In the Blink of an Eye

by S J Batsford

  My head spins from the sharp change in direction. I’m astonished he has the balls to ask.

  “He doesn’t hate the twins. He didn’t try to harm them before they were born. He isn’t a crazy asshole. That’s why there was no discussion.”

  “Ashley isn’t crazy. She was upset about what happened between us. She’s my wife, she should be in their life. He’s just someone you’re sleeping with.”

  The feckin gall of him. Seeing red, I yell. “He isn’t just someone I’m sleeping with, you knob. I love him. We’re together, so get over yourself.” Shocked, he blinks looking away.

  “Maybe I should go…” Jackson says, behind me. Spinning, I see he’s fully dressed, looking over my shoulder angrily.

  “No. I don’t want you to go. If anyone should go, it’s him! Ethan, you’re the father of my kids and I’ll never keep them from you, but what I do and who is in my bed has nothing to do with you. You’re going to have to come to terms with Jackson and I because he’s going nowhere.” I stand in front of Jackson, pulling his arms around me.

  “Fine. But we need to talk about Ashley seeing the twins. I can’t keep up with what happened last night. I can’t keep leaving my wife and daughter every weekend.”

  “Fine. Have the twins every other weekend, but I’m not budging on Ashley seeing the twins. She’s dangerous and I don’t trust her breathing the same air as them.”

  “We’ll talk about this when we’re alone, but the conversation isn’t over.” Huffing, he walks out slamming the front door.

  “Whoa, remind me to never get into an argument with you, you have a comeback for everything.”

  Chuckling, I turn wrapping my arms around his neck.

  “And don’t forget it buddy,” I kiss him until we’re breathless.

  “Thank you, for defending me, us,” he whispers against my lips, his head resting on mine.

  “What else was I going to do? Stand there and let him demean you and us? We’re together and he’s just going to have to suck it up.”

  “Mmm-hmm,” he hums, pulling me into another kiss.

  ~*~

  Epilogue

  Two years later.

  Lily

  Looking at myself in the mirror, I can’t believe it, it’s my wedding day!

  I look elegant in an Ivory A-line chiffon gown, with lace sleeves and back. A medium length train falling down my back. My hair is curled and left cascading down my back, a small tiara rests atop my head.

  My hands shake slightly as I straighten the bodice, my engagement ring catching my eye. It’s gorgeous, vintage, a square cut platinum band with a stunning green diamond, surrounded by white diamonds.

  I remember the day he proposed like it was yesterday. We were at Balboa Park with the twins, Mace and Nan having a picnic. Mace and I were discussing his latest high maintenance customer, who didn’t have a clue about web designing.

  He strolled right up to me taking my hand and leading me to where Nan was playing with the twins, Mace dutifully follows a knowing look in his eyes.

  Looking back at Jackson, ‘who was on bended knee’ holding out the most magnificent ring I’ve ever seen. Looking up at me, his gorgeous face shining with love and hope.

  Gulping, he said; “Lily, from the moment I saw you on campus, I knew you were special. The way you made my heart race. I just never got the chance to ask you on a date before your world was turned upside down. For which I am eternally grateful for now, because without that phase of your life, you would never have made the two most amazing children I have ever met. I love them with all my heart as I love you. Will you make me the happiest man alive and agree to marry me?”

  Tears trickling down my face, I agreed, laughing at his relieved expression. Standing, he slid the ring on my finger. It fit like a glove. Pulling me into a passionate kiss. As Nan and Mace clap causing the twins to join in, making us all laugh.

  It was one of the most magical days of my life. This one will undoubtedly top it.

  Today, I become Mrs, Lily Anne Garcia.

  “Lily, are you ready?” Turning, I look into eyes identical to my own, smiling.

  “Yeah, is everyone here?” My voice shakes slightly, showing my nerves. There’s a mass of butterflies attacking my stomach.

  “Everyone’s in place apart from the bride.”

  Nodding, I look back at the mirror, feeling dizziness wash over me, I sway a little. Alex rushes to steady me looking concerned.

