And I Love Her (19 page)

Chapter Twenty-Three

♬

Prudence Clearwater

I couldn’t believe this was really happening. I loved Cash and he loved me in return. I was so happy.

Jeremy grabbed a tissue and cleaned up my makeup. I was in a daze and wasn’t even paying attention. I was marrying the love of my life and Clark wasn’t going to press charges. It was too good to be true.

Jeremy smiled at me. “Imagine if you said something a long time ago.”

“You knew?”

He nodded. “He didn’t want me to tell you unless he knew you loved him in return. And you wouldn’t admit it to me because you’re a damn brat.”

I smiled. “You told him after I finally admitted it…”

“You’re welcome. But no, I didn’t tell him. I just told him to tell you the truth. I wouldn’t take the grand finale away from either of you.”

“I love you,” I blurted.

The love was in his eyes. “I love you too. I’m glad you’re so happy.”

“Happier than words could ever say.”

“You deserve it.” He fixed my hair and stepped back. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

He offered his arm. “Now let’s get you married off.”

“Hell yeah.”

“Pru?”

I recognized that voice. “Gavin?”
You’ve got to be kidding me.

He came to me, his eyes wide with concern.

I didn’t have a tolerance for him right now. “I suggest you shut your mouth and get the hell out of my way because I’m about to kick your ass. And my heels are sharp.”

“What?” He looked confused. “No. I wanted you to know I didn’t say anything to the immigration department. I realized how much of a jerk I was. I came down here to tell you that, and to congratulate you on your wedding day. I don’t know how Clark found out, but I swear it wasn’t me.”

That meant the world to me. “I know it wasn’t you, Gavin.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank god. I’m so sorry, Pru. I don’t think you’re a sellout and I’m very happy for you.”

‘Thank you.” I gave him a hug then pulled away. “I’d talk some more but I need to marry the love of my life.”

He smiled. “I understand.” He stepped out of the way and let Jeremy and I pass.

When we walked out the back door, we stopped behind the ivy wall they placed at the beginning of the beach. It hid me from view.

“Ready?” Jeremy asked.

“More than ready.” I didn’t feel nervous anymore. Cash and I had an unusual relationship and hadn’t known each other very long, but there was no doubt he was the right person for me. There was no one I wanted more than him—no one I wanted at all.

The music played overhead from the orchestra. Apparently, the rest of the wedding party already walked down the aisle. Now they were waiting for me. I took longer than I thought.

“The sand is choppy,” Jeremy whispered. “But I won’t let you fall.”

“I know.”

He led me around the wall and to the aisle. Everyone stared at me with smiles. People took pictures but the flashes didn’t bother me. The only person I was looking at was Cash.

His eyes changed the closer I came to him. Moisture coated his eyes and turned slightly red, but the tears didn’t fall. The emotion was clear on his face, and I knew it was all for me. The sight made my own tears fall.

Jeremy held me firmly so I wouldn’t slip. His eyes were on me, watching the glow on my face. When we reached the end of the aisle, Cash approached us. I thought letting Jeremy give me away would be hard, but it wasn’t. Jeremy had taken care of me my entire life, but I knew Cash would take the roll easily. He already had.

Jeremy kissed me on the cheek then placed my hand in Cash’s. “I’m finally off the hook.”

Cash smiled. “Forever.” He pulled me to his side then faced me. His eyes searched mine, his love and adoration shining bright. His hands felt warm in mine. I moved closer to him, not wanting any distance between us.

The pastor went through the ceremony and we said the words at the appropriate times. But we agreed to write our own vows. Since I had to hide my true feelings for him, I couldn’t use them. I decided to wing it.

“I’ve gone through so much pain at such a young age. My father didn’t want me, the first man I gave myself to used me and threw me away. Everyone let me down my entire life. You’re the first man who’s changed that. You understand me in a way no else ever will. When we met, I didn’t expect that to happen, but it somehow did.” My tears fell. “You’re everything to me, more than everything. I’m so happy I get to spend the rest of my life with you. And…I love you.”

His eyes softened. “I love you too.” He cupped my cheek and kissed me. The crowd whistled and clapped, and the women awed at the affection. “My first marriage was a complete disaster. But the worst part of it was the way it ripped me apart. I carried that pain for a long time—until you.

“You changed me every day we were together. I didn’t have a choice. You moved into my heart and made a home. But that’s okay because I never wanted you to leave. Our relationship wasn’t meant to last, and when you left, I realized how much I didn’t want that. There’s no one else in the world I would hunt down but you. And when I found you, I made the mistake of not telling you how I felt then and there. I won’t make that mistake again. Every day, I’ll tell you how much I love you. Every day, I’ll tell you how much I need you. Because I could never lose you again. And I don’t plan too.”

I couldn’t stop myself from crying. These were the words I was desperate to hear for so long.

“I know you’ve had your trust broken many times, more times than any person can suffer. But that won’t happen again—not with me. You’re the only woman I want for the rest of my life. You’re the only one who will be in my bed and in my heart. Plus, you’re too damn sexy to let go.”

I blushed at his words as the crowd hooted.

“I’ll spend the rest of my life healing all those wrongs, and I know you’ll do the same for me. I will love you and cherish you every day for the rest of my life. You will never feel unappreciated and forgotten. Everyday, you’ll feel my love for you and never question it. And if you do forget, I’ll remind you every night.” He rubbed his nose against mine.

More cheers rang out. Now I was thoroughly embarrassed. Cash smiled at me then held me close.

