Abel grinned wryly and chuckled. “Go make me breakfast while I shower.” Stalking out of the room, he headed towards the bathroom.
“Yes, dear.” Jackson’s mocking laugher followed him down the hallway, and he couldn’t stop himself from smiling.
The wind rustled through the trees as Abel stared down at the beautiful woman standing next to him in the garden. The slight breeze ruffled the wisps of hair that had escaped her fancy braid. His fingers itched to smooth the flyaway hair out of her face.
Listening to her promise to love and cherish him for the rest of their lives made his chest tighten with emotion. This was a woman who kept her promises, a woman a man would be proud to have by his side for a lifetime, a woman to grow old with.
She looked beautiful in a strapless white dress that fell to just above her ankles. The material clung to her curves, accentuating her femaleness. Abel knew she damned well wasn’t wearing a bra with that dress. But what really had him sweating was wondering if she was wearing any panties beneath it. Her legs were covered with white stockings, and Abel shook himself slightly as the thought of Erin wearing nothing but a garter belt and stockings occupied his mind.
“Abel.” He looked down at Erin as she tugged on his arm. His brain registered the fact that there was total silence around them, and everyone was staring at him.
The minister cleared his voice. “The ring,” he prompted.
Jackson stood beside him, barely holding back his laughter as he handed Abel the ring. Abel just shrugged, unwilling to apologize for his actions. He took the thick gold band from Jackson and slipped it onto Erin’s finger. Then held out his hand as she did the same for him. Taking her smaller, work worn hand firmly in his, Abel gazed down into her laughing blue eyes, and repeated the vows that would bind them together. Forever.
Her eyes were misty by the time he was finished. Her gaze was solemn as she repeated her own vows to him. He held her hand tight as the minister blessed them. As quick as that, it was all over, and they were turning to face the small crowd that had gathered in the garden of the Connors homestead. The moment the minister told him he could kiss the bride, Abel heaved a sigh of relief. It was over now, and she was his.
Cupping her smiling face in his hands, he bent down and kissed her softly on the lips. She gasped and her lips parted slightly. Abel couldn’t resist the temptation and his tongue swept into her mouth, claiming it for himself. She tasted so damned enticing, an addictive combination of sweetness and woman.
Abel could hear laughter in the background as someone thumped him on the shoulder. He reared back with a scowl on his face.
Jackson stood there shaking his head as he plucked Erin out of Abel’s arms and gave her a big hug. “Be happy.”
Erin’s smile was almost blinding as she returned her brother’s hug. “I will,” she promised.
Then it was Nathan’s turn as he picked Erin up and swung her around in a circle. Abel watched them, loving the way they interacted together as a family. Jackson stood beside him as they watched Nathan and Erin together. “Welcome to the family.” He stuck out his hand as he spoke.
Abel took his best friend’s hand and held it tight. “I’ll make her happy,” he promised.
Jackson nodded, but then the moment passed and was gone as they were swarmed by the other guests. Everyone congratulated them all at once. Abel snagged Erin from her brother’s arms and kept her close by his side as they shook hands and accepted warm wishes from their guests.
Abel felt a bit awkward when his newfound brother Cain stepped up before him and offered him his large hand. The two men eyed each other as they shook hands. “Thanks for coming.” They were finding their way slowly, but surely, but it would take time.
“You’re welcome,” Cain’s deep voice rumbled. Then he gave a snort of laughter. “Our wives wouldn’t have it any other way.” Both men turned and watched Erin and Katie as they chatted and hugged. The women had struck up an instant friendship that only seemed to be getting stronger over time.
“I’m still glad you came.”
Cain stared at him for a moment before a rare grin crossed his face. “Me too.”
Excusing himself, Cain led his wife away to allow other people to speak to the new bride and groom. Carly was laughing and kissing both him and Erin, and she was followed by a parade of Erin’s friends from town. It was a small wedding by most standards, but it was more than big enough for Abel. The thirty or so guests filled the yard as they all milled about chatting and socializing.
It was a beautiful evening for a wedding, and everyone helped themselves to a buffet supper. People sat in clusters around the picnic tables that had been set up around the yard. Food was consumed, toasts were made, and everyone laughed and enjoyed themselves.
Finally, it was time for the first dance. Abel led Erin to the middle of the makeshift dance floor and pulled her into his arms as the local band they’d hired began to play a slow love song. Erin snuggled against his chest and he could feel his cock swelling at her nearness. He’d wanted her desperately since he’d laid eyes on her before the ceremony.
“You look like an angel,” he whispered in her ear. He licked behind her ear, and she shivered.
She gazed up at him, her blue eyes luminous and her red hair glowing in the patio lanterns. “Thank you.” Shifting closer to him, she pressed her stomach against his growing erection.
Abel laughed and held her close as he swung her around the floor to the whoops and laughter of their friends. “You’re playing with fire,” he cautioned her.
She just shot him a knowing smile. “Maybe I want to get burned.”
Abel swooped Erin up in his arms and turned to the crowd. “Enjoy yourselves. We’ll see you in a few days.”
Amidst much catcalling and shouted encouragement, Abel carried his new wife to his truck. Carly rushed forward to hand Erin her bouquet as they passed her. Erin buried her nose in the fragrant roses, enjoying their scent and beauty one final time. She looked up at him, gave him a wink, and then tossed the bouquet back over his shoulder. Carly was startled, but caught it in both hands. Erin laughed and waved at her friend as he tucked her into the truck. Giving the group one last wave, he gunned the engine and started the short trip back to their new home.
Nathan walked up behind Carly as she buried her nose in the roses of his sister’s wedding bouquet. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against his chest. “I can’t wait much longer.” His days were filled with frustration, as he and Carly could barely seem to get two minutes together lately.
“I know.” She leaned back against his chest and sighed. “I’ve just been so busy with two of my staff down with the flu.”
“And I’ve been working double-shifts. Some of the guys at work are down with the same damned thing.” Nathan tugged Carly back into the shadows and kissed the back of her neck.
“Hmm,” she agreed as she tilted her neck to one side to give him better access.
“I don’t think I can take three more weeks of waiting,” Nathan grated out between clenched teeth. His cock was so hard against the front of his pants he thought he might explode. He tortured himself further by rubbing it over her rounded backside.
Moaning, she pushed her ass back against him. His hands started to slide up towards her breasts. “Carly.” A woman’s voice broke the sensual spell between them. Nathan groaned and buried his face in her hair.
Nathan kept Carly in front of him as her mother walked towards them. Nathan liked both her parents, but right now he wished them to the devil. They’d come home a week ago to spend the month with Carly and help her get ready for the wedding. Since then they hadn’t managed to get two minutes alone, even for a quickie.