Page 56 of Absolute Valor

One day someone will walk into your life and you will understand why it didn’t work out with anyone else.

White wisteria coveredevery solid surface with tiny LED lights adding just a shimmer of romance to the delicate petals. Organza covered tents, sheer enough to let in a cool breeze, yet thick enough to keep the bugs out. A kaleidoscope of feminine colors of orange, pink, and soft green flowers, were attached to every pillar, tent stand and tabletop. Glasses of champagne greeted each guest as they passed through the arched entry, a photographer on each side to snap a quick photo, a gift from the bride and groom.

No expense had been spared to celebrate the oldest Morgan’s nuptials. Everything was classic, yet far from simple. “Okay, I have to go and do my groomsman duties.” Chase pulled me into his arms before he had to dash off and do his duties. “The second the dance is over, this Marine is all yours.” He sealed his promise with a kiss. “I love you.” He added as he began walking away, holding on to the tips of my fingers until the last second.

“I love you, too.”

Claire had asked me if I would be willing to sit with her family during the reception. I was honored to be invited in the first place, so I didn’t mind. Yesterday, as we were shopping, Claire was finally able to get her family on the phone. Dylan had sent them money for travel and a hotel, but as the time grew closer, and no word as to when they would arrive came, Claire knew something was up. Ginger called to let her know her daddy was in jail and wouldn’t be walking her down the aisle. Claire had laughed and hung up the phone when her momma told her she gave the money to an Evangelist who had been traveling through town. Ginger wanted to find religion and be worthy to walk into church, but all she found was an empty parking lot when she went back for baptism.

She didn’t believe her for a second, tossing up her arms and swearing she more than likely bought a tanning bed with the money. Dean called her once he got word and let her know it would be an honor if she would allow him to give her away.

The emcee cranked up the music and began introducing the wedding party. I’d never seen a wedding like this in person, only catching a few episodes of a reality television show about horribly spoiled brides. But everything they had pulled together didn’t hold a candle to what was going on here.

Austin escorted his beautiful wife Lainie, who stood up as Claire’s matron of honor. With graceful steps and bright white smiles, he led her into the tent and over to the head table.

But Chase was never one to just walk into a room. As his name was called, he picked up the toothpick thin bridesmaid, setting her on his left shoulder. She squealed and slapped at his hand, but then held her flowers up high, simultaneously kicking up her smile. When he put her down beside her chair, he bowed, and kissed her hand while the crowd awed and clapped.

“You look lonely over here all by yourself.” Jackson’s voice startles me since my attention was on the man who is part of my world now. Chase was shedding his jacket and tie, laying them on the back of his chair.

“Oh, hello.” I smile slightly, welcoming him to join me.

“We’ll see how long this lasts before Chase comes over and tosses me out.” Taking his seat, his eyes on the head table, specifically Chase.

“How have you been?” I inquired, genuinely interested.

“Slowly recovering from a broken heart.” Dramatizing it by slumping against the back of his chair, his hand on his chest.

“Oh, stop. We both know Priscilla and Dylan set that whole thing up.”

“They may have asked, but wanting to take you out to dinner was all me.” Before I could say a word, the music changed and the bride and groom were announced. With a guest list at over four hundred, the roar is louder than the music. Dylan had already removed his jacket and Claire her veil.

Not letting go of her hand, Dylan spins her in a circle, the edges of her vintage dress flaring around her calves. She’s happy, cheek numbing happy. For the first time since we met, I don’t envy her, I’m rejoicing with her. The rest of the bridal party joined them on the dance floor, spinning around as the eager crowd joins them.

“Care to dance?” I nodded eagerly, wanting to enjoy every second of this night. I let Jackson wrap an arm around my waist, his hand clasping mine. “A wedding like this is every girl’s dream.”

I shook my head, “Not mine, nothing like this.”

He sways me back and forth and I’m thankful he’s such a good leader. “Really?” He sounded surprised, giving me a questioning look.

“Nope.” I defended.

“So what do your dreams look like?”

I chose my words carefully, not wanting to sound simple and plain. “Small, in a barn or field, in the middle of fall surrounded by the autumn colors. Then slipping away to a cabin on a lake, locked away from the world as we discover one another.” I sighed, picturing it perfectly inside my head.

“Jackson thanks for holding my place.” Chase steps between us, his arms enveloping me to his chest. Jackson walks away gracefully, a chuckle and a spring in his step.

Chase lowers his head, covering my mouth with his. Soft lips with determined movement, his tongue sliding past my surprised lips. It’s foreign and wonderful, something I’ve experienced only a handful of times. His hands grasp my upper arms, continuing to steer me on the dance floor. He ends the kiss, leaving me breathless and elated. I’ve read about passion like this, between the pages of a steamy novel where the ordinary girl wins the heart of the larger than life walking sex god. Resting his forehead against mine, he shakes his head back and forth slightly. “Thank God Momma wants Grace later,” his voice raspy, sounding as if he just woke up. But as he pulls me impossibly closer, the stiffness of his cock against my stomach tells me the truth. Chase Morgan wants me.

I had no idea what was served for dinner, if Dylan shoved any cake in Claire’s face, or if Austin’s speech made the bride cry or laugh happy tears. While I was there, for every second of it, my hands, and attention, were wrapped around the man who continuously whispered how much he loved me in my ear. He was kissing my neck, telling me he loved the skin of my ear and how incredible I tasted, wondering if I was this tasty everywhere.

When the waiters took our still full plates away, he jumped to his feet and pulled me with him. He excuses himself to friends who try to stop him a dozen or so times, all the while pulling me quickly to keep me moving

We weave through the sea of people and wave goodbye, finally making it to the front entrance. With the size of the wedding, and so few venues available to accommodate, the land the Morgan’s used as eye candy, was transformed into a wedding wonderland. The best part of it being so close to the Morgan’s home, was the vicinity to the converted barn where Chase had been living.

Nothing could have prepared me for the sight I met when he pushed the sliding door open and climbed the stairs with me tossed over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. When he sets me down, I finally get to take a peek. I’m surrounded by wooden walls, aged to a medium gray, with deep veins of black telling their age. Photos of the boys and an older man covered every inch of the wood.

Chase stood behind me, his lips attached to my neck, reminding me of the reason this place had been built. A potbelly stove sat in the corner, and I pictured the three of them sitting around in their socks warming themselves by a fire. “I swear to give you a tour in the morning,” he spins me around, claiming my mouth once again.

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