Chapter 15
BLYTHE
“Hello?”
Blythe answered the phone quickly, trying not to sound nervous or out of breath. She had been up since four, already drank four cups of coffee, and could practically see her hands twitching from the caffeine overload that was sure to catch up with her eventually.
“Hey there,” Lance began huskily on the phone, and she fought back a sigh. “I’m looking for the hottest woman around and is supposed to be going by the name Mrs. Cortes, I believe…?”
“Oh, she’s here,” Blythe replied, hoping she sounded cool and collected. “I don’t know about ‘hottest woman around,’ but I’m ready to go when you are.”
“I just wanted to make sure my date for life wasn’t about to get cold feet or stand me up,” and Lance let out a nervous chuckle that made her mouth drop open in shock. He was afraid she’d stand him up?
“Actually, I was just about to hop in the Jeep and drive over there. See, I’ve got an idea, and I figure if poachers can truss dead animals to the roofs of their vehicles, my roll cage should hold you easily.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yup. Duct tape makes the world go ‘round – and enables the crazy.”
“Blythe!” he laughed, sounding a little more sure of himself.
“I know, I know… the joke is in poor taste.”
“You don’t have to tie me up… unless…”
“Cool your jets, loverboy. Let’s get married before you start letting your freak-flag fly, okay?”
“You sound just like Alec – and I never thought I’d say that to my wife.”
“If you call me ‘Alec,’ we’re going to have a different conversation,” she laughed. “Now, are you on the way, or am I picking you up ‘poacher-style’…?”
“While I’m intrigued, I’m already heading out the front door to the truck and will be home in ten minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
“Oh, and heads up… we’re going to have an audience. My team is coming to celebrate with us.”
“Can one of them record the entire moment on video?” she asked, remembering his request and she wanted both of them to be able to look back on this moment forever.
“Absolutely, Boop,” he whispered emotionally. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. See you soon, darling.”
As they walkedinto the courthouse, Blythe felt Lance take her hand and he gave it a small squeeze. She looked at his profile, saw him swallow visibly as he stared straight ahead and almost said something… only to feel someone tap on her shoulder only a second before she was enveloped in a hug from behind.
“Everyone gets a hug ”cause you marry my bro, that makes you my sister…”
“Dude, Lance is gonna beat your…”
“Hey, now. Don’t hurt her…”
“My turn for a hug…”
“Bros with the hose, boyyyy…”
“Guys…”
“Just huggin’, ain’t nobody coppin’ a feel of your bride – although…”
“Alec!”
“The dude has a point, you know…”
“Austin! Seriously? What would Sabine say?”
“She”ll say she’s pretty too – and then she’d probably yank me out the door.”
“Because Sabine is on bedrest and pregnant with your child – again.”
“Gosh, I love baby bellies. Now, move over. Welcome to the family, Mrs. Lance.”
“Nope. Mrs. Cortes.”
“Wait, we call Justin’s wife ‘Mrs. Justin’ but we aren’t calling Lance’s wife ‘Mrs. Lance’?”
“Come to think of it, how come you don’t call Reyna ‘Mrs. Kyle’…?”
“Or Beth ‘Mrs. Chase’…?”
“Are you seriously asking this when they just called their names?”
“Wait,” Lance blurted out, his eyes widening as he looked at Blythe, who was currently getting hugged again blindly by another set of arms. Half of them smelled like barbecue, and the other half smelled like soap – all of them a sea of smiling faces that blurred together. “They did? Guys, would you all pipe down for a second and let go. Justin, can you record this for me? Here – take my phone!”
Blythe felt Lance pry her out of someone’s arms, heard laughter, and saw his grumbly yet proud frown as he pulled her forward into his own arms, silently saying ‘Mine!’ before walking her to the front.
“Cortes and Monroe party?”
“Yes, sir,” they answered in unison before sharing a look and smiling at each other. She saw Lance’s eyes rove over her and knew she looked nice, but this man certainly stole the show.
He was dressed from head to toe in a black suit that was emblazoned with a badge and regalia that looked so incredibly good. Large brass buttons held his formal coat together, making it formfitting and only served to make his already lean body look even more trim beneath those bulky shoulders. She had never thought she was a ‘shoulder girl’ – but seeing him in his uniform, dressed like this?
Mind. Changed.
She was definitely into shoulders now— specifically his.
“Do I look okay?” she asked nervously in a hushed voice, feeling a little anxious that maybe her dress was wrinkled or messed up. She never wore dresses at work. It was a ‘man’s world,’ and she needed to fit in – that was something she learned quickly in the automotive world. Today, however, she was celebrating her moment, her world, her love for this breathtaking man, and wanted to look her best.
