"He could've hurt you," Clayton finally says, letting me know what's really upsetting him.
"He didn't. And I'm not the weak little girl who won't fight back. I've got all the reasons in the world to fight, and if he had been stupid enough to try and touch me in the middle of Main Street, I guarantee I wouldn't have been fightin' by myself for long."
He grumbles under his breath.
"We're gettin' married tonight, Clayton Davis. Don't you dare let this put a cloud over our weddin' night. It happened, it's done, and you know about it because I didn't want you hearin' it from someone else. I'm fine, and in just a couple of hours, we're goin' to be husband and wife. No one can stand in the way of that kinda happiness."
"Get home, Linney. Get home and no more of that shit about me not seein' you before tonight. I need to see with my own eyes that you're fine."
I smile, leaning my head back against the headrest. "I'll see you in our spot tonight, and not a second earlier."
I laugh outright when I hear him bellow out his complaints before I can disconnect the call. Not wanting to make him suffer too much, I quickly take a picture of myself and text it to him, happiness and love written all over my face, my smile big and my eyes dancing. I place my phone on the passenger's seat and back out of the lot to head over to Leighton's place, ignoring the chimes announcing texts that don't stop coming in the whole way to her house.
Not wanting to be distracted, I leave the phone on the seat and walk to the trunk to grab the bags.
"I've got it," Maverick says, making me scream.
"You need a bell," I gasp, holding my hand to my chest, my heart pounding from being snuck up on.
"Leigh's waitin' on you," he tells me, bending over to scoop up all of the bags and trudging into his house, leaving the front door open for me.
"Well, then."
Earl is the first to greet me when I step into their home. He's sitting on his large rump in front of the baby swing. The huge, kind of scary cat gives me a look that, were he human, would express disapproval, his brow arched and a frown beneath his whiskers.
"Hey, Earl," I greet, stepping up to the swing to look at little Laelynn as she sleeps peacefully. I reach out, wanting to move her blanket down a little so I can see her adorable dimpled chin, but jerk it back when Earl hisses and swats at my ankle. "What the heck," I whisper, frowning at the cat.
"He's a little protective of Laelynn." Leigh giggles, scooping up her huge cat as he hisses and wiggles to get free. "Stop it, you big baby."
"So . . . I'm just goin' to go get changed, then," I tell her. "No offense, I'm sure he means well, but I'm pretty sure your cat could kill me, and as much as I love your daughter, I don't want to die."
Leigh laughs, dropping her cat to his feet. He pads back to his spot and settles in to sit guard in front of the swing.
"Quinn's feeding Gray and Lucy is gettin' dressed. Luke and Tate went up to get everything finished. I think Maverick is on the way back up there. He just happened to be checkin' in on things when you drove up."
"I feel like there's somethin' I should be doin' other than gettin' dressed."
"There is nothin' you need to be frettin' about, sister."
My heart warms and I smile at my old friend, soon to be my sister-in-law. "It's really happenin'?"
"You betcha ass it is! Come on. We've got a weddin' to get to and a bride who isn't ready yet."
All thoughts of John and our bizarre run-in are forgotten while my three closest friends help me get ready to marry the man of my dreams. By the time Luke comes back to let us know everything's ready and that the groom is waiting very impatiently, I've been buffed, fluffed, painted, and sprayed. He takes one look at me in my simple, floor-length lace dress and turns to walk back out the door.
I look over at Lucy, seeing her watery smile, and blink furiously to keep my tears from ruining my makeup. I glance at Leighton and Quinn, seeing them wearing the same simple coral sundresses that we all agreed on as their bridesmaids' outfits. All three are wearing brown cowboy boots, and their hair is braided simply to rest over one shoulder. Quinn's holding Grayson, dressed in a miniature version of what the guys are wearing--a black button-down and dark washed jeans. With Laelynn being only two weeks old, there wasn't anything close to the girls' outfits that fit her, but I bet Leighton tried anyway.
"Okay," Luke says, walking back in.
"You okay?" I whisper, walking to his side and hugging him.
"Yeah." He swallows thickly. "I'm just real damn happy for you, Carrie."
