by R. C. Martin
“Jude,” he says, shifting his focus onto me. “I remember the day she met you. She thought you were an asshole—and yet, I’d never seen her so effected by a man. You two have come a long way, but this is still just your beginning. She’s my best friend. Always will be. Never stop chasing after her—not ever. Promise me that, and I promise to stop kissing her,” he says with a wink.
Teddy laughs, her fingers squeezing my thigh. I arch an eyebrow at him, a warning in my glance. He chuckles in response, lifting his beer. Everyone reaches for their glass of choice, raising it in a toast before he continues.
“To the bride and groom—congratulations.”
After he sits, Harper decides she has a little something to say; then, for the next thirty minutes, we just sit and listen as our friends and family shower us in well-wishes. Teddy eats it all up, grinning and laughing or tearing up with each speech. I find myself more and more distracted by her as the time passes, and when I see her yawn, I take that as my cue to adjourn our gathering.
“Come, sweetheart,” I insist, reaching for her hand. “Let’s get you upstairs. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.” She nods in response and we both stand, doling out thanks as the party disbands.
“I still can’t believe you let him convince you to spend the night with him,” Harper calls out as she and Benjamin follow us out of the restaurant. Teddy slows her pace, looking back over her shoulder as she lets our siblings catch up with us. “You’re breaking all the rules. You’re not supposed to see each other until tomorrow, when you’re all dressed up and ready to get married. It’s tradition.”
“It’s the one thing he asked for,” Teddy replies with a shrug. “How could I say no?”
“Whatever,” Harper grumbles.
“Harper, you’re not seriously giving us a lecture on tradition, are you?” I ask
She tries to fight a smile; but when she reaches up to rest a hand over the slight swell of her middle, her smile breaks through.
“We’ll be married before the baby arrives, and I guarantee you it’ll be Teddy sharing a bed with my fat ass the night before—not Ben.”
“And what makes you so sure I’ll be willing to give her up then if I’m not willing to give her up now?”
She scoffs, rolling her eyes at me. “Because you can’t deny the bride. Right, babe?” she asks, looking to my brother.
“She’s got a point, Jude.”
“Okay, first of all,” Teddy pipes in, pointing at Harper. “You won’t be fat. You’ll be thirty weeks pregnant and beautiful. And secondly,” she pauses and points up at me. “You can give me up for one night.”
“We’ll see,” I grunt.
The Delaney wedding will be in September on the shores of Maui. According to Teddy, a ceremony on the beach was the only way Harper would agree to marry my brother before the baby was born. Something about the type of dress she’d be able to fit in. Whatever her logic, Benjamin agreed—in spite of his oceanic fear—and they’ll be wed two months before her due date.
News of the baby had come as a surprise to everyone. It’s been a few weeks, and it still feels like we’re just now getting used to the idea. Teddy was the most shocked of us all, but I think the timing of it worked out perfectly. She’s been too focused on our wedding to worry about her inability to bear children; and the excitement of becoming an aunt has also helped keep her sadness at bay. She has her moments—nights when she’ll lay in bed, snuggled up against me, whispering of her envy—but we’re happy, a truth she tells me often.
“Teddy Bear,” Harper begins to say as we approach the elevators. “Last chance, babe. You can change your mind. He’ll have to forgive you. He’s marrying you tomorrow.”
Teddy laughs, wrapping both of her arms around mine as she smiles up at me.
“I think it’s romantic,” she replies sweetly. “It’s his last night as a bachelor and he wants to spend it with me. I can’t say no.” She props her head against my arm as she looks at her sister. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Fine,” Harper concedes with another eye roll. “Get out of here.”
Teddy lets me go, closing the distance between herself and her sister, wrapping her in a tight embrace. “I love you,” she says softly.
“I love you, too, Theodora. Enjoy your last night as a Fitzpatrick.”
“I will.”
