Pick And Choose: The Wedding
Groom...
Nash couldn’t stop the grin as he looked in the mirror. Charlie wouldn’t be twelve for a couple more months but he was already stretching. He’d be towering over Olivia in no time.
“We look good, Dad.”
Nash laughed. “We do. I’m glad Olivia didn’t want us wearing monkey suits. They don’t look as comfortable as this.” Although he would have gone along wth it in a heart beat if she had her heart set on it. He was pretty sure it wasn’t in his power to deny her anything.
Charlie shrugged. “She said she was okay with jeans and a dress shirt.”
But they’d ordered dress pants, shirts, and vests for the day. “I didn’t want her looking back at the pictures with any regrets.”
Charlie nodded. “We’ll look good in the pictures, but I’m glad I don’t have to wear this stuff all the time. I’d have to worry about getting it dirty.”
“Me too, bud.”
“But the ladies will like the outfits.”
Nash groaned. “You’re too young to be thinking about what the ladies like.”
“Not a chance. I’ll be twelve soon. Then a teenager.”
“Don’t remind me.”
Charlie grinned, looking so much like Nash’s younger self, it punched him in the heart.
A knock on the door preceded his buddies walking in. Gray, Ford, and Knox. There were more friends downstairs, but these were the men he wanted to stand with him as he committed to the woman he loved.
Gray held up two mason jars while Knox carried the shot glasses. Gray grinned at Charlie. “You’re growing like a weed, but it’ll be a few years before you can have the hard cider.”
Charlie put on a pouty face making them all laugh. “I guess I’ll survive.”
They poured out shots of the hard cider they’d perfected over the past year and Charlie’s favorite spicy cider.
Knox lifted his glass. “To Alice. We’re glad you came to our farm. And doubly glad you found Olivia and Ella along the way.”
Ford nodded and lifted his. “To a future filled with family, love, and fun.”
Gray joined in. “To hearts expanding enough to encompass more. Mamma Santoro would be proud.”
Charlie grinned and lifted his glass. “This is fun. To Dad. I’m glad we stopped in Phail Way Park that day. I think Mom would be happy we found Olivia and Ella.”
Nash had to blink away the moisture as he raised his own glass. “I think you’re right, Charlie. To the best son and the best friends a man could have. To a future full of love and possibilities. To Olivia.”
They all raised their glasses. Gray smiled at Charlie. “Now we down them in one gulp. Ready?”
When Charlie nodded, they drank in unison.
Nash placed his glass on the table. “Time to get married. Let’s go.”
...and Bride
Olivia grinned at her daughter. “Okay, Ella Mae. Are you ready to put on your princess dress?”
“Na dress, Mama.”
Olivia smiled as she slipped the sparkly pink dress over her head. “Yes, we’re wearing our Nash dresses. Today’s the day we grow our family officially.” She had to battle back tears at her own words.
A knock at the door was followed by Jolie’s voice. “Can we come in?”
“Of course.”
Jolie, Thea, Amber and Boomer entered. The ladies wore dresses, an unusual look for the women of the apple farm who most often worked in jeans. Boomer added to the fancy feel with a spiffy bow tie in the same fabric as Nash’s tie.
“Mama. Mama. Na dresses.” Ella waved excitedly at the three women.
Olivia laughed. “You’re right. We’re all wearing our wedding dresses.”
Amber squatted down by the girl. “Are you saying Nash dresses? Are you wearing a Nash dress to get married today?”
Ella patted her dress and then pulled out the skirt to show off the layers of tulle. “Na dress.”
Amber tapped Ella’s nose. “I love your Nash dress, Ella. You’re beautiful.”
Ella twirled in place, making the women clap their hands and laugh.
When Ella stumbled, Boomer moved in to steady her and she patted. “Boom Oggie.”
Olivia smiled at Ella. The girl’s vocabulary was growing daily. She’d decided that Oggie should be added to the names of the other dogs, while their beagle remained the only pure Oggie.
