Chapter Four
Jackson
As the Las Vegas sun blazed overhead, I pulled the truck up to the hotel. My heart raced with anticipation for our new beginning together. Mia was becoming my priority. I still felt uncertain over how to act around her. How much intimacy was too much? I’d done my best to treat her as I would a good friend. Sometimes I thought I caught a flash of disappointment in her eyes. If she wanted more, all she had to do was tell me. The way she’d chased after Carter, I didn’t think she was shy when it came to things like that. Maybe she just didn’t find me attractive. Carter and I didn’t look anything alike.
“Can you believe we’re here, Jackson?” Mia’s eyes sparkled like the neon lights surrounding us.
“Hardly,” I replied, a mix of fear and desire coursing through me. Was I doing the right thing? I couldn’t think of a better way to protect Mia, but I had to wonder what my family would think about this.
No, my true fear was what would happen after the wedding. I’d planned for us to sleep in the same bed. Now that we were here, I worried I’d want to do more than sleep. What if I reached for her in the middle of the night? The last thing I wanted to do was scare her. I’d be lying if I said Mia wasn’t beautiful. I’d thought so from the moment I’d first met her, but it had been clear she was Carter’s. She’d only had eyes for him. Now I’d essentially stolen my friend’s girl. No, he’d thrown her away and we were no longer friends. I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Except that Mia might not appreciate my thoughts, or the way I found myself watching the sway of her hips.
Hell, other people had noticed. I didn’t know how Mia didn’t. I had more than one cowboy shoot me a knowing smirk when I’d been walking behind Mia or watching her bend over to pick something up. By some miracle, she hadn’t noticed the times she’d made me hard. Mia needed a gentleman, and I was determined to be one. We were getting married so she’d be safe, and I wanted the baby to have my last name. I had to admit the thought of being a dad scared me, but I also looked forward to it.
We checked into the hotel and quickly entered our suite. If I was going to do this, might as well do it right. I only ever planned to have one wedding. Eager to freshen up before finding a chapel for our ceremony, we stepped inside the dimly lit room. Mia turned to me with uncertainty in her gaze.
“Are you ready for this?” she asked softly. I knew she had to be as scared as I was.
“More than anything,” I answered without hesitation, embracing her tightly. She needed me to be confident right now. If she knew I had any doubts, it would only send her running. Although, my fears centered around me scaring her, screwing up as a dad, or just failing at this marriage completely.
As I changed into a nice pair of jeans and new boots, I couldn’t help but think about the incredible journey that had led me here. Growing up as the son of a Dixie Reaper named Cowboy, I never imagined I’d be lucky enough to find someone like Mia. The only girls I’d been around were buckle bunnies or the ones I’d grown up with at the compound. Neither had really appealed to me. The kids at the Dixie Reapers all felt like family. The mere thought of kissing any of Tank’s daughters, or anyone else old enough, made me want to gag.
But Mia… Despite all she’d been through, she was still so sweet and trusting. It made me want to shelter her from the world, make sure no one could ever hurt her again, and just hold her close. I wasn’t sure what to call the way I was feeling, although I knew I was definitely protective over Mia. Without someone standing in her corner, I had no doubt the world would chew her up and spit her out.
I didn’t deserve someone like her. A rough cowboy like me shouldn’t get to claim a woman who still had an air of innocence about her, even if she was already carrying a baby. She’d put her faith in the wrong person. Nothing less and nothing more. It could have happened to anyone. When she’d told Carter about the baby, I’d seen the fear in her eyes. It should have never happened that way. If she’d been mine and told me we were having a kid, it might have shocked the hell out of me, but I’d have gathered her close, kissed her, and asked her to marry me.
Instead, she’d essentially been kicked by a mule instead, with Carter’s dumb ass being the mule. I still wanted to beat him senseless. Not just for being a dick to Mia, but I couldn’t believe he’d actually hit her. An angel like her deserved so much better.
“All right, darlin’,” I said, holding out my hand to her. “Let’s go find us a chapel.”
Mia smiled, her eyes shining with excitement, and took my hand. Together, we stepped back out into the sweltering heat. I had no idea if she felt as apprehensive as I did. While I’d have done anything to keep Mia safe, I had to wonder if this was truly what was best for her, or was I just hung up playing the part of her hero?
“Jackson, I’ve never been happier than I am right now.” She smiled up at me. “I never thought I’d meet someone like you. The only men I’ve ever known were all like Carter. Even my father.”
