Something Forever (22 page)

Max’s word
s shot pleasurable shivers through me. Satisfied with his answer, I gave him a big smile. Max held my hand and led me out the bedroom door. Thank goodness my parents were in their room. I wondered if they wondered what was taking Max and me so long?

Chapter 2
9

Becky

“I’m coming,” I said out loud, hearing the doorbell ring. It was
funny to hear that sound. It sounded like I was home.

“Hello
, beautiful,” Matthew said all flirty, leaning against the door hinge with his hands in his pants pocket. I was short of breath, admiring this beauty in front of me. He wore a striped blue and white dress shirt and dark navy pants. He scanned my body with his eyes, making it obvious that he was. “Maybe we should be late to dinner. It’s not like we’re the reason why people are here.” Matthew imprisoned me with his arms, walking backwards, away from the door.

“
Yes. But we are in the wedding party. I’m sure someone will miss us,” I replied, feeling Matthew’s soft kisses on my face. “Why didn’t you just use your keys to come in? I saw that you had unpacked already while I was out and about with Jenna and her mom.”

“What would be the fun in that?”
he murmured against my lips. “We had an appointment with the wedding coordinator. The reason why I didn’t let you know. We just finished.”

“W
e really should get going.”

“I guess you’re right
.” Matthew pouted, then he became serious. “How are you feeling?”

“You don’t have to ask me that every time you see me. Don’t worry. I’ll let you know,” I said cautiously. I didn’t want him to think that I was ungrateful.

“Okay,” he replied, sounding defeated.

I felt terrible
, so I tried to lighten the mood. “So, are we going to have a big wedding?”

“Babe, you can h
ave whatever wedding you want.”

“We better get going. Nicole and Kate already texted me twice. I was just about headed to get Jenna and her parents.”

“No need. Max is their escort.”

“And you are mine?”

“I’m always yours.” Matthew winked.

Matthew always had a way
of saying the sweetest things. “That you are. Come hither.” Hooking my index finger through the loop of his pants, I reeled him out of our villa.

“Here we are.”
I traced the 3D white wooden letters with my eyes. Addison, it read. “Pretty name for a restaurant.”

“I like it,” Matthew agreed.
“My grandmother’s name was Addison. They named this restaurant after her.”

“Really?”
I squealed excitedly. How amazing it was to have a restaurant named after you.

“Just kidding.”

“Matthew!” I lightly pushed his chest. It didn’t matter that I did; he didn’t even budge.

“No, but seriously. My grandmother’s name was Addison.”

Our friends cut off our conversation and stopped us in place. “Becky!” Kate bellowed, followed by Craig.

“Matthew!” Nicole said out loud. Sh
e shook Matthew’s hand and gave me a hug.

“Have you been here before?”
Craig asked.

“When we get a chance to get away,” Matthew answered. “Is this your first time here?”

“Yes, but it won’t be our last.”

“So
...what do you need to tell us?” Kate asked, changing our conversation.

I swung my arm out, making sure they had a clear vision of the diamond ring. I
didn’t know why I suddenly felt shy about it.

“Awww,” Nicole said smiling. “Congratulation
s.”

“It’s beautiful,” Kate gushed.

“We should get going. We’re already late. I’ll tell you all about it during dinner...or maybe after.” Mathew and I headed inside hand in hand, where a room full of people greeted us.

I was introduced to Matthew’s cousins, aunts, and uncles. I coul
d tell by the gestures how much they loved and cared for one another. Jenna caught my eyes from across the room. She had the brightest, happiest smile. As I continued to smile and gaze at her, I couldn’t help the sadness I felt in my heart. No matter how genuinely happy I was for her, even knowing I would see her soon, she was no longer my roommate. I was going to miss her terribly.

After dinner, most of the elder couples headed to bed while the young ones o
rdered drinks and went to a hangout close to the bar.

“Did you set your wedding date yet?” Nicole asked. With her le
gs crossed, she snuggled to Keith on the sofa.

When I turned to Matthew, I almost kissed him.
His body was pressed against mine. It’s like he needed to touch all of me. If he could, he would be on top of me. I had to laugh at that. “We’re going to wait until next year.” Nicole and Kate had no idea that I was pregnant. I planned to tell them when we got home. I wouldn’t be able to hide it soon.

Suddenly, Max and Jenna stood up. “We’re going to bed.”

“So soon? The wedding isn’t until late afternoon,” Kate said, giving Jenna and Max a hug.

“I don’t know if I can sleep
, so I’m going to try to get much rest as possible.”

“Oh
...I understand. I didn’t sleep at all on the night of my wedding.”

“Really, hun? I slept like a baby,” Keith snorted.

“Guys don’t understand. All that work you do, you want everything to be perfect. We understand, Jenna. You want to be refreshed and look your best on the most important day of your life.”

After their good
-byes, they left.

“Let’s go to bed
, too,” Matthew whispered in my ears so that only I could hear. Everyone else was in a heated conversation about the time shares one could purchase here.

“I’m not tired.” I wanted to toy with him.

