Enlightened (Red Flags) (35 page)

"I'm coming, baby," he lowly grumbled.

My body was already weak from the over sensitizing orgasm that had exploded throughout.  I lay at Jason's disposal as he thrust long and hard a few more times before expelling warm, thick, liquid inside of me.  We lay connected for a few minutes while we both slowly caught our breaths. 

It felt so right having Jason inside of me.  There were no sidetracking thoughts, no hindrances, no negativity.  It was just the two of us, completely and undeniably engulfed in the love that brewed between us. 

"I can't wait to start and end my days with you like this, Gorgeous."

"Hmmm.  Start and end?  That might be too much sex."

"Bullshit.  There is no such thing as too much sex.  If anything, it's not enough."  Jason finally pulled out and moved to the side of me.  "You don't know how much your words mean to me.  I'm so glad I've got you now… all of you."

I turned to look him in his beautiful, brown eyes.  "What do you mean by that?"

"I know that you were waiting for the test to decide if you would move in here with me."  I flamed red.  "Hey, that's okay.  If anything, I prefer it this way because there's no naggin' thoughts holding you back from me."  I lay quiet, looking away from him.  "What's the matter?"

"I just feel so wrong for putting you through all of this heartache, for putting
us
through this heartache."

He exhaled softly. "Cara, look at me." He used his hand to raise my face so our eyes met.  "I don't give a shit what you think you put us through.  I was wrong.  I fucked up with you from the start, and I'm lucky as hell that you have such a warm heart and took me back.  Don't ever feel bad for protecting your heart."

A smile crept across my lips.  "I love you, Jason."

"I love you, too, Gorgeous."

Chapter 24

The big day had finally arrived.

After weeks of indecisiveness, cry fests, screaming fits, and threats of walking out, Chelsea and Hunter's wedding day was finally upon us.  Watching her as she stepped into her dress, her mom beaming with pride, erased all of the horrid memories of the planning stage.  I knew Chelsea wouldn't be easy to please, but to see it all come together, and to see the elation in her, in some strange way made it more than worth it.  I guess after dealing with Jason Bradley, it was easier to get through most things.

"Alright! I'm ready!" Chelsea exclaimed, beaming her pearly whites at everyone in the room. 

Mila took Chelsea's bouquet as I helped straighten her train.  We walked out of the dressing room and down the hallway that led to the back doors where Chelsea would be making her grand entrance. 

The perfectly landscaped grounds of the La Jolla Country Club looked exquisite, a perfect venue for such an illustrious affair.  An effortlessly, sunny day set the stage as two young boys walked with the white roll of fabric behind them, laying it out for the wedding party to make our way.  Hunter and Jason strolled down the aisle, looking dapper as ever.  They both walked so carefree, like no hint of nerves were swirling through them, and I envied them.  I wasn't even the one getting married and my stomach was in a mangled mess.

The adorably cute little red headed flower girl dropped a few flower petals here and there, but for the most part, she kept her 'pretty' flowers, as she yelled out, in her basket.  Her ring bearing companion took off down the aisle, not waiting for her, as he ran to stand next to Hunter's side.

A soft melody played through the sound system as each of the couples of bridesmaid and groomsman locked arms and strolled down the aisle.  Mila and Ryan were last to go, and I pondered for a minute if they would be the next to get married.  Shaking my head to focus, I looked back at a tearful Chelsea who was standing, arm locked on her father's arm.

"You've got this, Mrs. James," I whispered, hoping to calm her nerves. 

She smiled through her joyous tears and I turned and began my stroll down to the alter.  Since I was alone, the walk was unbearably long.  With all eyes on me, I walked pointedly, hoping to stay afoot so as not to embarrass myself on Chelsea's big day.  When I finally made my way to the end of the forever long walkway, I looked over to Jason, who was smiling enticingly at me while licking his lips.  I flushed red, hoping no one else saw what I was seeing.  Luckily, as I quickly scanned the audience, everyone was turned and waiting for the bride.    

