by Peyton Banks
“Sorry, to keep you both waiting. But I needed to make sure Nadia was ok,” I stated sitting at her side.
A slight smile formed on Mrs. Kerns lips.
“Daddy, would you lead us in prayer?” Nadia asked.
“Yes.”
We locked hands around the table while her father blessed the food.
Our eyes popped open as he ended the prayer.
“I’ll carve the duck. Aiden, can you open the wine?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Aiden, Nadia tells us you are from Atlanta. She found herself a country boy.”
“Yes, ma’am. I love the country. The second piece of property I purchased was a cabin in Bonners Ferry. The cabin sits on three acres.” I piled the scallop potatoes on my plate and a few slivers of duck.
“Wow. Impressive.”
“How do you two like retirement life?”
Mrs. Kerns smiled. “I love it. Larry on the other hand hates it. He volunteers at tax time preparing the neighbors taxes for free.”
I grinned. “That’s generous of you, Mr. Kerns.”
“Yeah, we’ll what can I say I love number crunching.”
I glanced at Nadia. “Now, I see where she gets her love of numbers.”
Laughter erupted around the table.
Nadia sipped the red wine.
“Mr. and Mrs. Kerns, I would like you both to know, I understand Nadia battled an addiction to drugs.” I gripped her hand.
“I am not going anywhere. Sir, you can place Nadia’s house on the market. She doesn’t need the money from the sale. She lives with me. I am adding her to my mortgage. It will become our home. I understand I am laying a lot on you both in one evening, but I don’t have a choice. Not sure if Nadia mentioned my position in the Navy.”
Her parents glanced at each other across the table then back at me.
“I am a Commander in the Navy. And I am also a Navy SEAL. Soon I will return to active duty.”
Her father’s eyes widened. “Thank you for your service, Commander Wilder.”
I nodded.
“Did Nadia tell you her uncle served in the Navy?”
“Yes, sir. While yes, they may ship every Sailor off to war, there is never a doubt I’d return often than others because I am a SEAL who fights the war on terror.” I sighed.
“I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kerns.”
Her mother gasped.
“What?” her father muttered.
“I understand this is sudden. I return to active duty next month. If I died serving my country Nadia would be well taken care of. She’s set either way because I was practical in life so I’ve invested well. I also own a dental office in downtown Coeur d’ Alene. She’ll handle the books for my practice and manage the office part time. She understands I may or may not return from duty. We live every day as if it’s our last. I’ll do everything in my power to get back to her.”
I tangled our fingers. “Those big beautiful eyes stare at me as if I’m all she ever wanted. I never knew a woman could love me so deeply. Sometimes, I watch her sleep and I whisper in her ear, professing my love for her. I love her so much. She’s the love I didn’t think I deserved.”
Silence again. Nadia kissed my cheek and caressed the nape of my neck. “I love you, Aiden.”
I turned my attention to her and planted my lips against her forehead. “I love you too, Nadia.”
“Oh, my, Aiden. You don’t hold, back do you?”
Her mother lightened the mood.
I straightened my back in the chair. “No ma’am. I had no intention of ever falling in love. My career is dangerous. I didn’t want to worry about a woman bolting because I was away for months or leaving a wife behind. Nor did I think I deserved love because of my dangerous job. But Nadia helped me to see different.”
Her mother crossed her arms staring between Nadia and I. “Well, I’m sold. You two have my blessings.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“Is Nadia pregnant?” Her father rested his hands on his stalky arms.
My eyebrows wrinkled as I met his gaze.
I honestly didn’t know the answer to his question. She could be. We hadn’t used protection.
“Sir, not that I know of.”
Nadia clutched my arm. “He’s not asking for my hand in marriage because we are bringing a child into this world. We haven’t discussed the possibility of us being pregnant. We love each other. And I want to live out the rest of my days with this stubborn grizzly bear. Aiden makes me happy. In a couple of weeks, we’ll tie the knot at the justice of the peace.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” he growled.
