Geronimo (A Songbird Novel) (19 page)

Harry gently took my face and brushed the tears away with his thumbs before leaning down to kiss me.

His tender lips melted against mine and he murmured, “Geronimo” one more time before swiping his tongue into my mouth and reminding me of what home felt like.

I clutched his shoulders, diving into the kiss like it was the only thing I was born to do.

When he pulled back for air, I mumbled against his lips, “I love you. I love you.”

We kissed some more, his hands gliding down my back and pulling me against him. I was getting ready to take things to the next level and christen the bed when the villa door burst open and Sarah hurried in.

“Oh, thank God.” She tipped her head back and clapped her hands before pointing at Harry. “I told you, you had nothing to worry about.”

He chuckled, still holding me tight as I leaned my cheek against his shoulder.

“Okay, let’s get going.” She flicked her fingers at me.

“What?” I frowned at my friend as Harry took a step back.

“We have so much to do. The wedding’s at sunset. Come on, let’s go.”

“I’m sorry.” I frowned at her. “I didn’t realize you were expecting me to be your little helper!” I couldn’t hide my terse tone. It may have been selfish, but I kind of had better things to do than rush around for some bride I didn’t even know.

“I’m not.” She giggled. “I’m expecting you to be the bride.”

My breath hitched and I glanced at Harry. He winked at me then ran the back of his finger down my cheek. “You deserve a beautiful wedding, not a courthouse. But we knew you didn’t want to have to plan one again.”

“So, I did it for you. Trust me, it’s going to be awesome!” Sarah sang, then grabbed my wrist and started tugging me out of the room.

I turned back to glance at Harry. His smile was like the sun as he mouthed, “See you soon.”

All I could do was give him the same smile back as I was whisked away to get ready for my wedding.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Harry

The grains of sand were cool beneath my feet. I stood there twitching as the cool breeze ruffled my curls. I was still in a mild state of shock that Jane had said yes. I guess I prepped myself for the big NO a little too well. At that moment, while I waited for my bride, I was caught in a surreal bubble. Sarah’s brilliant surprise had paid off…and I was the luckiest man alive.

Justin and I had lit the torches that would guide Jane to my side. Behind me a guitarist I didn’t know was tuning up for the
walk down the aisle
song. I had no idea what Sarah had chosen. Trying to coordinate it all from overseas had been slightly complicated, and in the end she told me to trust her and go with it.

All I really cared about was marrying Jane, so I gave in easily and followed all her instructions. When I arrived at the resort only a few hours before Jane, I was blown away by the luxury of it all, but Sarah told me her father owned a big record company and could afford to shell out for her best friend. My parents had paid for my flights as a wedding gift. I felt bad they couldn’t be there, but in an effort to make Jane’s wedding as un-wedding-ish as possible, we’d kept the guest list to only two witnesses—Sarah and Justin. I promised my parents a grand celebration over Christmas, then vowed to do the same for Jane’s family over Thanksgiving. I was pretty sure her mother was in the throes of arranging a party as I stood on the beach waiting for my future wife.

Clearing my throat, I straightened the linen shirt Justin had brought to me a couple of hours earlier. It was white and I’d left the top two buttons undone and rolled up the sleeves. I looked like I was ready for a casual dinner by the poolside. Just the look Sarah was going for.

Justin tapped me on the shoulder. “Y-you good?”

“Yeah, mate. I’m feeling bloody tops right now.” I nodded, and he gave me a little thumbs-up.

“This is r-right. If she’s gonna marry anyone, i-it should be you.”

I turned to him, my smile grateful as I extended my hand. “Thank you. That means a lot. Sarah told me how close you were to your brother.”

He shook my hand and nodded, then noticed something at the end of the beach. His eyebrows shot up, and he spun me back around before pointing at the guitarist.

The sun was setting behind me, lighting Jane’s way with a golden beam. As she stepped into it, my breath hitched, my eyes welling with tears while the guitarist behind me started playing and singing, “Thinking Out Loud.”

I couldn’t take my watery gaze off her as she walked down the aisle with Sarah. Her red hair was curled and floating around her shoulders. A white flower was tucked behind her ear, pressed against her freckled cheek. Her dress was teal blue, reminding me of the waters from our European holiday. The soft fabric floated around her ankles, catching on the breeze and moving like its own ocean as she glided toward me. Pearl chains decorated her feet, wrapping around her big toes and up to her ankles. My eyes traveled back up her body again and over the fitted bodice that wound around her torso, culminating to a one-shoulder strap that was gathered with a neat line of pearls.