They pull away from each other just as one of the elevators chimes, announcing its arrival. I rest my hand on the small of Teddy’s back, guiding her inside. She leans against me as I push the button for the top floor, and a moment later we begin our accent. We’re in the same suite we occupied last fall, which has brought back more than a few memories.
“Jude?” she asks, drawing my attention.
“Sweetheart?”
“Will you take a bath with me?”
“Sure.”
She beams up at me and suddenly I’m struck with an idea. I decide here and now that it’s time I remodeled our bathroom. My shy girl needs a tub.
I wake to the feel of Judah’s lips peppering kisses along the length of my neck. When he grazes his teeth over my earlobe, biting down gently, I melt back against him. Now certain that I’m awake, he circles his arms around me and holds me tight.
“Promise me something,” he speaks softly in my ear, his morning voice rough and dangerously sexy.
“Anything,” I reply with a sigh.
“Don’t. Panic.”
I open my eyes, my heartbeat speeding up a notch as I try and think of why he would say such a thing.
“Promise me, sweetheart.”
“Jude—”
He tightens his hold around me, hooking one of his legs over my thighs as he presses his cheek against mine. “Theodora, promise me.”
“Okay, I won’t freak out,” I promise, hoping that I didn’t just lie to my groom.
“It’s snowing.”
My eyes grow wide in panic as I try and wiggle out of his grasp. “What?! Are you joking right now?”
“Teddy,” he mutters, his tone halting my effort to escape.
“Jude, we’re supposed to get married outside,” I whimper, willing myself not to cry. “It’s May!”
“I’ve already made the necessary calls. The staff is on standby in the event that the weather does not cooperate—but the final decision will not be made until noon, at which point, if we need to move it inside, they are equipped to make it happen. Aunt Eddalyn has been informed, and she promises that she will oversee everything. You have been given strict instructions to not worry about it.”
I try and take deep breaths, letting everything that he’s just said sink in. I’m slightly comforted knowing that in the event of a change, I have one of the most brilliant interior designers at my disposal to ensure that everything looks as it should. But I can’t deny that I really wanted to get married outside. It’s why I picked Beaver Creek—because it’s special to us and because I knew that it would be beautiful.
“Jude…” I whisper, needing him to tell me that it’ll all be all right, but not sure how to ask such a thing without sounding as though I’m breaking my promise. Again.
“Sweetheart, I’d marry you anywhere. Today you will become Mrs. Judah St. Michaels—that’s all I care about. That’s all that matters.”
I nod before I try rolling around to face him. He allows me to move, and just the sight of his dark, grey eyes brings me all the peace and reassurance I need.
“Tell me you love me.”
“I love you,” he murmurs without hesitation.
I slip my arms around his neck, pressing my body flush against his.
“I love you, too.”
“I want you to do something else for me,” he says, grabbing hold of the back of my neck with one hand while he traces his fingers down my spine with the other.
“Okay,” I breathe.
“I want you to wear a plug today.”
My mouth falls open in surprise. I wasn’t expecting him to say that.
“I
didn’t pack my—”
“I brought them,” he interrupts. “And the lube. When you leave this room, I want you filled up and thinking of me. I want you to ache for me when I’m nowhere to be found. I want you so turned on, you don’t have another care in the world all day. And when you agree to be mine—my wife—I want you to say the words knowing that I’m the only man who will ever be able to satisfy your craving; I’m the only man who will ever bring you the pleasure you seek; I’m the only man capable of loving you the way you deserve.”
I don’t know how he does it—after all this time, I can’t explain how it’s possible—but I’m wet just listening to him. Even without the plug, even without his coaxing touch, in this moment, my need for him is so great that I can hardly think straight.
“Okay,” I agree with a nod, wanting to please him—wanting to give him whatever he desires—wishing to be the best bride I can be for him.
He presses a firm kiss against my lips in response before he starts to climb out of bed.
“Don’t move,” he instructs.
