Frosted Midnight: A Christmas Novella (7 page)

It was twice the size of the one I’d wakened in a month ago. It was lush, decorated in white and gold and black. An enormous chandelier hung in the middle of the room. There was a king-sized bed
and a sitting area with a fireplace directly across from it. To the right was a bathroom and an enormous walk in closet.

When he’d first shown the closet to me it’d been empty, stark, and I immediately thought of Laura, his dead wife, and cried for him.

Now it had clothes hanging in it. There were shoes, jewelry, and lingerie.

Austin laid me on the bed. “I’ll be right back.”

I watched him walk into the closet. I quickly pulled off my shoes and slid my dress over my head, then lay back in just my matching red bra and panties. A few moments later he came back, his hands behind his back.

He took in my body and his eyes grew hungry, lustful. One side of his mouth quirked up, and he kneeled beside the bed. “Were you hot?” he asked, teasing.

I blushed. “A little.” I sat up. “Aren’t we… I wanted…”

Austin placed a finger over my lips. “Oh, we will. I want that too. But first I want to give you this.”

From behind his back he moved his hand and held it out. In his palm was a black box.

My eyes went from the box to his face and back again. “Austin?” I asked in awe.

He flipped the velvet box open. Inside was a large oval diamond with three rubies lining each side of it. The setting was platinum. The diamonds and rubies sparkled in the light.

“It’s beautiful.” I cupped his hand in mine.

“Willow St. James, you’re the woman of my heart and soul.” He pulled the ring from the box, setting the box on the floor. “The diamond represents my everlasting love for you and the rubies represent the fire in my soul.”

I covered my mouth with my hands
, unable to believe what he was doing. My mouth was twisting and funny noises came from my throat. Any second I’d start the ugly cry. Tears lined my lashes.

Austin continued, “The moment I saw your beautiful face in the Bandon library I knew I wanted to date you. And then when you recommended
The Count of Monte Cristo
as a light summer read, I knew I wanted to know you.”

I laughed-cried at that. I remembered the look on his face. He hadn’t looked convinced when I handed him the eleven
-hundred-page book.

“
On our first date you took me to the beach. It was windy and cold but so beautiful. The tide was out and you walked me around the giant rocks, pointing out the anemones, starfish and different sea creatures. Your hair was down and kept blowing in your face. You took a hair band from your wrist and whipped your hair in a ponytail.  The sun was setting and the rays hit the red in your hair, making it shine like fire. I gasped internally at your beauty.”

I remembered going into the bathroom when I got home and being shocked at my appearance. No makeup, my hair a tangled mess.

“At that moment I fell in love with you. I wanted to be with you, spend every waking moment with you. When we weren’t together I was thinking about you.”

I nodded, understanding exactly what he was talking about. I’d felt the same way.

“The eight weeks we spent together were some of the best of my life. Leaving you nearly killed me, but I had to do it, to make sure. I didn’t want to be a broken man. I wanted to be whole, complete, and able to be the kind of man you deserved.”

T
ears dripped from my face. I couldn’t stop crying.

“
Seeing you again, the night at the beach, I knew. Knew. I loved you more than ever. And I hoped you love me to.”

I nodded.

His eyes watered. “Will you marry me, Willow?”

I wiped the tears from my eyes. “Austin, I want to say yes, more than anything, but are you sure? I might be dead in four days, or paralyzed. Are you sure you want that? You’ve been through so much.”

“I’ll take you however I can get you, for as long as I can have you.”

“Then, yes. Yes. Yes. Of course I’ll marry you.”

Austin
slid the ring on my finger and kissed the palm of my hand. He got off his knees and kissed my lips, hard and full of passion. He put one knee between my legs and laid me back on the bed. My tears immediately halted as hunger bloomed in my belly. His hands caressed my breasts over my bra. He teased the nipples until they were hard, pressing against the lace.

“Wait, wait,” I gasped, putting my hands over his.

Austin growled. “I thought this is what you wanted.” He smirked and leaned down, kissing each breast.

God, his mouth was incredible. “I know. It is. But not right now.”

Austin stopped and gazed into my eyes. “Why?”

“We’re going to be married in three days. I have a
bajillion plans to make and you are going to have to resist my womanly charms until our wedding night.”

In response he moved his hand down
, pushed aside my panties and slid a finger inside. “I don’t think I can.” He moved his finger in and out, then placed another inside.

I closed my eyes. “You aren’t playing fair. How can I think when you’re doing that?”

Austin chuckled, kissing my neck. His tongue trailed down between my breasts. I put my hands in his hair, moving my hips against his fingers. Delectable warmth built and tensed. I spread my legs wider, giving him easier access. He slid another finger inside. I moaned and writhed, squeezing my nipples. “I’m going to come, Austin. Fuck.”