“I will talk to the pastor at our church. You’ll have a small ceremony with a few people there cheering you both on.”
Gripping my heart, my smile widened. I hopped out of my chair and wrapped my arms around him. “Thank you, sir.”
“You’re welcome, Aiden.”
“Congratulations.” Mrs. Kerns tapped my back.
I turned pulling her into my embrace. “Thank you, so much.”
I stepped back all smiles.
Nadia smiled ear to ear, embracing her mother.
“You did good, Nadia. You did good.”
My heart warmed and I exhaled. Having their blessing meant the world to Nadia and I.
Nadia stood before me staring into my eyes. “I’m marrying the man of my dreams.” She swiped her hand across my hair, pecking my lips.
I held her tight never wanting to let go.
16
Nadia
My hands swept along my curves as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The form fitting, white spaghetti strap, embroidered wedding gown flowed over my feet. My mother insisted on purchasing the expensive wedding dress three days after Aiden asked for my hand in marriage. I loved being primped and pampered for my wedding in the church’s bridal suite. My dad wanted to make my big day special.
“Nadia, you look beautiful,” Aiden’s mother Mary-Anne stated with a thick southern drawl.
Her big brown eyes glassed over as she kissed my cheek, clutching my shoulders. Mary-Anne’s hair was swept up in a bun. The pale pink chiffon dress fell below her knees.
“Thank you,” I bit back the tears.
Aiden and I Face Timed with his parents weekly. His mother was ecstatic we were getting married. A big wedding would have been nice, but an intimate ceremony is just as sweet. Sebastian introduced me to Sydney and her cousin Samantha on Face Time. The first time we talked for an hour.
Samantha who’s a party planner insisted on planning a huge reception for us at a later date. She wanted to attend our wedding but couldn’t. They said I have to visit while Aiden’s away.
“Nadia, are you ready?” My mother smiled, stepping into the room. Her short salt and pepper hair gave her a youthful look.
“Yes.”
She lowered the veil over my face.
Hooking my arm through my fathers, he smiled and kissed my cheek. “You look beautiful. He’s a lucky man.”
“Thank you, Dad.” A wide smile spread across my face.
“Are you ready?”
I exhaled. “Yes.”
The ushers opened the double doors to the large sanctuary. My eyes landed on Aiden standing at the altar. My heart skipped a beat marveling his muscled tall frame in his Navy dress uniform. My lips twitched. Licking my lips at the sexy grizzly bear awaiting me was at the forefront of my mind. I snapped out of my day dream and peeked at the sea of white uniforms gracing the aisles. Aiden’s SEAL buddies accepted me into their military family. Yesterday afternoon, our home overflowed with visitors from out of town. Our parents cooked and grilled. I heard an abundance of Aiden stories. Each one only made me love him more. I knew who I was marrying. An alpha who would die to protect me. My alpha grizzly turned teddy bear. I smiled at my brother who stood and kissed my cheek.
Aiden stepped forward taking my hand from my father. I mouthed hello to
Sydney who arrived late. I asked her to be my matron of honor and stand in for my best friend Katie who passed away. She said she’d be honored. Even though we hadn’t known each other long, we talked or texted every other day since Sebastian returned home. She became like a sister. Sydney winked and smiled. I placed my bouquet in her hand and kissed her cheek. “Sydney, thank you for being here.”
“I wouldn’t miss this day.”
Aiden led my steps before the minister. I peeked at Valen and mouthed hello. He stood behind Aiden grinning in his Navy dress uniform.
I would have never guessed I’d be standing at the altar marrying my brooding neighbor. His soft green eyes roamed my body. His black hair was cut low on the sides. The front of his hair swept to the left. I couldn’t wait for his large hands to wrap around my waist and those pink lips to kiss mine. I could barely keep my eyes off that angular jaw, begging to be touched.