Jolie motioned for Olivia to do a twirl as well, so she complied, enjoying the feel of the wide skirt flowing out around her knees.
Jolie grinned. “You’re perfect. I love the pink flowers that match Ella’s dress. Are the blue ones to match the ties the guy’s ordered?”
Olivia nodded. She’d ordered the dress from a woman in Bloo Moose who made custom dresses out of recycled and damaged ones. The tiny flowers that danced along the hem made her smile. “Nia embroidered them to match the swatches of the ties and Ella’s dress that I sent her.”
Thea smiled. “It’s perfect. Sweet and sexy enough to make Nash beg.”
That made her laugh. She wasn’t going to say it here but she’d also ordered lingerie for the night that might have Nash doing exactly that.
Another knock sounded at the door. Jim’s voice came through. “There a groom impatiently waiting downstairs. Are you ladies ready?”
Laughing, Jolie opened the door. “We’re ready, she’s all yours.”
After hugging her, the women headed downstairs while Jim and Carl entered. They’d been so kind from the moment they’d met and stayed in the B&B. “Thank you both for doing this for us. I can’t imagine better men to represent a father figure for us.
Carl waved a hand in front of his face. “Now, don’t make me tear up. We need clear eyes for the photos.”
Jim laughed and kissed his husband’s cheek. “You’d still look dashing.”
“Jims.” Grinning the two men squatted down to talk to Ella. Ella had apparently decided Jim and Carl was too much for her to handle, so she’d taken to calling them both Jims. It made them everyone grin.
Carl ran a hand lightly over her hair. “You’re beautiful, Ella Mae. Are you ready to get your mom married.”
Ella twirled. “Na dress.”
Jim grinned. They were used to translating Ella’s phrases. “Is that your Nash dress?”
She nodded and twirled again.
Carl handed Olivia a bouquet of flowers that matched the pink and blue on her dress. “We’re so glad you stopped in Phail that day. And that you captured Nash with that smile of yours.”
She blushed even as she laughed.
Ella lifted her hands to Jim. “Up.”
Jim hoisted her to his hip. “Let’s get you ladies married.”
Olivia looped her arm through Carl’s and the four of them headed down the stairs. She managed to keep herself from running the whole way.
Ready And Willing
Nash waited by the fireplace in the main room, Charlie at his side. While he’d never met Jay Malssum, he wondered if the man was watching somehow. He imagined he would be pleased at what he saw. This large farmhouse would have been lonely for one man. Too quiet.
Now it was filled with people. With family. With hopefully more on the way.
It also held the Christmas tree they’d rented again this year and all the decorations the group had made. It was warm and cozy, a perfect place for their wedding.
Thea, Jolie, and Amber walked in and Nash’s body came to attention. That meant Olivia was next. Someone had soft, jazzy music playing in the background and he couldn’t pull his attention from the doorway.
Jim came first, with a pink and sparkly Emma on his hip. “Na. Lee. Na dress.”
She squealed and reached out her hands for Nash. His heart swelled with love for this little girl who would be officially his as soon as the adoption paperwork went through.
Nash lifted her from Jim and held her out to check out her dress. “That’s a beautiful dress, Ella Mae. You’re pretty as a princess.”
She reached forward for a hug and he held her close. Then she spotted Charlie. “Lee. Lee.”
Nash passed her off to her favorite person. Charlie grinned. “Hi, Ella. You look so pretty.”
“Na dress.”
Nash laughed until his attention was snagged by movement in the doorway.
Olivia.
In a beautiful white dress that swirled around her fabulous legs. Sleeves fluttered and the front dipped just enough to have him salivating.
But that was in the periphery. It was her smile, her eyes that captured him.
The first time he’d seen her, those eyes had been filled with fear and exhaustion. Now, there was nothing but joy and love.
For him. For them.
For the future they were going to build.
He wasn’t sure what sound came from his throat but it was filled with need. For Olivia. For Ella and the family they would be.
Nash barely managed a nod for Carl as he took Olivia’s hands and pulled her in for a kiss.