The pastor ended the ceremony. “Now you can kiss the bride…a second time.”

We both chuckled before Cash leaned forward and kissed me hard. My hands automatically moved around his neck and deepened the kiss. His tongue slipped into my mouth for a moment and I loved the way it felt against mine. Reluctantly, I pulled away before we got carried away.

“It’s an honor to introduce,Mr. And Mrs. Cash Matthews.”

Cash grabbed my hand and led me down the aisle. Rose petals were thrown at us, along with glittered confetti. He spun me in a circle as we danced, laughing and smiling as headed to our new lives.

♫

Cash held me close for our first dance as husband and wife. “And I love her” played over the
spealer.Everyone stared at us, clapping and capturing photos. But it was like no one else was there. It was just he and I.

His face was close to mine and he looked into my eyes, never having any intention of looking away. His hands were tight around my waist, claiming me as his. Neither one of us spoke because nothing needed to be said. We both loved each other. I only wish we knew that sooner.

He cupped my face and kissed me. His kisses were always gentle so they wouldn’t get out of control, not that I cared if they did. I’m sure our public display of affection made people uncomfortable, but Cash and I didn’t care.

“You’re the dream I thought I’d never have,” he whispered.

My eyes softened. “You are mine.”

“I was always scared you’d figure out my real feelings. I thought I was so obvious.”

I smiled. “I thought the same thing. And I was afraid you’d leave me if you figured it out.”

“So much for us being honest,” he said with a laugh.

“Let’s make a new promise. From now on, we will.”

“I like that,” he whispered. “I’m excited for our honeymoon.”

The area between my legs burned. “I am too.”

“Now when I make love to you you’ll know exactly what I’m feeling.”

“I think I’ve always known…but I was in denial.”

“Me too. I’ve never met a girl who loved having sex with me that much.”

I smiled. “Because you never made love to them—only me.”

“You have a point.”

“And you’re an orgasm master.”

He smiled. “I like that name.”

“I’ll call you that in front of all your friends and family.”

He laughed. “I dare you.”

“Mom would probably think it’s funny.”

“Mom?” His eyes softened.

“We’re married now. I can call her that.”

“She’ll be ecstatic when she hears you.”

“Well, she won’t be hearing me for a few weeks.” I gave him the eye. “Because you’re going to be too busy being inside me.”

He growled at me. “You got that right.”

Having sex made me think of something we hadn’t discussed. “How do you feel about kids?”

“Whatever you want to do, we’ll do,” he said immediately.

“But do you want kids?”

He looked into my eyes. “I’ve never wanted kids until I met you. But now I would love to have a few. But if you don’t want to because of your career or you just don’t want kids, that’s completely fine.”

“No, I want to have babies with you.”

“Good,” he said. “We’ll start practicing on the honeymoon.”

“Mmm…I look forward to it.”

Our song ended but he still held me. “I’m not letting you go. This is the first time you’ve really been mine.”

“No, I’ve always been yours.”

Dean appeared at my side. “Can I cut in?”’

Cash growled.

“Yikes, he’s feisty,”
Dean said with a laugh.

Cash stepped away. “Don’t keep her for long.”

“Of course.”

Cash smiled then stepped away. His mother grabbed him and started dancing with him. Everyone else moved on the floor.

“So, are you happy?” Dean asked.

“He told me he loved me.”

He laughed. “I know it’s lame to gloat, but I’m gonna. I told you so.”

“I know…but I’m too happy to care.”

“You should be. I’m very happy for you.”

I couldn’t stop smiling. “This is the happiest day of my life.”

“I can tell.”

“I’m sorry I’ve been such a horrible worker. I’ll be wonderful after my honeymoon.”

“Or even worse,” he teased.

“A full of week with Cash as my husband will never be enough. So you might be right about that.”

His eyes turned sad.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said quickly. “It’s just…you two remind me of Winnie and I.”

“I’m sorry…”

“No, don’t say that. The best years of my life were spent with her. And now you’re living yours. Don’t take it for granted.”

“Never.”

He smiled. “That’s my wedding advice to you.”

“And it’s very good advice.”

“It’s my turn.” Jeremy appeared at my side. “I’m the maid of honor, the man who gave her away, her brother, and her best friend. Now move.”

Dean laughed. “I’ll be shaking my ass with you later.” He stepped away so my brother could move in.

Jeremy held my hand and moved me from side to side.

“Thank you for everything. You’ve been so wonderful.”

He smiled. “You know I’d do anything for you.”

“I do.”

“And I’m glad you picked Cash. He’s a good guy.”

“Now I know why the two of you are so buddy-buddy.”

“He’s a cool guy. And he really showed his true colors when he spent a month looking for you.”

“He’s so sweet…”

“Just head-over-heels in love.”

“Same thing.”

“Am I going to have any nieces or nephews anytime soon?”

“Not soon—but eventually.”

“Good. I’m excited. I won’t have any kids of my own.”

“You don’t know that,” I said immediately.

“I’m very careful. No accidental pregnancies for me.”

“That’s not what I meant. You’re going to find the girl who will cure you. Just wait and see. And she’ll come into your life when you least expect it.”

“She’s better be smokin’ hot,” he teased.

I rolled my eyes. “You can never be serious.”

“Nope.”

“Time’s up.” Cash pulled me to his chest. “I want my wife back.”

“You may be her husband, but I’m her brother. I always win.” Jeremy smiled then handed me over. “But I’ll be nice since today is your wedding day.” He walked away and left me alone with my husband.
Husband. I liked the way it sounded.