Aiden flashed his white teeth, clutching my hands. My nerves kicked in as we prepared to exchange our vows.
AIDEN
Nadia, I didn’t think I deserved happiness. Fighting for my country was a privilege and an honor. But something was missing. You.
You showed me I deserve love. Now I couldn’t imagine life without you. Tomorrow isn’t promised, but I vow to treat each day like it’s our last. Where ever I am in the world know when the sun rises and set’s I will be reminded of our love.
NADIA
Aiden, when we first met you wanted nothing to do with me. Not because you didn’t want me, but because you were afraid to fall in love. I never met a man like you. Without hesitation you laid your life on the line for mine. You are my protector. It wasn’t easy, but I finally opened your eyes to the beauty of us. Our love is endless. Know that I too will be reminded of our love when the sun rises and sets. I vow to treat each day like it’s our last.
I glanced at my beautiful oval diamond ring and gleamed as the minister pronounced us husband and wife. Aiden raised the veil over the beaded bun on my head. He gasped and swept me up into his arms, crushing my lips. Our guests cheered.
“I love you, Nadia Wilder. I’ll protect you until my dying day,” he stated against my lips.
His eyes were full of warmth and love.
Tears threatened to burst forth. I choked down the tears. “I love you, Aiden. I’ll always be by your side.”
I turned to Sydney.
“Congratulations!” Her beautiful brown face lit up as she placed my bouquet filled with pink, white, and lavender lily’s in my hand.
Aiden and I kissed our parents before we walked out of the church.
The sun shined bright on the eighth of September. I glanced at the cloudless sky and smiled.
The Sailors formed a line on each side of the stairs. They extended their swords forming an arch. It’s a military tradition used to welcome a bride into the Navy. I clutched Aiden’s arm as we stepped down the stairs. The Sailors swords halted us.
“The rite of passage is a kiss.”
Aiden pecked my lips.
We stepped down two more steps.
“The rite of passage is a kiss.”
Aiden intertwined our lips.
We continued on and the last two Sailors lowered their swords.
“The rite of passage is a kiss. Make it a good one Commander,” his friend Buddy smiled.
“Oh, I will,” Aiden chuckled dropping me over his knee slipping his tongue into my mouth.
If it wasn’t for the guests clapping, I may have forgotten we weren’t alone.
The side walk swayed as he stood me right side up, I grabbed my head.
Aiden’s eyebrows rustled together. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, baby. I’m fine.”
I wasn’t fine, but this wasn’t the time or place for us to talk. After all the food I ate last night, I hung my head over the toilet puking my guts out. We’d been so busy moving pieces of my furniture into his home and selling off others here and there. I didn’t notice my monthly visitor hadn’t arrived.
We told my parents the truth at dinner we weren’t getting married because I was pregnant. On my way to the church this morning, I picked up a pregnancy test along the way. Of all places to take the pregnancy test, I chose the church bathroom. I confirmed my suspicions, the tiny pink plus sign appeared in the clear window of the pregnancy stick. I placed the test back in the plastic holder and buried it in my purse. When would be the right time to tell Aiden I’m pregnant?
He’d ship out soon. Should I tell him? He already had me to worry about. I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to worry about our child too.
No Nadia, he became a Commander for a reason. He must bear it all.
A gray Bentley rolled to a stop outside the church.
“Wow! Beautiful car,” I stated.
“I hoped you’d like it.” Sydney stepped to my side dressed in the pale pink dress, brushing the ground.
My eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“I rented the car to drive you two to the wedding reception.”
I placed my hands on her arms. “What are you talking about?”
“Samantha sent her team of party planners to create a perfect experience for you and Aiden. And Sebastian has chartered a jet to whisk you both off to a private villa in St. Croix.”
I pressed my hand against my lavender colored lips. “You guys are so sweet. Thank you very much.” I wrapped her in my embrace.
