Chapter 24
Hannah
Brooks and I are silent as we leave my house and drive to my office. But he never lets go of my hand. Not even once. I glance at him, a warm feeling settling over my chest. I meant what I said to him. This is madness, but it feels right. I’ve spent so long running from my past and my pain. I’m done with that. From here on out, I’m going to embrace what makes me happy. Brooks is part of that.
My ring catches the light, and I can’t keep the smile from my face.
“I enjoy seeing you happy, Angel.”
“I am happy, Brooks.”
We arrive at my building, and I spot several vehicles that I don’t recognize and a few that I do.
Brooks says, “Isa suggested hiring a team to do your hair and make-up. Renee recommended the team you usually use.”
“Renee knows?”
“She’s here. So are Jess and Matt.” My eyes water, but he’s not done. “Your Dad and Jeannie are here, too. I didn’t reach out to your mom and stepdad. Dennis didn’t think it would be a good idea.”
“You’re on a first name basis with my dad? Of course you are.”
He squeezes my hand. “He’s important to you, so I want to get to know him. We had a long conversation yesterday when I asked for your hand in marriage.”
My eyes water. “God, I feel like I’m going to cry all day.”
“Let those tears out, Angel. This is a happy day, and they are happy tears.”
I don’t reply, because Jess, Renee, and Isa come outside, waving at me.
When I get out, Renee says, “Come on, boss. Let’s get you ready for your big day. Just wait until you see the dress.” She tips her head toward Brooks, who’s at my side. “He did so good.”
I let my friends pull me inside. Dad and Jeannie stand in the foyer, both with a flute of champagne in hand.
“Hannah-banana,” Dad greets.
I go to him, hugging him tightly. “I’m so glad you and Jeannie are here.”
“Of course we’re here. We wouldn’t miss your big day for the world.”
“Brooks said he spoke to you?” I bite my bottom lip, feeling like I’m a teenager again, asking my dad what he thinks of the guy I’m with.
“He did. He owned up to all of his mistakes. Explained everything, including how he looked for you after the accident. I didn’t think your mother could be so cruel. She knew you were hurting and should have told you.”
“She should have,” I agree. “Thank you for making sure she’s not here today. She would only ruin it for me.”
“Anything for my favorite girl. Now, I believe Jess and Renee are chomping at the bit to get you ready for your big day. I’ll be waiting to walk you down the aisle.”
I exhale. “Tell me I’m not crazy, Dad.”
“Honey, there’s nothing crazier than love. I will tell you I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time.”
I brush at the tears falling down my cheeks. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you, too, Hannah-banana.”
Turning, I find Jess and Renee. We make our way to the bridal room where the team is waiting to get started. I’ve seen my brides go through this process a million times. It’s surreal that I’m now the one in the seat, getting pampered as I get ready for my wedding.
Renee pours everyone a glass of champagne before turning to me. “So, boss, care to tell us how this came about?”
I snort as I take a sip. “I’m not even sure, to be honest.”
“I guess this explains why the venues for Ms. Minty-Smith were all canceled.”
“Crap. I didn’t even think about telling Jacqueline. What is she going to think of me?”
Isa, who’s been watching us from the corner of the room, says, “Jacqueline will be fine. Don’t you worry about her, especially today. This is your special day.”
Jess eyes Isa. “Why do I feel like you’re going to be competition for my best friend?”
Isa grins. “No competition. I’m Isabetta Moretti, and I’m desperate to make more female friends.”
“Jessica Thomason, and I guess you seem alright.”
The two share a smile, which makes me feel better. I want them to get along.
The team works their magic on me and when they spin me to face the mirror, I’m left speechless.
“Oh, Hannah,” Jess breathes out. “You look beautiful.”
My blonde hair is swept up in an up-do that I could never accomplish on my own. The team kept my make-up natural looking, which we all know isn’t ‘natural’ at all. It’s really an art form to make it look this casual. The only pop of color is from my lips, which are a deep shade of pink. The dress from Bruno is…god, it’s beautiful. It’s like he knew what I’d like in a wedding gown and took it to the extreme.
The sweetheart neckline shows off my assets, thanks to the built-in corset. God knows my boobs would never look this good on their own. The fitted bodice is flattering and creates an hourglass silhouette. When I move, the layers of soft tulle make a dreamy floating effect. My most favorite part? There are feathers on the back of the dress that resemble angel wings. My damn heart flutters every time I think about it. I wonder if Brooks knows? If not, what will he think about it?
Renee says, “Boss, you’re going to bring that man to his knees.”
I look up to the ceiling, blinking rapidly. “Stop, or I’m going to cry.”
Jess and Ren hug me from each side, which doesn’t help my struggle.
Finally, I say, “Okay, okay. Let’s do this.”