She looked breathtaking.

The song drew to a close just after she reached me. I took her hand and held it, gazing down at her with all the love and affection I possessed. It was a lot. I was overflowing with the emotion, my beaming smile testament to how much she owned my heart.

The celebrant’s deep voice eased into our moment, guiding us through a simple ceremony that finished as the sky turned dark orange.

I kissed her under the night’s first stars, treasuring the feel of her arms wrapping around my neck, her soft breath kissing my skin just before her lips did.

Sarah cheered while Justin clapped behind me, and I lifted Jane off her feet. She laughed into my mouth, then touched her nose against mine.

“I love you, Mr. Tindal.”

“And I love you, my sweet Jane.”

She smiled and kissed me again while the celebrant announced us husband and wife and the guitarist kicked in with another rendition of “Thinking Out Loud.” It was the perfect song for the moment, and although I still had no idea how long I’d get to love the beautiful woman, I was confident that I would love her with everything, any chance I got.

My wife.

My beautiful Jane.

A love I would never take for granted. 

*****

Jane glided across the bedroom floor, her teal dress still floating like water. It had been all night and I’d been mesmerized by it. I lay on the bed watching her. We were stuffed full of delicious food and slightly buzzed after one too many glasses of champagne. It had been the best night of my life. Watching Jane walk down the aisle toward me, hearing her declare she wanted to be mine…

I spun the simple gold band on my fourth finger and shook my head. I’d fought becoming a husband for so long, but maybe life had made me wait for Jane.

Who knew?

All I did understand with every fiber of my being was that the decisions I’d made throughout my day had been the right ones, and hopefully I could say that same thing tomorrow night.

“Come to bed, wifey.” I patted the mattress.

Jane giggled and flicked her hair over her shoulder. “I will, I just have to give you something.”

She pulled a booklet from her bag and walked over to me. With a mystified smile, I took it and studied the dragons on the front cover.

“Brandy wanted me to give it to you.”

“She did this?”

Jane nodded.

I grinned and sat up, thumbing through the book while pride pulsed through me. That girl was a talent.

“It’s amazing,” I murmured, running my finger over the mended heart on the last page.

“She gave it to me just before she left for Chile. And then the principal walked in with that envelope from Sarah.”

Setting the booklet aside, I turned to Jane and took her hand. “You didn’t mind us surprising you?”

She tipped her head and let out a rueful chuckle. “As much as I hate surprises, I think it’s sometimes the only way to bust through my stubborn veneer. I was so scared of losing you.” She ran her fingers down my cheek. “I needed to see your face. The second I did, I knew I couldn’t keep pretending. I may have found my way to a contented life eventually, but you make me so incredibly happy and I shouldn’t deny myself that joy. Even if I only get it for another day.”

I lightly held her wrist and kissed her palm. “Jane, we could have a lifetime of days ahead of us.”

Her smile faltered like she couldn’t quite believe it.

“It doesn’t matter how many we get.” I kissed her wrist. “Let’s just live one day at time and make the most of it.”

“I like the sound of that.” Her smile grew wide and beautiful.

I leaned forward and kissed it, gently pushing her onto the bed so I could cover her with my body. Working my way across her cheek, I kissed her neck and down across her bare shoulder. She let out a blissful sigh, running her fingers into my hair and whispering, “You’ve added so many things to my list today.”

I looked up at her and grinned. “Do you have it with you? We could write them on and cross them off.”

She giggled then wrinkled her nose. “I haven’t touched the list since you left LA.”

“Well, that won’t do.” My eyebrows knit together.

Her eyes sparkled as she brushed her teeth over her bottom lip. “Do you want to start a new one? We could call it ‘Jane and Harry’s To Do List.’”

“Or…” I lightly nipped her shoulder, then gave her a cheeky wink. “We could call it ‘Jane and Harry’s Done It List.’” Gliding my hand down her leg, I gathered the soft material with my fingers, sliding it up until I could reach her smooth skin. Palming her thigh, I traveled up to her perfect bottom and gave it a gentle squeeze.

She chuckled and hooked her leg over my thigh, giving me full access to her delectable arse.