Laughter filled the room as Charlie’s voice penetrated. “Dad, you’re supposed to wait.”
Knox laughed. “Don’t think that was possible, bud. We’ll have to wait for them to stop to start the ceremony though.”
Nash laughed and pulled back enough to rest his forehead on Olivia’s. “Hi, beautiful.”
Her voice was husky when she spoke. “Hi, handsome.”
“Wanna get hitched?”
“More than anything.”
He kissed her softly. “Then let’s do this.”
Always And Forever
Olivia barely heard Knox’s words as he led them through the ceremony. She was almost overwhelmed by the happiness filling her up.
She’d never thought she could be this happy. She hadn’t even realized this level of happiness existed.
Knox’s word penetrated. “Olivia, would you like to say your vows?”
She nodded and kept her eyes locked on Nash. “Growing up, I spent a lot of my time reading and writing. In those worlds, I found happiness, even when the world around me was uncertain. I couldn’t imagine that feeling for myself.”
She smiled. “Then Ella and I stopped to stretch our legs in a park and found our future. Found our chance at happiness. That’s all because of you and Charlie.”
She smiled at the almost-teen and turned back to Nash. “You gave us so much. From the freedom to play without worry that day to the chance to live here in this amazing place. To love and hope.”
She swallowed hard. “I didn’t believe in love when I was younger. I wasn’t sure it existed outside of the books I read. Now I know differently. I love you so much, Nash. I love how strong and compassionate you are. How you automatically take care of everyone around you. From the first moments, I hoped that I could be the kind of parent you are. Charlie is an amazing person because of you and you’re going to be a great dad to Ella.”
She took a deep breath. “I promise to love you forever. I promise to do everything in my power to keep you and your heart safe. Through the tough days and the good ones, I promise to be your partner and your friend. I can’t wait to build a future with you and our kids. I love you.”
Nash’s eyes had softened as she spoke and he reached up to gently wipe away the tears she hadn’t realized had fallen.
He squeezed her hands. “I love you so much, Olivia. You’re such a good mom to Ella. Through incredibly difficult circumstances, you kept her safe and happy. She’s thriving because you’re such a good mom and I know Mary Mae is proud of you both.”
That had Olivia swallowing again.
“I promise to love you forever. To stay by your side and help you slay whatever tries to attack your dragons and your brucans.”
She laughed along with everyone else in the room.
Nash smiled at her. “We’re going to build a fabulous future together. I can’t wait to take on all the days and challenges with you. Together, we can do anything. Thank you for loving me, for loving us. I love you.”
He reached down to kiss her again, and Knox cleared his throat loudly. “Charlie, they missed the cue again.”
Charlie laughed. “Yeah, they do that a lot.”
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. And kids. Actually, I now pronounce you a family.”
Olivia laughed into the kiss and then they turned to bring Charlie and Ella into a hug. She wondered that her heart didn’t explode with joy.
Love And Marriage
Nash leaned against the door jamb and watched Olivia dance with Charlie. His son now stood as tall as her and his heart swelled with pride for this kid who’d learned to waltz just for today.
When one of them stumbled, they both laughed and carried on.
Ella played sleepily with the bow-tied Oggie and Boomer in the corner while their friends danced or chatted. For a small wedding, it was filled with everything they needed. Love, family, friends.
And food. Lots of food.
Gray stopped beside Nash and handed him a mug of hot cider with cinnamon. “Just the plain cider. Figured you didn’t want to have your head anything but clear for tonight.”
Nash grinned. His friend had it right. He’d sipped champagne during the toast but had stuck to the non-alcoholic choices after that. His bride had done the same.
And he really wanted the party to be over.
It was time to seal their vows in the very best of ways.
Horse And Carriage
Olivia hadn’t stopped smiling in hours. She was married to the best man she knew. She was starting on a future she’d never truly believed had been possible.
A future filled with love and joy.
Across the room, she watched Ella Mae yawn and then settle her little body against Oggie who was used to the girl napping on him. Such a patient little guy. But it was past Ella’s bedtime and she should rescue him.