Because I’m ready to marry Brooks Henderson.
Isa and Renee leave the room, leaving me and Jess.
Jess turns to me. “I have to say, Brooks impressed me when he called last night. He really loves you, and he’s really sorry for what he did.”
“I’m mostly shocked that you knew this wedding was happening and didn’t tell me.”
She laughs. “The struggle was real. Matt made me swear on our marriage that I wouldn’t tell you. When that didn’t work, he had me swear on Jeffie’s head, which really isn’t fair. I told him he doesn’t get to use our son like that ever again.”
“Yeah, that’s not fair at all, but it was nice to be surprised.” I exhale. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
She gives my arm a squeeze before turning to the door, opening it. My dad is waiting in the hallway. He’s changed into a black suit with a tie that matches my lipstick.
“Hannah-banana. You look beautiful.”
“You’re looking pretty good yourself, Dad.”
He holds out his arm. “I’m ready when you are.”
I look into his gaze, which is so similar to my own.
“Am I crazy, Dad?”
“Love is crazy, Han.”
He’s right. Everything about this doesn’t make sense. The only thing that makes it logical is that Brooks and I love each other. So I’m going to jump into this with both feet.
I wipe at my eyes, laughing. “I’m ready.”
Hooking my arm through his, I let him set the pace as we walk to the small chapel. When I added the chapel to my building, I never imagined that I would be getting married in it. I wanted clients with smaller budgets to have an alternate place to get married if they didn’t want to get married at city hall or if they didn’t have a church that they felt comfortable using.
The room is small and intimate. White wooden pews line both sides of the aisle. Stained glass windows depict a romantic floral arrangement that catches the light and makes rainbows on the wooden floors. A pastor stands under the floral arch at the front of the room. The arch was Renee’s idea. The bride can pick the flowers for her ceremony, giving it a custom feel. Since I knew nothing about this surprise wedding, Renee picked the arrangement. White roses and white wisteria. My two favorite flowers. I meet her gaze and mouth my thanks.
Isa and Alessandro sit on the groom’s side. Jeannie, Jess, Matt, and Renee sit on the bride’s side. My gaze goes back to the front of the room, to Brooks.
Brooks stands by the pastor wearing all black. My breath stutters in my chest. He’s so handsome, and he’s all mine. He winks, as if he knows what I’m thinking.
Soft music plays as Dad leads me down the aisle. Each step reminds me that this is what I want. I want Brooks and I want to marry him. I finally reach him. Dad kisses my cheek before handing me off to Brooks.
“You look beautiful, Angel.”
I smile up at him. “You look good, too, Kitten.”
His lips twitch as he takes my hand. We face the pastor, who clears his throat. I’ve been to at least a hundred weddings in my career. I can recite what is said almost word for word. Today is different because the words are being said to me and Brooks. Happy tears fill my eyes as the pastor conducts the ceremony. Before I know it, we’ve said ‘I do’, and the pastor says Brooks may kiss his bride.
Brooks smiles down at me. “I’ve waited a lifetime for this.”
“Me, too.”
His head lowers and I tilt mine as our lips meet. The kiss is sweet and full of promises.
Brooks gives me another peck before whispering in my ear, “I just met your Dad. I don’t want to shock him by tonguing you down in front of him, even though that’s what I want to do.”
I snort, slapping at his chest. “I’m sure he appreciates it, though I’d prefer being tongued down by you.”
“Later, Angel. First, let’s celebrate with our friends.”
We turn to face everyone at the same time, and they cheer for us. My face hurts from smiling so much.
Renee calls out, “Okay, everyone. The reception is in the gardens. Let’s give the couple a moment to themselves.”
She ushers everyone out of the chapel, leaving me and Brooks alone.
“I like that woman more and more,” he says, and he pulls me into his embrace. He smiles down at me. “Hello, wife.”
My heart flutters.
“Hello, husband.”
His eyes close. “Fuck. Say it again.”
“Hello.”
His eyes open, narrowing. “You’re going to be a handful, aren’t you?”
I blink innocently. “Why, I don’t know what you mean, husband.”
He snorts, pulling me even closer. “I love you, Angel.”
“I love you, too.”
His mouth covers mine in the kiss that I was craving before. It, too, holds promises, but these are carnal and full of sin. I kiss him back until we’re both moaning.
“Fuck,” he says as he pulls away. “We need to stop or I’m going to bend you over one of these pews and consummate our marriage with our guests a few feet away.”
Heat courses through me. “I’m not stopping you, Daddy.”
“Vixen. But I want our first time as man and wife to be in a bed where I can worship you for hours.”
“Hours? Well, who can argue with that? Certainly not me.”
“Let’s celebrate, Angel. Because I have big plans for you tonight.”