  “Are you okay? Do you need some water?”

  “I’m okay, I should have eaten this morning, that’s all.”

  “Should I go get you something?”

  “No, I’m fine. Thanks for doing this, after everything that’s happened the past year, with Isabella…” Blanching, he looks away.

  “Have you spoken at all?” I’ve been hesitant to broach the subject with Mace or Ethan. But something needs to be done. It’s been over a year! And they’re both miserable.

  “No, she won’t speak to me, I’ve tried, the boys won’t even see me. The only reason Mason is here today, is because it’s your big day...” He shakes his head, smiling at me.

  “It’s my pleasure, I’m honoured to have been asked. I didn’t think you’d want anything to do with me when you found out.”

  He sounds so sad and my heart does go out to him, but he has to face the consequences of his actions.

  I’m the only one who has forgiven him, but it took me a while to get over the lies and secrets. I was really mad when Nan told me, mad at him, my Mom and Nan, but kids have a way of making you look at the world differently.

  Plus, I couldn’t judge them, when Ethan and I did a similar thing. Relationships, lust and sex complicate things. They can motivate people to do things they wouldn’t normally do.

  “Dad, you need to try and fix things with everyone, but right now, why don’t you start with Mace? He’s here, and he’s a big softy around the twins.” A smile wipes the sad look from his eyes.

  “I still can’t believe how much you’ve grown up in the last two years. Your Mom would be so proud of the young woman you’ve become.” I tear up at the mention of my Mom, today she would have walked me down the aisle.

  “And I can openly admit to being the twins’ real Grandad. I’m so grateful you’re giving me a chance to be the Dad I should have been when you were born. You have no idea what today means to me. I’m so proud of you, all you’ve accomplished… I love you.”

  I’m a mess of tears and runny makeup when he’s done. It’s every girl’s dream to hear her Daddy say those things, but even more so when she never knew who he was.

  Hugging me tightly, he chuckles. “You’ve ruined your makeup.”

  “It’s okay, I’ll fix it. I love you, too. I’m just sorry that your life was torn apart by how I acted.”

  “You had every right to be mad, I left your Mom pregnant and alone. I ignored the fact that I had created a life and tried to act like I hadn’t betrayed my family. It was a long time coming. I’m just happy to have patched things up with you.”

  Pulling away, I look in the mirror cringing, I no longer look elegant, more like a zombie bride. Sighing, I clean under my eyes and reapply my eyeliner and mascara.

  “Okay, let’s do this. Before they come hunting.” I say, smoothing my dress and picking up my bouquet.

  Beautiful Calla Lilies a mix of white and purple passion, bound together with a white satin ribbon.

  Blowing out a breath I take my Dad’s arm and head out.

  I squeeze my Dad’s arm as we pass through the arch wound with lilies the same colour as my bouquet.

  My breath leaves me in a rush when I see him. Jackson’s smile broadens on seeing me, love shining brightly in his eyes.

  The aisle procession is a blur, all I concentrate on is my groom, trying to quell the urge to run into his arms. A smirk kicks up the side of his mouth, his eyes daring me to do what I’m thinking. But before I embarrass myself, Dad places my hand into Jackson’s and kisses my cheek.


  “You look gorgeous.” He whispers, leaning his forehead on mine.

  “So do you. I love you so much,” I sigh, cupping his face and kissing his cheek.

  Looking into my eyes, his, shining with emotion. “I love you, too, cariño.” His voice giving away his every emotion.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen….”

  I neither hear or see anything, until Jackson squeezes my hands, saying my name.

  ~*~

  “Lily, every moment we've spent together has been special. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, you left me breathless and dazed. You knocked the wind out of me. I was gutted when I lost my chance with you, then fate brought you back to me… You are the love of my life, my soul mate, and the mother of our children and future children. I love you with everything I am.”

  Tears drip from my eyes when he finishes. What he said and the love and devotion written on his face is just heart-stopping.

  A flutter of nerves kicks-in as I realise it's now my turn, and everyone is waiting. How can anyone top the beautiful words he just said?

