by Ryan Michele
I smiled back at Mason and sucked in a final breath.
I accepted Mason’s arm, getting a whiff of his Dior cologne and feeling settled because I was in his arms, which was completely crazy. Did he feel it too? This invisible thread seemed to be tethering us together in ways I thought only existed in my dreams.
Soft music played from nearby, and I walked down the aisle on Mason’s arm. Drake shot us a wink when we made it to the archway where he waited with the man officiating the ceremony. My brother and Kelsey didn’t need big and fancy. All they needed was each other, and they had that. I wanted a slice of that for myself. I moved to my spot on the left while Mason joined Drake on the right. The happiness pouring out of my brother was contagious, and I couldn’t help but match his enthusiasm and blushed deep crimson when Mason snuck glances my way.
He looked at me as though he cherished me. Like I was the only girl on the beach that day. Like maybe I could be the only girl in his world. Man, did part of me crave that.
The wedding march began to play in the background. I sucked in a breath. A breeze from the ocean blew in, and chill bumps fanned up and down my arms. My gaze met Mason’s, and he winked at me. Casey was moving all around, snapping pictures. My mother dabbed at her eyes with a hanky. The ceremony had only begun, and she already appeared a blubbering mess. Drake had always been a momma’s boy, and today would be no different. My mother sobbed, and I wanted to hug her more than anything. She’d raised Drake to be a pure gentleman, and she should be proud of the man he grew into. She had reacted the same way the day he left for college. The house grew quieter that day. We’d always been close. Though since we’d transitioned into adulthood, we weren’t as close as we used to be. We were busy living our lives, but we made it a point to talk at dinner at Mom’s every Sunday. Family dinner on Sundays was a tradition she started after our father passed away.
Sweat beaded down my back, and my dress stuck to my body like a second skin. Perspiration formed on my upper lip, and the sun beat down on us, showing no mercy. Kelsey looked graceful and elegant as she walked down the beach on Herbert’s arm, and he grinned from ear to ear. He’d never had children of his own. Mom was his first wife. Which I found shocking because he was a nice, attractive man.
Mom said he’d been holding out for the best. Meaning all of us.
I glanced at my brother, and he wiped under his eyes, wearing his charming smile that reminded me of our father.
The officiant stepped forward, dressed similar to my brother and Mason; except he wore all white. “Who gives this woman in marriage?”
“I do,” Herbert answered, linking Kelsey’s arm with Drake’s.
My stepfather stepped back and sunk in his seat next to my mother and Jess. The ceremony while small was intimate. If I got married, I’d want it to be exactly like this. White sands, gorgeous waters, my closest family and friends; meaning Samantha namely.
“Family and friends, we are gathered here on this beautiful morning to witness the joining of Drake Woolsworth and Kelsey Dandridge in matrimony. Love is a beautiful thing. Marriage is a sacred vow, not to be entered into lightly. I’m happy to be here to take part in your union. To share in this joyous occasion among your closest family and friends. Kelsey and Drake have opted to recite their own vows. At this time, I’ll ask Drake to begin.”
Kelsey handed her bouquet to me, and Drake turned to face her, grasping her hands in his. The love radiating her in his gaze nearly brought me to tears. For a man to look at a woman with such devotion was rare and deserved celebration. I wondered if I’d ever have the same.
“Kelsey, my love. You’re my best friend. My partner in all things in this adventure called life. From the moment I saw you, I simply knew you were the one. People often joke and dismiss love at first sight, claiming it doesn’t exist or it’s only lust. Heck, I was one of them.” He smiled and chuckled lightly. “Then you came into my life, and I looked into your green eyes. My heart skipped a beat. Several actually. I thought maybe I was having a heart attack. It took my brain a few minutes to catch up with what my heart already knew—you were my forever. I vow to you that as long as I live, I will cherish and protect you. You’ll never feel alone or unloved. I’m going to do everything within my power to give you a life others could only dream of. I love you, Kelsey.”
