*Ana's POV*
"Good morning, beautiful."
I wake to the most perfect man in the world, his hand rubbing my back up and down to wake me. My eyes don't open, but a smile forms on my face and I nuzzle my nose into his chest hair. I take a deep breath, breathing in the familiar smell of his skin. It's intoxicating.
"It's a perfect morning."
"Not too tired?"
It took me awhile to settle down enough to fall asleep last night, even with Christian's sexpertise, and then I had to get up two times to pee. I don't care if I'm tired today. We're getting married.
"I'm too excited to be tired. What's the plan for today?" I crane my head up to press a kiss to his chin.
"Well, I want you stowed away for the day, so we're going to order breakfast and get you fed, then I thought we'd lounge in our pool this morning and let everyone else do their own thing. Then after lunch I'll send in the troops to help you get ready and I'll disappear."
I pout. "Where are you going?"
He chuckles. "Can't get enough of me, can you?"
"Never." I turn my head enough to kiss the fresh scar in front of his shoulder, the permanent reminder of the day we almost lost him. I'll never get my fill of him.
"Oh, angel. I just need to make sure everything is perfect when you come down. I want to watch you completely star struck as you walk down the aisle to me at sunset." His admission brings tears to my eyes.
"Christian." I push up onto my elbow so I can see him clearly. "We could be anywhere and I'd be star struck seeing you at the end of the aisle. Making that walk to become your wife is going to be the most emotional of my life." I press a kiss to his lips. "I cannot wait until tonight. It doesn't even seem real. It feels wrong to lounge around the pool." I giggle. "I thought weddings were supposed to be stressful."
"No stress for you, Ms. Steele. Your body is under enough stress growing our beautiful son. I want to enjoy our last few hours of being engaged alone. I want you in one of those little bikinis all morning so I can have the vision of you nearly naked and glowing playing in repeat in my head all afternoon while we're apart. Then, I want my next vision of you to be in white lace when you walk down to become my wife." His gray eyes are light, my favorite shade, not only because it means he's happy and content, but it also shows the starburst pattern of grays that can't be seen when he's gone dark. His eyes go so deep when they're like this.
"God, you're perfect. I don't deserve you." I shake my head in wonder. How did I get so lucky? "I still can't wrap around my head around it."
His eyebrows knit together. "You deserve everything, angel. I'm only perfect for you. I wouldn't be this way for anyone else. You make me better."
"You make me better, too."
*Christian's POV*
"Now look who can't get enough of who." Ana teases me as my hands grope their way over her bikini clad body while we lounge in the pool.
I hum. "I can't help myself when it comes to you. If it's showing, it's fair game." My palms run down the back of her naked thighs and I grasp them firmly, lifting them so they wrap around my waist. My palms run back up her legs and my fingertips slip into her suit, gripping the skin on her backside.
"I don't think that was showing." She cheeks.
I give her a wink. "I could make it show?"
Her eyes flick to the fence which separates our waterfront house from Elliot and Kate's. I know she's worried with Elliot's extra height he could look over the fence.
"Relax, sweet girl. I scheduled a snorkeling excursion for them. They won't be back for hours." My fingernails dig into her backside a little, pulling her closer to my erection.
She hums. "We've never had pool sex before."
I shake my head. "Never." With anyone.
At my admission, she's clinging to me and presses a kiss to my mouth. "Gimme, then."
It makes me laugh. "So demanding." I admonish lightly, but reach down to pull my shorts down enough to release my shaft. I press her against the side of the inground pool.
XxXxXx
I have a quick meeting with the wedding party, letting them know the details of the wedding. I want this evening to be centered around Ana. This is for her and I and how we're becoming one. I won't have this hers and mine bull shit. Only ours. Our family, our friends, our special day. I refuse to have sides.
Instead of our wedding party standing at each of our sides, they will stand behind us, on each side of the officiant, rotating male and female so it looks best in the pictures we'll look back on. Instead of our friends and family taking sides and sitting, they will be standing in two lines, one line on each side of the aisle so that everyone gets the perfect view of my bride. I requested that everyone wear blue and pink since Ana picked out rose gold dresses for the girls and I chose navy blue. The men in the wedding will wear white button downs and navy trousers. I'm wearing the same, but I've added a rose gold tie and navy vest since it's Ana's favorite.
After our meeting, I head toward the wedding site and I find my mother supervising the decoration of the large wooden circle archway at the end of the aisle. It's already looking lush and sophisticated with greenery and roses in pink and white, but I see my mother pointing out tiny imperfections that most wouldn't notice unless they stare too long. I can't help, but grin at my mother. This is exactly why I put her in charge. I told her what I wanted and she's making sure it's being executed flawlessly.
