Not far from where I stood in the tiny church, Abby was waiting, preparing to become my wife. I closed my eyes against the wave of emotion that thought brought with it. We had traveled so far, crossed so many miles to get to this point. Yet I knew within my heart that the twisted path we had taken to reach this day had been worth every minute, every heartbreak. Our journey had not been easy, but every difficult step had drawn us closer and we’d become better people for it. My heart was full knowing our journey was just getting ready to start in earnest.
I wondered what she was thinking. At this exact moment, what was going through her mind? We’d been together long enough for me to have a pretty good idea of what she was thinking based on her expression. If I could just get a quick look at her right now, it would put my mind at ease.
I took a deep breath to calm my mind and focus. Everything was fine. Not too long from now, we’d be married. Tomorrow we’d take off for two weeks alone.
I didn’t want to think too much about our honeymoon. It would be horrifically embarrassing if I had to walk down the aisle with a hard-on. But after a month-long abstinence, I couldn’t help but imagine collaring her for the first time as Abigail West. My fingers itched to lock my collar around her neck, push her to her knees, or bend her over the bed.
Better think about something else.
I glanced out the window. The snow had stopped, but left everything with a thin film of white. Numerous cars and taxis had pulled up outside.
“You ready?” Jackson asked, coming up behind me and clapping me on the shoulder.
I captured him in a one-armed hug. “Never been more ready.”
“I stopped by and saw the women.”
“How’s Abby?”
“Beautiful, happy, and ready to become Mrs. Nathaniel West. Which she’ll be in about an hour.”
I looked at my watch. “Thirty minutes. I asked for an abbreviated ceremony, but I’m not sure the minister understood. I don’t think he understands English all that well.”
He laughed. “There’s a church full of people waiting for you guys.”
I straightened my jacket. “Let’s go.”
I’m sure the church was lovely. Abby had worked hard to make certain everything was perfect. But my eyes barely took in the stone walls, candles, and roses. I didn’t pay attention to the gathered crowd either. My eyes were locked on the front of the church, focused on the spot where Abby would become mine forever.
The minister, Jackson, and I made it to the front and I rocked back on my heels and waited. Before long, the music changed: the soft strands of a harp and violin replacing the piano. The doors at the back of the church opened and I straightened my shoulders.
Felicia walked down the aisle, but I didn’t give her more than a glance. My focus was on one thing: Abby. She was waiting at the back of the church, waiting to become my wife.
It was almost absurd to think it possible.
And then she stepped into the doorway and my breath caught. She was exquisite. As she made her way toward me on her father’s arm, I’m sure I was grinning like an idiot and I didn’t even care.
Her dark hair was piled on top of her head with a few wayward tendrils escaping. I longed to reach out and touch one, tuck it behind her ear. Her neck, of course, was bare.
I felt fiercely possessive as she walked toward me. I couldn’t take in her beauty all at once, it overwhelmed me. Her gaze locked on mine and I finally had the answer to the question I had wondered about earlier. She was fine. She was beyond fine. She was radiant.
Finally, Abby and her father reached the front of the church. Though we didn’t touch, the energy between us seemed tangible. I tried my best to listen to the minister as he began the ceremony, but I kept glancing out of the corner of my eye at Abby.
When it came time for her father to give her away, he kissed Abby’s cheek and shook my hand. Then he placed her hand in mine.
“You’re a good man, Nathaniel,” he said. “Take care of my girl.”
“With my life,” I promised.
I took both of her hands in mine, awed by the love I saw in her eyes.
“Abby,” I whispered, rubbing the top of her hand with my thumb.
Her eyes glistened.
We had decided on traditional vows and as we stood with our family and friends, repeating the words that would bind us forever in the sight of God and man, I felt a deep peace within my soul.
She slipped my father’s wedding band on my finger, all the while looking into my eyes. As the ring settled in place, it was as if everything in the world made perfect sense. I took her wedding band of princess cut diamonds set in platinum and placed it on her finger. For a few precious seconds, we stood gazing into each other’s eyes and I felt her love and desire sweep over me. I knew she found the same passion reflected in mine.
The minister stepped forward. “By the authority vested in me by the state of New York and our Heavenly Father, I pronounce Nathaniel and Abby husband and wife. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. Nathaniel, you may kiss your bride.”
I pulled her to me. “Finally,” I said before my lips pressed against hers in a kiss.
I’d never felt more alive, more in love, more more.
“I love you,” I whispered against her lips.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the minister said when we pulled away, “it is my pleasure to present Nathaniel and Abby West.”
Holding hands, we turned and greeted our family and friends as husband and wife.
Chapter Four
Abby
The day couldn’t have been more perfect. Everyone we cared for and loved was in attendance to share our day. But best of all, Nathaniel and I were finally married.
I’m not sure I’d ever seen Nathaniel look more handsome. It wasn’t the tux or his gorgeous eyes and chiseled jaw; it was the emotion visible in his expression: the love, joy¸ and overwhelming look of bliss. He was merely handsome the day I met him. Today, he was breathtaking.
We held hands as we walked to the back room of the church where I’d gotten ready. Everyone else was on their way to the reception hall in the city, but we had a few minutes before our hired car arrived to pick us up.
When we made it into the room, he closed the door behind us, turned the lock, and pushed me against a wall.
“Abby West,” he almost growled.
“Mmm.” I trailed a finger down his chest. “Say it again.”
“Abby West,” he repeated before teasing me with a soft kiss.
My hand made it to his waist. “Now say it the other way.”
His eyes grew dark with pent-up desire as he spoke the name he used when I wore his collar. “Abigail West.”
My knees threatened to give way. Holy hell, what it did to me when he called me Abigail.
“How long until the car gets here?” I asked, desperate to have his hands on me.
“Not long enough. Just enough time for this.”
He dipped his head and his lips met mine in a kiss that was long and deep and gave a hint as to what would follow. He entwined our fingers, and pulled our hands above our heads. His lips were strong and insistent, but I knew mine were just the same.
“We could skip the reception,” I suggested when he finally pulled back.
“Don’t tempt me,” he said. “As it is, that gown is temptation enough. Is that a corset?”
Sweet, sweet victory.
“It is.” I gave him a teasing smile. “I hoped you’d like it. Felicia had to lace me up in it.”
His finger danced along the bodice. “Is that so?”
“Yes. In fact, I doubt I can get out without help.” I batted my lashes at him. “Think I’ll be able to find someone willing to give me a hand?”
“Oh, trust me, I’ll get you out. It’ll be like unwrapping a present.”