Ending with Forever (32 page)

C
aptain Rocco lands the balloon smoothly on an open grassy plane on the side of the ivory palace. According to my watch, we’re right on schedule, but Nik snatches Lil as soon as she climbs out of the basket as if we’re really late.

“There’s no time to waste,” she hurries and waves me away. “Lillian, come with me. The makeup crew is upstairs waiting for you,” she bustles. “I have our target,” she speaks into her mouthpiece, letting the group know she’s apprehended my bride. Nik’s all business today. I’ve never seen her so fanatical about punctuality. I’m truly impressed. Lil turns her head to blow me a kiss and scurries away with Nik.

I sprint up a flight of travertine steps to enter through the back of the majestic castle and notice the dinner tables are elegantly dressed in ivory. Lighting and flowers are plentiful in the garden just as I expected knowing Nik and Mother are behind the wedding details.

Luke waits for me by the massive wooden doors in his usual bodyguard stance. “Good afternoon, sir,” he greets.

“Hello, Luke. Have all the guests arrived?” I ask, particularly interested in one.

“Yes, everyone is here,” he replies.

“Can you take me to Mr. Montgomery? I’d like to speak to him before the ceremony begins.”

“He’s anxious to meet you as well, sir,” Luke responds.

Following Luke’s lead, I stride through several expansive hallways with paintings of the king, queen, prince, and their ancestors before entering a room reeking of cigar fumes. I spot a tall man, standing with his back to me, observing out a vaulted window draped in regal-red brocade. It’s facing the side of the palace where Lil and I landed. He must’ve gotten a quick glimpse of his daughter.

“Mr. Montgomery,” I call out to grab his attention.

Slowly, he pivots on his heel to offer me his awareness. “Hello, Mr. Bradley,” he addresses, regarding me with his pensive, dark eyes and dense brows. I can certainly see some resemblances of Lil in him, especially the shape of their round, deep-set eyes. He meets me in the center of the stifling room and grips my hand firmly. “I’m honored to be here today and indebted to you for finding me,” he offers his gratitude humbly. I know he’s a Montgomery, but there’s a genuineness about him that sets him apart from his father and brother. I can’t pinpoint what it is. Call it intuition. Even though his manner is pleasant, I’m still cautious.

“So we have an understanding, Mr. Montgomery. I brought you here to give my bride her dream wedding. If you can refrain from mentioning anything discouraging, I’d really appreciate it,” I warn politely. “And please, call me Carson,” I insist. My goal is to keep things informal between us to avoid any drama that might spoil my and Lil’s day.

“Yes, of course. I would never consider ruining this special day for my daughter or you. I’ve loved her from afar all her life,” he discloses.

“What do you mean from afar?” I prod nosily, interested in hearing his side of the story.

“Lia and I were both warned to stay away from each other when my father discovered she was pregnant. At first, I disregarded his caution. I snuck back to Indiana to check on Lia during her pregnancy. I knew we were going to have a daughter. After my brother discovered my visits, he sent his bodyguards to nail fear into our hearts—the kind that stayed with you day and night and never went away. They pinned Lia down in front of me and threatened to stab an army knife into her belly. She bawled hysterically. Can you imagine what a painful and horrific sight that was for me?” he stops to ask me. I could. I would’ve done whatever they wanted to save them. “We both begged for mercy. I wasn’t afraid for myself. I was afraid for Lia and our baby. I even offered them my life if they’d release her.”
I would’ve too
. “They demanded I leave immediately and never return. ‘Defy and suffer the consequences,’ one of the assholes grumbled at me. Lia and I agreed to never take a chance on our baby’s life again.”  Collin’s voice trembles as he recalls the appalling images from that night. “For years, I pictured Lillian’s face to look like her mother’s. I had no idea what a beautiful woman she’d grown into until her photo appeared in a national newspaper for USA’s top scholars. My daughter was perfect and brilliant. I wanted to see her desperately, but I remembered my promise to Lia.”

God damn it! Those fuckers deserve nothing but eternal suffering for all the malice they’ve inflicted on innocent people. I can barely contain my composure as anger devours me. “Mr. Montgomery, you won’t have to make that choice again,” I grit, attempting to shrug off my rage.

“I thank you for bringing us together. Today should be a day of celebration for all of us. Let’s forget the hurt and bitterness,” his forgiving voice urges. “And call me Collin,” he adds. “Or Dad if you’d like,” he kids with a pat on my shoulder.
I think I could grow to really like him.

