Cassie laughed. “No, but they are extremely picky. None of them will marry a woman who isn’t their mate.”
Marin shook her head in wonder. It still amazed her that she was destined to be with Cole. He was the most amazing man she had ever met; always putting her needs before his, always wanting to please her. Marin couldn’t have possibly asked for a better husband.
When they arrived at the salon, Cassie had front door parking. As usual, Matt had rented out the salon for the occasion so his pregnant wife wouldn’t be around a lot of harmful fumes. Locking up the car, Cassie and Marin walked up to the shop and knocked on the door.
Seeing the two women outside, the shop owner opened the door for them. “Welcome ladies! I trust you’re having a good morning?”
Marin smiled at the man. “The best. Thank you for squeezing me in on such short notice.”
“It’s not a problem,” he assured her. “I have the best stylists here to assist the two of you this morning. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
They both thanked the owner and took their seats in the stylists’ chairs. Having recently had their hair colored and cut, they were only there to be styled and have their nails done.
An hour later, Marin felt pampered and excited about her wedding. Her dress was stored at Cassie’s house so Cole wouldn’t see her before the wedding. The poor man had even slept in another bedroom last night.
“Before we go to my house, do you want to drive by the church where the ceremony will be held? We can make sure the flowers arrived.”
“That sounds good,” Marin responded.
The church was near Cassie’s house and they arrived in no time. Outside, there was a sign announcing Marin and Cole’s marriage at ten o’clock. A red carpet had been rolled out down the front steps.
The women parked and walked inside the church to make sure everything was in order. The first thing Marin noticed was the scent of gardenias… they were everywhere! Every flower arrangement contained at least a few gardenias. Marin had never told Cole how much she enjoyed their scent so she was pleasantly surprised.
Glancing around the empty church, the women decided that everything looked in order. Marin knew that her wedding was going to be beautiful; she just wished that her family could be there to see it.
“We should probably go to my house so you can get your dress. We need to be back at the church in twenty minutes for you to start getting dressed,” Cassie said, as they walked down the front steps.
“Do we have enough time to go to your house and get back?”
“I live just a few blocks away. We can make it back in enough time. No worries, it’s your wedding day.”
Marin smiled. “Yes, it is. I can honestly say I didn’t think this day would ever arrive.”
“You never thought you would get married?” Cassie asked her.
Marin shook her head. “I didn’t date all that often and never really had a steady boyfriend. When my parents died and I had to take care of my brother, I just assumed that I would have time for a social life after he started college.”
“Wow, that’s a long time to put your life on hold.”
Marin hadn’t really thought about it at the time, but Cassie was right… it was a long time to put her life on hold. She was very lucky to have Cole and have a second chance at a real life.
They arrived moments later at Cassie’s house. It was a beautiful two story on a quaint street. It didn’t take them long to get everything they needed and start heading back to the church.
When they pulled into the church parking lot, Marin and Cassie gathered their items and trudged up the steps. The front doors of the church were already open in preparation of the guests arriving.
Marin thought it was a shame for the church to be decorated so beautifully when there wouldn’t be very many guests. Cassie and Matt would be attending, as would Cole’s brothers and cousins, and Dylan. Marin hadn’t known of anyone else to invite.
Cassie and Marin went into one of the side rooms to prepare for the wedding. It didn’t take long to get Marin into her dress and shoes. She made a radiant bride.
The wedding passed in a blur. It seemed to Marin as if she had barely walked down the aisle before she and Cole were being pronounced husband and wife. Husband… just the thought of Cole being her husband made Marin smile.
The wedding reception was small and was held at the Victorian. Marin looked across the living room to her new husband. He still had on his tuxedo and looked very dashing. Marin still wore her wedding dress. Every now and then she would see a flash out of the corner of her eye as Cassie or one of the other guests snapped a picture. Cassie had come up with the idea of planting disposable cameras around the house for the guests to use. It would be a good way for Marin to set up a wedding album without having to pay for a professional photographer.
Cassie had ordered a beautiful three layer white cake with pineapple filling for the bride’s cake and a German chocolate cake for the groom’s cake. Both were absolutely delicious, which Marin could attest to after having eaten a slice of each.
Cassie approached Marin. “Have the two of you discussed a honeymoon?”
“Um, well… since we’re closing on the house tomorrow, we thought we would put it on hold for right now. I’d really like to get moved in before Monday if possible.”
Cassie smiled. “I think that can be arranged,” she said, as she held out a key to Marin.
“What’s this?”
“That is a key to a cabin not far from here. Matt bought one up in the mountains a while back. Unfortunately, we don’t get a chance to get away from the kids very often so we haven’t used it in a while.”
“But…”
“No, buts. I had Matt go up early this morning to make sure you would have everything you need. You can stay just one night or the whole weekend, it’s up to you.”
“I don’t know what to say Cassie. You and Matt have been wonderful to me.”
Cassie hugged her. “You’re like the sister I never had. I just want you to be happy.”