Chelsea elected to walk down the aisle to Kenny G's
The Wedding Song. 
Numerous arguments with her mother led to walk-outs and tear fests over it. Chelsea held her ground, saying it was what she had always envisioned when imagining her wedding day, and her mother saying that she needed to stick to tradition.  In the end, Mr. Peters stepped in and went to bat for Chelsea, reminding Mrs. Peters that it was Chelsea's big day.  She reluctantly relented, and now the song was blaring through the speakers as Chelsea slowly strolled down the white linen fabric, sniffling on her proud father's arm.

The Officiate asked who would be giving Chelsea away, and her father proudly announced, "Her beautiful mother and I," before kissing her. He then shook Hunter's hand and pulled him in for a hug.

I watched as Hunter wiped away a few sweat beads from his face before taking Chelsea's hand.  He snuck a glance over to Jason who snickered at him, then he and Chelsea stepped up the stairs and the service began.

Listening to the words of the Officiate took me to another place.  My mind thought up a picturesque scene where I was standing, in a long white dress, locked on my dad's arm and, crying as I strolled down the aisle to a waiting Jason.  He looked amazingly hot and well put together as he stood in a black suit, smiling out at me.  The brown in his hair glistened as the sun beamed off of it, showcasing his luxuriously tanned skin.  The walk was slow and tortuous, with thoughts of Jason, our new home, and a truck load of babies flashing through my mind. 

The last part frightened me. I slightly shook my head, bringing myself back to Chelsea's ceremony, and I caught the last part where Hunter was told that he may now kiss his bride.

A raucous roar of applause filled my ears as Hunter dipped Chelsea and kissed her like they were the last two people on earth.  Jason whistled, then smirked over at me, as I smiled back at him, clapping loudly for my friends.  Chelsea's mom cried as she stood, clapping for her daughter, while her dad beamed with pride

When Hunter finally allowed her up, I marveled at the beauty of her.  She stood there, grinning from ear to ear, holding her bouquet that I had just handed over to her, looking like the picture perfect bride on her wedding day. 

We made our exit and I finally got to hold Jason's arm.  When we were out of sight of the guests, he pulled me in and kissed me like he was taking his last breath. 

"Hey! This is our day," Hunter joked, nudging Jason in the arm.

"Have at it, man.  But I can't hold back from this," Jason said, waving his arms up and down my body. 

Everyone laughed as we were whisked away for pictures near the koi pond and garden area.  After what felt like hours, we were finally allowed entrance into the ball room for the reception.  My stomach rumbled and I knew it was time to eat.

Introductions were made as we strolled in, taking our places at the head table.  Chelsea and Hunter walked in last, throwing their hands up wildly as the room stood to welcome the newly married pair.  Toasts and thanks were given and then the microphone was handed over to Jason for his Best Man speech.  My heart raced for him as he stood in front of over three hundred people and began speaking.

I'm honored and thankful that Hunter chose me, out of all people in his life, to be his Best Man today.  In the relatively short amount of time that I've known Hunter, he's always been a shining example of what a man who is truly in love with a woman is supposed to look like.  He doesn't know it, but I've been watching him and taking notes.  He may be quiet, but he's meticulous and tenacious when it comes to his love for Chelsea, and I'm proud to call him my friend.

Chelsea, you're his opposite in every way, but when people say opposites attract, they must be using you two as an example, because I have never seen the connection shine more brightly on two, very in love people.  Challenge him every day to be the best man that he can be.  I wish you two a lifetime of happiness.  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. James.

Tears poured from my eyes as I listened to Jason speak such eloquent words, and with no profanity at that.  The microphone was handed over to me and with shaking hands, I took it, not sure what I was going to say.  I stepped out in front and looked back at Chelsea, who was beaming while raising her glass of champagne at me.

Wow!  I don't even think I can convey with words what this beautiful woman standing behind me really means to me.  I've gained a sister these past four years, and everything has been a fantastic and magical ride.  She may overbearing and crass, but there is love in every ounce of it, and I couldn't be more thankful to have her in my life. 

Chelsea, you've been my friend, my sister, a shining example of who I want to be, and my rock when I needed a shoulder to cry on.  Hunter is such a lucky man to have you, even when you're being impossibly stubborn and it seems there's no getting through to you.