Even as she moved, Amber did as well. “I’ll get her.”
“I can put her to bed.”
Amber scooped her up and Ella snuggled into her chest. “I’ve got her. It’s your wedding day and you need to enjoy it. Ella, why don’t you give your Mama a hug? You can see her tomorrow.”
“K. Mama.”
Olivia leaned in to kiss Ella Mae on the cheek. “Good night, sweet girl. Sweet dreams.”
She watched Amber take Ella Mae over to Nash for a kiss and a hug and then upstairs. She knew the girl would be asleep as soon as she was in her pyjamas and had her dragon tucked in her arms.
Gray whistled loud enough to get the attention of everyone in the room without carrying to upstairs to Ella. “Okay, we’ve got a surprise for our newlyweds. Everyone follow Charlie to the kitchen.”
Olivia looked at Nash who shook his head. He didn’t know what was happening either. Then he crossed to take her hand.
In the kitchen, Charlie held up a beautiful quilt that looked to be generations old. He grinned at her. “Amber and Gray found this in the attic of the Inn and we cleaned it up to help keep you warm. She said the design is one people always used for wedding quilts. Wrap it around your shoulders, Olivia.”
Confused but willing to follow orders, Olivia took the beautiful quilt and after admiring the design, she wrapped it around herself.
Charlie grinned. “Dad, you’ll need your boots. And you’ll need to carry Olivia.”
Nash chuckled and changed from his moccasins to his boots. Then he returned to scoop up Olivia.
She laughed. “I can change into my boots, too. You don’t have to carry me.”
Charlie rolled his eyes. “It’s supposed to be romantic. Okay, everyone outside.”
Giving in, Olivia reached up to kiss Nash’s jaw and then cuddled into the warmth of his arms. It was romantic even with Charlie and all their friends watching.
Wearing his own boots and jacket, Charlie led the way along the porch, down the steps, and into the driveway.
A sleigh waited on the rink path they’d made into the orchard.
Olivia gasped. “It’s beautiful.”
The wooden sleigh was just big enough for two to sit on the bench. More the size of a rickshaw than a Santa sleigh. The runners out to the front weren’t attached to anything and she wondered if the plan was to use it for photos. With no clouds, the stars and crescent moon shimmered in the light. It was magical.
Knox gestured at the sleigh seat. “Your carriage awaits.”
Nash chuckled. “Hang on.” Then he climbed into the sleigh but kept Olivia in his lap. “Warm enough?”
She snuggled in. “With you? Always.” The man was hot in all the ways.
He kissed her hair and kept his voice low. “I actually think you’re wearing a few too many layers.”
Shivers covered her skin at his words. “You too.”
“Soon.”
“I can’t wait.”
The look he gave her had her squirming in his lap. His hands clamped down on her, making her giggle and squirm a little bit more.
Charlie, Knox, Ford, and Gray arranged themselves in front of the sleigh, now wearing skates.
Cameras flashed from their guests as everyone took pictures and Olivia realized what was happening.
Sure enough, the four posed for a couple more pictures, then saluted the crowd. “Hang on, newlyweds. Your honeymoon suite awaits.”
Then they skated off, pulling the sleigh behind them.
Laughing, Olivia hugged Nash. “This is amazing. We have the best friends.”
Mr. And Mrs.
Nash cuddled Olivia close as his son and their friends towed them through the orchard. The moon and starlight made it perfect.
The skaters laughed and joked as they pulled slowly through the orchard toward their house.
No longer a cabin, they’d added a two-story addition over the summer, finishing the interior once the weather turned cold. They’d only moved in officially the previous week.
The house was perfect for the four of them, with room for more if they were so inclined.
The house glowed softly through the orchard. They’d added solar-powered lights to the exterior and the light seemed to match the whole forest vibe. Instead of intruding on nature, they’d tried to design their home to exist within it, as part of it.
The skaters kept pulling until they reached the end of the rink, right at the bench they used to change from boots to skates.
