by Force, Marie
“The private plane totally sucked,” Leah says. “We all hated it.”
“I worried that you might.” She cracks me up. To Aileen, I say, “Where are the kids?”
“Oh my God,” Nat says. “Logan and Maddie are here, too?”
“Yep.” Aileen glances over her shoulder. “They’re downstairs with your nephews, raising hell out by the pool. I just hope they don’t fall in.”
“Is Ian with them?” I ask of my eldest nephew.
“He’s the one who looks like you, right?”
“So I’m told. He’ll keep an eye on things. My dad says he was born a thirty-year-old.”
Speaking of the devil, my dad appears at the door carrying a huge box of flowers for the girls, red for the attendants and white for Nat. Mom has truly thought of everything.
“We’re ready whenever you are, kids.”
Natalie clears her throat. “Max… I wondered if you might be willing…” She takes a deep breath, seeming to fortify herself. “I could use an escort downstairs.”
“It would be my honor, honey,” he says softly.
Okay, I’m done. You can stick a fork right in me. She’s so fucking sweet, and she just totally unmanned my dad and me with one adorably hesitant request.
I hold out my hand, palm up. “I need to borrow your ring, Mrs. G, so we can do this all over again.”
She’s as hesitant about removing her wedding ring from her finger as I am about removing mine.
“Just for a short time, and then they’ll never come off again,” I whisper to her as I kiss her. “See you downstairs?”
“I’ll be there.”
“You’d better be.”
As I go down the stairs in the home where I grew up and head out to the yard where my wife and I will exchange our vows in front of our family and friends, everything is right in my world.
I can’t believe he flew in the girls, although I probably should’ve expected something like this. He thinks of everything. I have to give them credit—they were all very convincing telling me they couldn’t come and sounding appropriately heartbroken to miss out on a chance to attend a big Hollywood party.
“Are you mad that we lied?” Livvy asks in a small voice that tugs at my heart.
I hug her again because I can. “I’m thrilled that you lied and gave me the best surprise of my life. I was so sad that you couldn’t be here, but I didn’t want to admit it even to myself.”
“It was all Flynn’s idea,” Leah says. “He thought it would be fun to surprise you, and it was! You should’ve seen your face when we walked in here.”
“I thought I was seeing things.”
A yip from the hallway has me running to the door again, where I see Addie leading Fluff on a leash. I bend to scoop up my baby, who runs to me when she sees me. “What’s she doing here?” She’s wearing a special new red collar and a red bow on the top of her head. I can’t believe she allowed that.
“Flynn made sure the security guys brought her over. He knew you’d want her here.”
“After he told me she’d be happier at home. He’s too much. Thank you, Addie, for anything and everything you did to make this day so special for us.”
She hugs me. “My pleasure. Ladies, let’s get you downstairs.” Addie lines up the girls so Leah and Aileen go first, followed by my sisters.
Max extends his arm to me. “Shall we, my dear?”
“Yes, please.” I tuck my hand into his elbow, struck by how sad it is that my parents’ choices make it so they can’t be part of my life. Although, looking back on it all now, I wouldn’t change a thing because everything that happened in my past led me to Flynn.
Though nothing about this house is familiar to me, it already feels like home in a way. For the first time since I left my home so many years ago, I feel like I’m exactly where I belong. Who knew the home of my heart would be in Beverly Hills among superstars known the world over by their first names?
Accompanied by the sounds of a string quartet, Max escorts me down the winding stairs and out to the yard, where a gazebo and chairs have been set up for the ceremony.
We emerge from the house into warm, soft late-afternoon Southern California sunshine. The yard is full of people, but the only one I see is Flynn. He is standing with Hayden, Jasper, Kristian and Emmett, the brothers of his heart, by his side, and he is zeroed in on me as I come toward him on the arm of his father.
Max delivers me with a hug, a kiss and wishes for a long, happy life together.
Flynn receives a hug from his father and takes my hand, smiling widely at me. His joy is mine, his happiness essential to me. And I’ve never seen him look happier than he does right now.
I hand my flowers to Candace so I can hold both his hands while the judge, who is a close friend of Max’s, leads us through the recitation of our vows. It is no less emotional the second time I pledge my life and my love to this extraordinary man who has changed my life so profoundly.
“Flynn and Natalie have pledged their lives and their love to each other, and now they wish to share some personal thoughts. Natalie?”
Since Flynn and I agreed to do this, I’ve thought a lot about what I want to say to him, but now that the moment is upon me and people are watching, my brain is frozen until he squeezes my hands, smiles and gazes into my eyes in that intense way of his. I forget about everyone else and focus only on him.
“If someone had told me six weeks ago today that I’d be standing in this lovely yard in Beverly Hills, gazing into the eyes of Flynn Godfrey and pledging to love him forever, I’d have had that person committed. Things like this don’t happen to people like me. Or so I thought until I met you and found out that dreams really do come true, that true love exists, that fairy tales aren’t just for the movies. I never could’ve imagined being loved by anyone the way you love me, and I’ll be thankful for and protective of that love for the rest of our lives. I can’t wait for what’s ahead for us, and I look forward to every minute of our lives together. I love you so much. You’ll never know how much.”