With his other hand he rubbed my clit softly. That pushed me over the edge and I screamed at the intensity of the orgasm.

Austin pulled his fingers out and brought them to his mouth. “You taste so good.”

I gave Austin a sultry smile. “I want you inside me.”

Austin shook his head in mock distain as he unbuttoned his pants and slid them off as well as his underwear. Then he climbed on the bed and gave me what I wanted. I was so wet and he felt so good.

Austin moved in and out, slowly at first. He leaned down and kissed me, sticking his tongue in my mouth. I kissed him back with all the love I
felt. It was so strong it was overwhelming. Our bodies moved together and, as our kiss intensified, so did our bodies.

“Will, I love you,” he said
, and thrust deep inside as his orgasm racked through him. He fell on top of me and wrapped his arms around my body.

We continued to kiss until I felt like we were one.

After Austin and I cleaned up, we went downstairs. My mom and sisters were in the
large Tuscan-styled kitchen. They were speaking quietly and putting cookies on baking sheets.

When we came in, they turned to us.

“We heard,” my mom said, indicating the baby monitor.

“I’m so glad you’re go
ing to have the surgery,” Liz clarified.

Heather and Sara came over and hugged me tightly. “Us too,” Sara said. Heather nodded as she fought not to cry.

After they hugged me, they hugged Austin. I noticed my sisters lingered with their hugs. I laughed. It was understandable. The man was so good looking it was almost embarrassing.

“Thanks,” I said, placing my left hand on the counter.

My mom noticed first and screamed, scaring the crap out of me.

Heather, Sara and
Liv flanked us. My mom held up my hand for them to see.

“When did this happen?” my mom asked.

“Just now,” I replied. My sisters took turns holding my hand and exclaiming how beautiful it was.

When they were finished, Austin said
, “We’re getting married here in three days. We’re going to need your help.”

My sisters clapped their hands and squealed with glee. My mom sat on one of the chairs and started to cry.

“Mom?” I wrapped my arms around her shoulders. “What’s wrong?”

Austin handed her a tissue. She wiped her eyes and kissed my cheek. “It’s just I’m so happy.
So happy for both of you. For Emma. You deserve it. You both do. This is what I hoped would happen.”

I squeezed her tighter. “Me too, mom.”

She patted me on the shoulder.

“What am I going to do about a dress?” I asked, kissing her on the cheek.

Austin cleared his throat. We all looked at him.

“I may have a connection or two. Let me make some calls.”

Sara fanned herself. Liv whispered in my ear, “You better hold on to this one because if you don’t, I’m going after him.”

I laughed. “I’ll remember that.”

Austin came over and kissed my on the forehead. “I’ll be down the hall in my office. Will you be alright without me?”

“I’ll manage,” I said hugging him.

He kissed me full on the mouth, tongue and everything, then left.

My mom and sisters started talking at once. Sara grabbed a pen and paper from a drawer near a computer in the kitchen. She wrote across the top:
Willow’s Wedding Plans.

“Where should we have it?” Heather asked.

“That’s easy,” mom said. “We’ll have it outside. The ceremony will happen on the gazebo.”

“I’d like that,” I said, wishing I could have my wedding on the beach. That was my favorite place and that’s where I’d always dreamed of having my wedding. But I was getting my dream guy
; I could be okay without having my dream wedding.

“We need a priest, chairs, flowers, food, a cake.” Sara put her hands on her head and pulled at her hair. “There’s so much to do.”

We all laughed.

I wrapped her hand in mine. “I have all I need. I can get married in this as long as you guys are there as well as Emma and, of course, Austin.”

“Pish posh,” my mom tutted. “We can get something together in three days.”

“Right,”
Liv agreed. “There are wedding shops that have dresses we can just go in and buy.”

“Absolutely, and if it needs to be altered, I can do it,” Heather said.

“I can make a cake,” Sara said. “It’s what I’m good at. Baking.”

Heather
rolled her eyes and we laughed.

Austin came back in. “I’ve a friend who’ll be over in an hour to show you some designs for your wedding dress.”

“Really?” I asked, worried.

“Yes.
I also have someone coming with cake samples as well as a party planner.”

My mouth fell open. “On such short notice?”

“I’ve never used my position for anything ever. It’s about time I started calling in favors.”

I walked around the granite countertop and jumped into his arms. “You’re amazing.”

“I know.” He winked. “I’ve got a tux and the priest. I told him we wanted an evening wedding on Thursday. That’ll work, right?”

I nodded, unable to speak.

“Hey, hey, hey,” he said, kissing my cheek.