Hunter, thank you for loving my friend and stepping in like a second big brother to me.  You are a phenomenal man and I am sure you will make a phenomenal husband.  Congratulations and I love you both!

Applause filled the room as Chelsea and I met for a tearful embrace.  She whispered how much she loved me in my ear, while nearly squeezing the life out of me.  We pulled apart and laughed, wiping one another's tears away before taking our seats and waiting to be served.

After hurriedly gobbling down our food, the newlyweds made their way around the room, thanking their guests for coming and posing for what seemed like an endless amount of pictures. 

Jason strolled over with a glass of wine for me, kissing me on the cheek as he handed it over.  "Beautiful speech, Gorgeous."  His eyes lowered into an alluring stare as he sucked on his bottom lip.

"I guess I should say the same for you," I replied, feeling the tingles that his stares elicited in me.

We both took a sip from our glasses when I scanned the room and my eyes locked with Chase's.  I was shocked to find him there.  I didn't think he would want to be anywhere near where I would be, not after what had gone down between us.  I swallowed hard.  Neither of us tore our gazes away, and before I knew it, I was walking over in his direction.

"Hey."  I tentatively said in a low voice.  I wasn't sure if he was going to stride off in the opposite direction or not, and if he did, well, a part of me felt like I deserved it.

"Hey," he said calmly.  He looked over to the petite blonde standing next to him, who gave him a confused look, but then walked away.

I didn't know what to say to him so I let out a sigh and blurted out the first thing that came to mind. 

"Look, I'm really sorry Chase.  I was waayyy out of line."

"Stop, Cara," he interrupted, running his hands through his hair.  "If anyone was out of line, it was me.  I should have never put you in that position, and I'm sorry."

Tears welled up in my eyes and I shut them, but a couple escaped, sliding down my face.  "We were both wrong.  We needed to clear things between us, but it should have been handled much better than that."

Chase nodded.  "Yeah, you're right about that."  He looked around the room and locked eyes with Jason.  "Your boyfriend probably still wants to rip my damn heart out."

I looked over to Jason who was watching us intently, but I couldn't find any trace of anger or aggression in his face.  "Nah, I think he's over it." 

Jason walked up beside me and placed his arm around my waist.  "Chase," he said, nodding his head in Chase's direction.

"Jason," Chase nodded back.  "Look, I'm not trying to cause any trouble. I was just--"

"I didn't think you were causing trouble.  I know how much your fight with Cara hurt her, so I came to make sure she was okay."

I looked up at Jason who was staring down on me with nothing but love in his eyes.  "We're fine, babe." 

Jason kissed my forehead and then turned back to Chase.  "Look, I'm sorry shit got out of hand that night.  I think we all need to clear the air on the way it all went down."  Jason stuck out his hand and Chase took it.  They exchanged a firm handshake, both looking genuine and sincere.

"I'm sorry about all of it, too," Chase said, "but I better get over there before someone steals my date."  He looked back at the blonde who was talking to a few people at the bar.

"Who is she?"  I asked out of curiosity.

"Jamie.  I met her in class."

"Well, get to her.  She's a nice catch."  I smiled and Chase pulled me in for a long hug. 

It felt good to have my friend back.  Even though I knew things would never be the same for us, it healed the wound on my heart knowing that we weren't strained and hating each other.  He walked away, looking back only once to smile at me.

"That went well," Jason said, holding my back and pulling me into his chest. 

"I know.  All feels right again," I said, smiling back at him.

"Things will be well when I finally get to dance with you.  I've been wanting to hold you all night long." 

We strolled hand in hand onto the dance floor where Jason wrapped both arms around me and pulled me in, gently swaying us back and forth.  I rested my head on his chest, taking in his strongly, enticing aroma, and basking in the love swirling around us.  I didn't know what the future held for us, but I knew whatever it was, that I wanted it to be me and Jason, as a couple, fighting our way through whatever challenges life threw at us. 

"I love you, Jason," I said, as two teardrops trickled down my face.

He pulled back and looked into my eyes.  "I love you too, Cara."