by B. J. Harvey
“You ready, gorgeous?”
“I was born ready, Superman.” I smirk and press my forehead against hers, breathing her in and taking a moment to sort myself out. This beautiful woman in my arms, the mother of my children and love of my life, may not have been the strong one between us in the beginning, but as every day passes, she continues to astound me with her inner strength.
“Fuck, I love you.”
“Right back atcha’.” And it’s not lost on me that her voice cracks as we stand there in each other’s arms, absorbing the moment. I love the fact she feels this too.
Yes, we have been together for almost three years, and many may see this moment as a mere formality when we’ve already achieved everything else. But as a man, there is nothing more fulfilling than knowing the woman you love wants to be yours just as much as you want to be hers, and admitting that it means just as much to you as it means to your wife is nothing to be ashamed of.
As I lower my lips to hers and shamelessly bury my tongue in her mouth, throwing everything I have into the connection so that Mac knows we’re on the exact same page, I’ve never wished for a time machine more than I do right then and now.
Mac
Once Daniel and I have had a moment, just the two of us inside the restaurant, I see Daniel nod to the maitre d’, letting him know that we’re ready. Daniel obviously decided to torture me tonight since he’s wearing a matching blue, button-down shirt with dark charcoal-gray dress pants. He looks utterly delicious, and if there wasn’t the wrath of the parents at risk or the undeniable promise of Spinelli’s tiramisu for dessert, there is no way I’d be able to stop myself from jumping aboard for a ride.
I hear my dad’s booming voice echo around the room. “Would you all please stand and welcome my daughter and future son-in-law, Makenna and Daniel, as we celebrate their last night of freedom.” He clears his throat and there’s no missing Jenny’s gasp of shock at his audacity. “I mean, celebrate their impending nuptials.”
Daniel’s mouth twitches and I struggle to hold in a giggle as we step around the corner, hand in hand as the room erupts in applause. I feel my cheeks heat up as I realize that being the centre of attention is something I’m going to have to get used to this weekend. Daniel squeezes my hand encouragingly before placing his hand on the small of my back and leading me around the room to the head of the table where there are two empty seats waiting for us.
Although there are only twenty-five of us at the dinner, we decided to hire out the restaurant for the night so that we could take our time and enjoy this with our family and closest friends. Having never been married before, we honestly didn’t know what to expect but we knew that everyone at this rehearsal dinner was important to us and we knew we didn’t want to be rushed.
Once we’ve finished our entrees and mains, there are the expected speeches by both of our fathers, and even Noah stands up and manages not to embarrass either of us even though we both know he has a LOT of dirt up his sleeve.
I lean toward Daniel so that my mouth is near his ear. “I wish your brother was here.”
He flexes his hand which is resting on my thigh in response. “I do too, but there was just no way he could make it.”
“Looks like you’re not the only one who can make a grand entrance, big brother,” a low, gravelly voice speaks up from above us. We both look up at the same time and I grin when I hear Daniel curse. “Shit, man.”
He stands and hugs his younger brother Brandon, a last minute surprise guest that only Daniel’s parents and I knew about. He hadn’t been sure he would be able to make the wedding, but a week ago he called to say he was booked in on a last minute flight and would make it for the rehearsal dinner. Call it one of the few things I could get over my man, but the look on his face right now makes all the secrecy worth it.
“This is Mac.” Three words, full of love and pride, is all Daniel says.
Without warning, I’m scooped up into Brandon’s arms as he proceeds to squeeze the very life out of me. “Can’t … breathe …” I wheeze as both the Winters men start laughing at me.
When he lets me go, Daniel is quick to wrap an arm around my waist and pull me back to my side. “When did you get in? I thought you were stuck.”
“Seems like the family wanted to keep my trip home a secret. The look on your face is well worth it.”
I lean into Daniel’s side and push up on my toes so that my mouth is right by his ear. “You can punish me later.”
