I nearly choked on my Coke when Blake stood up from the pilot’s seat and walked back to us, making Marna scream, “What are you doing? You have to fly the plane!”
Blake laughed. “It’s all good! I got this baby on autopilot. Don’t your pilots ever come out of the pit?”
Marna frowned. “They have copilots, so even when someone gets up, the cockpit’s never empty.”
“Chill. It’s under control. Everyone up,” Blake announced. “Time to have us a wedding.”
My stomach wobbled.
Marna cheered. I loved that girl.
I stood, never letting go of Kaidan’s hand, and for the first time I wondered how exactly this wedding was going to go.
“I didn’t prepare any vows or anything,” I said. “I guess we’re just winging it?”
Kaidan appeared as clueless as me, and a little nervous now.
“I got you covered.” Blake grinned, pulling out a piece of paper and clearing his throat. “Just call me Reverend Blake.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Ginger snatched the paper from his hand, scanned it, and then bent at the waist to laugh.
Kaidan took it and we read together. Sure enough, Blake had been ordained. Online. Technically the marriage wouldn’t be legal since we hadn’t applied for a marriage license or anything like that. We couldn’t leave a paper trail, but the marriage would be valid in all the ways that counted.
“A half-demon minister,” Kaidan said. “That has to be a first.”
“Yup. And I’ve got the traditional vows here. I thought that’s what you’d probably want.” He looked at me and I reached forward, pulling him into a hug. I will not cry, I chanted to myself.
“Thank you, Blake,” I told him. “You thought of everything.”
It was miraculous how fast it all had come together. Like it was meant to be.
I let him go, trying not to get emotional, but—GAH!—this was really happening! We all moved to the open area in the back. It was still a snug fit, so the twins sat while Kaidan and I held hands facing Blake, who was wearing a silly mock-serious look on his face.
“Dearly beloved,” he said in a booming voice.
We all burst out laughing. It must have been nerves because all five of us laughed way too long, and it took several minutes to get ourselves together again. Now that the tension was broken, we all began to calm.
Blake turned his attention back to Kaidan and me.
“All right, for real this time.” He looked at Kaidan. “Keep your eyes on Anna and repeat after me. You ready?”
Kaidan ran his hands through his hair and blew out a breath before taking my hands again. I rocked back on my heels a little when he held me with his most intense stare. He nodded, and Blake told him what to say. Kai’s voice was rich and velvety as he repeated the vows, punctuating each word with a passion I felt down to my toes.
“I, Kaidan, take you, Anna, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health . . . till death do us part.”
He whispered the last promise with pain in his voice, and I let the silent tears I’d been holding back slip down my cheeks. He wasn’t just repeating the words. He meant them. This was real. No one could ever take this moment from us. I swallowed, and before I could wipe my cheeks, Kaidan was wiping them for me.
“No tears,” he whispered.
Deep breath.
I nodded and took his hands again. It was my turn. I took a few more breaths before saying my vows with all my heart, trying not to cry.
“I, Anna, take you, Kaidan, to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health. Until death do us part.”
His eyes were a soft blue as he watched me in wonder, his warm thumbs running back and forth over my hands. I smiled, and when he smiled back at me, I’d never felt such pure joy.
“Time for the rings,” Blake said.
Rings! “Oh,” I began, “I didn’t—”
But Kaidan surprised me, reaching into his pocket.
“This is what I did during my three hours,” he said quietly. He looked almost bashful and hesitant as he pulled out a platinum men’s band with black tribal markings—something that a rocker boy would totally wear. Next he brought out a platinum women’s band that appeared woven with vines, studded with a small round emerald. Gorgeous and delicate. It didn’t look like a traditional wedding ring, which was smart of him.
“I figured we’d have to wear these on our opposite hands after today,” he explained, “and since it’s our secret, I decided on your birthstone instead of a diamond. I had to guess your ring size. You have small hands.”
“I love it.” I beamed and he gave me a relieved grin.
