Merry Christmas, Paige (15 page)

“I doubt she’ll get any rest if you join her,” Evelyn said bluntly.

“Mom!” Color rushed across Paige’s cheeks. A few people within earshot chuckled.

“Susan can deliver your breakfast. I’m sure there’s a lot to keep Nathan busy until this evening.”

Evelyn was correct, but nothing more pressing than holding Paige in his arms while she slept. Yet by the firmness in his soon-to-be mother-in-law’s face, he would not get that opportunity until tonight.

As they all stood, Nathan pulled Paige into his arms. “Tonight?”

She went on her tiptoes and kissed him softly. “Tonight.”

This was one Christmas he would never forget.

Chapter Fifteen

A gentle breeze ruffled Paige’s loose hair, threatening to dislodge the naupaka flower she wore, but she had no worries. This time the two halves were not left to fate or the gods. Her mother had ordered the flowers wired together. There was no way they were coming apart—ever.

The soft rhythm of the ocean surf played in the background as Paige stared deep into Nathan’s eyes. “I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.” Beneath a vibrant sunset he finished the same vows he had prepared five years ago.

Friends and family stood behind them, the justice of the peace before them. The scent of salt and flowers hung in the air, but Paige had only one thing on her mind, becoming Nathan’s wife.

“I take you, Nathan Daniel Cross, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love.” A seagull squawked above them on its way to find a roosting place for the evening. “I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before.” Which had already been the case throughout the years they were separated. “I will love you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together.” She raised her hand and placed it in his. “I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward, for as long as we both shall live.”

He smiled, before mouthing
I love you
. The radiant look in his eyes wrapped her in a blanket of happiness as she repeated the same words.

The justice of the peace turned his attention to the audience. “As Paige and Nathan prepare to join their lives, it’s important to understand that everyone present will play a vital role in their future. Thus we are here not only to witness their vows to each other, but also bestow upon them our blessing. I ask all present, do you bless this couple and pledge, now and forever, to support and strengthen their marriage by upholding Paige and Nathan with your love and concern?”

Paige waited with bated breath for that single voice beside her. When she heard Cami say, “I do,” she smiled, basking in the precious moment.

“Then with the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Nathan, you may kiss your bride.”

She had never heard anything so wonderful in her life. As he took her into his embrace a tremor raced through her. His lips were gentle against hers, but his arms were firm as if he would never let her go. Her toes curled in the white sand beneath her feet. When the caress ended, the audience roared. Nathan and Paige turned around to flower petals being thrown in the air. Even Cami tossed a handful at them, and then she ran to her daddy. He raised her in one arm, while he held Paige close with the other.

She looked at the first row of seats where her mother and Susan stood. Both had tears in their eyes as they rushed toward her. Somehow in the midst of hugs and congratulations she and Nathan were separated.

“Honey, I’ve never seen you look so happy and vibrant,” her mother said.

“Bloodshot eyes and all?” Paige asked.

“Naomi’s photographer will make all the necessary touches so that what you remember is the beauty of this evening minus the memories of that dreadful night,” Susan assured her.

Her sister leaned into Paige, her eyes on Nathan. “You know he is rather yummy. I’m so happy for you.”

Dressed in white pants and a short-sleeve silk shirt, he chatted with his aunt. As if he knew Susan and Paige spoke of him, he turned and smiled.

“That little girl of his is a charmer like her father. Any worries there?” Susan asked.

Paige didn’t get an opportunity to answer. Her husband approached. God, that sounded wonderful. Her husband.

He intertwined his fingers with hers. “Ladies, if I could steal my wife for a minute or two.” Without waiting for an answer he led her down the beach and away from the crowd. “Mom has arranged a big party, but if you’re not up to it we can skip out after the cake is cut.”

She grasped his other hand, pressing her body against his. “I think I’d like to get you alone as soon as possible.” The heat of arousal warmed her body. Her silky gown rubbed back and forth seductively over her taut nipples as she inched closer.

He made that little growl that she had come to love just before he captured her mouth in a hungry caress. His erection began to harden between them and she wiggled against him. The next time they made love it would be as husband and wife.

When they parted, his mother was approaching. “There’s enough time for that later, you two. The sun is setting and I want more pictures before it’s dark.”