I admire his naked backside as he strides confidently toward his bag. It doesn’t take him long to rummage through his things in order to find what it is he’s after. My gaze drops to his hands as he returns, a bottle of lube in one hand, my largest gold plated plug in the other. He tosses them onto the bed before throwing the covers off of my body. He then grabs hold of my legs, dragging me toward him. Lifting my hips off the bed, he hooks my knees over his shoulders. He slides his hands under my back, steadies me, and then licks his way up my slit. I squirm a little and he reaches around and grabs hold of one of my breasts, squeezing me hard as if in warning.
A moan slips from my lips, my hips rolling of their own accord, wanting more. He flicks my clit with the tip of his tongue and then sucks it into his mouth. I reach up and grab hold of my other breast, needing to relieve the ache I feel there. With my other hand, I feel my way up his arm, holding onto him as he continues to swirl his tongue between my entrance and my clit, sucking and nibbling to his heart’s content. He groans when he pushes his tongue inside of me, and I can feel it as I grow even more aroused.
“Mmmm, Judah,” I sigh, grinding my hips against his mouth. I free a whimper, caught between my longing to find my release, and my desire to bask in the ministrations of his tongue for as long as humanly possible.
“Come for me, sweetheart,” he murmurs, his tone husky, his deep voice felt against my slick lips before he sucks on my clit once more.
I arch my back and close my eyes, allowing myself to surrender to his affection. My orgasm blooms, and the warm sensation that emanates from my core feels amazing.
Before I can recover, Jude lowers me from off of his shoulders and turns me over. He then grabs my hips, pulling me onto my knees. I cry out when I feel his tongue again. He licks from my slit all the way to my ass. I suck in a breath, loving just how turned on that makes me. Then, when I feel a drop of lubricant followed by the gentle caress of his finger, I can’t help but groan as I push back against him.
“Are you my wild bride? Hmm? Do you want me in this ass?”
“Oh, Jude—yes,” I mutter thoughtlessly, my only desire being for more. “Yes—Jude, yes,” I groan as he pushes two fingers inside of me. He pumps them slowly, torturously, and it feels sensational. “Please,” I beg, not even fully aware of what I’m begging for. I’m so lost in lust, I feel high. High on Judah. High on the man who has promised me forever.
When he pulls his fingers free, I feel like I might cry, my body now desperate for my next release. Before I know it, I feel the tip of my butt plug at my back entrance. I push against it, relaxing as I welcome the intrusion. I want it. I want it all. I want everything that Judah gives me. Always.
“Fuck. Such a good girl,” he says with a growl, palming my ass.
I wiggle under his touch, still craving more. I want to feel him all over. I want him everywhere.
“Jude—I need you,” I moan, praying that he doesn’t leave me like this. I’m far too turned on. I’ll die if he leaves me like this. “Please,” I beg breathlessly, suddenly terrified of his next move.
“On your back, Teddy. Show me that pussy.”
I don’t waste any time turning over, laying before him with my knees bent and my legs spread wide. I know I’m a dripping mess right now. I can feel my swollen clit as my eyes roam over the delicious man in front of me. For a fraction of a second, my lust makes way for one extraordinarily wonderful thought.
This man—this man is going to be my husband!
“I can’t wait to marry you,” I blurt out.
He crawls over me, propping himself up on his forearms as his chest grazes mine. He then brings his mouth a breath away from my lips before he whispers—“You belong to me, Miss Fitzpatrick. Soon, you’ll have the name to prove it.” Just as his last words are spoken, he slides his dick inside of me, filling me up completely. My jaw falls open as I try and manage a breath. He’s quick to sweep his tongue through my lips, stealing a kiss.
He kisses me deeply as he rolls his hips slowly, and I’m so overwhelmed. With every thrust, I feel his possession of me; I feel his protection over me; I feel his commitment to me; but most of all, I feel his love for me. My heart is full, and I’m insanely happy. As I kiss him back with all the passion I can muster, I hope he understands just how much he means to me.
My everything.
My forever.