I wrapped my body around him, clinging to him. “I love you, Austin.”

“Love you too, Will. Always.”

I’d been dreaming about the surgery. I was on the table, lying on my stomach. I could feel the blade go into my back, feel the doctor cutting away the tumors, and I was screaming.

“Will. Wil
low. Wake up.” I opened my eyes afraid I’d find myself on the table.

Austin touched my face. “Get dressed.”

“Why? What’s wrong? Did something happen to Emma?”

He smiled sweetly. “No, Emma’s fine. I’ve got a surprise. Wear something warm.”

“Okay.” I pulled the covers off and went to the closet. I put on jeans, a thick cable
-knit sweater, and a pair of cowboy boots Austin bought for me. Then I went into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and pulled my hair into a messy bun. When I was finished I came out of the bathroom. Austin was sitting on the edge of the bed, one knee bouncing up and down. “Is there something you want to tell me?” I asked walking toward him.

He stood and grabbed my hand, dragging me down the stairs. “It’s a surprise. Remember?”

“Right.”

When he opened the
front door, I pulled us to a stop. “Are we leaving? What about Emma?”

My mom came around the corner. She had on a silk bathrobe and pink, fluffy slippers. “Me and your sisters will take care of Emma. Go.” I realized she was crying.

“Mom?” I asked, a nervous wave washing over me.

‘I’m fine. Happy. Just go.”

“Come on,” Austin tugged me through the door and into a waiting limo. He was bubbling over with excitement.

“What time is it?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Like seven-thirty in the morning.” He helped me in and climbed in after me. The car started moving. “Can you give me a hint about where we’re going?”

He shook his head. “It’s a surprise, Will.”

I started to ask another question and he stopped me with a kiss. When it was over he said, “We’re flying somewhere.”

“Oh?” I thought it was sweet he wanted to surprise me, but I didn’t want to be away from Emma or my mom and sisters. There
were only two days left. I’d spent all day yesterday trying on dresses until I found one that was perfect. It was a simple white dress. The bodice was sleeveless and had folds of material that went in a diagonal. At the waist was a “belt” made of real diamond flowers. The bottom half was straight and puddled around my feet. The designer had clapped her hands and exclaimed loudly that she’d made the dress for me, that I looked divine and had to have it. I’d asked her how much it was, and she pressed her lips together in a tight line. “Not to worry. Mr. Merrick is handling the expense.”

I wanted to argue, but the look on
her face discouraged me.

Then there’d been the woman who was making the wedding cake. Austin and I tasted them together and decided
on a vanilla with strawberry cream. The cake would be white with flowers that matched my diamond “belt.”

After that Austin and I spoke to the party planner. It would be a small affair, with some friends and family. We discussed flowers, food, an open bar, and dancing. The night sounded like one to remember and by the end of the day I was tired, but
content.

“I
t’ll be a quick trip. I promise,” Austin said, brining me out of my thoughts.

“Alright.” I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. Austin squeezed my hand.

We arrived at the airport and climbed aboard his jet. Austin pulled a black scarf from his jacket pocket. “This is so you don’t get any ideas.”

I laughed. “Uh-huh. Right. Tell the truth, you’ve got kinky plans for me.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “Maybe.” He placed the scarf over my eyes and the pilot took off. While we were in the air Austin fed me grapes, strawberries and a delicious almond flavored pastry. To wash it down we had champagne.

“It’s a little early for that, isn’t it?” I asked giggling.

“It’s never too early for champagne.”

After we ate, he read to me from The Count of Monte Cristo. I love listening to his voice. The deep timbre, the way his voice caressed the words. If I hadn’t been in love with him before, I would’ve been now. There was something extremely sexy about a man reading out loud.

I tried to attack him. We hadn’t made love last night since I’d said we needed to wait until our wedding night. I was seriously regretting that crazy decision.

Austin laughed. “Oh, no. You don’t get any of me until after we’re married, young lady.”

I whined. “Come on, just a little make out, that’s all I want.” There was something freeing about the blindfold. I felt bolder and dove for where I thought his pants were and ended up smacking my forehead into his knee.

“You need to
relax,” he said, laughing.

I sat up, rubbing my forehead. “Fine.”

He pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead, then my eyes, the tip of my nose, each of my cheeks, my chin, and my neck near my ear.

Chills ran the length of my body. “You are evil,” I said, my voice breathy.

He turned me so I was fully on his lap and kissed between my breasts.

“So evil,” I said again.

He tucked my head against his shoulder. “Sleep if you want, love.”

I closed my eyes, sure I was too turned on to sleep, but it seemed like minutes later he was helping me to get buckled because we were about to land.