“Collin, I agree. Let’s have a wonderful time. I better get ready. I can’t keep my gorgeous bride waiting.”

“Take good care of her for me, son,” he pleads like a father who’d sacrifice anything for a daughter he loves with all his heart.

“I will, sir. There’s no doubt about that.”

The entourage just left, sparing me a few minutes to reflect. I’m fixed in front of a trifold mirror, admiring the polished woman staring back at me with seasoned eyes that have faced danger and wonder for a man she can’t be without.
Today, she will marry him, her eternal partner. He’s the one responsible for swelling her heart with his unwavering love and attention. She will spend the rest of her days making him as happy as he makes her. Together, they will have their forever
.

I twirl like a ballerina and watch my strapless ballgown with layers of charmeuse and pearls sweep in a perfect circle. Nikki disclosed that Carson personally selected the dress with her help. He wanted a gown so spectacular that it would even top Cinderella’s.

“Knock. Knock,” Nikki calls, ending my moment of reflection. “I have a special delivery for the bride.”

“Come in,” I answer.

Nikki, Emi and Belle, who are already glamourized and dressed in their blush, floor-length gowns of varying styles, enter with wrapped items in their hands. Emi, with her hard-to-miss round belly, appears to be the first to crack emotionally. I fault her pregnancy hormones for that.

“What are you three she-devils up to?” I ask sassily.

“Go ahead, Lips,” Belle insists, nudging her toward me. “You already had a meltdown, just tucking your surprise into an envelope,” she snickers.

Sniffing and wiping the crocodile tears from her eyes, she hands me a pink package. “I’m so incredibly happy for you, Lily,” she whimpers, blinking the wetness from her enhanced lashes.

“I know you are.” I wrap my arms around her neck and kiss her forehead, rocking us side to side. “Seriously. Are you really going to make me cry and piss off the make-up crew?” I complain with a crooked grin.

“No…I can’t help it. I even cry, watching dumb commercials,” she whines, admitting her downfall.

“That makes two of us. I’m always on the brink of tears over everything,” I confess, releasing my hold of her. “Okay, let’s make a pinky-promise. No more crying,” I urge, sticking my pinky out to her. She links hers with mine and we solemnly swear for the moment. “Let me see what you brought for me?” I tip the envelope into my palm and a silver coin slides out. “This is my something old, right?”

“Yes,” she sniffles. “It has your birth year, 1992, on it.”

“I have the something blue here,” Belle adds, slipping in between us and drapes her arms over our shoulders.

“I know what it is,” I smirk as I flip open her blue jewelry box. “It’s your lovely bead bracelet—the only crafty thing you’ve ever made in your entire life,” I tease, earning me a lurking glare from her gorgeous sable eyes. “Can you put it on for me?” I ask, handing her my special blue bracelet. She wraps it around my wrist and clasps the ends together.

“See. It’s a perfect fit,” she brags, forcing back her brimming tears. “I love you, Lashes,” she cries.

“And I love you both.” 

“Can I get some love too?” Nikki pouts with her hands on her hips.

“Of course you can,” I tell her. “Come.” We open up our triangle to add Nikki and now we’re a perfect square. For a girl who grew up hardly having any friends, I’ve gained enough to last me several lifetimes.

“Carson has a pre-wedding gift he wants me to give you.” Nikki releases her hold of my shoulder to show me her package. “They’re custom-made for you.”

Belle and Emi urge me to open the crystal case with their nosey, bulging eyes. I do immediately. “Holy laughing Buddha!” they squeal together. Carson had someone design a necklace with a diamond lotus pendant and earrings to match. I lift the platinum strand to see an infinity symbol on a tiny chain by the clasp. Everything is dainty and so perfectly me. He could’ve stopped at the hot air balloon ride and my day would’ve been magical already. I can’t imagine how amazing the rest of the evening will be.

“Hey sweetie, I don’t mean to rush you, but it’s almost time to go. Let’s put these on and clean up your smeared eyes,” Nikki hustles. I nod and allow her to refresh my powder, eyeliner and mascara.

“Nik, hold on. Can you give Carson something for me?” I ask, running over to my backpack to retrieve the black opal stone from our trip to Hong Kong. The infinity sign is still facing up from Carson’s last question. I seal my lids and test the oracle stone’s power.
Will we have our forever?
The white opal flips to show a gold circle. I stare at it in awe, but I refuse to cry again. Nikki would not forgive me if I ruin my makeup a fifth time. “He’ll know what it means when you give it to him.”