“Let’s stop making a list of wishes and start writing down everything we’ve achieved instead. We know what it’s like to lose. We know the importance of making life count. Adding to our list each day will be a reminder that we’re not wasting our lives, that we’re living in the moment and cherishing all it has to offer.”

Her eyes glittered like fireflies as she pressed her body against mine and kissed me. Rubbing her thumb over my bottom lip, she smiled and whispered, “You want to add something to the list right now?”

“If that hungry look in your eye is saying what I think it is, then most definitely.”

She laughed and wriggled out of my grasp. “Come on, then.”

“Where are you going?” I rolled over to watch her run around the bed. She stopped in the doorway and unhooked the strap of her dress. My body stirred with desire at the sound of her zipper coming undone. Wriggling her hips, she shimmied out of the dress then whipped her knickers off.

“Aphrodite,” I whispered with a smile.

Her cheeks flamed with color as I openly admired her. “I’ve always wanted to make love in the water. Fancy a midnight dip in the pool?”

I was ripping off my shirt before she’d even finished talking. As soon as my pants hit the floor, I walked across the room naked and swept her into my arms. Carrying her through the villa, we stepped into the tropical night air. I stopped at the edge of the pool and smiled down at her moonlit face.

“Geronimo, sweet Jane.”

She wrapped her arms around my neck and squealed as I jumped into the water. The second our heads popped above the surface, our lips met in a wet, frenetic kiss that rivaled our first reunion. Her legs wrapped around my hips and I walked her to the edge of the pool, where I happily added the first item to our list.

It was a magical moment listening to Jane’s sweet moans, her milky skin cast in moonlight while the stars twinkled above us. The water blanketed us as I came inside her, sealing our marriage vows and opening the next chapter of our lives.

I had no idea what would be written on each page, but I was determined to fill them with as many good things as I possibly could.

Life was for living, loving, appreciating…and Jane and I were going to prove it.

Epilogue

Jane

“I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Don’t forget to bring in your book assignments!” I called to my class as they filtered out the door.

The final bell for the day had just rung, and I was pretty sure none of them heard me.

Most of them were still trying to get back into the swing after the Christmas/New Year break. Gearing them up to think again was always challenging. I grinned and shook my head. I didn’t blame them. It was hard to get down to work when there was always something better waiting outside of school. My cheeks heated with color. As much as I loved my job, I was no longer obsessed with it. I didn’t need to be. Harry made life worth embracing, and I’d learned to switch off the second I left the building.

I checked my watch and tried to calculate how long it would take me to set up for the next day’s classes. If I worked fast enough I could beat rush hour and get home to my husband that much quicker. Unless I just left it and came in early the next morning.

That was appealing.

“See ya, Mrs. Tindal.”

“Bye, sweetie.” I waved to Annie as she walked out the door. That’s when I noticed Troy hovering in the hallway. As soon as Annie turned down the corridor, he stepped into my room.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Baker.” I crossed my arms and grinned. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

He chuckled. “Maybe I just wanted to swing by and see that smile again.”

I blushed.

“No, seriously. It gives me hope.” He perched his butt on the corner of my desk. “Since you’ve been married, you’ve had a complete transformation. You suit being Mrs. Tindal.”

“Well, it’s lucky I love it so much, then.”

He grinned, but his smile soon fled as he placed a manila folder on my desk. “We’ve got a new kid coming in. He’s a…” Troy scratched his forehead, his eyebrows popping up as he looked at the folder with a sad smile. “It’s a bit of a tragic story. His mother died recently and he’s moved in with his estranged aunt who is completely out of her depth. She doesn’t seem to want him, but she’s also adamant that he can’t go into foster care. Poor thing’s only twenty-two, and she’s really struggling.”

“How old’s her nephew?”

“He turned twelve last week.”

“Whoa,” I muttered, reaching for the file. Flipping it open, I read the name—Felix Grayson. He had big brown eyes, much like Brandy’s, and a mop of thick, wayward hair.

“He keeps getting into fights at his current school. They want to kick him out, so I’ve stepped in and scored him a scholarship here.”

“Don’t you think he’ll just get into fights here?”

“Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders. I can’t help wondering if most of those fights were simply self-defense. I’ve had a few sessions with him, but he won’t talk to me. I don’t think he’s a bad kid. I think he’s just scared and misses his mom. He’s really quiet and doesn’t give off aggressive vibes, but I don’t think he’s the type to just sit back and take a beating either.”

“Father?”