When Blythe went shopping the other day, not only did she pick out something a little skimpy to tease Lance with, but she also found a baby blue dotted dress that was made of chiffon. There was a fabric sleeve in the middle for decency since you could see through the chiffon ruffles. It was so feminine, so light and airy, and so delicate that she immediately knew this was perfect. She even had a tiny pale blue bow affixed to a lock of her hair.
Her makeup was light yet simple. She splurged on waterproof eyeliner because she was frightened she would cry from the overwhelming emotions. She was marrying her dream guy and couldn’t be happier in his moment.
“You look like heaven,” Lance whispered, taking her hands in his as he turned toward her. She was barely aware of the magistrate speaking over them. Every ounce of her heart and soul was focused on taking in this moment. His eyes were full of emotion, and she saw him swallow again, right before he spoke.
“I, Lance Matthew Cortes, take you, Blythe…” and he paused nervously, his eyes widening in horror. He didn’t know her middle name, and that was not something that had come up yet.
“Mary,” she prompted and heard a snicker of laughter from his team as they realized what was going on. She turned, pointed at them, and hissed protectively. “You hush…”
“Sorry. I’m shaking,” Lance whispered and began again. “I, Lance Matthew Cortes, take you, Blythe Mary Monroe, to be my wife… my p-partner,” he choked, his voice getting hoarse as his eyes grew shiny. “My everything. I wish I were this amazing guy that you think I am, but I’m not. I’m just me, and I’m so overwhelmed that someone so incredible as you, actually chose to let me into your world.”
“Oh, Lance…” she breathed tearfully, smiling up at him.
“When we met the first time, I had only one thing on my mind,” he chuckled thickly and gave her a shy smile, causing her to laugh aloud as he continued speaking. “But then, when I carried you that day to the ambulance, I realized that I nearly blew my chance to meet the most luscious and breathtaking woman on God’s green earth. He gave me a second chance, and while I might not be the smartest guy…”
“Better than Alec!”
“Hey?! What the heck, buddy?”
“Shhhh! Take it outside!”
“Be quiet – I’m filming this.”
“Hey kids, if you are watching this – your Daddy is absolutely ga-ga over your incredibly hot Mama. I hope you got her genes…”
“ALEC!”
“Cause your dad can clear a room when he…”
“BECKETT! One more word and…”
“Kids, that is your Uncle Justin, and he’s a crabby son-of-a…”
“That’s it… you hear me? THAT’S IT…”
“Uh oh – yikes!”
“Hang on, Justin – gimme the camera…”
Blythe looked away from the fireman climbing over the bench in the courtroom, being chased by another amidst a wave of laughter and met Lance’s eyes.
“That’s our family,” she whispered, refusing to let anything detract from their moment. “Keep going, please?”
Lance nodded, clearing his throat, and looked at her. He hesitated again, and she saw his mouth tighten just before his lower lip wobbled precariously in the most endearing fashion. A tear slipped out of the corner of his eye, and she broke.
“I know it’s four random letters,” he said hoarsely. “But I love you, Blythe. I really truly love you and can’t imagine a world without your smile. I see you sometimes and think, ‘Dang, that’s my girl!’ – and I’m so proud to breathe the same air as you. And just when I think you can’t get any more impressive, you knock my socks off and leave me speechless. I don’t think that a thousand years will ever be enough…” and his voice cracked again.
She stepped forward, marching into his space like the first time she’d kissed him, taking control and having his back. His friends were here; they were recording this moment to save it forever, and she didn’t want her proud husband to have anything detract from their union.
“I, Blythe Mary Monroe, would have run through traffic, barefoot on a hot Texas summer day, buck naked…”
“Whoa – was that an option?”
“Show of hands, fellas… who votes for NOW?”
“… To simply have you notice me,” Blythe finished, ignoring the ribald comments from their ‘family’ and saw Lance’s smile. She was doing this for him, to make him smile and laugh because he meant the world to her. “When I heard about the auction, I knew this was my chance to become a blip on your gorgeous radar… and I was determined to make an impression.”
“Oh, you did, Boop,” Lance whispered tenderly, releasing her hand and touching her cheek. She laid her hand over his, holding it there.
“I know ‘love at first sight’ is something out of romance novels or on television shows, but the moment I saw you – I wanted to know you. When I woke up at the hospital, my angel was there, taking care of me, and I was a goner,” she breathed, not holding back.