“I have lollipops in my room. All kinds of flavors.” Matthew licked the tip of my earlobes, causing me to tingle between my legs.

“Do you have my favorite
flavor?”

“
My firecracker, I’m going to rub your favorite flavor on your cherry and suck it hard,” he stated under his breath.

Holy Jesus! Take me now!

Chapter 30

Max

“You ready
?” Matthew asked, standing by the door. Dressed in a Gucci black tuxedo, purple vest, and purple bow, he looked all grown up.

“
I am,” I replied, looking at the mirror in front of me to adjust my shirt.

“Have Mom and Dad come
by yet?”

“Yes.
A few minutes ago.”

“I’m here to let you know it’s almost time.”

“I can’t believe this day is finally here. It doesn’t feel real.”

Matthew patted
me gently on my back. “It’s because you never thought you would find the right woman to have forever with.”

“I found love when least expected. Same goes for you. And I can’t believe we’re both going to be fathers soon.”

“I can’t either, but it’s all good. It has to be.”

I knew my brother th
e best, especially when he tried to hide his worried expression...forehead creased and his brows angled. However, I understood why. I would feel the same way if Jenna was in Becky’s situation. Matthew had visited me the day after he brought Becky back from Paris and told me everything. “Don’t worry. Think positive thoughts. Make sure Becky goes to her appointments. She will have them more frequently than a normal pregnant mom. Rest assured that you have found her the best doctor. And don’t worry. I haven’t told Mom and Dad. That’s your job. But they will be thrilled. I got first dibs on babysitting.”

“We’ll see about that,” Matthew challenged. “We plan to tell our parents after we visit her parents. I’ve never met them, but they know who I am.”

“Good. Don’t wait too long.”

“Well
...that’s the music. It’s time to go.”

“Thanks for being my best man,” I said, smiling at my little brother. No matter how old he was, he would always be
the little brother I would protect.

“Thanks for agreeing to be my best man,” Matthew said.
“I don’t know when that date will be.”

“It’s okay. I’m here. I’ll always be here for you.”

“I know.” Matthew paused and his facial expression changed to a playful one. “Race you to the front?” Matthew dashed to the door.

“Not today. I’m taking my time. I’m going to savor every moment of today.”

Jenna

Profession
al makeup artists did mine and Becky’s hair and makeup. I had to say that they did a fabulous job. She tied my hair up elegantly and let a few loose strands down the side of my cheek. The makeup was natural, just the way I liked it, but it was definitely professional looking. I felt like one of the fashion models. My wedding dress hid my little belly, the reason why I had made sure my dress would flow out just enough from the waist. It was flattering to my shape, but hid what I wanted.

Becky looked gorgeous.
Her hair was down and her makeup complimented her dress. Luckily we had picked out the dress that was a similar style to mine so no one could tell she had a little belly, too. Becky and I had compared our belly size the other day and debated what the sex of her baby was going to be and who would have the biggest child.

Max and I
had bought Matthew and Becky matching sterling silver bracelets from Tiffany’s as a way to thank them for being our best man and maid of honor. It made me smile that she had it on.

“Jenna.
You look amazing,” Becky admired. “I can’t even tell you didn’t get any sleep last night.”

“Thanks. You do
, too. I love that lavender on you.”

“Thanks.”

“Adrenaline is pumping through me so fast right now. I should be exhausted, but I’m not. I feel like I drank five cups of coffee. I feel like I forgot something.”

“
I’m sure everything is in order. You shouldn’t have to worry about a thing. The list of things to do has been completed.”

Becky helped me put the v
eil on. I had something old, the veil from my mother-in-law. Something new was the bracelet my mom gave me during my bridal shower. Something blue was the garter I wore underneath the dress. And Becky’s pearl earrings were something borrowed.

“There. Now you’re all set.”

I jumped and my heart rate kicked up a notch when there was a soft knock. My mom walked in when Becky opened the door.

After she gave Becky a
hug and a kiss, she just stood there and stared at me. “Oh, Jenna.” Her lips trembled and tears wet her cheeks. “You look beautiful. Max won’t be able to keep his eyes off you. Not that he does anyway. I have to admit, at first, I thought he would be overbearing, but he turned out to be better than I had expected. Max loves you so much. You know how I can tell?”

“How?”

“It’s the way he looks at you. It’s full of genuine love, honor, and respect.”
“Yes, I know. I’m very lucky.”

“That you are.” Mom paused with an intake of b
reath. “Dad told me to hurry. He’s waiting where he was instructed to wait. Well, I’d better get going.” After a kiss on my cheek, Mom left.

The sound of music made my heart thump faster. That song was Max’s cue to stand in front
with Matthew. It was almost time. Suddenly, my muscles became tight and nervous, and my body was going haywire. Blood was pumping through me so fast that I could hardly breathe. All of those people out there were going to stare at me. What if I fell? What if I started crying? I was an emotional wreck.

“Deep breath
s, Jenna,” Becky reminded. “Inhale...exhale. There you go.”