“You’re family now. We take care of our own.” She stepped back her brown eyes sparkled. “See you at the reception.”
I nodded and kissed her cheek.
Aiden and I waved to our guests as we climbed into the chauffeured Bentley.
After riding around the city relaxed in my man’s arms taking in the sights, we arrived at our venue. Our guests crowded the dance floor, sipped champagne, and munched on hors d'oeuvres. They were enjoying the festivities. Lilies flooded center pieces on the tables throughout. Lavender mountain lilies were tied in a bow inside white Tulle wrapped around each wooden chair. The intricate details of table settings and romantic candles was every girl’s dream. I’d never forget my wedding day. It was truly a special time in my life. I knew Katie was here with me in spirit.
Aiden’s lips melted against my cheek. “Baby, are you ok?”
“Yes, I was just thinking about Katie.”
His sexy lips fell upon my ear. “She’d be proud of you. You’ve started back attending NA meetings. You’re doing great, sweetheart.”
I smiled up at him. “Aiden, thank you. And I cannot wait to get you alone.”
“Nadia, the thought of you riding my cock and screaming my name is making me rock hard.”
“Fuck, Aiden, I’m so wet right now.”
“Music to my ears.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Wilder!” Valen shouted slamming his hand on Aiden’s shoulder.
“Can I steal your husband for a minute?”
I smirked. “Yes.”
He tugged Aiden toward their friends.
“Right back, baby.” Aiden smiled.
The server approached. “Mrs. Wilder, would you like a glass of wine?”
Shit, I realized I couldn’t. Ugh. “Not right now. May I have a Sprite?”
“Right away, Mrs. Wilder.”
I loved hearing my new last name. My eyes danced around the room admiring our guests enjoy themselves. Smiling on the inside, I thought about every time we made love in the morning in the shower before Aiden left for work. And in the evening upon his return I’d greet him at the door unbuckling his pants, climbing into his arms. I’d never get enough of my husband. We hadn’t had sex in years so I guess you could say we were starving sexually. Every time we made love Aiden made me come. I couldn’t wait until we were on our honeymoon.
“Hey, sis.” I turned meeting my brothers gaze. Edwards dreads were pulled back into a ponytail. His bright smile widened across his chocolate face.
“Edward, I miss you.” I leaned up clutching his neck.
“It’s good to see you. I guess you’re never moving back to Boston to help me run the tax offices.”
“I doubt it, Edward. The business is all yours. My family will be my focus.”
His eyebrows rose. “Are you talking about just you and Aiden?” I laughed.
“No. I haven’t told him yet. So, it’s our secret.”
“Congratulations sis. My lips are sealed.”
“Thank you.”
My mother waved her hand in our direction. I pointed at myself she shook her head.
“You’re up, Edward. Mom wants to brag about you to the world.”
We laughed.
He pointed toward her and scurried over.
By the end of the night Aiden’s Sailor buddies were drunk off their asses.
Aiden slept on the flight to St. Croix. My big strong man had too much to drink. My fingers circled my stomach and my breath caught in my throat. I realized Aiden would be away most of my pregnancy. For the first time his being away became real. Planting its seed in the forefront of my mind.
17
Aiden
I swooped Nadia up into my arms and carried her across the threshold. “We’ve arrived Mrs. Wilder.”
“Oh my god, it’s breathtaking.” She massaged my neck, kissing my lips.
“It sure is. Sebastian spared no expense. He didn’t have to do this.” I lowered Nadia to her feet.
She smiled over her shoulder as she crossed the room. “He cares about his friend. He respects what you do for this country.”
“I suppose. Sebastian has risked his life for this country too. Hacking for the government over the years.”
“Aiden, there’s an oasis outside our back door.”
I stood behind her taking in the view of the Caribbean Sea. It was a beautiful clear blue.
“Aiden, it’s ten at night. We should skinny dip.”
“Hell, no. And risk someone seeing my wife’s body. No. End of discussion.”