My gaze is drawn to the open dining/living room where more of the help is stringing lights in long lines to cover the ceiling in what will look like thousands of stars. I want our reception to have a soft warm glow, so it'll be lit by the thousands of string lights on the ceiling as well as the lanterns in the center of the tables. There will be three chandeliers hanging at different heights to light up the dance floor enough for dancing. I want everything to feel intimate, soft, and romantic tonight.
*Ana's POV*
I am so anxious. Kate just helped slip me into my wedding dress and the butterflies came with it. It took three stores to find an off the rack dress with lace as Christian requested, but I found one. It's a spaghetti strap, v-neck, a-line dress with lace appliques on the top, the bottom tulle. Just full enough for it not to stick to me but not enough for it to be a ball grown. It moves lovely against me as I walk. It's perfect. My hair is up in a low twisty bun on the back of my head, braides on each side of my head to give my bun some volume. Baby's breath has been entwined in my hair. No veil. My make-up is light but I made sure to use my volumizing mascera making my eyelashes long and thick. My lips are pink and glossy. I hope Christian likes what he sees.
It isn't that time, yet though. I feel like it won't ever be. Now, I am waiting for my father. The photographer wants to do a first look, so I am standing in the sitting room waiting for him to come through the door. The photographer and his assistant are standing by with cameras to take pictures and video of our first look.
The doorknob finally turns and I hold my breath. My handsome father comes in the door in his wedding wear, takes one look at me, covers his mouth, and turns to go back outside.
I laugh. "Daddy! Don't leave!"
He turns on his heel, back to me, and forces himself to shut the door behind him. His hand is still over his mouth and he has tears in his brown eyes.
I slowly spin for him. "What do you think?"
"Beautiful, Annie. You're breathtaking, babygirl."
I give him a sweet grin. "Yea? You think so?" My shoulders raise, delighted that my father approves.
Coming closer, his rough, hardworking hands run down my arms. "I'm not ready for this. I don't think I can do this, Annie."
"Dad...why? Nothing is going to change with us. I still love you as much as I ever have. We'll see each other more often now that we'll have Teddy." I reach up and wipe a tear off his face.
"I don't want to share you." He shrugs and I give him a grin.
"Well, that's tough. You're already sharing me. Being Christian's doesn't make me any less yours."
He sniffles and releases my arms to blow his nose with his handkerchief. "I am so happy for you, but my heart is aching. You aren't supposed to be this old yet. I still see my little girl standing in a wedding dress."
I cock an eyebrow. "With a baby in her tummy?" I run my hand over my stomach.
"I sure as hell hope not." He shakes his head. "I know you're a woman now. I'll get over it. It's just hard. I love you more than anything in the world."
I'm trying my best not to cry, but I find myself dabbing the sides of my eyes with my tissue to collect the tears trying to spill. "I love you, too, Dad. You mean so much to me. You've been the best father anyone could ask for. I don't know where I'd be if it wasn't for you."
He hugs me close to him and I relax into him, the familiar smell of wood, oil, and aftershave washing over me. The smell of my daddy.
"Christian put me in charge of your bouquet, so I wanted to give it to you myself."
I'm shocked at his statement, but intrigued. I hadn't realized that Christian delegated tasks to everyone. "I'm sorry, Dad."
His eyebrows knit together. "Why? He asked me because he wanted it to be special for you. I put my heart and soul into it, Annie."
Now I'm crying.
"Daddy." I shake my head. "I love it."
He laughs. "I haven't showed it to you, yet."
"I don't care. I love it."
The woman who helped me with my makeup hands him a box and he holds it out for me to see. It's hand carved with today's date and my name across the top in big cursive writing. It's stained a dark walnut color.
My hand comes up to my mouth to try to stifle my sob. "You made this, too?"
He gives me a grin. "It's to keep your bouquet safe afterward." Reaching up with one hand, he opens the handmade box and I'm stunned by what I see.
Flowers made from old book pages and roses made from wood shavings sit comfortably between pink and white roses and baby's breath. I reach in and see that the handle is wrapped in white lace and a satin bow.
"That lace is from your mother's wedding gown."
"Daddy. You've thought of everything." At the thought of my mom, I burst into tears. My heart aches that she isn't here, but I understand why she isn't. Our broken relationship has been tugging at my heart and I don't know if it'll ever be mended. But, she's still my mother, and having a piece that she wore when she made vows to my father means everything. My fingers run over the lace. "We became yours that day."
He gives me a smile. "You were mine before that day and you still are now."