“Your smile, your laughter, the way you ‘suddenly’ moved in… I was here for all of it. You tossed down a challenge, and I was there, waiting to scoop up the ball. I’m your partner, you’re my man, and we’re incredible together because our souls just fit. I’ve loved you since the moment you crossed my line of vision, and there will never be another like you, husband.”
She held his gaze as the magistrate spoke.
“I love you,” she breathed tenderly, still holding his hand against her cheek.
“Do you have the rings?”
Lance’s eyes widened in alarm – and she smiled.
“I’ve got you – always,” Blythe promised, reaching for the tiny clutch she had shoved her house key and driver’s license into last night while she had been getting everything together. It took two to make a marriage work, and she was of the belief that not everything had to be ‘up to the man’… and pulled out two thin wedding bands.
His eyes met hers.
“We’re in this together, Hero.”
“You seriously amaze me, wife.”
“I’ve always got your back.”
“Yes, you really do.”
He slid the ring on her finger and looked at her with so much love in his eyes that it was staggering. She couldn’t turn away from him, basking in that warmth, and slid the ring on his finger and hesitated. His ring was loose because she didn’t know his size. He gave her a knowing smile and winked before curling his fingers so it didn’t slip off.
“I love you, and we’re doing this.”
“You are never shaking me, buddy…”
“I wouldn’t dare try,” he chuckled.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the magistrate interrupted. “You may kiss your bride, Mr. Cortes.”
Lance pulled her close and leaned toward her, bending his head.
“Soft kiss? Passionate kiss? Quick kiss?”
“Just kiss me,” she ordered breathlessly.
“Yes, ma’am…”
Lance pulled her to him, spinning her around, and dipped her backward. She burst out laughing at the unexpected and romantic movement from him, clinging to his arms to keep from falling, except he had her. One hand was cradling the back of her neck while the other was wrapped around her waist.
He smiled at her, his eyes dancing as he spoke softly… only for her.
“I probably need to stretch because I really don’t want to get a cramp in my leg…”
Blythe’s mouth dropped open, remembering what he’d once said to her.
“You want me… remember?”
“I’m very interested… yes,” she grinned, wagging her eyebrows like he did toward her occasionally, keeping things light-hearted between them.
“Well,” he chuckled. “I’m very ‘interested’, too.”
“In dating or a relationship?”
“In forever, my love…” he promised, closing the gap between them as he kissed her finally. She heard loud cheering in the distance – and gave them a thumbs-up without breaking the kiss, knowing this would be recorded for all time.
When their kiss finally ended, Lance smiled before helping her stand up straight on her feet. He sweetly leaned forward and kissed her temple once more, like he was unable to help himself from being affectionate. His hand was on her lower back as she stepped forward to rejoin their friends, only to hear several radios go off nearby in unison.
Motor Vehicle Accident with Injury Reported
“Team A, Let’s move out!” Captain Marks began as Andy started chiming in.
“Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go!”
Several men in uniform started climbing out of the benches, over the benches, and pushing past people in a rush to get to the fire truck waiting out front, directly outside of the building.
“Team B?” she asked – and saw several of the remaining guys bump knuckles, then pretend their hands ‘exploded’ before wiggling their fingers at each other.
“You are Team B, Mrs. Cortes…”
“Your man is one of the bros…”
“Bros with the hose!”
To her shock, Alec and Lance made faces and played air guitar. The chief simply rubbed his forehead ruefully as Justin shrugged before extending a hand toward her.
“Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you.”
“A slightly dysfunctional family,” Justin amended, cracking a smile. “But family all the same. My wife can’t wait to meet you and has been wearing Chad’s wife, Maya, out for details. We’ll all have to get together soon.”
“But not for a few days…” Lance quickly added.
“Maybe in a few weeks, brother.”
“No calling in sick on Monday, either, Cortes…” the chief chuckled. “Congratulations, you two.”
“Thank you, sir,” Lance began and looked around. “Who’s got my phone? Does Justin still have it?”
“I’ve got it,” the chief admitted, handing it over. “I tried to keep my hand still after Justin handed it to me. Alec, just remember, your time is coming – and I promise you, we’ll be at your wedding too.”
“I’m never getting married.”
“I thought you said…”
“I need to go have a long talk with a few bossy females.”
“Good luck with that,” Blythe muttered under her breath and fought the urge to roll her eyes. Why was it when a woman was strong enough to play ‘the game’ that it suddenly made her ‘bossy’ or worse?
And heard Lance’s knowing laugh just before he kissed her temple once again. “Just so you know,” he whispered intimately in her ear. “You can be as bossy as you want with me – and we are leaving in less than two seconds.”
“You’re on,” she smirked, meeting his warm gaze. “Waiting on you.”