“Gee, how do I top that?” Kelsey sniffed and stuck her tongue out at Drake. “Wow. Whew.” She let out a breath. “I feel so unprepared right now. You know, like when you have a big test that everything is riding on, but you forget all the answers. I’m having one of those moments.” We all giggled. “So I had this speech prepared, but my mind has blanked, so here it goes straight from the heart. All my life I dreamed of finding someone to love and accept me for me. I never dreamed that when my car broke down with a flat tire in the pouring rain that my shining knight would ride up to save me, but there you were. I was merely going through the motions of life, coasting from one day to the next. That day was another crappy day in a succession of others, but there you were, Drake Woolsworth, ever the gentleman. You smiled at me, and I found genuine kindness in your eyes. I saw the man looking at me today. My best friend and my future. The man I wanted to belong to in every way imaginable. I give you my heart above all else, Drake, but there’s one more thing after you slip that ring on my finger that I want to share with you. I know we agreed to wait a few more years, but I guess nature has other plans for us. So not only are we committing to each other, we’re committing to a lifetime together and to raising our firstborn. I’ve struggled with the right time to tell you all.” She glanced around at each of us, not a dry eye on the beach. “But there it is. I’m pregnant, and I can’t wait to start our life together.”
“Babe, for real?” Drake gawked at her.
“Would I make that up just to top your speech?”
I shook my head at their silly banter. I was going to be an auntie. I felt the heat of Mason’s gaze, those stinking butterflies fluttering like they were going to lift me up into the clouds.
“Who has the rings?” the officiant asked, keeping the ceremony on track.
Mason pulled his gaze from me and dug around in his pockets, producing two silver simple yet elegant bands. Rings exchanged, Drake kissed his bride.
After the officiant announced them as husband and wife, Drake scooped Kelsey up in his arms and ran toward the water.
“Stop, you’ll ruin her hair!” our mother shouted, but Drake kept going. I smirked at Mason, kicking off my shoes. Casey snapped photos of the whole crew running into the water in our wedding attire.
10
Everly
Make It Real – Or Try To
Water splashed up into my face, but it felt good after standing in the glaring and unforgiving sun for the wedding ceremony. It was official—Drake and Kelsey were husband and wife.
Our poor mother hemmed and hawed over us all getting our clothes wet, but it was worth it to see the expression on her face. Most of the time our mother seemed like the sweetest, but on occasion she could give one hell of a resting bitch face. She mean-mugged each and every single one of us from the shore.
“Can’t take the lot of you anywhere,” she complained, a hand planted firmly on her hip. The sight only made me laugh harder as I played in the gorgeous blue water with Mason. Even Casey had ditched his photographer duty to join in on the fun.
A few minutes later, though, she managed to corral us back to the beach to dry off, so we could go to lunch. The wedding planner had reserved a private dining room at a nearby restaurant. The cake and lunch awaited us. I sat next to Mason with my delicious Cajun chicken and veggies. Spicy potatoes, peppers, and onions filled my mouth. The meat was tender and juicy.
Everyone was quiet and stuffing their faces with big smiles.
Kelsey traded her wine for juice. We were all shocked at her pregnancy announcement, but thrilled at the same time. Mom had been dying for a grandbaby to spoil, and now she’d have the chance, so you’d think she’d been ov
er the moon with the news. She kept glancing between Mason and me, and an uneasy sensation settled in the pit of my stomach like a brick ready to sink me to the bottom of the deep blue sea.
“Casey, when are you and Jess going to make things official?”
“Mom, don’t. You know we don’t think a piece of paper—no offense, Kelsey and Drake— changes the way we feel about one another. If, and when, we decide that we want, then we’ll let you know. Casey and I already live as though we’re married. We even have a joint checking account.”
“It’d still be nice if you made it legal. Though, I guess the two of you living in sin is better than Everly paying Mason to pretend to be her boyfriend.”
My stomach lurched at her words. My chicken threatened to make a reappearance on the table.
“Jane Lynn,” Herbert hissed, tossing a napkin on the table.