It was the first time she’d mentioned her family, other than telling me her homelife hadn’t been a nice one. I’d known she’d run away from home and helped her as best I could. But hearing her mention her dad, made me want to ask questions. I refrained, knowing it would ruin the moment. I hoped one day she’d trust me enough to open up about her past. I had a feeling what she called a bad homelife would make me want to track down the assholes she called parents and teach them a lesson.
“No matter what challenges come our way, I promise to stand by your side and face them head-on,” I said, hoping she knew I meant every word.
“Jackson,” Mia murmured, squeezing my hand gently. “Thank you for choosing me. I know you aren’t in love with me, and that’s okay. Although, I do worry that you’ll come to regret this one day.”
“Never,” I vowed. “I may not be a part of my dad’s club, but I still uphold a lot of their values. One of those is never giving up on the woman we’ve chosen. So, once we get married today, there won’t be a divorce later. You’ll be mine until the day one of us dies.”
I could feel Mia’s hand trembling in mine as we approached the entrance of the chapel, whether it was from nerves or excitement I wasn’t sure. Or perhaps I’d scared her with the no divorce talk before coming here. Probably something we should have talked about before we made it to Vegas. I normally viewed things in a calm and logical manner. When it came to Mia, it felt like someone had scrambled my brains.
“Here we are,” I said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Are you ready?”
“More than ever,” Mia replied.
As we stepped through the chapel doors, we were greeted by the warm smile of the officiant. He was an older gentleman, his silver hair contrasting sharply with the deep tan of his weathered face. His eyes held a warmth that attested to how much he loved his job.
“Welcome,” he said, extending his hand to us both. “I’m Pastor John. You must be Jackson and Mia.”
“Nice to meet you, sir,” I replied, shaking his hand firmly.
“Please, call me John,” he chuckled, his laughter rich and inviting. “Now, let’s get down to business and make sure everything is perfect for your special day.”
We followed him to a small office where he had us fill out the necessary paperwork and discuss the finer details of our ceremony. As we spoke, I couldn’t help but notice how attentive he was to Mia’s desires, making sure she felt heard and valued every step of the way. That alone made me certain I’d booked the right chapel. Nothing mattered more to me than making this day one Mia would look back on fondly.
I just had to keep reminding myself there wouldn’t be a conventional wedding night. I’d have to come up with something for us to do. If not, I’d spend the rest of the night and possibly tomorrow thinking about the fact I’d love to do more than hold her hand, give her hugs, or kiss her cheek.
“All right,” John said after we’d ironed out the last of the details. “Now that we’ve got everything set, it’s time for the fun part -- finding the perfect dress for the beautiful bride-to-be. We have some you can rent just for the ceremony, or you can also purchase them.”
He led us to a room filled with wedding dresses of all shapes and sizes. The sight of them took my breath away, each gown more stunning than the last. But none compared to the beauty of Mia as she stood among them, her eyes wide with awe.
“Take your time, darlin’,” I whispered, giving her a gentle nudge. “I’ll be right here.”
Mia smiled at me before turning her attention back to the dresses. She tried on several gowns, each one making her look more radiant than the last. But it wasn’t until she stepped out in a simple yet elegant dress that I knew we’d found the one. It accentuated her natural beauty, hugging her curves in all the right places and making her eyes sparkle like the stars above us. Even though she didn’t have a baby bump yet, she’d been filling out a bit more over the last few weeks.
“Jackson,” she said softly, as tears welled in her eyes. “What do you think?”
“Darlin’, you look absolutely breathtaking,” I replied, speaking nothing but the truth. “There’s no doubt in my mind that you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”
As Mia hugged me tightly, I couldn’t wait to see what the future had in store for us. At least the flush to her cheeks told me she’d been pleased with my words. Had I not told her I thought she was the prettiest woman I’d ever met? I’d need to do better in the future.
I’d intended for ours to be a marriage of convenience, but I had to hope that one day we might have the same kind of marriage as my parents. It’s what I’d always wanted. And the more time I spent with Mia, the more certain I became that I wanted so much more from her. I wanted her under me, crying out my name, begging me for more. To be able to kiss her like she was my everything. For everyone who saw us to know exactly what she meant to me just by looking at us.
We followed the pastor back into the chapel, and I watched Mia as she stood at the entrance, ready to walk down the aisle. While this wasn’t a traditional wedding exactly, it was the closest we could get with the limited time we had available. I’d arranged to have pictures taken during the ceremony and after, so Mia would have photos or a wedding scrapbook. She might not care now, but one day she might change her mind.