He handed me the heavy men’s band.
“Kai, you first,” Blake said.
Kaidan slid the ring onto my finger and held it there. It fit perfectly.
In a low voice he repeated after Blake, “With this ring, I thee wed. Wear it as a symbol of our love and commitment.”
At that point the moisture from my eyes was gone and I couldn’t stop smiling. I put Kaidan’s ring on his finger and said, “With this ring, I thee wed. Wear it as a symbol of our love and commitment.”
We clasped hands again. The plane was quiet except for the buzz of the engine. We looked at Blake.
“Well, you know what they say, guys. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
Or demon, I thought.
I felt Kaidan watching me, and I soaked in the moment.
Blake clapped Kaidan on the shoulder. “Here’s the good part. You may now kiss your bride.”
“’Bout time,” Kaidan said. He leaned down.
“No tongue,” Ginger called out.
“Yes tongue!” Marna countered.
Kaidan was still waiting for them to shut up when I threw my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his. It didn’t take him long to sink into me. I felt his tongue for a moment, soft against mine, before we were pulling away and pressing our foreheads together.
We were married.
“Did we really just do that?” he whispered, eyes wide. I smiled, nodding, bursting with a crazy, all-consuming happiness. The cabin buzzed with hyper energy.
“Should I be this turned-on by a wedding?” he asked.
Ginger snorted. “You get turned-on when the wind blows.”
I giggled, and Kai grinned at me.
“I now present Mr. and Mrs. Kaidan Rowe,” Blake said.
“Aw,” Marna said with a sigh.
“Words I never thought I’d hear,” Ginger murmured.
“Me neither.” Kaidan pecked my lips once more. He looked more alive and content than I’d ever seen him.
“Now to your final destination,” Blake said as he headed for the cockpit.
“Which is where?” I asked.
“Ask your husband,” Blake answered as he took his seat.
“Husband!” Marna squeaked.
“Weird,” I whispered.
Kaidan’s half grin was killer. “Am I less sexy now?”
“Um, no,” I assured him.
“You have to live together and start seeing each other’s annoying, nasty little habits before that happens,” Marna informed him.
Ginger nodded. “And have your first row.”
“We’ve had loads of rows,” Kaidan said.
“Yep. We’re like an old married couple when it comes to fighting.”
Kaidan and I pretended to push each other, but it ended with him holding me. I looked up at him.
“Where are we going?”
“Somewhere I should have taken you years ago. The Grand Canyon.”
I buried my face in his chest as yet another wave of emotion and memories crashed over me.
The road trip when I’d wanted to detour to the Grand Canyon, but we didn’t, because he sent me home alone.
The postcar
d he’d mailed from the Grand Canyon when he cut me out of his life and moved to L.A.
So many ups and downs. So many months of wondering how he really felt, and not knowing if he was okay. And all along he’d loved me. All along we were going to be together.
“You okay, luv?” he asked.
“Yes,” I whispered. I was far better than okay.
“Time to buckle up,” Blake said, getting fancy by using the intercom system. “We are now beginning our initial descent into the Grand Canyon area. Please, uh, stow all your luggage in the, uh . . .”
“Overhead compartments,” called out the twins in sync as Blake fumbled his way through the landing spiel.
While they chattered, Kaidan and I linked fingers and held tight, impromptu husband and wife headed for our one-night honeymoon at one of the world’s natural wonders.
“Oh, man, look out your windows,” Blake said.
A collective gasp sounded as we all leaned over and took in the great expanse below—a massive crevice in the earth’s surface as far as we could see and deeper than we could fathom. The enormity of it was spooky. I looked up into the blue depths of Kaidan’s eyes, which held warm promises that sent a shiver to my core. It was a day for beautiful, unfathomable, wondrous things.
With each dip of the plane, my heart soared, and I thanked heaven for loopholes and long-lost dreams come true.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
IMPATIENT FRECKLES
Kaidan and I said our good-byes to the others and took a cab together, all the while searching the skies. This seemed too good to be true. I didn’t want to think that way, but I’d never wanted anything as badly as I wanted this night with Kaidan. After two years of longing, we could finally be together, and it would bring us some measure of safety.