Why am I grinning ridiculously at this white stone with a gold circle? I assured Lil the old couple in Hong Kong was trying to pull a quick one on her, but I was the fool to not believe in its powers. There is something special about it.

“Carson, it’s us,” Dad hollers from outside my room.

“Come in,” I invite, tucking Lil’s black stone in my tuxedo jacket.

“Carson, you look so handsome,” Mom praises in a brittle voice, trying to hold her crumbling composure together as she admires me affectionately from head to toe. “At one time, we thought we had lost your heart forever. It was a dark time for all of us. But then Lillian came and gave us back our son. I’m confident your heart has found a good home with her. We wish you only the best.”

“Thank you, Mother. It wasn’t all Lil’s doing. I couldn’t have done it without your unending love and support for me.”
Oh no. I see Mother’s lips quivering. She’s going to lose it.
Dad quickly drapes a consoling arm around her.

“Son, I pray that Lillian will make you as happy and blessed as your mother has made me all these years.” Dad saves Mother from surrendering to her sentiments with his sweet words. For years, I asked God for a fervent kind of love like theirs, but was denied until now. I truly believe Lil and I share their same kind of love.

“Dad, I know she will,” I tell him.

“It’s reassuring for us to hear that, son,” he replies, resting a hand on my shoulder. “Let’s go, Momma. Our son’s getting married today. We need to find a good seat near the front,” he kids with Mother, making her chuckle as he often does. They leave hand in hand while reminiscing about their wedding day.

The door shuts for a split second and then another knock follows. “It’s me, Owen,” he informs.

“Come in,” I invite.
What does my best man want?

“Sir, if I could have a word with you?” he asks, appearing uneasy while adjusting his stance and fussing with his tuxedo blazer.

“Sure. What is?”

“First of all, it’s an honor to be your best man, sir,” he exhales in one long breath. “But after much consideration, I think that honor should be given to your brother,” he offers considerately. “Years from now, when you two have grown closer, you’ll be thankful that you did.” It’s unbelievable how deep this man’s insight is.

“Owen, that’s very thoughtful of you. Wes may be my biological brother, but I’ve known you much longer and I trust you with my life. This is why I asked you instead of him to be my best man,” I explain.

“I see. Thank you, sir,” he replies with a sense of pride.

“No problem, Owen. From now on, can you do me a favor and call me Carson?” I request with a smirk.

“Yes, sir…Carson,” he replies and grins at his slip of words.

T
aking me by my gloved hand, Nikki leads me out to a stone terrace that overlooks the magical palace garden. Swags of blush and ivory-colored blossoms cascade along the balustrade which travels directly to the ground level. There, it meets a lengthy path of silvery silk with pink lotus petals that ends at a travertine grotto constructed of six massive columns and a dome with a waterfall backdrop. Guests sit patiently on both sides of the aisle in chairs covered with satin and ribbons. No princesses in any storybooks I’ve ever read have had a wedding location as beautiful as this one. I’m blissfully tongue-tied as I capture the magnificence of this day and all the tender details my lover has considered.

“Lillian, darling. Are you ready?” Nikki asks, adjusting my brown locks to lie perfectly past my shoulders before reversing the sheer material of the blusher veil over my face. Carson especially favors my hair down with soft curls, so I asked François to style it long.

With a calming inhale, I answer, “Yes.”

Nikki leaves me to bring my mom who’s wearing a traditional Cheongsam dress in red for good luck. It hugs her svelte figure flawlessly, flaring at the bottom like a mermaid tale. She’s one of the most beautiful women in the world, inside and out. This afternoon, this beautiful woman will walk me proudly down the aisle and then step aside to let me grow beyond her rearing wings, to become a mother to my own children. My eyes fill with tears, knowing that I will no longer be her little girl. It won’t be just the two of us anymore, watching over each other.

She hands me the first lotus of my bouquet. “Lily, with all my love, I wish you happiness first and then success,” she cries. “May God and Buddha bless you and Carson with a marriage full of laughter and joy for the rest of your days together.” Lifting the veil slightly above my head, she catches the first tear drop from my eye and holds it tightly against her chest. “I love you, Lily. You will always have a piece of my heart with you,” she reminds and kisses my cheek.

“I love you, Mom. You’ll always be in my heart also. The wisdom you’ve imparted will not be lost. I will teach them to our children. Because of you, I’m the woman I am today. Thank you for all that you’ve sacrificed for me,” I choke with intense emotions.