I circle my arms around him, holding him tight against me, wishing to remain locked with him. Somewhere, in the back of my head, I remember that it’s our wedding day; that because it’s our wedding day, we can’t stay in bed all morning—and yet, I don’t care what time it is; I don’t care how much needs to be done; and I certainly don’t care about the snow. All I want is him.
Just him.
Just us.
“Theodora,” he groans, moving his hips a little faster. “Goddammit, I belong to you.”
As he says the words, he looks right into my eyes, and it’s all I can do not to come completely undone. I blink away my tears, reaching up to bury my fingers in his hair. I try to find the words to express what I feel, but there are none—so I let my body speak for me.
“Judah…”
“Now, Teddy—now.”
I come at his command, my whole body trembling as I clamp down around him. He roars as he thrusts into me forcefully, my insides pulling forth his release. When he is spent, he relaxes his weight on top of me, and I hold him close.
We lay together, neither of us speaking, until we’re interrupted by a loud knock on the door. Not two seconds later, my phone begins to ring—then Judah’s, followed by another loud knock on the door. Without pulling out of me, Judah reaches for his phone on the nightstand, swiping his finger across the screen to answer.
“Hello?” he grumbles, looking down at me. He listens, nods, then presses a quick kiss to my lips. “She’ll be out in five minutes.”
He doesn’t say goodbye before he hangs up, and then he kisses me once more.
“Ben?”
“Geoffrey,” he says with a smirk. “It’s time for us to get up.”
“Shit. Did you really just tell them five minutes?”
“Yes,” he chuckles, pulling out of me. “Better hurry.”
We both get out of bed to throw ourselves together. By the time I’ve cleaned up a little from our love making, brushed my teeth, and tossed my hair up into a messy bun, my five minutes are up. Another round of loud knocking starts up again, and I grumble as I get dressed in a pair of leggings and a button-down shirt. I slip my feet into my Toms, and grab my bridal-necessity bag before hurrying to the door.
Harper is standing in the hallway, two cups of coffee in her hands. Geoff is right behind her, sipping at his own cup. He lifts his eyebrows at the sight of me as Harper scoffs.
“Swear to god, you’re the only bride who looks freshly fucked the morning of her wedding. Come on, bitch. Get your tatted ass out here. We’ve got shit to do. An
d did you know it’s fucking snowing?”
I snatch the extra coffee from her hand, knowing that I’ll need it, and take a large sip. I scrunch my nose when all I get is hot chocolate and she laughs at me, switching our cups. I take another sip, the taste of the brew making me happy before turning back in search of my groom. I miss him already. When he begins to cross the room, making his way toward me, a rush of giddiness fills my chest.
“Have fun,” he tells me.
“You, too. I’ll see you at the alter.”
He bends down to kiss me, tapping my ass when he pulls away, reminding me that I’m still full. “I’ll be waiting,” he tells me.
I blush as he winks at me.
He’s not the only one.
Two Years Later
I’m locking down my computer for the day when I sense a presence in my space. Looking up, I see Logan leaning against the doorframe, a big smile on her face.
“I just heard the big news. I suppose congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you,” I reply, standing to my feet. “I’m heading home to tell Teddy now.”
“I bet she’ll be excited—I’m excited for you. For the both of you. I’m glad you have someone to embark on this new adventure with you.”
I nod, slipping into my suit jacket. Truth be told, I’m not sure how Teddy will take the news. I’m sure a part of her will be excited because she’ll be excited for me. That’s who she is; that’s the kind of wife she’s proven to be—one who is proud of what I do; one who celebrates my accomplishments often. This is definitely an accomplishment worth celebrating. And yet, I’m also aware that it will mean a great change for the both of us.
I haven’t told her about this particular business venture. It’s not that I intended to keep secrets from her, I just didn’t see the point in discussing something that might not come to pass. She’s aware that I’ve had aspirations of expanding Eddalyn’s Interiors, but to what extent was never discussed in detail. Now, things are beginning to fall into place, and our relocation is soon to be a reality.