I sat stunned. Everyone was quiet and staring at us. You could hear a pin drop it was so quiet. I didn’t know how she knew we were faking it, but I should’ve known better than to try to pull one over on her. She could always smell my lies.
I glanced at Mason. Time seemed to stand still. His big hands caressed my cheeks, holding me where he wanted me. His gaze pierced through me as he leaned forward and crashed his lips down on mine, tasting of wine and sunshine. Closing my eyes, the world and my family melted away for a brief moment. The only thing that existed was the feel of Mason pressing his soft lips against mine. Warmth flowed through me from my toes to my head.
I didn’t know which of us ended the kiss first, but when I opened my eyes he smiled. Whispering low enough only for me, he swore, “I’ll make it real, Ev.” My heart leapt to my throat. My pulse jackhammered in my ears. I wanted to ask him real for whose benefit, theirs or mine.
Drake cleared his throat. “Who wants cake?” Just like that my mother’s cruel words were forgotten, and everyone returned to murmuring about the ceremony and the baby.
Jess swore they’d have a girl.
Herbert thought a boy. I had no words; I didn’t know what to do or say. My mind was still stunned by that kiss. I’d waited my whole life for Mason Jones to kiss me. I just never expected it would happen in front of my whole immediate family.
I didn’t even realize the cake had been cut until Mason slid a plate in front of me. I cut into the buttercream and strawberry-filled goodness with my fork and shoveled a bite in my mouth, since I’d lost my appetite earlier. I drank more wine, and Mason kept being attentive with light touches and holding my hand through the rest of the day.
My brother and Kelsey went off to celebrate alone; it was after all their honeymoon night. We had a couple hours ’til we were due back at the ship, and I wanted as far away from everyone as possible, but I knew if I pulled another disappearing act my mom would make a big deal out of it. She had already thrown such a fit the day before because we went on the ATV tour. The Magic Ice attraction she wanted to drag us to did sound interesting.
Mason linked his fingers with mine and pulled me aside as we were leaving the restaurant. “Hope I didn’t catch you too off guard back there. I knew you were embarrassed, and I didn’t know what else to do, so I thought if I kissed you then maybe they’d lay off, you know. You aren’t mad, are you?”
I offered him a weak attempt at a smile. There it was, Mason kissed me to save face; not because he wanted to. I guessed when it happened, part of me had hoped he meant that he’d make it real for me. I shook my head. “No. That was really sweet of you to try. Thank you. I’m not sure it worked, but it’s whatever. I never should have lied to my mother. I should have told her that I didn’t want her trying to fix me up with another bad date and Mr. Wrong, but anyway, I’m glad it’s you who’s here experiencing this with me.”
“I’m an okay date, right? Pretty to look at too.” He grinned and flexed a bicep at me, earning him an eye roll, but I did manage to crack a smile for him.
At the Magic Ice exhibit we all were given proper attire to enter the subzero temperature. I pulled my faux fur-lined hood up over my head, snuggling closer into Mason as we started our tour of the pirate ships sculpted from clear ice. I’d never seen anything like it. Music played overhead, the displays light by candlelight giving a surreal experience. In the center was the pirate ship-inspired bar complete with a skull and crossbones made entirely of ice on the bar. I snapped a picture of Mason sitting on the ice throne. Mom and Herbert had wondered off on their own, and we had lost Jess and Casey somewhere in the bar.
It was only the two of us, so I wasn’t sure why Mason insisted on holding my hand and doting on me like a boyfriend would. No one was watching us. I wanted to ask him why he was still pretending, but I froze up like a chicken shit and couldn’t get the words out.
Time moved quickly, and it wasn’t long before we had to get back to the ship.
My mother didn’t mention anything more on the subject of Mason and me not really being together, and I wasn’t about to bring it up. Back in the cabin all I wanted to do was get out of my dress and into the shower. Exhaustion from the sun and my emotions running high was wearing me down.