The orchestra begins playing “Moonrise” by Brian Crain in the background and it’s our cue to be ready to walk down the shimmery path of pink petals. My mom must’ve told Carson it’s one of my favorite piano songs. Nikki enters with one lotus stem and then Belle and Emi and Gabby. How amazing is Carson? I didn’t think she was well enough to travel. How does he expect me to not sob all day if he continues offering me surprises like this?

Leaning over with my hands on her shoulders, I rave in an elated voice, “Gabby, what a treat it is to have you here with me today. How are you feeling, little angel?”

“Excited!” she gushes, handing me her lotus. “I wish you and Mr. Bradley a happily-ever-after ending like the stories my mommy reads to me,” she rattles like a line from a play that she’s been practicing to perform perfectly. When it’s done, she’s proud she didn’t miss a single word, applauding herself and giggling.
Gosh! She’s so darn cute.
After her celebration, she hugs my waist and I hug her back.

“Thank you. That was fantastic,” I whisper through the lump in my throat. Gabby has made such a significant dent in my heart that whenever I’m reminded of her illness and struggles, it paralyzes me emotionally.

“Gabby, it’s show time, baby,” Nikki reminds her to start walking as she fluffs her dress and straightens her silk bow. “And then ladies, you’ll be next. Give Lillian your wishes and flowers and head down the aisle,” she instructs like a drill sergeant.

Belle whispers, “Let’s make this quick,” and then grabs my hand and Emi’s and yells, “Go L-team! To another happy ending!” We all chuckle and then file into wedding formation before Sergeant Nikki barks her commands again.

This is the day I’ve been waiting for all my life. I’m going to marry the woman of my dreams, the keeper of my heart, and the savior of my lost soul. I’ve never been more certain about any decisions I’ve ever made than this. There can be no one else for me but Lillian.

Behind a thin veil, I see my beautiful bride’s stunning face and timid eyes gaze upon the small group of guests I’ve invited to attend our wedding. She’s never been one to command the attention of others. In fact, she hates it. Her smile grows contently as she welcomes each friend or family member as I hoped it would. She stalls briefly to wave her hand after catching a surprise glimpse of Amelia and Richard. I knew she’d be touched, having them and Gabby here. Lil cherishes all her friendships as well as the small meaningful things in life. She’s a loyal and kind person, so it’s impossible to not love her once you get to know her.

Lia and Lil are now standing in front of me, hand in hand, shaking. “Today, I give you my daughter. Shield her heart from hurt and love her forever,” she requests.

“I will,” I accept, grasping Lil’s hand from hers.

“I love you, Mom,” Lil murmurs to Lia as she fades into the background.

Lil’s focus is now on me. She gazes at my face, smiling and embracing me fondly with her adoring brown eyes. She’s breathtaking. Only she can reach the deepest part of my heart and do with it what she will and I’d be perfectly content with that.

“Today is the beginning of our forever,” I speak softly, holding her trembling hand as she absorbs my words into her core with the utmost esteem. This is our moment—ours to treasure. “Forever: I will love, cherish, respect, protect, care for you, and give you my heart to keep.” I place my lotus with the others in her arm to complete her bouquet of wishes and hopes.

“Forever: I will love, cherish, respect, care for you, and give you my heart to keep,” she repeats. “I will also keep your life interesting, make you happy, and laugh until your sides hurt with all my quirkiness,” she adds with a wink.

“I accept,” I tell her, grinning from ear to ear, knowing with Lil, there’ll never be a dull moment in my life. “Pastor Nichols, we’re ready when you are.” I give him the go after Lil and I share our private vows.

The pastor proceeds with the ceremony, keeping it short and sweet as I’ve requested. We exchange traditional vows and rings and then he declares us husband and wife. “You may now kiss the bride,” he insists. I lift the veil away from her blushing face and let the delicate material flow behind her. I’ve kissed her more than a hundred times, but never as my wife. There’s something novel about kissing a woman who now legally belongs to me, body and soul. Our heads tilt naturally. Gently, I press my lips into hers, relishing, not rushing, the rousing desire between us. The crowd is cheering and clapping in the background, but I’m oblivious to their noise. The only sound I hear is the thumping of our racing hearts as our lips glide over and under each other’s.
I’m kissing my wife
. This joyful thought refuses to dissipate because my excited mind won’t allow it.

Guests are invited to explore the beautifully decorated garden with drinks and hors d’oeurves while Carson and I mingle with them before dinner is served.

“Lily,” Amelia shrieks, running up to me with Richard on her tail.