  “Jackson, the day you rescued me, and fixed my car was one of the luckiest days of my life. You really are my knight in shining armour, because since that day you've been saving me over and over again, just by being yourself.

  You've done what I thought impossible… you healed me. You made me a better person. You took away the hurt and grief and replaced it with the purest love... With everything I am, I’m yours. I love you.”

  Smiling softly, he mouths, ‘I love you,’ and once again everything fades into the background, as I stare into the eyes of the man I’m desperately in love with.

  “Jackson?” Blinking, he looks at Mace holding out a ring.

  “Sorry,” he mutters, Mace smirks staying silent.

  “Lily, I give this ring, as a symbol of my love, honour and commitment.” He says as he slips the ring onto my finger. Once in place he kisses my ring. A collective “aww,” comes from our family and friends. A sense of calm washes over me.

  Taking the ring Mace hands me, and with shaking hands, I take Jackson’s left hand. Placing the ring just before the knuckle, and look into his beautiful eyes, repeating the same words to him.

  Strengthening our bond and love. “I love you,” I whisper, kissing his wedding band.

  “With the power vested in me, I pronounce you, man and wife. You may kiss your bride,” the Pastor announces happily.

  Smiling wickedly, he pulls me into the sexiest kiss of my life.

  Pulling away slowly, he leaves me breathless and hungry for more.

  Pink in the cheeks, the Pastor clears his throat and announces us for the first time.

  “I give you, Mr, and Mrs, Jackson Miguel Garcia.” Turning we look out at our nearest and dearest, smiling and clapping. The twins bounce happily in the laps of my Dad and Nan, who eventually got past what went on with Mom.

  ~*~

  “Are you ready to dance with your husband, Mrs, Garcia?” A shiver travels down my spine, as his deep voice whispers over my neck.

  A burst of happiness flows through me at his use of my new name.

  Turning, I wrap my arms around his neck, feeling the love I have for him burn in my chest. He always takes my breath away, but today he leaves me dazed and drooling every time I look at him.

  His dark hair, trimmed and spiked. His magnificent body encased in a vintage grey suit, with a dark purple tie and white shirt. He’s the epitome of male yumminess and he’s all mine… forever.

  “Your wife wouldn’t want to be anywhere other than in your arms, pressed up against your hot bod.” I say cheekily, chuckling as he kisses me swiftly, before clasping my hands and escorting me onto the dance floor.

  His hands slide around my waist as a sensual Spanish beat pulses through the room.

  I forget everything but him as his hands drift down my back, arching me into him.

  He spins me, so my back is to him and we dance a dance that shows our love and passion for each other.

  His hands run up my sides, brushing my breasts, arousing me. Closing my eyes, I enjoy the feelings, letting him lead me. We glide across the floor in our own world, there’s only us. I know he’s as aroused as I am by the bulge against my lower back, my hips move against him as he glides his hands up my arms. His lips finding my neck, his breathing ragged. This first dance as man and wife is everything we are together. He may be American, but he has heated Spanish blood. When he’s like this, it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever experienced.

  When the last stains of music fade, I’m face to face with my Husband breathing heavily, and wanting him so badly I ache. Applause breaks out around us, his wicked grin making me giggle.

  “You look flushed, cariño. Did you enjoy your first dance as my Wife?” When he speaks in Spanish… and the heat in his eyes, my breath hitches and my knees go weak.

  Everything about my husband arouses me. With his shirt sleeves rolled up, his damp hair. The sweat on his upper lip, tempting me to taste... His face shining with love and passion and I get why women have a thing for Spanish men, mine is freaking hot.

  I actually moan softly, my thoughts torturing me. He smiles smugly and pulls me in for a short steamy kiss.

  “Later, mi amor,” he whispers, kissing my neck. I need a breather, so I excuse myself and make my way to the bathroom.

  Looking in the mirror, I see a flushed, sweaty, happy woman looking back, even my eyes are shining.

  Wetting a towel, I dab my heated skin. Trying to calm my raging hormones, the combination of Spanish music, Jackson and dancing like that makes me so hot.