"Caroline," I correct with a laugh, not the least bit serious.
"I'm honored that you asked me to give you away, sweetheart."
"Don't make me cry," I warn.
Luke laughs but lowers his head so the girls can't hear him. "I knew five months ago when you sat next to Davis at Hazel's that this would happen. You both looked like you'd been zapped. I'm always here if you need me, but I couldn't be more pleased with the man you've chosen to be your husband."
"Luke," I murmur, my vision getting wonky with the tears filling my eyes.
"Enough of that," he exclaims, clapping his hands and rocking on his booted feet. "You ladies ready? Because there's a man up at the top of that hill who's about out of patience to get his bride in his arms."
Quinn gives me a quick hug before walking out and climbing into the front of the golf cart, next to Tate in the driver's seat. Lucy follows, thankfully having said much of the same that her brother did the night before and sparing me the tears. She winks before settling in.
Leigh is last out the door, holding the pink bundle of her daughter in her arms. "You ready?"
"God, yes," I answer emphatically.
Her grin is as huge as mine, I'm sure, as she walks to the cart and climbs up to sit with Lucy. Tate gives a wave before driving off slowly, careful of the precious cargo, in the direction of the Davis property. I look up at Luke and, with just him there, finally let loose some of the pent-up excitement. My hands go up in the air with the bundle of wildflowers held tight in my hand, and I shake my hips as I dance in a circle on Leighton's front porch.
"I'm gettin' married!"
"Not if you don't stop dancin' around, you aren't. Come on, crazy girl, your man is waitin'."
I drop my arms and turn to him, my cheeks burning from the enormous grin on my face. "This is it, Luke. This is my forever."
His eyes get soft and he grabs the hand not holding my bouquet. "No one deserves it more."
"Thank you, Lucas," I tell him after he helps me into the golf cart. "Thank you for bein' there for me all these years. You didn't have to be, but you were. I just want you to know how much your friendship means to me."
He taps my nose with his finger and grins. "You're family, darlin'. I didn't have to, but I wanted to. That's what family does. That will always hold true. Even with you gainin' a husband I know will protect you completely, I'm always gonna be here if you need me."
I reach out and grab his hand, not trusting myself to answer him without breaking down like a baby, and squeeze. Luke gives me a nod, then presses his foot down and takes off on the trail that will bring me to my forever.
24
CLAYTON
"It Took a Woman" by Craig Morgan
"Jesus," I hiss, feeling my heart try to burst out of my damn chest when I see Caroline step down from the golf cart and smile at Luke as he walks around to hold his elbow out for her.
She looks like one hell of a vision. Her dress makes her tanned skin glow, the bright white lace hugging her small frame like it was made just for her. The low-cut neckline highlights her small breasts--and the fact that there is no way she's got a bra on. Her long, dark hair is pulled up into some messy curly bunch at the base of her neck, exposing each delicate inch.
It's her face, though, that holds me captive, openly projecting her happiness to everyone who is with us up on the hill that I used to run to when I needed to feel grounded. The same hill that I made love to her on two weeks
ago when I asked her to be my wife. If you'd told me years ago that I'd be marrying the love of my life right here in this spot, I would've laughed you right out of Pine Oak.
She and Luke start to walk down the flower-petal-covered path that'll bring her to the gazebo I built in our spot. I did as much of the work as I could myself, but with limited time to give her something perfect, I had to get help. Drew and I pulled a few of the boys off their normal duties and with the help of my brothers as well, we created something I have no doubt will be standing for many years to come. The large, square base covers the expanse of where I got on my knee, the roof keeps us covered, and the low walls around the opening she's walking up ensure I can keep loving her out in the open while giving us some privacy.
With each step she takes toward me, I have to fight the need to rush to her. Feeling a nudge against my arm, I reluctantly look away from Caroline. The handkerchief in Maverick's hand silently gets passed to mine and I wipe the tears I hadn't realized I was crying. Caroline takes the last step into the gazebo and pulls the material from my grasp, wiping my eyes for me with the most serene expression on her beautiful face. When she's done, I take it from her and return the favor when one tear of her own slips down her cheek.