With a laugh, the team pulled the sleigh around so that Nash could step down to the path to the door.
Olivia smiled. “Thank you, everyone. That was amazing. Just like a fairy tale.”
Charlie grinned. “It was fun. I helped Ford make the sleigh.”
Nash smiled at his son. “It’s beautiful and a fantastic surprise. Thanks to all of you.”
Nash tightened his hold on Olivia and climbed down off the sleigh. Charlie unlocked the door for them with a flourish. Shouting well wishes, the four of them skated away, leaving them alone in the moonlight.
Nash smiled at the woman in his arms. “Shall we cross the threshold, Mrs. Gonzalez-Cooper?”
She laughed. “That’s a mouthful, but I love it. Yes, Mr. Cooper, we should definitely cross the threshold.”
A sense of rightness flowed through him as he followed in a decades old tradition. Like so many men before him, he carried the woman he loved into their home.
Emotion swamped him, again, and he angled so that Olivia could lock the door and set the security behind them. No one at the apple farm would ever take security lightly.
The solar nightlights they’d installed in all the hallways and bathrooms ensured he wouldn’t trip with his precious cargo. Because of the lights, he could see the flower petals leading them forward. “Looks like someone has been here.”
Olivia grinned. “That’s so sweet. You can put me down now, I’ve got to be heavy.”
Nash laughed and lifted her to place his lips on hers. “I could carry you for hours. Let’s see where the petals lead us.”
They followed the path to the stairs and to their bedroom. The path diverged, one trail to the bed, one to the bathroom, and one to the doors leading to the balcony. All excellent options for making love to his wife. “Where to first?”
“I’d like to dance with you in the starlight for a minute.”
Out on the balcony, they found a space heater keeping the area warm, a small table holding flowers in a vase and a champagne bottle cooling in a bucket alongside two glasses.
Chuckling, Nash helped Olivia slide down his body to her feet. “We have great friends.”
She grinned. “We do. But I’m glad they’re not here. I want some time alone with my husband.”
A zip of possessiveness and pride raced through him. “Perfect. I want some alone time with my wife. I have plans. Lots and lots of plans.”
To Have And To Hold
Olivia thought her body might simply float away in the starry night.
Nash’s kisses drugged her brain and thickened her blood so it flowed lazily in her veins.
His fingers traced the bodice of the dress, sending shivers over her skin.
One of his hands held her close while the other followed the lines of her dress until he found the zipper at the back.
One of the sexy growls she loved so much rumbled from his chest. He eased the zipper down, running his fingers along the exposed skin while he continued to kiss her with such passion she wasn’t sure how long she’d be able to stand.
When the zipper was undone, Nash’s hand slipped inside and he brushed his fingers up and down her spine until her body was covered by shivers. Then he reached further and found the lingerie she’d chosen.
His fingers traced the edges and he growled at what he found. “Holy hell, Olivia. I want to see.”
She shrugged her shoulders and shimmied, making the dress slip to the ground.
Nash swore creatively as his gaze tracked over every inch of her, including the tiny scraps of silk.
He grabbed her shoulders and the kiss was hard and desperate.
Perfect.
When she was shaking with need, he dropped to his knees. His hands cruised up and down her torso, then he lifted one leg to rest on his shoulder.
His eyes gleamed in the moonlight when he looked up at her. “Hang on, Olivia. Let’s get this marriage off to a good start.”
In wasn’t long before she was spinning into the universe and crying out his name.
When she fluttered back to reality, he was holding her in his arms again. She managed a smile. “That was amazing.”
“You’re right. Watching my wife shatter with joy is amazing.”
She smiled. “Now, it’s your turn.”
His grin turned cocky. “Not yet, I’ve got plans, remember? My wife is going to shatter again before we’re ready for that.”
And they were very good plans, indeed.
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this bonus scene to the No Fail Heroes Romantic Suspense series!
The next book in the series is Pick Up Speed spotlighting Lawson and Dani.