Marin blinked back tears. “I am happy; happier than I’ve ever been.”
“Good. Now, why don’t you go share the happy news with your groom? I bet he’d like to get out of here about now.”
“Why do you say that?”
Cassie grinned. “Haven’t you seen the looks he’s been throwing your way? I’m surprised we haven’t had to put out a fire already.”
Marin laughed. “You’re so bad.”
Cassie hugged her one last time. “Go on. Go tell Cole the good news and then go pack a bag.”
Marin made her way through their guests until she was standing by Cole’s side. Tapping him on the arm, she leaned close to whisper in his ear, “Cassie and Matt have a surprise for us.”
“Really?”
Marin showed him the key. “It appears we get a honeymoon after all.”
“Where does that key go exactly?”
“To a cabin in the mountains. Cassie said that Matt went up there this morning to make sure it was stocked. We can stay the night or they said we can have it for the whole weekend.”
Cole sought Cassie out across the room. Spotting her and her husband heading for the front door, he caught the wicked grin on Cassie’s face. He would have to remember to thank her later.
“Well, why don’t we head upstairs and get some things together? I remember when Matt bought that place and it’s a two hour drive away.”
“I guess we should get started then.”
They made their excuses to their family and guests before walking upstairs. Marin and Cole quickly changed clothes and put a bag together. While Marin visited with her new brothers-in-law and cousins, Cole put their things in the truck.
They made their farewells and started on the journey into the mountains. As they passed by the site of Marin’s accident, she shivered.
“Are you okay,” Cole asked.
“I’m fine. That accident feels like it
was a lifetime ago.”
Cole nodded. “Yes, it does.”
Marin hesitated. “Cole… what do you think happened to my brother?”
Cole had hoped she wouldn’t ask that question. Over the past two days he had done a lot of digging online. The one gift he had hoped to give Marin was having her brother attend their wedding. Unfortunately, it seemed that her brother had died of an over-dose a few days after Marin had been sold to Stefan.
Marin watched the emotions run across Cole’s face. He obviously knew something and didn’t want to tell her. Bracing herself, she asked, “Do you know what happened to him?”
Cole sighed. “Yeah, I do. I was hoping you wouldn’t ask about him for a little while longer.”
“Why?”
“I didn’t want to ruin your wedding day. It’s supposed to be the most important day of a woman’s life, or so I’ve been told.”
“Something happened to him, didn’t it?”
Cole nodded. “Yeah, I’m afraid so. I didn’t want to tell you this honey, but your brother died of an overdose while you were at Stefan’s.”
Marin could feel the tears gathering in her throat. She had known that her brother was heading down that path when he had confessed he had a drug problem. It was sad to think that he had died so young.
“Honey, are you okay? I didn’t want to give you bad news tonight, but I didn’t want to lie to you either.”
“I appreciate your honesty. It isn’t your fault that my brother was stupid and got involved in drugs. I only wish that there had been a way to save him. After all, if it weren’t for him, we would have never met.”
Cole reached over and took her hand in his. “And I will always be grateful to him for that… you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Marin gave him a watery smile. “I feel the same about you.”
Chapter Fourteen
Cole pulled up in front of the cabin. It was larger than Marin had expected, with a wall of windows over-looking a small lake. The scenery was breathtaking.
Cole turned off the truck and pulled Marin closer to him. “Why don’t you wait here while I go open the door?”
“Okay,” she said, leaning over to kiss him.
Cole jumped out of the truck, grabbed their bag, and headed for the front door. The night air was cool as it ruffled his hair. Walking up the few steps to the cabin door, he sat the bag down while he opened the door.
Thankfully, Matt had turned the heat on when he had been up here earlier in the day. The cabin was toasty and clean. Cole flipped on the light and sat the bag down on the floor. Turning, he went back outside to get Marin.
Opening the door of the truck, he helped her out. Marin started to walk toward the cabin, but Cole scooped her up in his arms.
“What are you doing?” she squealed at him.
“What’s it look like? I’m carrying my bride across the threshold.”
“I thought you were only supposed to do that when we entered our new house?”
“Nope, I have it on good authority that it’s appropriate when you’re about to spend your first official married night together, regardless of where you’re staying.”
Marin smiled and looped her arms around his neck. Nuzzling his neck, she let him carry her up the steps of the cabin and into the cozy warmth inside.
Cole put Marin down and she looked around. The living room was small and held only a sofa and chair. A fireplace dominated one wall. The opposite wall faced the lake and was a sea of large windows.
A kitchen was to their left and there were two doors off the kitchen. Marin assumed they led to the bedroom and bathroom. In the other corner of the back wall was a narrow staircase. The ceilings were easily nine feet tall with rustic beams. It was a really pretty place.
Cole pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Marin melted into him and threw her arms around his neck. She could kiss him for the rest of her life and never tire of it.
Lifting her into his arms, Cole carried Marin to the downstairs bedroom. Pushing the door open with his foot, he crossed the small room to the king size bed against the far wall. Setting Marin down on the bed, Cole followed her, pushing her down onto the mattress.
