by Ryan, Kaylee
“You’ve all thought of everything.”
“We have,” Mom, Tessa, and Ann say in unison.
“So, when is this going down?” I ask, unable to hide my grin of excitement.
“Tomorrow,” Cooper says, kissing my temple. “You and the ladies will stay here, while the guys and I have the suite next door.”
“Don’t worry,” Tessa assures me. “You’ll have a suite of your own after tonight.” She wags her eyebrows, and my face flushes with heat.
“There are four suites on this floor, and we have them all. But our mothers and Tessa thought that a girls’ night and a guys’ night, kind of like bachelor and bachelorette parties, would be fun.”
I take a minute to let all this soak in. Everyone I love is here to make this happen for us. “I can’t believe we’re getting married,” I squeal.
“Believe it, baby,” Cooper whispers.
“All right. Everyone, go get rested up. I’m sure the two of you want to shower and take a nap after that long flight,” Mom says.
“When did you all get here?”
“Yesterday,” Dad replies. “We’ve had a day to get rested. Now you two do the same, and we’re going to make sure everything is good to go for tomorrow.”
“Meet back here at five,” Tessa announces.
After another round of hugs and handshakes, they filter from our room to theirs. “Coop.” I breathe his name.
“Yeah, baby?”
“I can’t believe you did this.”
“I would do anything for you, Reese.”
I slide my hands under his shirt and reach for the button on his shorts. “Oh,
no you don’t,” he says, removing my hands and taking a step back.
“What?” I ask coyly.
“The next time I’m inside you, it will be when you’re my wife.”
“Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack. Just think about the tension that will build and the release of knowing that we’re making love as husband and wife.”
“Who knew you had all this sweetness in you, Reeves?”
“Only for you, my future wife. Only for you.”
* * *
Girl time consisted of facials, manicures, and pedicures at the resort spa. Cooper managed to recreate the wedding I had planned. Sure, the resort helped them, but the fact that they did this, all of this, brings tears to my eyes.
“I can’t believe you’re getting married,” my mom says a few hours later back in my suite. The four of us are sitting around, relaxed, and drinking a glass of wine.
“We’ve talked about this for years,” Ann agrees.
“So have I. I could tell within a minute of being around the two of them I knew we’d end up here someday,” Tessa says proudly.
“You did not.” I point at her.
“Okay, maybe not for certain, but I knew you loved each other and were afraid to admit it.”
“But look at you now.” Ann holds her glass of wine in the air. “To love. To the little girl, who stole not only my son’s heart but his father’s and mine as well. Reese, you have always been a part of our family, and I couldn’t be happier that I finally get to call you my daughter for real.”
“Damn you,” Tessa says, wiping tears from her eyes, making us all laugh.
“How’s married life?” I ask, trying to lighten the heavy.
“Not much different than life before. Although, I will admit that changing my name has taken some getting used to.”
“Reese Reeves,” Mom says, trying it out. “It has a ring to it.”
“Right?” Ann agrees.
“I feel like I’m living in a fairy tale. Who gets whisked away to Fiji to find their best friend and their family there for a surprise wedding?”
“You do,” the three of them echo.
“I knew that when he finally realized what was in front of him all along, he was going to be all in. That’s how Cooper is. Look at what it’s done for him and football,” Ann tells us. “He loves the game and gave it his all, getting him where he is today. I knew he would be the same with you, Reese. I’ve never seen him this happy.”
“Or sappy,” Tessa rhymes. “That man has given you his balls.” She snickers.
“Tess!” I scold, laughing.
“Oh, we know,” Ann assures us.
“Eep! I’m getting married!”
We dissolve in a fit of laughter that carries us through the rest of the night. We finally decide we should get some sleep around midnight. I just snuggled under the covers when my phone rings. I rush to answer it, knowing it’s Cooper.
“Hey,” I whisper.
“I miss you.”
“This was your idea,” I remind him.
“I know. What the fuck was I thinking?”
“You were being romantic.”
“Yeah?”
“Definitely.”
“Tomorrow, Reese’s Pieces. Tomorrow you’ll be my wife.”
“I can’t wait.”
“You have no idea.”
“We should get some sleep,” I tell him. “We have a big day tomorrow.”
“I don’t think I’m going to be able to sleep,” he admits.
“We should try,” I say, aware it will be hard for me as well.
“I just needed to hear your voice.”
“Goodnight, Cooper. I love you.”
“Goodnight, babe. I love you too.” The line goes quiet, but neither one of us hangs up.
“Coop.” I laugh. “We have to get some sleep.”
“Good idea. Let me in.”
“What?”
“I’m outside your door. Open up and let me in.”
“I can’t do that. This was your idea.”
“Cooper!” I hear Ann’s voice. “Get to your room,” she scolds him.
“Mom, I’m a grown man.” He laughs at her.
“And I’m still your mother. Leave that girl alone. You’ll see her tomorrow.” There is some rustling, then her voice comes on the line. “Goodnight, Reese,” she says, and the line goes dead.
I chuckle as I close my eyes and try to tamp down my excitement to fall asleep. Tomorrow, I’m getting married.
To my best friend.