As the notes of the bridal chorus began to play, Mia started her slow walk down the aisle. Her gown shimmered under the lights, and the matching shoes I had bought for her clicked softly against the faux stone path. With every step she took, my heart swelled with admiration for this incredible woman who had accepted me as her partner in life.
“Wow,” I breathed out, unable to tear my eyes away from the vision that was Mia. Her radiant beauty seemed to light up the chapel, stealing the breath from my lungs. My heart raced as she drew closer, her eyes locked on mine, brimming with happiness and perhaps a little uncertainty.
“Please face each other and join hands,” the officiant instructed us once Mia reached my side. As our fingers intertwined, the world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us standing there, ready to commit our lives to one another.
“Jackson, please recite your vows,” the officiant prompted.
“Uh… right,” I stammered, my voice trembling with emotion as I looked into Mia’s eyes. I hadn’t exactly written any vows, but I did have an idea of what I wanted to say. So, why couldn’t I think of a single word all of a sudden? The officiant cleared his throat, and I knew I had to say something.
“Mia, when I first met you, I never imagined that you’d be the one to tame this wild cowboy’s heart. But you did. You showed me what it means to have a partnership built on trust and respect, that it’s okay to embrace the future. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Today,” I continued, pausing to swallow the lump in my throat, “I vow to honor you, cherish you, and protect you with every fiber of my being. I promise to stand by your side, through thick and thin, for better or for worse. And above all else, I pledge my unwavering love and devotion to you for the rest of our days.”
“Beautifully spoken, Jackson,” the officiant said softly, nodding his approval before turning to Mia. “Now, Mia, please recite your vows.”
“Jackson,” she began, her voice steady and full of warmth, “you came into my life at first as a friend, and later as my hero. You showed me that good men really do exist. I’m so grateful to have you in my life. You’ve been my rock, my confidant, and my best friend through some of the darkest times in my life, and I can’t imagine facing this world without you by my side.”
The officiant’s words echoed through the quaint chapel as he declared us husband and wife. “You may now kiss the bride.”
I pulled Mia closer. The moment our lips touched, a surge of desire and passion ignited within me. It felt like a wildfire racing through my veins. Her lips parted under mine and our tongues tangled. Her kiss tasted like innocence and desire mingled together. A gasp slipped from her, and I slowly pulled back. I knew in that instant that our relationship had evolved into something more than friendship. At least for me. With each passing second, I grew more certain that I wanted more from Mia than just friendship. I wanted… everything.
When had I fallen for her? Had it been so subtle that it slipped past me until now? I knew kissing her hadn’t made me fall head over heels, although I did want to do a lot more of it. As I gazed into her eyes, I saw forever… having a family, going on trail rides together, picnics, watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, growing old together. I wanted all of it, and only with Mia. I’d often heard my dad’s club brothers talk about how they just knew the moment they met the woman meant for them. Had some part of me recognized Mia as mine, and I’d been holding back because of her relationship with Carter?
I now understood how my dad must have felt. He’d not only helped Mom escape from my birth father, but he’d treated me and Danica like his own from the beginning. It was exactly the same for me and Mia, although our baby hadn’t been born yet. I didn’t care if I didn’t share DNA with the kid. They were mine, and that was all that mattered. I’d do anything to keep my new family safe.
Someone cleared their throat and I realized I’d been too lost in my thoughts, and the dazed expression on Mia’s face told me plenty. Even if she wasn’t in love with me, she definitely felt something. It gave me hope we’d have a very happy life together.
“Congratulations,” the officiant said, pulling us back to reality. As we made our way back down the aisle, hand in hand, I marveled at how much had changed in such a short time. I’d walked into this chapel questioning my decision, and now I knew with a certainty Mia was meant to be mine. How had I been so blind to my true feelings for her until now?
“Can you believe it? We’re actually married!” Mia exclaimed as we stepped outside the chapel.
“Believe it, beautiful,” I replied, squeezing her waist. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
We went back to our hotel suite with the idea we’d change clothes before going out to eat and sightseeing. Except, once the door clicked shut behind us, I had to fight to control the urge to kiss her again. When she turned and smiled at me, I knew it was a lost cause.
Pulling her into my arms, I slanted my mouth over hers. Deepening the kiss, I savored every second. My hands explored the small of her back, then I slid one up between her shoulder blades and grabbed a handful of her hair, holding her in place as I ravaged her lips. Her body tensed, then relaxed under my touch, a silent surrender.