He growls in response, the muscles in his arm tightening against my bare back. “Fuck yeah, I will,” he murmurs as he kisses my temple.
“Now, Danny Boy, you can tell me which bridesmaids I get to bang.”
Say what? This is the well-mannered brother-in-law I was told I was going to be meeting. “Considering there is only one bridesmaid, and she’s my very happily engaged best friend, I think you’re shit outta luck on that one.”
Brandon shrugs and flashes a cheeky grin at both of me. “It’s all good. There’s always the wedding tomorrow. Weddings cause single women to get reflective and horny, especially when there is an open bar, sappy speeches, and the bouquet toss.”
God, I’m glad I got the charming brother out of the two.
“S’pose I better go mingle. There are two hotties over there who look like they need a tour guide to show them around Chicago and I’m just the man to do it.” Brandon’s attention focuses over my shoulder and I can’t resist the temptation to turn around and see who he’s talking about, almost choking on my drink when I spot Zander’s sisters, Zoe and Mia.
When I turn back around to tell him he’s shit out of luck with those two, he’s already making his way over to them.
Turning in Daniel’s arms, I lift my arms around his shoulders, pulling his body against mine before lifting my head to steal a quick kiss. “You better go save him before Zander goes all alpha-cop on his ass,” I murmur against his lips.
“I probably should,” he mumbles before running his tongue along my bottom lip and taking advantage the moment I open my mouth.
“Ahem.” We pull apart and turn to the left to find Zander standing there. Speak of the devil.
“Hey, Zan, glad you could make it,” Superman says as they shake hands.
“Wouldn’t miss it. Was just wondering if I could have a word with Mac quickly.”
“Sure, man. I’m going to go distract my brother and save your sisters.”
“What?” Zander suddenly squares his shoulders and stands up to his full six foot two inch frame, scanning the room for Brandon.
“It’s all good, man. I’ll sort him out.” Daniel slaps Zander on the back before stepping away and leaving us alone.
“What’s up? Did you come to steal me away?”
He quirks a brow and grins. “At your rehearsal dinner?” He shakes his head and laughs. “Only you, Mac. One of a kind.”
“Last minute lap dance? For old times’ sake?” I widen my eyes in anticipation and he coughs awkwardly.
“Fuck no. Dan would have my balls for that. So would Kate actually.”
I sigh dramatically. “Oh, okay then.”
“But I did want take you to the bar for one last tequila shot. For old times’ sake.”
Clapping excitedly, I squeal, attracting the attention of our other guests. “Mac! How old are you?” my mother shouts across the room.
“Twenty-seven going on eighteen, Mom!” which earns a chuckle around the room.
“Just checking, baby girl.” I blow her a kiss and link arms with Zander as he leads me out of the main room of the restaurant and toward the bar connected next door.
When I get closer to the bar, I freeze in shock as I spot both Sean and Noah standing by the bar facing away from us.
“What the …”
Zander pauses and turns back to face me. “It may be a bit unorthodox, and before you ask, Daniel knows where you are and what we’re doing and he’s okay with it. You’ve scored yourself a keeper there, babe. That man is o
ne of a kind if he’s able to accept the three of us guys in your life and not feel threatened by it. Seriously, if it were Kate I’d be mounting her in public and marking her with my scent like a rabid dog.”
My eyes fill with unshed tears as I realize everything that Daniel has given me. I may not have been in love with Zander, Sean, and Noah, but in their own way each of them played an important part in my life before I met Superman.
Zander gave me friendship and an outlet for hard and fast sex.
Noah was a constant presence in my life, providing me with a shoulder to cry on, a colleague to bitch to, and a walking dildo to ride in the hospital on-call rooms.
And Sean, my Dom, the man who called me his baby doll and was always just a phone call away whenever I needed sorting out or just some words of wisdom.
Sean walks up to me, his eyes soft as they take me in. “You’re going to make a gorgeous bride, baby doll. And you deserve nothing less than perfection.”