When the wedding coordi
nator appeared at the door with my dad and the photographer, I knew it was time. “Max and Matthew are at their position,” she said. “When you hear the harp that will be Becky’s cue. Then it will be your turn. But don’t worry. I’m here to guide you.”

“Okay
.” I nodded. “Thanks.”

“You girls look
beautiful,” Dad said proudly, giving Becky and I awkward hugs. The veil was in the way. “I can’t believe my little girl is getting married today. Just look at you.”

I blushed and smiled. “
And look at you, Dad. You’re so handsome in that tuxedo.”

My dad’s cheeks turned
red. “You think so? Mom liked it, too.” He gave me a nervous laugh. He was too cute acting all shy around me.

The first harp rang.

“Becky,” I squealed as my stomach dropped to the floor.

Becky gave me a one last hug
. After picking up both of our bouquets from the table, she handed me mine. Hers were a mixture of white orchids with purple roses, and mine were just plain white orchids.

“You’ve got this,” Becky reminded
me. “I need to walk down first. Keep your head up and smile. Don’t look at the audience. Keep your eyes on Max. I already know what you’re thinking. Hold onto your dad tightly. Take baby steps so you won’t fall flat on your face.” Then she turned and was out of my sight. Becky made me laugh. She knew exactly what I was thinking. She knew me too well.

I snuck a peek to see Becky walk down the white runway. Rows and rows of white chairs filled with our family and friends were an overwhelming sight. My heart started hammering faster again
...so fast that I was almost certain I was having an anxiety attack. Since the view was limited from where I was standing, I couldn’t see Max, but I could see how clear and beautiful the sky was with scattered white puffy clouds. Since it was late in the afternoon, the position of the sun gave a nice shade over us. The weather was perfect, not too cold and not too hot.

“Time to go, Jenna,” my dad said, linking his arm around mine. “I’ve got you kiddo.”

Max

When the harpist played the “Wedding March”, my heart was filled with powerful bliss, pounding against my chest. It wasn’t that I was nervous about getting married, it was the anticipation of seeing Jenna in her wedding dress and finally making her Mrs. Knight. At any minute, I would see my Jenna walking to me. And...there she was with her dad. Just like a thief, she stole my heart and my breath. At that moment, I inhaled the most delicious air, so refreshing and refined. She looked like the perfect angel sent from above in all white. I knew she would look beautiful, but she’d exceeded my expectations. Taking tiny steps, ensuring she wouldn’t trip—because that was my Jenna—she looked like a vision of splendor.

Jenna
stared straight ahead and caught my eyes. Her smile was sweet and somewhat shy. She also seemed a bit scared. I didn’t blame her. Everyone was standing, staring at her with the “aww” and “oo” sounds. Finally, she was there. With glistening eyes, she swallowed and bit her bottom lip to stop herself from sobbing. I, too, found myself a little damp in the eyes, so I could only imagine how much she was holding back.

After
the pastor said a few words, Jenna’s father gave me Jenna’s hand, and then everyone took their seats. With a nod from the pastor to confirm we were ready, he began, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man, Maxwell Knight, and this woman, Jenna Mefferd, in matrimony.”

After those words, everything else seemed to be a blur as I gaze
d deeply into Jenna’s eyes. She looked so content. I was more than happy to be able to put that huge angelic smile on her face. Now it was time to exchange our vows. We had told the pastor that we would make our own.

Jenna handed her bouquet to Becky, then we both faced each other with our hands together in fro
nt. With a big intake of breath, and setting my eyes on her, I began, “My dearest Jenna. Where do I start telling you how much you mean to me? It’s been a long journey in a short amount of time. When I first met you, I knew you were the one. It hit me so hard, I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t breathe. But everything fell into place. What I did and said came naturally, because that is how I feel when I’m with you, like I’m home. I feel so blessed to have found you. Many search their whole life for their soul mate, but I found you when least expected. Every second, every minute, every moment, you are on my mind. My heart beats only for you, babe. My life was like a blank canvas, but you painted it with your love. You...made me a perfect painting. I promise, from this day forward, in front of all these witnesses, and under the heavenly sky, that I will honor, respect, and take care of you and our future family with my life. You are everything to me. You are my something great, forever.”

Jenna’s lips quivered and
she gazed down for a moment. When she looked back at me, a teardrop came down from the corner of her eye. Blinking rapidly, I could see her effort in holding her tears at bay. I quickly wiped them with a smile and held her hands again. From my peripheral vision, I could see Jenna’s mom and my mom in tears.

Jenna took a deep breath before she
started, “My dearest Max. You came into my life like a true Knight. You made me see what real love is. You made me understand that I deserved better. You’ve shown me that I was worth fighting for. I’m beautiful when I’m around you. You bring out the best in me. The once insecure girl is gone. I’ve become more confident and wiser because of you. Ever since I met you, you lifted me up and never let me touch the ground. That is how you make me feel. I promise, from this day forward, that I will be the wife you deserve, because you have no idea how much you mean to me. I can’t put it into words. I will honor, respect, and show you every day how much I love you. You are everything to me. You are my something great, forever.”