"Oh, God," one of the girls sobs.
I hear some more sniffles, but I can't look away from Caroline to see who is crying. My eyes don't leave hers once while Judge Allan--the only person available to marry us on a Wednesday night--speaks out for the small group to hear clearly. The whole ceremony is a fog for me, my focus only on Caroline as my heart pounds happily. I slip my band on her finger without breaking our gaze, and she does the same. The second the solid weight of my wedding band registers, I feel my control slipping and my eyes watering. She doesn't miss it either, but I reckon she's too busy holding her own emotions in check to do much about it. It isn't until Judge Allan tells me I can kiss my bride that I move.
My hands frame her face and my feet take a step closer until I bend and take my wife's mouth in a slow, deep kiss. I have to force myself to pull away, but when I look down at Caroline--my wife--and see the dazed stare in her dark eyes I smile and drop my forehead to hers.
"I love you. I loved you before you were my wife and I'll love you long after my last breath. Thank you, Linney, for blessin' my life."
She hiccups out a soft sob, closing her eyes and tightening her arms around me. "Heavens above, Clayton Davis. You're an incredible man. You own my heart, honey. Now and forever."
I move my mouth to her ear, making sure no one can hear me, and grin when she sucks in a breath. "I'm gonna be bad with my wife tonight."
Her hand that's resting on my chest trembles slightly before her fingers grip the fabric. Leaning back, I wink down at her and place a quick kiss against her forehead.
Judge Allan signs the papers to make us legal before waving us off and taking one of the golf carts back toward the ranch where he left his truck. He knew we wanted this moment to be as private as can be, shared between family only, and I'm thankful he doesn't stick around, giving us this moment before our marriage news spreads through town.
And spread it will.
I have a feeling that by the time I wake up in the morning with my wife in my arms, the whole town is going to know Clayton Davis finally settled down.
"What's up, sista!" Quinn hoots, her voice carrying in the vast open space around us. I frown at her when she pulls Caroline from my arms and wraps her in her own. The brat just sticks her tongue out at me when I reach for Caroline again. "Someone is goin' to need to learn to share. She's not just yours, big brother."
"Like hell," I grunt.
"Oh, be a good boy, Clay. Sharin' is carin', you know."
I narrow my eyes at Quinn. Before I can say anything, Caroline smiles at me over her shoulder, her eyes dancing with mischief.
"Yeah, honey . . . be a good boy."
I arch my brow, place my hands on my hips, and smile at her. Her eyes widen the second she realizes that, by trying to play me, she's about to get it right back.
"Darlin', need I remind you how much you love it when I'm bad?"
"Clayton!" She hisses, her cheeks turning pink.
"Oh, really?" Quinn gasps with mock shock. "Someone's been holdin' out on us, Leigh!"
"I'm goin' to get you for that," Caroline whispers, closing her eyes and shaking her head when Quinn and Leigh continue teasing. "I'm goin' to tell them you've got a butt fetish."
Tossing my head back, I laugh loudly and pull her into my arms. "Linney, that's not exactly a threat, considerin' I most definitely love your ass."
"That's not what I meant!"
"I might need to show you just how much I love it later," I continue, ignoring her. Her eyes darken and I pull her tighter against me. "Knew you loved me bein' bad for you."
I expected her to ignore me, but instead she holds my gaze--pink cheeks and all--and shrugs. "I don't think there's a single thing in this world that I don't love when it comes to you, Clayton."
"Feelin's mutual, Linney, love."
"We're goin' to head back to the house and start gettin' the food out," Maverick says, stepping closer with his daughter asleep against his chest. "Give y'all some time alone."
I nod. "Thanks, Mav."
He lifts his chin, looks down at his daughter, and kisses her on the top of her blond head. I glance at my niece and feel the tug in my chest. Until Caroline, I never wanted that--what my brother has right there in his arms. I shoot my eyes over to where Quinn is fussing over her son while he grunts in his father's arms. One more glance at Laelynn, and I feel a burst of determination rush over me. I want that. I want children with the woman who owns my happiness, love, and life. I need it. More than that, I want to prove that I can be what my parents couldn't be.