His eyes brighten with unshed tears as he listens to me, and when I finish, he kisses me, sending a soft wave of laughter through the rows of guests looking on.
“I’ll never forget that life-changing moment in Bleecker Park,” he begins, gazing down at me as he speaks, “the first time I ever laid eyes on you and I knew, I just knew you were the one I never expected to find. I love that you couldn’t care less about my job or any of the baggage that comes with it. I love that you see me, just me, the way no one else ever has. I love that I can be fully myself with you and that you accept every part of me.”
A flush of heat travels from my breasts to my face at his reference to the parts of him that I’ve fully accepted. I have to tamp down the urge to laugh at his outrageousness, which only I and a few others will recognize as such.
“I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure I’m worthy of all the priceless gifts you’ve given me, Natalie. I love you now and forever.”
We kiss again, and the judge clears his throat, reminding us we’re not done.
Laughing, we exchange rings—again—and kiss more intently after the judge declares us husband and wife. Again.
Though it felt as real as it could get in Vegas, this time it feels official because those we love best witnessed it. Fluff circles our feet, barking and yipping.
Flynn bends to pick her up and places her in my arms before leading me down the aisle between the rows of chairs where his sisters, their families and others I haven’t met yet cheer for us as we go by.
We take hundreds of pictures in the Godfreys’ beautiful garden, some by ourselves and others with family and friends. We drink champagne and kiss as often as we can before we’re ushered inside and upstairs to the ballroom for the party. The wedding party I didn’t know I had until today is announced, until only Flynn and I remain outside the doors, holding hands and kissing with Fluff dashing between our feet.
“I would’ve said we di
dn’t needed this,” I tell him, “but I’m so glad we did it.”
“I am, too. It feels somehow more official now that we have all these witnesses.”
“I thought the same thing earlier. No getting out of it now, Mr. Godfrey.”
He kisses me again, lingering longer than he probably should have with a room full of people waiting for us to make our appearance. “No desire to get out of anything, Mrs. G.”
From inside the room, we hear, “Please join us in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Flynn Godfrey.”
“That’s our cue, sweetheart.” He extends his arm to me.
I slip my hand into the crook of his elbow.
The room erupts into applause when we enter, Fluff trailing along beside us like the star of the day that she is. Without her, none of this would be happening. Candace picks up Fluff, and I send my sister a thankful smile. I still can’t believe she and Livvy and Leah and Aileen are here. I blow kisses to Logan, who is beaming, and his sister, Maddie.
I’m absolutely stunned to see a ten-piece orchestra, a stage and Jason Mraz.
Jason Mraz?
“Surprise,” Flynn whispers as he leads me to the dance floor as Jason sings “I Won’t Give Up,” the song we chose as our wedding song that night in Vegas.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe this!” I’m overwhelmed by the incredible surprise as we dance to the song that will always bring back such beautiful memories of the first time we said “I do.” And now this, too… “Amazing surprise. Thank you so much.”
“You’ll have to thank my mom. She called in a few favors with the record company.” He draws me in closer to him, close enough that I can feel his arousal hard and heavy against my belly. “I won’t give up, Nat. No matter what, I’ll never give up on us.”
I rub against him as shamelessly as I’m able to without making a scene. “I won’t either. I promise.” I gasp when the vibrating bullet in the panties he made me wear comes to life between my legs. I experience the same thrill I got at the club when people were watching us.
“Save some of those moves for the honeymoon.”
Raising my head off his shoulder so I can see his face, I say, “What honeymoon? We’ve been on our honeymoon for weeks.”
He scoffs. “Please. Give me a break. Hanging out at home is not a honeymoon.”
“Flynn…”
“Shhh.” He kisses the words off my lips. “Enjoy your wedding.”
When the song ends to resounding applause, Jason calls Estelle Flynn to the stage and hands the microphone off to her. Thankfully, Flynn turns off the vibrator, and I sag against him in relief. My entire body is humming from the drumbeat of desire. I’m beginning to accept that as a permanent part of my new life with Flynn.
“Thank you so much, Jason,” Stella says. “Wasn’t that amazing?” She leads another round of applause for the singer, who takes a courtly bow and blows a kiss to us before he exits the stage.
I try not to swoon in the arms of my new husband.
“Max and I are so pleased and honored to welcome Natalie to our family. We have hoped and prayed that our wonderful son would someday find someone who brings him the kind of joy he’s experienced with Natalie. We love you both, and we’re so happy for you today.” After some more applause, Stella continues. “I understand my new daughter-in-law and I have something in common, so I’d like to dedicate this to her and to my beloved son.” She nods to the orchestra, which plays a familiar tune that immediately brings tears to my eyes.
“Oh, Flynn…”
Stella sings “Something Good” from The Sound of Music, and I absolutely melt into the arms of the man I love as his mother serenades us. It is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible moments of my life.
The entire evening is something out of a dream. I meet extended family—Max’s sister, Stella’s brother—Flynn’s cousins, family friends, a few of them celebrities, but nothing about this day is about celebrity. It’s about celebration and love and family and all the things that matter most in life. We enjoy a delicious meal, cut our cake and drink more champagne—headaches be damned.