“Ame, I can’t believe you’re here,” I cry, squeezing her with all my might. “I’ve missed you so much. Is everything back to normal?” I ask, placing my hand gently on her face. The last time I saw her, she had blood seeping from a head injury prompted by Sasha.

“I’m good as new, but Richard complains I have selective amnesia,” she kids.

“She does,” Richard adds with a chuckle. “Congratulations, Lily. We’re both very happy for you.”

“Thanks, Richard.” I lean into his chest to embrace him and an immediate rush of forgiveness fills my heart. The uneasiness between us is lifted. I can and want to trust him as a friend again. I sense his relief from his tight hold of me. “How’s the clinic running?” I ask, breaking off our emotional hug.

“It’s growing with Carson’s continued help,” he enlightens me with news I didn’t know. Can my amazing husband do no wrong? He’s truly a remarkable man and he’s legally all mine.

“Lily, what are your plans for med school?” Amelia asks. “Are you done with St. Croix?” Her voice softens sadly.

“I plan on continuing at Harvard as soon as I have my twins in July,” I disclose coolly, waiting for her reaction.

“You bugger, why didn’t you tell me sooner?” she complains. “Can I still be Auntie Amelia?” she asks in a baby voice while palming my little belly.

“Yes, of course,” I assure her.

“Amelia, Richard, it’s good to have you both with us. Thank you for rearranging your demanding schedules for Lil.” Carson sneaks up from behind with his possessive hand on the small of my back to greet them formally.
Once an alpha, always an alpha
.

“We wouldn’t miss this for anything,” Amelia tells him. “Lily is like family to me,” she confides.

“My wife feels the same way about you, Amelia,” he tells her, wrapping his smiling eyes around me. The word ‘wife’ seems to roll off his tongue effortlessly.

All guests are seated and enjoying their selected dinners: lobster marinated in cognac, braised venison medallions with white truffles, grilled Wagyu steak, or fatty tuna Maki rolls topped with white caviar. Over drinks and hors d’oeurves, I persuaded Andrew to be the designated clinker for insurance. I’m a businessman. I like the power of certainty, the guarantee of success. I explained what his title entailed and he assured me he’s the right man for the job. He’s capable and very reliable. He wanted me to add those strong points to his resume. “It’s in the bag,” he told me. We came up with a plan and agreed on a signal. Whenever I’d adjust my bow tie, he’d initiate the clinking with the silverware of his choice. I would then kiss my bride in front of everyone and we’d repeat this charade until dinner is completed or Lil catches on to us.

Andrew is the perfect candidate for the job. He’s already revving up the guests with the first clink. “We have to give the guests what they want,” I tell Lil, shrugging my shoulders innocently and then claim her mouth, savoring the sweetness of her supple lips. It’s an addiction that never gets old for me. As soon as I release her for a breath of air, Nik clinks her wine glass with her fork and then the crowd joins in with amusement. Of course I couldn’t break tradition. I curl my fingers around Lil’s neck, tilt her chin up and then kiss her with more craving. At this rate, I probably won’t make it through dinner without sneaking her away for my own needs. There’s an obvious bulge growing between my legs with no hope of taming.

“Ah…,” she gasps faintly between my lips. “If you kiss me one more time, I’m going to lose it,” she confesses, slipping her hand between my thighs. We’ve been deprived for too long.
Oh God. What is she doing to me?

“Lil…don’t, baby,” I implore under a weak breath while struggling to maintain my dignity. “I only have so much restraint.”

“What are we going to do when they clink the glasses again?” she panics. Shit! My brilliant plan just backfired on me. I didn’t need to recruit any help to encourage our eager guests.

“I don’t know. Maybe…think of silly thoughts instead,” I suggest on the fly. This isn’t me. I’m normally poised, confident, and uneasily moved by anything.
Damn it.
Lil’s taking me down with her
.

“Okay,” she agrees, retrieving her hand from my thighs and then I hear a clean crisp sound much like the chime of a bell slice through the night, ringing and reverberating in my ears. Jean, grinning devilishly, just clanked two crystal glasses together. From his cheeky expression, he’s expecting a panty-soaking kiss. If that’s what he wants, then that’s what he’s going to get. I place both hands on either side of Lil’s neck to brace her for the hottest kiss of her life and then crash my hungry mouth into hers. Ignoring the fact that her parents, grandparents, and my parents are all watching us, I fuck her tongue with mine, passionately sucking and licking every sensual part of it. She’s putty in my hands, losing herself in the heat and not giving a shit about being the center of everyone’s attention.