Maverick clears his throat, pulling my eyes from his daughter. My normally stoic and closed-off brother gives me a whole hell of a lot without words when I lock eyes with him. He gets it. The need that's coursing through my veins right now. One corner of his mouth tips up. He adjusts his daughter so he can pull one hand away, placing his large hand on my shoulder. Caroline steps to the side; then my brother has one arm around my back and his head next to mine, voice low. "Real happy for you, Clay. You deserve everything you've gotten and will get with Caroline. You know what kinda peace lovin' her gives you, but just you wait until your woman blesses you with your firstborn. No fuckin' feelin' can compare to the love that grows from that for your child, and for the woman you never imagined possible to love more. Just you wait."
Fuck me.
I clench my jaw, press my lips to my niece's temple, and lift my head to nod at Mav. He doesn't need me to acknowledge his words, not when we both know he isn't wrong.
True to his word, Maverick corrals the small group into carts to head off to his house. The sound of their chatter lingers behind them long after they disappear around the trees that keep Mav and Leigh's property mostly hidden. Caroline steps into me, her front against mine, and wraps her arms around my waist. Resting my chin against the top of her head, I close my arms around her.
"I can't wait to get you back home," I confess softly, my hands caressing the bare skin completely exposed from just below her shoulders to the top of her ass, showing the dimples at the base of her spine. "Is this clasp the only thing holding your dress together?" I continue, flicking the tiny stretch of fabric that goes across her shoulder blades.
"Pretty much." She giggles, pressing herself even tighter against me. "I think it's more for extra support in keeping the front from showing too much."
I pull back a little and look down at the front of her dress. My fingers trail from the strap in question over her lace-covered shoulders, and down her front. The deep V of her neckline stops below her chest, mid-stomach. Sticking my pointer fingers into the lace at the bottom of the V, I glide them up toward her breasts. The bottom swell of her tits is silky smooth as I slide over the flesh. Her teeth bite her lower lip when my fingers finally move to h
er nipples, and she moans low. I roll each tight bud before pulling both fingers out of the fabric. Her chest moves rapidly.
"Tonight, tonight I'm goin' to love my wife bad and not take this dress off until I'm done." I bend, my tongue coming out to lick her from the bottom of that V and up the middle of her chest until my mouth is at her ear. "I can't wait to feel all this lace against me while your silky heat sucks me dry."
"Oh, God," she breathes.
"One day, when our family isn't waitin' for us, I'm goin' to bring you back up here and we're goin' to break this gazebo in."
Caroline places her hands against my chest and lifts up on her toes. "I like the sound of that, honey."
With a groan that seems to come from deep in my body, I take her mouth in a deep kiss. Her lips open instantly, ready for me, and our tongues slide against each other. With her body pressed tight and her hands at the back of my head, keeping me close, I feel surrounded by her love. She whines when I shift us and my erection pushes into her belly. My hands move and I bend, taking her ass in my palms and lifting her as I stretch back up. Her dress keeps her from wrapping her legs around me, but her arms adjust to wrap around my neck, deepening our connection.
I've never felt more whole than I do right now. High above my land in a place that's always meant something to me, with the rest of my life in my arms.
I've got it all. I truly have it all.
25
CLAYTON
"Ain't Nothing 'Bout You" by Brooks & Dunn
"More."
I breathe in, the scene and taste only becoming more addicting when I do. How she can taste like the sweetest apple pie ever baked, I'll never know, but fuck if I'm not going to enjoy the dessert of her.
"Please, Clayton," she gasps, the breathy sound turning into a scream when I bite her swollen clit between my teeth before hollowing my cheeks and sucking hard.
Her hands fist in my hair, pulling me closer as she grinds against my face. I look up her body, seeing her lost in pleasure as she writhes against our bed. The stark white of her wedding dress against our dark gray sheets reminds me that only hours ago this woman became mine for life. I growl against her, causing her to yelp, and press my left hand against her pelvis to keep her hips on the mattress.