Chapter 25
Cooper
I’m standing in my parents’ suite, trying not to watch the clock. Not that I need to watch it. I’m counting down the minutes, the seconds until she walks out on the beach to me. To our forever. I’m sporting my firmly pressed khaki pants and white button-down with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows. That was a specific request that Tessa stressed. Something about forearms and veins. I didn’t ask, just did as I was told. I want this day to be exactly what Reese wants it to be.
“You nervous?” Nixon asks.
“Nope. Were you?”
“Not even a little. I knew Tess was the love of my life. The wedding was just a formality.”
“Pretty much.”
“I know I’ve given you a lot of shit about Reese, but I’m glad the two of you are finally on the same page. She’s good for you.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more. You can say I told you so. I deserve it.”
“Nah, not today. It’s your wedding day, but you can bet your ass I’ll be saying those four words to you a lot.” He grins.
“You boys ready to get this show on the road?” Dad asks.
“Yeah, where’s Garrett?”
“He’s with Reese, getting ready to walk her down the aisle.”
I smile. I can’t help it.
“Come on, Romeo.” Nixon laughs, placing his hand on my shoulder.
The three of us make our way out to the beach. It’s a private section that the resort allowed us to use as our own, just for the service. It’s blocked off, and I appreciate the privacy. That’s another perk of getting married here this week. The media didn’t have time to catch wind of it, and the day is ours. All ours. I know as soon as we get home, word is going to spread. In fact, I want it to. I already talked to
Mary, and she’s going to release a public statement about me marrying the love of my life, my best friend in a private ceremony. It’s all penned and ready to be released. Soon, the entire world will know she’s my wife. All I can say to that is it’s about fucking time.
I stand at the arch that is covered in flowers. Nixon stands behind me. My mom and dad are sitting on one side of the aisle, while Eve sits on the other with an empty seat for Garrett. I stare at the small gathering of palm trees. I’m told that’s where she’s going to be coming from. I dig my toes in the sand, my bare feet feeling the warmth of the grains as I talk myself out of going after her.
With the backdrop of the ocean waves behind us, Tessa finally appears. Her dress is a light teal color. It’s short, just above her knees, and flowing. It’s sleeveless, and by the intake of breath from my boy behind me, she’s breathtaking. She’s beautiful, but she’s not my Reese. I watch as she only has eyes for her husband, tossing him a wink before taking her spot standing across from us.
My parents and Eve stand, and it’s showtime. My eyes are glued to the palms as she appears, with her arm looped through her father’s. It’s now my turn to lose my breath as it falters in my chest at the sight of her. Her hair is pulled back at the base of her neck, and there are loose strands blowing in the wind. Her dress… fuck me, that dress. It’s long and flowing from the waist down, reminding me of a ball gown. From the waist up, it’s lace and beads and sheer material that has me swaying on my feet. It’s fastened around her neck, and already I’m imagining taking it off her.
This time will be different.
This is our wedding.
She is my wife.
My wife.
I don’t take my eyes off her as Garrett leads her to where Tessa, Nixon, and I stand. She’s within reaching distance, but I know I can’t reach for her. Not yet. He has to give her to me. That’s how this works. She will forever, from this day forward, be mine.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today,” the officiant begins. He drones on until he reaches the question I’ve been waiting for. The one that will get her closer to me. The one that will make us two “I dos” away from her being my wife. “Who gives this woman to this man?” he asks.
Garrett stands tall. “Her mother and I do,” he says, and I pull my hand from my pocket and hold it out for her. With a kiss to her cheek, he places her hand in mine, and Reese steps in front of me.
“You,” I say, swallowing hard. “You take my breath away,” I say, literally finding it difficult to pull breath into my lungs. This day that I wanted and waited for for so long, I can’t believe it’s finally here.
I’m so focused on Reese that I don’t notice that Garrett is still standing with us. I turn to look at him, and tears swim in his eyes. “I’m not going to tell you to take care of her, I know that you will. I’m not going to tell you to love her forever, because I know that goes without saying. I would like to make it known that today, I’m not just giving her away.” He gives me a knowing look. “I’m placing her heart in the hands of a man who I know will love her almost as much as I do.” He winks. “I’ve watched you love my little girl since she was that, a little girl. I’m so proud of both of you and wish you nothing but love and happiness. Love each other. Take care of each other.” He swallows hard. “I’m gaining a son today. A man I’m proud to welcome into our family.”
I nod, biting on my lip to keep my emotions in check. Garrett steps forward and offers me his hand.
“Thank you, sir.” It seems fitting even though he’s been Garrett to me from day one. Today it’s a special day.
“Welcome to the family, son.” He pulls me into a one-armed hug. It’s quick but no less powerful before he pulls away and takes his seat next to his wife.
I take Reese’s hand in mine once again and give her all my attention. Tears are sliding over her cheeks, and she’s doing nothing to stop them. Reaching up, I wipe them with my thumbs. “I love you.”
She smiles through her tears. “I love you too.”