  Damn, I have one sexy husband.

  My eyes close, I feel blissful.

  When the bathroom door opens. I smile, keeping them shut. Male arms slide around my waist… but they feel wrong and his scent is also wrong. My eyes pop open and it’s not my Husband staring back at me, I go cold, all heated fluttery feelings are gone. I immediately pull away from him, spinning to face him, anger pulsing through me.

  “What the hell are you doing, Ethan?”

  Everyone can probably hear me, but I don’t care. He shouldn’t be here, he wasn’t invited, and he certainly shouldn’t be holding me like that. Like he has the right to… Like I would want him to.

  “I need to talk to you, I wanted to beforehand, but your dad was there… That was quite a show you both put on.”

  “What would we have to talk about on my wedding day? The only thing we have to talk about is the twins. And that wasn’t a show, we were dancing!”

  “You may as well have been fucking on the dance floor. That’s what it looked like.”

  The disgust colouring his words, makes me so angry I could slap him. I’m shaking with the effort of holding back. How dare he ruin my wedding, and make something as beautiful as what Jackson and I just shared into something wrong and vulgar.

  “Who the hell do you think you are? That was Spanish dancing and it’s meant to be sensual and loving. My Husband is part Spanish you knob. It’s part of his heritage.” I scream, my eyes stinging as my face burns with rage.

  “I…”

  The door bursts open and there’s my husband looking pissed off.

  “What’s going on? I could hear you over the music. Everyone could.” Coming to me, he rubs my arms, looking into my eyes.

  “You okay?” Blowing out a breath, I nod, leaning my head on his chest.

  “What the hell is going on? And what are you doing in the bathroom with my Wife?” He asks through gritted teeth, as he turns on Ethan.

  “We’re talking that’s all.”

  “No. You came in here... I thought it was you by the way,” I assure Jackson, before continuing. “And wrapped your arms around me as I was wetting my face, then made our first dance sound sordid.” My chest heaves with my every breath.

  “What the fuck? She’s my Wife! You don’t get to touch her. You weren’t even invited. And I couldn’t give a shit about your opinion on our dancing.”

&nb
sp; Jackson’s eyes blaze with anger. I can’t say I blame him, with what Ethan pulled after finding out we were engaged.

  “I think you need to leave, and if you ever touch my Wife again. I’ll knock your teeth down your throat!” Looking from me to Jackson, Ethan pauses, seeing the rage in Jackson’s eyes and leaves quickly.

  Blowing out a breath, I turn and press my face into my Husband’s chest, clutching his lower back.

  “You okay?” I look into his sexy brown eyes and let all the crap go. Leaning around him to lock the door. His eyebrows shoot up as a sexy smile curves his delicious lips.

  “What are you doing, Mrs, Garcia?” His hands run up my sides, from my hips.

  Pressing against him, I grip his open shirt and pull him down to my lips. Letting him feel the heat we generated on the dance floor.

  His hands grip my butt, squeezing and pulling me into him, securing me against the bulge in his trousers. My hands delve into his hair, my dress is pulled up, his hands exploring. I hum as he lifts me, his hands gliding my legs around his waist.

  Turning I’m pressed against the wall, freeing his hands to start a slow assault on my satin and lace covered chest. Moving my hair aside and kissing down my neck. Pulling my dress, exposing more skin, licking, teasing. I shiver, my breathing erratic.

  “Amor, te necesito.”

  “Soy tuya, tómame.” My Spanish still rusty.

  Sliding my dress further up my thighs, teasing me with the feel of his palms, warming and electrifying me with every touch.

  “Please, Jackson, hurry. I need you, too.” My head falls back. I surrender to him.

  “We can’t make love here. I want to make love to mi Esposa for the first time thoroughly, and in a bed.”

  “Please…”

  “I can make you feel good, but I won’t take you in a bathroom.” Relieved and slightly disappointed, I crush his mouth to mine.

  His fingers slip under the edge of my white thong, sliding into my heated flesh. Moaning, I grind myself harder onto his fingers, my whole body lighting up as he works me.