I rush into his open arms and bury my face in his shirt, melting into his familiar warmth. “Thank you. For accepting the invitation and for being here.”
“Wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Wedding of the century and miracle of the year.”
Pulling back, I lift my chin and glare at him. “Miracle?”
He chuckles and wraps an arm around my shoulder. “Yes, Mac. A miracle. Especially because it’s you.”
“Well, thanks,” I mutter sarcastically.
“My turn,” I hear Noah announce and I look up to find him looking at me with his cocky grin firmly in place.
“I have a bone to pick with you, Taylor.”
“Too late for that one, Mac. But Sean’s right, you do look gorgeous.” He steps in front of me and wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me in close for a hug. “Thank you for letting her come tomorrow,” he whispers against my hair as I nod gently, biting my lip to hold back the new flood of tears threatening to break.
“Damn you guys. You’re making my eyes leak.”
Zander grabs a full shot glass and holds it out to me as I watch the other guys do the same. I make a note right then to thank Daniel in multiple, orgasmic ways later on for giving me this.
When we all have a shot in our hands, we stand in a circle, Noah on one side of me, Sean on the other. I sneak a glance to the restaurant doorway to my left and spot Superman leaning leisurely against the wall, his caramel eyes full of love and adoration as he watches me intently. Tilting my head toward the bar, I silently invite him over but he just shakes his head and offers me a wide smile.
“Go,” he mouths.
“I love you,” I mouth back.
“I know,” I see him say just as Zander starts his toast.
“Raise your glasses, gentlemen. To Mac and Daniel. May the love stay strong, the arguments rare, and the sex always hot. And Mac, may you never ever change from the independent, strong-minded, awesome woman that we adore.”
“Here, here!” Sean and Noah cheer as we all lift our glasses to our mouths and throw back the shot.
It’s like the end of an era.
I loved it at the time, but deep down I knew I needed more.
And thankfully, so did my superhero.
Tomorrow can’t come quick enough.
Chapter 8
“My Girl”
Daniel
Many men would feel threatened by letting their wife-to-be’s ex-lovers not only come to the rehearsal dinner, but also attend the wedding.
But I’m not like most men.
I know Mac loves me.
I know she thought sex without commitment was enough for her before.
But then she met me.
And it may have taken a while, but I finally proved to her that I could be everything she needed.
Now we’ve built a life together, made a home, created a family, and tomorrow afternoon I will finally be able to proudly call Makenna Lewis my wife.
Fucking finally!
Chapter 9
“Marry You”
Mac
Two and a half years ago I thought I was happy. I had a successful career, I was living with my best friend and we were living the life of two modern single girls in Chicago. Kate was the ‘forever after’ girl looking for her prince, and I had wanted everything from men except commitment.
Then a fateful trip home on the train turned my life upside down. At the time, I didn’t know the effect that Daniel Winters would have on me. That initial meeting was flirtatious and sexy, a hot ass man in a suit handing me my phone and returning my banter with ease. He didn’t miss a beat.
In that moment, he had me. Hook, line, and sinker. We just didn’t know it, and I took my sweet ass time admitting it.
Fast forward to today. Daniel is my sun, my sky, one of three reasons I get out of bed every day with a huge smile on my face. The other two reasons are the biggest gift Daniel has and will ever give me.
Fuck, listen to me. I sound like one of those sappy, loved up women. You know, the kind I swore I would never end up like.
The thing is, hindsight is a freaking fantastic thing.
But even if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would not change a thing.
Not one. single. thing.
I’d drop my phone, I’d flirt with the smoking hot volcano of fine businessman who got my gears turning and my thighs clenching with his double-dimpled grin. I’d torture myself with the same three-date bet. I’d confess my superman fantasy at 42nd Street bar, then kiss him on the first date by the lake. I’d let him take my tailgating cherry and even put up with the awkwardness of discovering that one of my fuck buddies and my date were actually best friends. I’d have food sex in a restaurant and let him feed me Tiramisu before dragging him back to my place and rocking his freaking world.