Mason was feeling it too. Collapsing face-first onto the bed, he mumbled, “I’m just going to rest my eyes for a minute.
I left him to it and gathered my stuff for the shower.
Under the spray of the water, I stood there as the showerhead rained down on me, washing the day away. If only it could wash away my mother’s words from earlier and the way everyone stared at me with pure pity. Even Mason felt sorry for me. That kiss he gave me was all for show, even though it felt so real I could still taste him on my lips.
By the time I finished in the bathroom, it was time for dinner, and Mason was still sawing logs. He appeared so peaceful I didn’t want to wake him. His mouth hung open, drool dribbling onto the pillow. I made a decision to let him sleep and skip dinner with the family. Instead, I used room service to order us pizza and beer.
Mason was oblivious. I stepped out on the balcony connected to our room and soaked in the night air. The sun had set, and the moon was full. It was a cloudless night.
I didn’t hear Mason get up to answer the door for the pizza. I was lost in my own thoughts of what-ifs and if-only. His palm curved on my bare shoulder. An electric spark zinged up and down my spine at his touch.
“Pizza is on the cart.”
“Great. Thanks.”
“Ev?”
“Yeah?” I wasn’t ready to face him yet after the bizarre day we’d shared. I kept my gaze trained on the water.
“Are we okay?”
“Why wouldn’t we be?”
“I don’t know. Forget I said anything.”
“Um yeah, sure. You go ahead and help yourself to the pizza. I ordered beer too.”
“I’m going to hit the shower first. You want to watch a movie or something?”
“Sure. You have any preferences?”
“Not really. Something funny, I guess.”
I waited till the bathroom door closed before I returned to our cabin. I was a coward. The sad thing was I wished he’d kiss me again. Not that it’d change anything. When the trip ended, this would all be a memory.
I grabbed a slice of pepperoni pizza and sank down in the cushion of the royal blue couch. I took a few bites and washed it down. Mason wasn’t long in the shower, and when the bathroom door opened, my heart seized. Standing before me in nothing but a towel, water dripped down his hard body.
My eyes bugged big like teacup saucers. Mercy, the man was sex on legs. I wanted to grab that towel and find out if it was true about his big hands and feet.
“Forgot my clothes.”
I licked my lips. “Uh huh.” I couldn’t tear my gaze away. Which seemed silly considering I’d been seeing him in his trunks all week. Only I knew the towel cinched around his waist was the only barrier between us in the moment; outside of my being a chicken shit scared to make the first move.
He grabbed his bag quickly and returned minutes later in a pair of p
laid pajama pants and no shirt. Sinking next to me on the couch, droplets of water from his hair plopped onto my shoulder and ran down my arm. The palm of his left hand rested on my thigh. He gave me a gentle squeeze, and I couldn’t concentrate on anything but the way his touch seared me. Electricity crackled between us.
“Did you decide on a movie?”
I parted my lips and turned into him. “You pick.” He gave me a funny look as I scooted away.
I was sulking, but I couldn’t help it.
My insecurity ate away at me. His words from earlier about making things real for my family rang in my head. I wanted him to make it real for me.
Foolish. That described my current wishes. I guessed like my dad used to say—I could wish in one hand and crap in the other to see which would fill the fastest. I snorted at myself and wondered what advice he’d have for me in this situation. I’d always been able to go to my dad about anything; yes, including boys. He had this easiness about him, and I knew he wouldn’t judge me. He’d always listened to me and waited for me to finish talking before formulating a response. Mom, though I loved her, wasn’t the easiest to express myself too. She had a bad habit of expecting her own response and actions out of me in any and every situation. The woman didn’t know how to withhold judgment. She’d let her opinions rip without a care as to how they’d be received. It was who she was.
Mason flipped through the choices, settling on some action flick. I wasn’t paying attention to the movie. I was lost inside my own head, being eaten up with my thoughts. He kept on as though we still had an audience, and it frustrated the hell out of me. I wanted to yell at him. I wanted to kiss him. I just wanted him.