After dinner, I tell Flynn I’ll be right back and get up to speak to Leah. “Come with me for a second.”
“Um, okay. What’s up?”
“You’ll see.”
I lead her over to the table where Marlowe is chatting with Flynn’s sisters. I introduce them all. “Marlowe, I want you to meet my roommate from New York, Leah. Leah, Marlowe.”
Though she is totally starstruck, Leah manages to shake hands with Marlowe.
“Great to meet you,” Marlowe says.
“Yes,” Leah says, trying not to stare. “Same here. Heard a lot about you from Nat.”
“All good, I hope.”
“All good.”
“So Marlowe desperately needs an Addie, and Leah needs a job. I thought you two might be able to help each other out.”
Leah stares at me, her mouth agape. “You… I…”
“She’s normally much more articulate,” I say to Marlowe, who is smiling broadly.
“How soon can you be here, Leah?”
“W-what? You can’t be serious. I’m a teacher, or I was a teacher. I don’t want to be a teacher, and oh my God, I’m babbling.”
“The job is yours if you want it. Natalie is right—I desperately need an Addie, and Addie could teach you everything you need to know about being an Addie. Will you consider it?”
“You don’t even know me.”
“I know Natalie, and if she says you’d be great, that’s all I need to hear. I’d want you to relocate out here, though, since most of my life happens here.”
“Move here. Work for Marlowe Sloane. Someone pinch me.”
I gently pinch her arm, making them both laugh.
“So that’s a yes?” Marlowe asks.
“Yes!” Leah’s eyes are dancing with delight. “A million times yes.”
“Excellent!” I’m pleased with my matchmaking and to know my best friend from New York will soon be living close by in Los Angeles.
As I dance with Max much later, Hayden dances with Addie, Marlowe with one of Flynn’s younger cousins, and Jasper with Flynn’s sister Ellie. Kristian and Emmett are standing by the side of the dance floor, a gaggle of women surrounding them. Flynn sways to the music with his nieces, India and Ivy, who giggle at his antics. He’s going to be such a wonderful father.
“His mother and I had nearly given up on hoping this day would ever come,” Max says softly, for my ears only. “Look at him with the kids. He’s so great with them, and they love him so much. We couldn’t bear to think of him missing out on having his own family, but it didn’t seem like it would happen. And then he met you, and well… We’re so happy for both of you.”
“Thank you, Max, and thank you for this unforgettable day. I told Flynn earlier that I wouldn’t have said we needed a big party, but I’m so glad we’ll have these memories. And I also want to thank you and Stella for the way you’ve opened your arms to me. You’ll never know how much that has meant to me.”
“You’ve got a great big new family who loves you and your sisters. This is your home now, and you’ll always be welcome here.”
With tears in my eyes, I hug my new father-in-law until my husband comes to claim me, making jokes about his dad moving in on his girl.
Flynn wraps his arms around me, and I sink into his embrace, overwhelmed by the emotional day and the weeks that preceded it.
“What do you say we get out of here, my love?”
“Ready to go home?”
“I’m ready to be alone with my wife.”
“Hopefully this wedding night will go a little better than the last one,” I say in a teasing tone.
“I have no complaints whatsoever about the first one.” With his hands on my face, he kisses me in that tender way that always disarms me. “Come on, let’s go.”
Chapter 18
It’s been an outstanding day, full of all the things that matter most to me. We
’ve been surrounded by the love of our family and friends, but now it’s about us, and I want my wife all to myself. Her sisters and friends will be spending the night with my parents before heading home tomorrow. My parents are also taking care of Fluff for us for the next week, not that Natalie knows that when she says good-bye to her baby for what she thinks is just tonight.
We hug and kiss Candace, Olivia, Leah, Aileen and her kids, and my family before we take our leave, again in my father’s Bentley. The driver knows where we’re going, so as we drive away from the place where I grew up, I’m able to give Natalie my full attention.
“I was thinking,” she says.
I nuzzle her neck. “About?”
“Your idea for a movie about my story.”
I wouldn’t have thought anything could interest me more than the sexy column of her neck. “What about it?”
“It would make for a good movie, especially with today as the happy ending.”
“You really think so?”
“I really do. Everyone already knows, so it’s not like we’d be telling a story that would expose me or my secrets. I don’t have any secrets anymore, and I like it that way.”
“Still, it would result in a lot of renewed interest in your past.”
“Perhaps one of the things I was meant to do with my newfound celebrity is bring attention to the strength and resilience of sexual assault survivors. My story is proof that it doesn’t have to ruin a life or define it.”
“Nat…” My voice is little more than a whisper. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again, your courage is awe-inspiring. It would be such an honor for us to tell your story. We’d give it our very best. I promise.”
She tugs on my bow tie, untying it. “What part would you play?”
“I’d have to play myself, the dashing hero whose life is saved by the feisty heroine who showed him what really matters.”
Her laughter fills my soul. “The dashing hero, huh?”
“I did have to dash after you to keep you from getting away.”
“That’s true.” She gives me a sly, sexy look that makes me instantly hard. “Of course, some parts of our story will have to remain private.”