*Christian's POV*
"Is she okay? Is she calm? How does she look?"
Ethan gives me a grin. He just came back from seeing my bride and I'm jealous that I couldn't go with him, but I want to wait until she's walking to me.
"She's calm. She looks gorgeous, dude." He puts his hand to his chest. "Just perfect. You're going to cry when you see her. I did."
I roll my eyes. Pussy. "I doubt I'll cry, but I'm sure I'll be blown away."
Taylor, Ethan, and Elliot are spread out behind me so the women can take their spots between them. Elliot stands behind me and he clasps my shoulder close to my neck and it makes me smile. It's his way of being supportive and I appreciate the gesture. My affection for my brother has increased tenfold since waking from my gunshot wound and finding out he had been Ana's rock the three days I had been out. He had held her and supported her through her suffering and knowing that he'll care for her if anything ever happens to me makes me so grateful. He really does love his family and I'm thankful that he helped me get my head out of my ass to see that.
The three violinists I hired start to play and I can feel my heart begin to thud hard in my chest. I can feel each beat throbbing hard against my wrists and neck. This is it. She's going to be mine.
Kate, then Gail, then Mia come down barefoot in their silk rose gold dresses with sparkle accents; the color and fit manage to look good on all of them. Anastasia did a great job in picking out the dresses. Each of them are carrying a small basket and they sprinkle white and pink rose petals down the lanterned-lined aisle. The sun is starting to set, giving the girls a golden hue.
Once the girls settle in between the men, the violinists begin to play Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley and I turn my back to the aisle, not wanting to ruin the first look.
Elliot's eyes bulge out of his head and his clenched fist comes up to his mouth. "Fuck, man. She looks great." My toes curl at his reaction. Waiting for his okay to turn around is taking too long. It's taking every ounce of patience I have not to turn around early.
"God damn it, El, if you don't tell me to turn around right now..." I growl out the sentence quietly.
His head falls back in a laugh. "Okay, okay. You can turn."
I quickly turn on my heel.
"Holy fuck." I have to bend over to catch my breath, but I can't take my eyes off of her. Her dress is whisping around her legs as she walks, the tulle cascading down her swollen belly so beautifully. Her top is covered in lace appliques and the v-neck dips down just enough for a little cleavage to peek out. Her blue eyes are full of unshed tears and it causes me to well up myself. God damn it.
I stand up and wipe at my own tears. Get it together!
"She's perfect, bro." I can hear Elliot behind me and he clasps my shoulder again, squeezing for a second before he releases me.
As she and Ray finally make their way to me, I hold my hand out for him to place hers in it, but he freezes.
"Dad?" She's just as confused.
"I can't let go, Annie." He's almost sobbing.
"Oh, Daddy. We talked about this." She raises on her tiptoes and kisses his cheek. "You're gaining a family. Not losing me. He's a good man. He wouldn't take me away from you."
I nod, feeling a little panicked. I never expected Ray to be the one to try to stop the wedding. Please don't do this.
"We'll be one big family, Ray. I'll take good care of Ana. I'll take care of you, too. Let me marry her and we'll share our life with you. We'll share our son with you. I want to be your son. Please, Ray."
His shoulders relax at my admission and he pulls me in for a hug, making me tighten up. I force myself to relax the best I can and hug him back. My back is burning painfully where his hands are, but I beg myself not to panic. As the ball of panic rises to my throat, he lets me go and I immediately relax, letting out a long sigh.
Ana has a worried look on her face, but I give her a small smile hoping it squashes her worries.
Finally, Ray reaches for her hand and presses a kiss to her cheek. "I love you, Annie Rose."
I reach for her, palm up waiting for Ray. After a beat, he finally places her soft hand in mine. Her hand instantly tightens in mine, like she's worried he might try to yank it back.
"I had to let you go once already when your mother left. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. Don't do this to me again." His eyes go from Ana to me and my heart aches for him.
"She'll never leave you again. I swear it." My gray eyes are locked on his brown ones and I don't blink or move until he gives me a nod.
It takes a few seconds, but he finally steps back and stands next to Mr. Kavanagh.
"You're beautiful... my earth angel. Let's get married."
She beams up at me. "Please."
XxXxXx
"Swim with me." Anastasia is smiling up at me. We just got done taking pictures and the sun is almost set. We're still in our wedding wear.
I laugh. "What? Now?"
Giggling, she unbuttons my vest. "You heard me. Take your tie off and play in the water with me."
"But your dress..."
She quirks an eyebrow as she pushes my vest off of me, letting it fall to the sand. "What? Like I'm going to wear it again?"
