of mad reason to his insistence because now she couldn’t wait to get her hands on him. They were each other’s first, and after such a long time, it would be like the first for them again.
The kiss was hot and passionate. His tongue mingled with hers, his breath hot on her face. His hands roamed all over her back as she pressed herself hard against him. He was already aroused. Selene put a hand on his muscled chest. While standing on her toes, she trailed a line of kisses down his jaw on to his throat and took a bit of his skin between her teeth. She tugged gently. He groaned and pushed his hand into her recently permed hair, his mouth claiming hers once more.
“Let’s skip the dinner,” he whispered against her lips. “Or get there a little late.”
“How much time you think you’ll need to do me good and proper?” Selene played with his shirt buttons at the top of his collar.
“Maybe nine, ten minutes, tops.” He seemed to smother his chuckle, but continued to rub his hands along her hips.
“You naughty boy.” Selene tugged at his shirt collar. “You better get the job done in four, five minutes, tops.”
“Works for me.”
As he pulled her dress down, his lips nibbling her jaw, her mind was blank of all thoughts. She couldn’t wait to feel his naked skin against hers, have his hands roam her body, feel him inside her.
Selene felt pressure in her bladder.
Sanity returned with speed.
“Shit.”
“What happened?”
She grimaced. “I have to pee.”
Triston laughed as she rushed toward the bathroom. “Good thing it happened now, or else we would’ve missed dinner and my mother would’ve killed me.”
The dinner at his parents’ house was superb. The food was scrumptious, the company pleasant and happy. Selene enjoyed the conversation that flowed around her table as she quietly ate her food. Many times, she glanced at Triston, still unable to believe that she was actually married to him.
It felt like a dream.
After they came back from the dinner, Selene went in the bathroom to change. Triston had already taken his shower, and now it was her turn. They’d decided to wait until after their baby was born before going on their honeymoon in St. Lucia, a former French colony, which was situated in the east of the Caribbean Sea.
To her, their marriage was not one of convenience, and she intended to be a proper wife. The thought of making love to him sent mixed signals through her body. On one hand, she was scared and apprehensive, and on the other hand, she remembered how good they had been in bed. Triston had been an amazing lover. The years in between could only have added to his skill. And the fact was that she wanted him as much as she’d always wanted him.
But her earlier confidence had fled. Conflicting thoughts ran an obstacle course through her brain. What would he think of her body now? She wasn’t the same lean girl that he remembered. Her body had changed since the pregnancy. The baby bump was visible, her breasts were larger, and she had put on weight.
Would he still find her attractive?
She’d debated about whether or not she should put on a light dusting of make-up. She eventually decided to give in to her insecurities, and applied some, which would help her achieve a natural look, yet boost her confidence. Selene figured that Triston would focus more on her face and not on how different her body looked now that she was pregnant. Dressed in a sheer baby doll that barely covered her rump and a coordinating thong, she came out of the bathroom and was surprised that he wasn’t in the bedroom.
Where was he? She went looking for him. The house, a gift from his parents on his return from his tours of duty, was large, spacious, and spread over two floors. She searched the bedrooms upstairs. He wasn’t there. Downstairs, she walked through the living room, dining area, bypassed the kitchen and went into the study. He was nowhere to be found. Wouldn’t he have told her if he was going out?
Finally, it occurred to her to look for him on the patio that adjoined the study. As she stepped out, she found him sitting on a large, cushioned couch. A cool breeze filtered in and ruffled her baby doll. The moon was a bright silver orb in the sky.
“What are you doing out here?”
“Getting some fresh air and…”
Selene sat by his side. She resisted the urge to straighten his hair that had been messed up by the breeze. “Having second thoughts?”
“No. I was—”
“—Thinking about having sex with a pregnant woman?”
“Will you let me finish?” he growled. “And damn it, yes. I was thinking about sex. It’s been a long time since we…slept together…”
“I’m sure you’ve not forgotten the basics.” Selene wasn’t reassured. Were men put off by pregnant women? Was that the reason for his reticence?
“I doubt that I’ve forgotten anything…”
“If you want, we can wait until after the baby is born,” she offered. Hopefully, her body would get back into shape soon after the birth. But what if she didn’t? Would they be one of those couples who never had sex?
“If I wait any longer, I’m going to spontaneously combust. I’ve been dreaming about getting my hands on your body and there’s no way we’re waiting. I was just sitting here planning on how I would get you in the mood.”
Selene chuckled. Now, she felt a little reassured. “I’ve been in the mood ever since you unbuttoned my dress.”
He turned to face her with a grin on his face. “Really?”
Selene lifted her head and he swooped down for a kiss. It was warm and slow. Her lips moved under his. He gathered her in his arms as a rush of heat spiral downward to her center. It had been too long.
She’d missed this so bad.
She’d missed him.
As they pulled apart, Selene cast her mind back to their first kiss. It had been chaste and sweet, stolen in the back of a movie theatre. Even then she’d been eager for his hands to touch her and the need had only grown in the past years. He kissed her again, his hand cupping her chin in a firm grip. He bit her bottom lip.
Selene let out a groan. “That’s amazing.”
“You make it easy,” he chuckled. And just like that, the years they hadn’t spent together disappeared as if they’d never separated.
Selene stared into his deep, dark eyes. She could feel herself drowning in their warm depths. When she raised a hand to touch his cheek, his skin was warm, just the way she liked it. The way he looked at her, made her feel cherished, loved, and wanted. Placing his palms on her shoulders, he took her mouth eagerly. She complied, allowing him easy access. He teased one corner of her mouth, as it lifted in a smile, and then the other. His tongue flicked at her lips and then he raised her head.
“Think you could handle me, babe? It’s been a long time I’ve been wanting yo
u.”
“Sure am. Show me what you—”
Triston swallowed her words.
His lips devoured hers.
****
Triston’s intentions were honorable: be patient with Selene, and fuck her nice and slow. But from the moment she turned and sashayed in front him, as she made her trek towards their bedroom, his dick couldn’t wait any longer. The arch of her back, the perkiness of her fine ass, the sway of her hips, the length of her legs, was just too. Damn. Much. Triston couldn’t wait to sink his throbbing dick into her slick heat. So, he lunged after her, albeit playfully, and cradled her in his arms. Their laughter resounded through the house.
But as he reached the landing and got one step closer to having Selene in his bed, he was revived from of his temporary insanity. He slowed his strides and tried to bring his raging need under control. While taking several deep breaths, he opened the door causally, when deep down he really wanted to bust it down, toss Selene onto the floor and have his way with her lips, her breasts, her pussy, instead.
Maybe he was in a comatose state, because he was surprised that the cherry-colored door clicked softly behind them, and didn’t just slam shut. He took another deep breath, and tried to focus on anything but ravishing her. He didn’t want to spoil the night for her by finishing too fast. After all, speed should be reserved for athletes sprinting towards 100 meter records, not for a man who wanted to make his woman’s first night as his wife to be like a stick of dynamite.
Explosive.
He took in his newly decorated surroundings, while he concentrated on getting a hold of his senses. The warm red of the wood echoed the off-white, navy blue, and mahogany décor in the bedroom. With her clean, sweet skin and her barely-there night dress, the color of sea foam, Selene fitted right in. Allowing her to slide down against him until her feet hit the floor, was both pleasure and pain all wrapped up in one; yet he didn’t release her. He turned his head and studied her while she was still in his arms. Her eyes were closed. He flicked his tongue over an eyelid, tasting not her, but her eye-shadow.