As they began to walk toward the crowd, Naomi cleared her throat. “Nathan, your father and I have been discussing expansion.”

He wrapped his arm around Paige, drawing her into the shelter of his body. “You want to build another wing to the house?”

“No. Actually, we were thinking of enhancing the resort on Kauai and possibly acquiring some property on Maui. You wouldn’t happen to know a good architect, would you?” She winked at Paige.

“Really?” The grin on Nathan’s face was priceless. Crow’s feet wrinkled the outer corners of his eyes, which sparkled with excitement.

“Really.” Naomi’s smile almost matched his.

He released Paige to gather his mother into his embrace and swung her around in a circle. While she softly laughed, he whispered, “I love you,” against her ear.

“I love you too, son. Now put me down and let’s get these pictures over with.”

His mother was like a drill sergeant, lining individuals up next to Nathan and Paige for pictures, beginning with her, his dad and Cami. Next in line were Evelyn and Susan. His mother ordered a multitude of pictures be taken. As the big orange sun dipped into the water, the last of the arranged photographs were taken.

Everyone moved to the grassy area that hosted two large tents surrounded by tiki lights that glowed red and green with the Christmas theme. Inside the tents, elegant white tablecloths and votive candles flickered in the breeze. Hawaiian music played in the background, and then the song that she and Nathan had chosen five years ago to be played at their wedding began. Through the speakers George Jones’ twangy voice sang, “Walk through this world with me. Go where I go.”

Nathan held out his hand to Paige. “Will you walk through this world with me?”

A tear rolled down her cheek as she placed her hand in his. “For eternity.”

He led her upon the makeshift dance floor and pulled her close to him. His cheek nestled against hers. He stepped forward and they began to dance. In his strong arms Paige waltzed through the clouds. Those looking on didn’t exist as they drifted around and around the floor.

All too soon, the song was over. Yet they didn’t release each other. He gazed deep into her eyes and whispered, “Let’s cut the cake.”

“I’m all for that.”

Cutting the cake wasn’t exactly next on Naomi’s schedule. First there was the toast and dinner. As Nathan and Paige sat at the table of honor sipping champagne, his mother approached. “I had the beach house set up for your honeymoon suite. Janis and I will make sure Cami is preoccupied while the two of you slip away. That is, after you cut the cake.”

Finally. Paige rose even quicker than Nathan did. They both received a daunting frown from Naomi.

In seconds they stood beside each other holding the knife above the beautiful cake. The blade sliced through the sweet confection. As each of them took a bite of the other’s cake, the crowd cheered. They moved away from the table as others stepped forward to accept a slice. It was a perfect opportunity for them to escape.

Barefoot, they moved like two thieves in the night. When they were far enough away so that no one could hear, they burst into laughter. Hand in hand, they ran toward the small cottage set off from the rest of the mansion.

Nathan opened the door. She wasn’t prepared for him to scoop her up in his arms and carry her over the threshold, but it was a charming gesture. Snaking her arms around his neck, she held on tight.

The cottage was adorned with silky curtains and snowy white petals spread across the floor leading to the bedroom. The lights were dimmed. As he carried her through the room, she breathed in the beauty of the moonlit ocean licking the beach through the open picture window. Stars twinkled in the darkened sky. Softly burning candles were scattered around the room. The light scent of vanilla and cinnamon filled the air. It was everything she had ever dreamed of.

When her feet touched the ground, she turned in his arms and captured his mouth with hers. Desire hummed across her flesh. She slanted her head and deepened the kiss.

The whisper of her zipper falling sent a shiver down her back. She clung to him, not wanting the caress to end, but anxious to consummate their marriage. Even when her dress lay in a cloud of white at her ankles, she didn’t release him.

“I need you naked.” The ache in his voice made her breathless with need. Gently, he eased her arms from around him and began to peel one garment and then the next from her body. “So beautiful.”

What she would give not to have been so battered and bruised for her wedding night, but even her condition could not cloud her joy.

He ran his palms up and down her arms. “I’m so sorry about the other night.”

She reached for his shirt. “It’s in the past.” Only the future lay before them. With each button that loosened, her arousal skyrocketed. She wanted this man—her husband—inside her, loving her. Her nipples tightened, her breasts heavy with need. When she tugged at his belt, pulling it from each of the loops, moisture anointed her thighs. Before she could unfasten his pants, he took her into his embrace.