I get lost in her green eyes as the ceremony continues. I feel Nixon tapping my shoulder, and I pull out of my trance that is my bride, and look at him. He’s holding out her wedding band. I shrug and turn back to Reese, who is laughing, as is everyone else. That’s what she does to me. Consumes my world. We exchange rings and say our “I dos” and the moment I’ve been waiting for arrives.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may—” I don’t wait for him to tell me. I slide my arms around her waist and pull her into me. I kiss her soft and slow, just what the moment asks for. Tonight, in our room, behind closed doors, that’s when I’ll kiss her like my life depends on it. That’s when I’ll take my time removing this sexy-as-hell dress from her body and worship her.
My wife.
Forcing myself to pull out of the kiss, I entangle her fingers with mine as we turn to face our parents, and our best friends. I hold our entwined hands in the air and they cheer for us. It’s been a long road to get here, but we made it. We’re husband and wife, and I feel as though I can finally breathe deep and even.
I always thought that the day I was drafted to the professional league would be the happiest day of my life. I was wrong. Nothing will ever top the day I married my best friend.
The day that Reese Latham became Reese Reeves.
“Let’s eat!” Nixon calls out, making everyone laugh.
Dinner is served in a private dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that give us a perfect view of the ocean. Not that I’ve noticed. I can’t take my eyes off my wife. She’s glowing, and the smile on her face is permanent as she talks with our family. Our plates have long been cleared as we sit around and talk. I’m all for catching up with our loved ones, but right now, I need to love just one. My wife. I don’t think I will ever get tired of saying that or hearing it.
“How much longer?” I whisper in her ear.
“Coop, they came all this way to celebrate with us.”
I nod. “I know, and I love them for it, but right now, I need you. I need my wife,” I say, kissing her bare shoulder. Goose bumps break out across her skin, and I give myself an internal fist bump.
“We have a lifetime, Coop.”
She’s right, but there is something primal in me that needs her now. The thought of making love to her as my wife has me shifting in my seat. I discreetly reach under the table and adjust my cock before placing my arm on the back of her chair. My girl wants to sit and chat with family, I can do that.
For her.
I hope she doesn’t plan on getting much sleep tonight, though.
Chapter 26
Reese
My husband can’t seem to keep his hands off me. Not that I’m complaining. Our families keep giving us knowing looks, but none of them are excusing themselves. I feel guilty leaving them when they came all this way, though.
We’ve been sitting in this room for hours talking and catching up. Our parents have told story after story of when we were kids and how they knew this day would come. They all claim they knew this is how our story would unfold. Tessa and Nixon jump on the bandwagon immediately, telling their own stories.
“I knew the minute he told a girl our freshman year to hit the road that it was Reese. She was jealous, but our boy here didn’t care. No one came before Reese.” Nixon retells his version of the story.
Cooper shrugs next to me. “No one ever will.”
“Your daughter,” Garrett speaks up. He leans in and kisses Eve on the cheek. “The only thing that can rival it is your daughter.”
“Or your son,” my mom adds.
My husband glances over at me. “Maybe we should test that theory?” His voice is loud so all of them can hear him.
“Coop.” I breathe his name.
He gives me a mischievous smile as he leans in and kisses me softly. “I’m ready when you are, Mrs. Reeves.”
I don’t know if we’re there yet, but the thought of it alone has me turned on. Then again,
maybe that’s just him and his wandering hands. His hot breath against my skin and his sweet kisses. It’s everything that is the man sitting next to me.
My husband.
Speaking of my husband, he stands from his chair. When he offers me his hand and a sexy smile, I take it, letting him help me to my feet. “Thank you for coming. We love you all. But… yeah, it’s time for us to go.” He gives me a heated look, but I don’t miss the light shade of pink on his cheeks.
Hugs and well wishes are granted, and a whispered, “Go get ’em girl,” from Tessa, and we’re on the elevator riding up to our room.
Cooper is standing behind me, with his front to my back, arms wrapped tightly around my waist. We’re both quiet as the enormity of what’s about to happen takes over our thoughts. At least they take over mine.
The doors slide open, and with his hand in mine, he guides us down the hall to our suite. Calmly and casually, he reaches into his pocket for the keycard and unlocks our room. He bends down and lifts me in his arms, pushing through the door. Carrying me over the threshold. “We’re going to have to do this again when we get home,” he says huskily as we step into the room. He places me gently on my feet as I take in the room.
I hear an audible click and then his husky voice whispering my name. “Mrs. Reeves.”
I turn to look up at him. “Mr. Reeves.”
“Come here.” I do as he says and walk toward him. “You are so beautiful and this dress…” He makes a humming sound from deep in his throat. “I don’t want to ruin it, baby, but I need it off you. Now,” he adds.
I can’t help but think back to the last time I was with him in a wedding dress. He had no issue ripping that one. He must see the confusion in my eyes.
“You wore this dress for me. It’s the dress you chose to wear the day you became a Reeves. I’ll cherish it always.” He presses a kiss to my bare shoulder. “Help me, Reese. I need you naked, baby.”
I giggle and reach behind me, showing him the clasp behind my neck. His fingers replace mine as he manages to unhook it and peel the bodice down to my waist. “Son of a bitch? No bra? All fucking day you’ve been sitting next to me in this sexy scrap of material and no bra?”