She begins to loosen my tie and I help her. When it's on top of my vest, I pick her up behind her back and knees.
"Everyone in the water!" I holler at the rest of the wedding party and run towards the waves. There are cheers from the others as they race into the water along-side us.
I release Ana when I'm waist deep and she giggles as she pushes her dress down, the tulle wanting to float up. She twirls in the water, her chin pointed up towards the starlit sky.
"This is amazing!" She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me down for a kiss. "This evening is absolute perfection, husband."
The name makes me hard and I'm glad we're in the water. Looking down at her waist deep in the ocean at twilight, her dress soaked, her Winston diamond loop earrings and Winston contour bracelet sparkling, makes her look like she's straight out of a Harry Winston ad. She's beautiful.
"I can't believe you're my wife." I hold her close. "It feels like a dream." Before I can kiss her again, we hear a scream and look over to see Taylor with Gail over his shoulder.
"Jason Taylor! Don't you dare!" He's rushing toward the water with her. He's already wet, so he must have gotten back out to get her.
She's kicking, but he spanks her. "Keep still, woman!"
We laugh as he makes his way into the water with her, her screaming as he throws her deeper into the ocean.
*Ana's POV*
The music is booming and I find myself in the center of the dance floor, my dress still damp, surrounded by my loved ones as we dance. Mia, Elliot, Kate, Ethan, Jesse, Ava, and Savannah are all pushed up around me, the group feeling like one living, breathing heartbeat. I am having so much fun, but I miss my husband.
Feeling his eyes on me, I know he's close. My dancing stops and I turn, craning my neck to find him. He's standing against the wall talking to Mr. Kavanagh, but his eyes remain on me.
I give him a smile and point at him then with two curls of my finger, I motion for him to come to me. He pushes himself off the wall and gives me a sexy smirk as he saunters over. Pushing through the crowd of people around me, he wraps an arm around me and nuzzles his nose with mine before his lips fuse over my own.
The deep, sexy beat of Matt Maeson's Put It On Me rushes over us and pulsates through the room and Christian begins to move us with the music while we make-out right in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by everyone. My head is so fuzzy, my knees weak, his mouth tasting of bourbon and cream... I can't pull away. I'm too consumed by my husband. Our bodies are pressed together, his desire for me rubbing against me, and I find myself gripping the hair on the back of his head tighter, unwilling to let any sort of space between the two of us. He's mine. I'm his. The rest of the dance floor seems to disappear as he takes possession of my mouth and body. He's magic. It's just him and me. No one else matters.
His tongue leaves my mouth and he presses a few more kisses to my lips while we pant. He leaves his forehead pressed to mine, his palms running over my body, while our bodies move together.
"I'm going to need more skin than this soon." His voice is husky and his eyelids are heavy. He looks drunk, but I know it's not the bourbon.
I nod against his forehead. "If we don't, my panties are going to be ruined."
His jaw clenches and he hisses through his teeth.
"When I get my hands on them, they're going to be ruined anyway." His words make me shiver. Nothing is sexier than seeing Christian so hot for me that he feels the need to tear into my clothes, ripping them away. His carnal desire to dive into me and mark me is so fucking erotic. How can I not submit to him when his carnality takes over? It makes me feel powerful being able pull such a strong reaction from a man. Especially this one. Only this one.
His eyes dance over my face and a lazy, right sided grin appears on his face. "I know that look, Ana. Say goodnight to your guests. I'm taking you to bed."
XxXxXx
"You're everything I could ever want." He's straddling my thighs. We're naked and we just finished a long round of lovemaking. He must have made me come half a dozen times in the time it took him to come twice inside of me. He barely softened after his first one before he was plowing into me again, making the headboard bang against the wall from the force. "I can't get enough of this body... of all this skin..." His hands run over my body, his head dipping down to kiss the swell of my stomach.
I'm so exhausted from the long day and intense love-making that I just smile up at him.
Reaching for my left hand, he brings it to his lips, kissing the knuckle below my new wedding band. It's a Harry Winston 'Wave' pave diamond wedding band in platinum. He sports the same in pure platinum. He bought them as a reminder of where we said I do. In front of the waves. The metal from his brand new wedding band catches the light, even though it's dim in our room. I love him in that ring. His other ring now sits on his right hand and I like that he hasn't just thrown it in a bag somewhere.
"My wife looks exhausted." He rubs my belly. "A bath will have to wait until morning. I'll have housekeeping change our bed linens during brunch."
I sigh. "Sounds wonderful, husband. Now come cuddle with me before my bladder fills again and ruins our sleep."