The feel of their naked chests, skin to skin, made her arms prickle. He trailed a path of wet, warm kisses along her neck and shoulder blade.
Yes
. She lolled her head back and savored his caress. He folded his arms around her, palms smoothing down her back to cup her ass, and pressed her firmly to his engorged erection.

Her inner muscles flexed, sending a shiver along her vaginal walls. “Now, Nathan. Love me.”

Nathan laid her on the bed amongst the flower petals, and a tremor raced through him. This woman was his wife—his life. His hands shook as he reached to unfasten his pants. A tug at his zipper released the pressure against his cock, which grew even harder when she arched her body wantonly, an invitation to join her.

She was everything he’d ever wanted.

He crawled upon the bed and lay beside her. His palm lightly skimmed her black and blue rib cage. “I don’t want to hurt you. Tell me what to do.”

“Touch me,” she whispered.

That he could do.

The tips of his fingers brushed against the satin of a breast, raising small bumps along her areola. Her nipple was so taut he couldn’t help bending down to taste the salt of her skin. He tongued the tender skin, and the bead hardened even more. She smelled of jasmine and a beautiful future. With soft kisses he made his way up to her neck. A soft moan slid from her lips, vibrating against his mouth as he caressed her throat. He brought a hand up to pluck the naupaka flower from her hair and laid the blossom gently on the wicker nightstand.

Her palms smoothed up the muscles of his forearms and biceps, before she looped her arms around his neck. With a nudge she pulled him down to meet her lips. Her honey taste was seductive. When their tongues met, slid together, he swallowed her sigh.

She moved her leg so that it caressed the length of his erection. “I need you inside me.”

Nathan started to ease atop her and then stilled. Would she panic beneath his weight, feel trapped? He rolled back to his side.

The skin of her belly was soft and warm as he caressed his hand downward. He ran his fingers through her pubic hairs, and then farther to feel her heat, her wetness. Swollen and slick, he pushed past her slit, burying a finger deep inside. Her hips thrust against his hand. Another finger slipped inside her. When his thumb applied pressure on her clit, she cried his name. Her thighs sprung wide.

“Baby, the way I see it is you can either straddle me or I enter you from behind.”

“I don’t care. I just need you.” He loved the urgency in her voice. Her chest rose and fell rapidly. Her tongue slipped between her lips, savoring his taste. Damn. That was sexy. The pulse in his balls picked up the pace, and the flow of blood into them was fucking hot.

“Come here.” He lay on his back. “I want to see your face when I take you for the first time as my wife.”

She looked down at him with a tender smile that turned heated when she threw a leg over him. Straddling him, she pressed her slick heat against his cock and rocked back and forth.

“Damn, Mrs. Cross, that feels good.” He smoothed his palms up her bruised rib cage to the curve of her breasts. Even the delicate mounds hadn’t made it through the mudslide untouched. Scrapes and cuts covered her velvety skin. Cupping her breasts in his hands, he cradled them, feeling their weight. His thumbs played across the hard tips.

“Mrs. Cross. Hmmm. I think I like the sound of that.” She reared back and angled her hips so that when she lowered herself, his erection was at the center of her pussy. Achingly slow, she eased him into her warmth until he was seated deep inside.

They fit together perfectly. Her body molded around him, held him in a tight fist of sensation. When she began to move, it was pure heaven. His hips met hers in an easy rhythm, one meant for just the two of them.

Her eyelids fell halfway shut, a drop-dead sexy expression on her face that was nearly his undoing. Electricity tingled down his shaft. The tremble in her thighs and the quickening of her breaths revealed that her orgasm was close. He grasped her waist, driving her down hard. At the same time, he ground his hips. The sensitive slit on his erection burned with pleasure.

She groaned. Gasping, she rolled her hips forward, a slow stroke that built into a flame of pleasure, sending his blood pumping.

“Sonofabitch.” His voice trembled. “I don’t know how much longer I—” He wasn’t prepared when a series of strong contractions squeezed him. His mind went black except for the starburst behind his eyelids. A strained cry tore from his throat as his control disintegrated in flames. Lord, help him. Her pussy was a furnace, sending arcs of lightning down his shaft to rip air from his lungs. He shook with the fervor, the love that poured out of him into his wife.