“I thought this night would never arrive,” she told him.
“What night is that? Our wedding night?”
“That’s part of it. It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for you to make love to me.”
Cole smiled down at her. “It feels that way to me, too.”
Cole ran his hands up her arms and cupped her face. Leaning down, he gently claimed her lips in a kiss.
Marin ran her fingers through Cole’s hair, pulling him closer. She wanted to feel every inch of his body pressed against hers. Skimming her hands across his shoulders and down his chest, she reached for the buttons on his shirt.
Cole grinned as he felt her unbuttoning his shirt. Breaking the kiss, he gave her a heated look. “Are we in a hurry?”
“No, not exactly; I just want to feel your skin against mine. I don’t want to have any barriers between us.”
Cole raised an eyebrow. “None what so ever? Not even a condom?”
A faint blush stained Marin’s cheeks. She shook her head no.
Cole’s eyes roamed over her face. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
Cole reached out and grabbed the hem of her shirt. He pushed the shirt up over her stomach, over her breasts, and finally pulled it free of her body. She still wore the strapless cream colored bra she had put on under her wedding dress. Her breasts were practically spilling out of the top of the skimpy thing.
Cole pulled the material down, exposing her nipples. Leaning down, he grazed her nipples with his teeth, until both of them peaked.
Marin sucked in a breath. Heat instantly pooled between her legs. She felt Cole’s hand slide down her belly to the snap on her jeans. He popped the snap open and slowly slid the zipper down.
Marin started to sit up in order to remove her jeans, but Cole pushed her back down. “I didn’t tell you to get up yet.”
Marin stayed down, wondering what he was up to. She thought she was going to die when his hand slid inside her jeans, over the satin of her panties, to tease her already engorged nub.
Cole could feel how wet she was through the thin satin material. He had planned on teasing her a great deal before consummating their marriage, but he had a feeling he was teasing himself even more.
With his heightened senses, he was able to smell her arousal. Growling low in his throat, he continued to tease her with his fingers as he claimed her lips in a rough kiss.
Marin writhed on the bed under him, wanting more. Her hips bucked against his hand, trying to pull him closer.
Cole removed his hand from her jeans only to plunge his hands under the satin of her panties. Marin gasped against his mouth and tried to pull him closer.
His fingers delved into the curls at the junction of her thighs until he felt her moist heat. She was so wet and ready for him. Flicking her swollen clit with his thumb, he plunged a finger deep inside of her. When he slid his finger back out, Marin whimpered.
Cole wanted her like he had never wanted anyone before, but he was going to make this night as special for her as possible. He slid his finger inside of her again, curling it slightly as he pulled back out, stroking her g-spot.
Marin thought she was going to die from the pleasure Cole was giving her. “Cole, please…”
“Please, what?”
Marin wet her lips with her tongue. “More… I want more.”
Cole smiled and did as she asked. He added a second finger as he slid inside of her again, pumping her with his fingers, faster and faster. She was so close to climax, he could feel it building within her. Using his other hand, he pushed her bra down even further, exposing her soft, full breasts. Her nipples were still erect from his earlier teasing and he claimed one with his mouth, slightly grazing her with his teeth as his finger continued their rhythm, in and out. H
is thumb still made lazy circles against her clit. Marin was so wet that she was dripping.
When she thought she couldn’t take another moment more, pleasure burst through her. She cried out, arching against Cole.
He watched her with dilated eyes, fighting the urge to take her. When her muscles loosened their hold on his fingers, he slid his hand out of her panties.
Standing, he quickly divested himself of his clothing. Leaning over Marin, he reached under her to unclasp her bra. Dropping the satin garment on the floor, he reached for her jeans. Sliding them down her legs, they joined her bra on the floor.
Cole stood looking down at her. The only clothes she had left were her panties. Marin was truly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Reaching for the small scrap of satin, he slowly slid them off her hips, down her legs, and dropped them on the floor.
Joining her on the bed, he kissed her and fondled her breasts. Marin slipped one hand into his hair while her other hand slid down his torso and grasped his hard shaft.
Cole groaned and thrust into her hand. She was obviously trying to kill him. Breaking the kiss, he turned his attention to her breasts while his hand delved between her legs again.
His finger barely grazed her and Marin almost came up off the bed. She was still sensitive from her previous climax, but it was apparent that Cole was planning on giving her another one.
Marin slid her hand up and down the hard, smooth skin she held. She felt Cole suck in a breath before he backed away from her. His fingers were still sliding in and out of her, but he trailed kisses down her body until his tongue joined his hand in her torture. He laved her clit with his tongue as his fingers thrust in and out of her.
She had never felt anything like this before. Marin grabbed the bed covers in her hands and bit her lip to keep from crying out. As Cole sucked and licked her sensitive nub, Marin began lifting her hips, meeting the strokes of his fingers. She cried out her release as she climaxed.
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