I still couldn’t believe this was possible. I’d been so paranoid about the hilt and its unforgiving judgment that I hadn’t taken into account the power of love and loyalty, for which the Sword of Righteousness could not fault us. It seemed so obvious now. So right.
“Grand Canyon’s right over there,” the cabbie said, pointing to the left. “Your place ain’t far. You could probably walk.”
As we drove past, we stared through patchy trees and saw railings along a dry, rocky ledge, and then nothing. Just a massive drop and a sky darkening into dusk. Kaidan and I cuddled closer as we leaned toward the window to peer out together. It was almost enough to make me forget everything out there in the world that wanted to hurt us. But Kaidan never forgot. He peered around at our surroundings again in that protective, cautious way, and it brought me back to reality.
Minutes later we were parked outside a modern log cabin. An uncontrollable grin split my face as nerves overtook me once more.
Kaidan and Blake had been busy boys during our wait this afternoon. Along with getting the rings, Kaidan had scored an amazing resort cabin.
The cabbie drove away, leaving us standing on the front step in silence. I stared at Kai’s badge for what felt like a long time before he touched my chin and I met his eyes. The night was warm, and yet I found myself shivering.
Without warning, Kaidan picked me up, cradling me in his arms.
“What are you doing?”
“Er . . . carrying you over the threshold. That’s what I’m meant to do, right?”
I giggled and he gave the cutest sheepish grin. “I think it’s supposed to be the threshold of our home, but I like it.”
He held his face an inch from mine. “This is our home tonight. Anywhere with you is my home.”
Love for him lit every corner of my soul. I held myself up with my arms around his neck, giving him a soft kiss. “Take me inside,” I whispered. The scent of sweet and spicy citrus filled my nose.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Inside, I drew a deep breath as he set me on my feet and closed the door. I said a silent prayer that no whisperers would find us this night, and I vowed to myself not to spend our time together worrying. I would focus on Kai and let him distract me.
The cabin was exquisite. Everything from floor to ceiling was natural stone and wood beams. It had a rustic atmosphere, with the added luxury of modern amenities.
We walked into the single room with its steepled roof, and I covered my mouth to stifle an excited squeal. The bed. The bed! I’d never seen anything like it. The headboard was part of an enormous tree, and the branches jutted out high over the top of the king-size bed like a canopy. I ran to it and jumped onto the fluffy comforter made of soft fall colors.
“This is so awesome!” I bounced on my knees, grabbing a silky brown pillow with turquoise trim and squeezing it. Kaidan stood against the wall with his hands in his pockets, looking amused.
I leaped off the bed and grabbed his hand, pulling him to the bathroom, where I clapped my hands at the sight of an oversize claw-foot tub. A sliding door caught my attention next and I opened it, walking out and gasping.
“An outdoor shower!” I said. The area was enclosed by stone walls for privacy, but open to the darkening sky.
Kaidan stood in the doorway. “I’m having flashbacks of the sixteen-year-old girl I took on a road trip who got excited over every little thing.”
I blushed and he stepped out onto the stones, cupping my cheek and then sliding his hand into my hair. “It’s adorable, luv,” he whispered. And then he kissed me.
My heart started pounding as his lips moved against mine. For the first time ever we wouldn’t have to be careful or hold back, and it sent a nervous jolt to my core. I didn’t know what to do. I knew how he made me feel, like we could never be close enough, but I didn’t know how to channel those instincts.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
I shook my head, feeling foolish. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“Anna?” He stayed close, not taking his hands off me.
“Hm?”
“Have you ever felt as if you were fumbling around awkwardly when we’re together?”
“Um . . .” I thought about it. “I guess not.”
“Exactly. Some things come naturally, so don’t overthink it. I’m going to take care of you.”
Oh, my. Major chills.