I’d run away to sort my shit out all over again just to find my way back to him.
If my life is a compass, he is my due north. And now, as I stand at the altar in my dream wedding dress (and yes, I know I’m taking a chance wearing white AND getting married in a church of God!), staring into those piercing caramel eyes belonging to Delicious Daniel Winters, my Superman, I know I’ve come full circle. Every level ten freakout brought me here. It brought me to him.
“I cherish every kiss, every double-dimpled grin, every time you press your forehead against mine and just breathe me in. I value your opinions, your hopes and your dreams. Everything we’ve been through has led us to this point. Today I stand before you a changed woman. You’ve made me whole. I’ve realized that the only direction I ever want to run in is into your arms. You, Riley and Jared are my world and I’ll spend the rest of my life and beyond loving you because that is what I was born to do.” I feel his warm hands cup my cheeks as he takes a step toward me, his own eyes wet with emotion as he lets my words sink in. He rubs his thumbs across my face, wiping my tears away. “You’re my happy forever after and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“No more tears, gorgeous. I had you the moment I locked eyes with you. We were meant to be. I can’t wait to live my forever and beyond with you,” he whispers against my lips, an intimate moment just for us. I tip my chin up and brush my lips against his.
“Always and forever, Superman.”
“Never doubted it, gorgeous.”
The End of Mac & Daniel’s Happy Forever After
Bonus Content
When Mac met Daniel (Chapter 2 of Temporary Bliss) in Daniel’s POV
I walk onto the crowded train and take my place next to the door. Pleased to have finished work for the day, I pull my suit jacket off, loosen my tie, then roll up my shirt sleeves and undo the first few buttons of my shirt. It has been a long day which led into an even longer night. I’m not normally traveling home at this time of night, but there were a few unhappy clients who needed dealing with. To be completely honest, it has been the day from hell, with more losses than gains.
Hell, the entire week has been like Groundhog Day. I wake up, go to work, go to the gym,
eat dinner then go to sleep before starting all over again the next morning. I’m more than aware that I need a distraction in my life. Something or someone to shake things up a bit.
I’m lost in my thoughts when I feel something hit my shoe. I look down to find a silver cellphone lying next to my briefcase on the floor, so I lean down to grab it. When I stand back up, I scan the train for any sign of said phone’s owner.
Moving through the crowded train cab in the direction of where the wayward phone came from, I catch sight of a gorgeous brunette wearing blue hospital scrubs. She appears panicked as she looks around the train. BINGO! Realizing that it must be her phone that I’m carrying in my hand, and thanking the gods for crossing our paths, I move toward her seat. As I arrive she looks up at me, and I’m taken aback by the most beautiful sea blue eyes staring at me. I smile back at her as I take her in. She is simply exquisite; truly one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, and not traditionally so either, which is just the way I like it. With a cute curve in her lips, a light sprinkling of freckles across her nose, and the smoothest skin I’ve ever seen, I’m dumbstruck, though the most male part of my anatomy twitches with anticipation.
One look at her and I feel as if I’ve had my first big breath of fresh air for the day.
“Sorry, is this your phone? It slid down the floor from this direction, and you’re one of the only people on the train without a phone or an ereader in your hand, so I’m taking a lucky guess,” I ask casually, trying hard not to wince at how awkward I sound. Why am I nervous talking to this beautiful stranger? Oh, that’s right. Because she took my breath away without uttering a single word.
“Yeah, that’ll be mine. Sorry to make you come all the way down here,” she says looking completely embarrassed and blushing like a nervous school girl. To be honest, it’s kind of hot.
“Hey, it’s no problem. I don’t mind being given an excuse to talk to a beautiful stranger, on the L, at night, alone …” I say the last few words slowly and with purpose. It’s after eight on a Thursday night and definitely not safe for a single woman to be traveling alone in the dark.