“Jackson,” she moaned, fanning the already raging flames within me. Navigating the maze of laces and fabric at the back of her dress became my sole focus, each deft stroke causing goose bumps to rise on her skin. I managed to unfasten the dress and slid it off her shoulders. It pooled at her feet, and my breath caught at the sight of her in nothing but tiny scraps of white lace.
Her chest rose and fell heavily under my gaze as I allowed myself a moment to appreciate the incredible woman standing before me. The blush creeping across her cheeks served only to heighten my arousal as I slowly reached for the clasp between her breasts.
“You’re sure?” I asked, locking eyes with her for reassurance. She simply nodded, threading her fingers into my hair and pulling me back in for another searing kiss.
I undid the clasp of her bra, unveiling a pair of perky breasts with the prettiest nipples I’d ever seen. While I wasn’t the man whore some of my friends were, it wasn’t like I was a virgin. I’d been with a few women, but no one memorable. This was different. Mia was mine. My wife.
I cupped her breasts, the heat radiating off her skin making my fingers tingle with anticipation. Her gasp was music to my ears as I gently brushed my thumbs over her nipples, watching them harden in response. Slipping one hand lower, I traced a line down her abdomen toward the last piece of fabric separating us. Feeling her shiver under my touch, I dipped my fingers underneath the lace panties she wore and lightly explored. As my fingers stroked her slit, I felt how wet she was already.
Trailing a path of hungry kisses down her neck and between the valley of her breasts, I paused to swirl my tongue around one hardened nipple, while my fingers slid into her wet heat. Every sweet sound she made left me aching for release.
“Mia,” I groaned against her skin, “I need you.”
My words seemed to ignite something within her because the next thing I knew, we were stumbling toward the bedroom, where she pulled me down on top of her on the soft mattress. I couldn’t help but kiss her again. Each one we shared seemed sweeter than the last.
Drawing back, I stared down at her, taking in the beautiful sight of my new wife spread out beneath me. My cock jerked behind my zipper, begging to be set free. I stood and toed off my boots, yanked off my socks, and started working on the buttons on my shirt. Mia watched with a hungry expression. Once I’d stripped all the way, she leaned forward and traced her finger down my hard cock.
“I never thought this part of a man was pretty, but in your case, I’ll make an exception.” She licked her lips and dropped to her knees at my feet. Before I had a chance to process what she was doing, she’d taken me into her mouth, flicking her tongue over the sensitive head.
“Jesus, Mia. You’re killing me with that wicked mouth.” I sifted my fingers through her hair, guiding her. I lost myself in the sensation as she sucked and licked, driving me mad. I felt my balls draw up, and knew I’d be coming in a minute if we didn’t stop. “Up! I want to be inside you.”
She stood on shaky legs, slid her panties down her legs, then sprawled on the bed again. I yanked her ass to the edge of the mattress, and she immediately spread her thighs, hooking her legs around me. Positioning my cock at her entrance, I slowly sank into her, holding her gaze because I didn’t want to miss a moment of this. She arched her back as I completely filled her.
“Feels so good, Jackson.” Her nails dug into my shoulders. I pulled almost all the way out before thrusting back in. I must have hit that sweet spot inside her because she shivered and gave a soft cry, her hold on me tightening. It only took three more strokes before I felt the heat of her release.
Gripping her hips tight, I drove into her, taking what I needed. She shuddered beneath me, screaming my name as she came again. I pounded into her, not slowing until I’d emptied every drop of cum from my balls. Panting, I leaned down to kiss her softly.
“That wasn’t quite how I wanted this to go. Our first time together should have been…”
She placed her finger over my lips. “It was perfect. No one’s ever made me feel like this before, Jackson, so don’t spoil the moment. Besides, it’s not like we can’t do it again.”
I smiled down at her. “Naughty girl. You’re right. We have plenty of time.”
I eased out of her and flopped onto the bed on my back. Mia squealed as I grabbed her around the waist and hauled her on top of me. Even though I’d just come, my cock was still hard. “Cowgirl up, Mia. Show me how well you ride.”
Her cheeks flushed as she sank onto my cock. “I’m definitely staying on for more than eight seconds.”
How the fuck had I managed to find the one woman who was perfect for me in every way? As much as I wanted to beat the hell out of Carter, I also felt like I owed him a beer. If he hadn’t been such a dumbass, I wouldn’t be here like this with Mia right now.