“But,” I whispered, “I want to take care of you, too. You have to show me what to do.”
His smile was wickedly sexy. “I’m not as hard to please as you might imagine. But don’t worry—I’ll show you anything you want.”
I swallowed a dry lump in my throat.
“Also . . .” He cleared his throat and sounded serious now. “Two days ago when Father told me he was sending me to seek you out . . . I went to the doctor first. Just in case anything were to happen with us—not that I thought it would, but I just wanted to be sure.”
“Oh,” I said as it dawned on me and I thought of Marna. “To make sure you’re really . . .”
“Sterile, yes. And I am.”
The thought of getting pregnant hadn’t crossed my mind. Even after everything with poor Marna and Jay. I was grateful he’d thought of it.
“Thank you,” I whispered. My knees were trembling. Seriously, I could not get my body under control. Those bedroom eyes were short-circuiting my functioning abilities.
“Anna . . .” Uh-oh. His voice was low and gravelly.
“Hmm?” I cleared my throat.
“Remember when I told you I wanted to introduce myself to every freckle on your body?”
Mesmerized, I nodded, not trusting my voice.
“Well, it’s time.”
I couldn’t breathe. Kaidan closed his eyes and inhaled. When he opened them again, they were half-lidded, and a rumble came from the back of his throat.
“You smell so damn good.”
He grasped my hand and led me back through the bathroom to the main room. Blood rushed through my body. I stared at his strong back and shoulders. My husband. The boy who’d stood at the summit, ready to die for me when my life was threatened.
He let go of my hand and went to his bag.
“I asked Marna to pick up a few things for us—some clothes for tomorrow, food and whatnot. She said she downloaded mood music as a gift. I’m a bit frightened.” He pulled out a music dock and set it up, clicking an MP3 player into place and pushing Play. A popular romantic song came on.
Kaidan made a face. “Country music?”
“I love this song!” I laughed when he groaned.
“Maybe we should listen to my playlist instead.” He reached into his pocket, but I shook my head, not in the mood for heavy metal.
“Come on, Kai . . . my freckles are getting impatient.”
He straightened, standing tall, and his eyes crashed into mine as his badge spun and pulsed. My heart banged at my own bravery, then stumbled inside my ribs as he came closer, bringing with him a cloud of incredible earthy, citrusy pheromones.
“Well, then. Let’s not keep them waiting.”
I expected the tearing-off of clothes to begin, but instead he kissed me like we had all the time in the world, his mouth and tongue warming me, then heating me. He moved me backward as we kissed, until my bottom hit the edge of the bed. A tickle began at my hips—the feel of his fingers gathering the silk of my dress upward, slowly.
I was breathing hard when he finally pulled it over my head. I kicked off my shoes, sending them flying. He let me lift his shirt off him, but stopped me when I went for his shorts.
“Not yet.” Again with the wicked grin.
He reached behind me for the clasp of my strapless bra, and as it fell a rush of self-consciousness made me cover my chest. He narrowed his eyes, and I felt like I needed to explain, even though he’d seen me naked already.
“They’re . . .” I couldn’t even say it. No doubt Kaidan had seen all kinds of rockin’ bodies in his time. Mine would not be one of them—at least not in this department.
He put his hands over mine and looked at me very seriously.
“I assure you, they’re perfect.”
He gently pulled my hands away. My chest heaved with nervous breaths as his eyes trailed down, took in the sight of my nearly naked body, and then closed. When they opened they were as stormy as ever.
“Like I said. Just right. On the bed with you now.”
Nerves. So many nerves.
I climbed onto the bed and the sweet torture began as he lay on his side next to me and continued taking his time kissing me. I tried to squirm closer, but he laid his hand firmly on my hip to keep me in place. When his mouth moved down to my shoulder, I let out a moan and saw him smile. He kissed a tiny freckle there I’d never paid attention to in my life. Then, slowly, he made his way across my collarbone and down my chest from one side to the other. My fingers were buried in his hair.