We landed and Austin rushed me into another limo. He fed me some dry wine, cheese, and green apples during the drive. I couldn’t see, but I could taste the flavors. The combination was delicious.

When we stopped, Austin helped me out of the car
, and I immediately knew where we were. Between the sound of the birds, the rush of the waves, and the smell of the ocean, I knew I was home. I yanked the blindfold off and threw myself into Austin’s arms.

“What did you do?” I whispered into his neck.

“You’ll see,” he said, hugging me tightly.

We walked hand in hand down the steps. The wind was blowing and the sun was setting. When we rounded the bend next to our rock I noticed a man in black. He had a book in his hands and a white collar around his neck.

I stopped. “Austin, you didn’t.”

He turned to me and touched my cheek. “Your mom told me you’d always dreamed of getting married at the beach. I had to make that happen.”

“Serious?” I said. Tears of happiness streamed down my face. “That is… You are the kindest man I’ve ever known.”

He took my hand and we walked toward the priest.

When we were close, the priest smiled and met us. “You must be Austin and Willow?”

Austin shook the man’s hand. “That’s us,” he said.

The priest smiled. “I’m Reverend Smythe. It’s good to meet you both.” He shook my hand. “Well, if we want to do this while the sun is setting we’d better get a move on.”

I was still crying as we walked toward our rock. It was a beautiful day. A tender peace filled my heart.

This is a good sign, right?
I thought. 

Reverend
Smythe stood with his back facing the sunset. We stood on either side of him.

“Please take each other’s hands.”

We did. There was always a crowd on the beach at sunset. Several stopped to watch.

“Do you
, Austin Merrick, take Willow St. James to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, honor her, and cherish her for as long as you both shall live?”

I listened to the Reverend, but inside all I kept thinking was,
it’s happening. This is really happening. I can’t believe this is happening.

Austin said, “I do.”

The priest turned to me. “Do you, Willow St. James, take Austin Merrick to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, honor him, and cherish him for as long as you both shall live?” At the reverend’s words, I got choked up. I hoped it would be for a long, long time, but it might be only two more days.

Austin shook my hands. “Will?”

I swallowed. “I do. Of course I do.”

Reverand
Smythe smiled. “Then by the power vested in me by the state of Oregon, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Austin pulled me to him,
lifted me into his arms and kissed me. Cheers came from the random crowd behind us. When he set me down, we shook the Reverend’s hand again.

“Thank you, sir,” I said.

“Thanks,” Austin said.

“You’re welcome. My work here is done.” While the priest walked away, the random people came up to us and congratulated us.

It was the best moment of my life aside from the birth of Emma.

“I love you, Austin. Thank y
ou so much for doing this. It was perfect.”

After the wedding and a lovely dinner overlooking the
coastline, we went back to my house. It was stuffy. Austin and I went around opening windows.

“Well, Mrs. Merrick, what do you intend to do with this house now that you’re going to be living with me?”

I beamed internally at the way he called me Mrs. Merrick. “I’m not sure. My mom and sisters already have their own.” I shrugged. “I guess I’ll put it up for sale.” The thought of leaving the house made me sad. I had a lot of memories here, but I couldn’t expect my mom and sisters to keep it up. Plus, I still had a mortgage.

Austin came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. “You want to keep it, don’t you?”

My body tingled at his touch. I did want to keep it, but if I had to choose between Austin and this house, there was no contest. Of course I’d choose Austin.

“Not as much as I want to be with you. But we should probably put it on the market quickly. I have a little savings, but the next mortgage payment is coming up soon. “ I turned and put my arms around his neck, pulling him in for a kiss.

His face was serious. “You love it here, don’t you?” he asked after a kiss that was too short.

I nodded. “I always imagined taking Emma to the same beach I grew up on, but it’s okay. We’ll make new memories at your house, which is so small we’ll be cramped, but I’ll manage.” I was being sarcastic and Austin knew it. His house was a mansion with over ten thousand square feet. I wasn’t even sure I’d seen the whole thing yet. There were also two guesthouses, a pool house, and a barn. His shack sat on
twenty-five acres. I knew for a fact I hadn’t seen the entire expanse of his land.

“Yes, it is tiny.” He smirked. “And we will make new memories at
our
house, but the beach is a part of you. How about we buy a house overlooking the beach?”

I gasped. “Are you serious?” That’d been my
dream; something I figured would never happen on my salary.

“
After your surgery, we’ll come back and look. I saw a little piece of land that would be the perfect spot to build a beach house.

I hugged him. “That would be beyond fantastic.” It was yet another hope contingent upon me surviving the surgery.

“Now,” Austin said, lifting me into his arms, “there’s the matter of making love to my beautiful wife.”

“Austin,” I said
, pretending shock.