Troy shook his head. “There’s no name listed on his birth certificate.”

I scanned his school records, noting his higher grades at elementary school and the serious drop-off when he hit fifth grade. “Was his mother sick before she died?”

“Yeah, she was diagnosed with cancer just after he turned ten.”

I winced, hurting for the poor boy already. “So, I take it he’ll be in my homeroom.”

“Yeah, plus English. He starts next week.”

“Okay.” I nodded. “Well, thanks for the heads-up. I’ll try to help him if I can.”

“You did such a great job helping Brandy, I actually requested that he go into your class.”

I smiled, my cheeks tinging red again. “I didn’t—”

“You did.” He cut me off. “And you will again. Hopefully between me and his teachers we can help this kid get through.” Troy sighed. “I get the impression he and his mom were pretty tight. She was his everything and now she’s gone, you know?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “I do know.”

Troy’s lips pushed into a smile. “Which is why I requested you. He needs someone to show him that it’s okay to move on and find joy without his mom. I doubt his struggling aunt’s going to be able to revive him, so it’s up to us.”

“Well, I’ll give it my best shot.”

“You’re a first-class case of reviving a life, Jane.” He walked for the door. “It gives me hope!” he called over his shoulder, then stopped and smiled at something to his right. Spinning back, he wiggled his eyebrows at my bemused expression and said, “Have a good night.”

As soon as he started walking away, a bunch of red roses appeared in my doorway, followed by my husband who was singing “I Love You Too Much.”

I giggled when he did a twirl, his voice crescendo-ing into the second verse. Using the bouquet as a microphone, he swayed from side to side, serenading me with his true Harry charm.

Taking my hand, he pulled me against his chest and waltzed me between the desks, grinning and singing until he reached the end. Tipping me back, he whispered the last line then kissed me softly on the lips.

My smile was broad and enchanted. We’d only been married three months, and I found it funny how some days it felt like a lifetime and other days it felt like we’d only just started dating. Harry made me feel so comfortable, yet I still got those giddy buzzes shooting through my system whenever he smiled at me or held me close.

Swinging me back up to standing, he tucked my bangs behind my ear and, with a flourish, handed me the slightly bruised roses.

“For you, Mrs. Tindal.”

“Why, thank you.” I laughed, taking the bouquet and sniffing the petals. “What’s the occasion?”

“Do I need an occasion?” He pulled me to his side and pecked my nose.

“Hmm, I guess not.”

“Well, why don’t we make it one?”

“Meaning?”

He twirled me under his arm then guided me toward my desk. “Let’s go home and fancy up for some classy dinner. I could take you to that new place near your parents’ house. What’s it called again?”

“Vincenzo’s.”

“Yes!” He clicked his fingers. “Vincenzo’s it is.”

I slid my computer into my bag and ignored my planning folder. It could wait until the morning. Harry took the bag from me and started for the door, but I stopped him with another suggestion.

“Or…” My eyes gleamed as I plucked a red petal from the bunch and ran it beneath my nose then across my lips. “We could just go home and make love on a bed of rose petals.”

His smile was slow and sexy as he hitched my bag onto his shoulder and retraced his steps. “Well, you know I only have one thing to say about that.”

He sidled up against me, nuzzling my neck until I started giggling then whispered into his ear, “Geronimo?”

“You better bloody believe it.” He swept me off the floor.

I laughed and held tight as he walked me out of the school and straight for my car. We still lived in my tiny studio apartment. We were saving for a new place, but for now the little apartment was ours and it was home.

Home.

I loved that word.

Harry had made it real to me once more. When I woke each morning and found him lying beside me, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of comfort and gratitude. If tragedy had taught me anything, it was to cherish each moment I was given. And Harry had the ability to make each and every moment magical. As I fingered the rose petals on my lap, I glanced at my husband and smiled.

He winked at me and continued to drive us home. His wedding ring caught my eye, the simple gold band on his fourth finger making him mine. Giddy love bubbles rose within me, popping and bursting as I grinned out the window.

Yes, love was a risk.

But it was a beautiful one, and I’d be forever grateful I took a leap of faith and jumped back into it.

I was the happiest version of myself that I’d ever been, and although no one could guarantee me a lifetime of it, I’d cherish each and every second I got.

*****

Thank you so much for reading
Geronimo
. If you’ve enjoyed it and would like to show me some support, please consider leaving an honest review.

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