He takes my hand, leading me outside to the reception. For the next few hours, we spend time with those who are important to us, laughing and having a good time. Not once do I worry about what’s going to happen when the Brotherhood finds out about our marriage. After tearful goodbyes, Brooks and I make our way to the airport, where his private jet is waiting for us.
He pulls me onto his lap. “Ready for our honeymoon, Angel?”
“Where are we going?”
“I’ll give you a hint. We’ve been before.”
I hum. “So it’s either Hawaii or Mexico.”
“Bingo.”
“Not going to tell me which one?”
“Nope.”
Two hours later, the jet lands in Cancun. A private car waits to take us to a resort that’s very different from the one we stayed at when I was in college. We’re in our own villa with private beach access. It’s beautiful and romantic.
Brooks carries me over the threshold into the villa. Inside, white candles are lit, creating a soft glow that leads the way to the bedroom. Inside the bedroom, Brooks helps me undress. When he sees the wings on the back, he kisses my shoulder.
“I asked Bruno to do this. I wasn’t sure if it would translate. My Angel. Forever.”
I spin, facing him. “It’s the perfect touch. If you ever tire of being the Face of the Brotherhood, you should come work for me.”
“For you? I love the sound of that.”
We share a smile before his head dips, capturing my lips in a soft kiss that soon turns heated. By the time we pull away, I’m panting.
“I’ve dreamed about this moment for years, Hannah. Please say I can take you to bed.”
“Take me to bed, Brooks.”
It’s my turn to help him undress. The moment is filled with soft touches as we make our way to the massive bed. Honest to god, I’ve never seen a bed so big in my life. Brooks scoops me into his arms, laying me on the soft mattress.
“Have I ever mentioned how sexy it is that you lift me like I weigh nothing?”
He wiggles his eyebrows. “Then prepared to be wowed.”
He climbs into bed next to me and rolls us so I’m on top of him. I laugh, bracing my hand on his chest as I look down at him.
“I’m impressed.”
“Oh, it’s purely selfish, Angel.” He taps my right hip. “Move up.”
“Up?”
“I want you to sit on my face.”
Heat blooms through my body.
“What?”
“You heard me. Daddy’s hungry.”
I snort, but say, “I’ve never done this before. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t, but even if you did, it would be worth it. Now, get up there.”
I roll my bottom lip between my teeth. We’ve done a lot of things before, but not this. And I’ve gained some weight in the past six years. What if I really do hurt him when I sit on his face? Brooks rubs his thumb over my hip, bringing me back into the moment.
“Okay, how should I do this?”
“Lift up a bit and I’ll do the rest.”
Bracing my feet on the mattress, I lift myself up. A startled gasp leaves my lips as he grabs my hips, hoisting me forward until I’m directly over his face. Slowly, he lowers me until my knees touch the mattress. Even though I’m not directly on his face, I can feel his hot breath against my thigh. Heat rushes to my core. God, I can already tell this is going to be intense. Good, but intense.
“Angel, I’m dying to taste you.”
Holding onto the headboard, I lower myself over his face. His tongue darts out before I’m fully seated, making me moan. My body jerks when he pulls me down all the way, but mostly because he spears me with his tongue at the same time.
“Oh, fuck,” I moan.
He hums his agreement as he licks and sucks. When he hits the spot that makes my toes curl, I arch against his face, earning a loud moan from him. Shit! Did I hurt him?
Looking down, I see his eyes closed in bliss. And his mouth? Well, it doesn’t stop moving, sending me toward my first orgasm.
“Brooks,” I cry out.
But my husband isn’t done. No, he tongue-fucks me until my knees give out and I’m slumped forward, holding onto the headboard as I have two more orgasms back-to-back. Tears stream down my face because the pleasure is almost too much, and yet it’s not enough.
“Brooks,” I pant. “I need your cock.”
He groans beneath me. A moment later, he rolls me to my back and moves over me, kissing me. My arousal coats his lips, making me hot all over.
“I love tasting myself on your lips.”
“Fuck, Angel. Not as much as I do.”
I moan when his cock brushes my opening. He kisses me as he enters me in a single thrust.
“Ready to start that baby making?”
“Sure am, Daddy.”
His gaze darkens. Lowering his head, he sucks on the spot on my neck that drives me crazy. I writhe beneath him, pulling him in deeper.
“Brooks,” I whimper. “I need…”
He rocks into me. “What does my gorgeous girl need? Hmm? Tell me.”
“Harder,” I pant. “I need you to fuck me harder.”
His hand goes around my throat, tilting my head back. His thumb rubs the tattoo on my chin as he gives me what I want.
“I lied,” I say. “About the tattoo. It was always you, Brooks. And I got it for you.”
When we were in Cancun when I was in college, he said something to me after we made love. Something that stuck. He said ‘Baby, I’m yours.’ It stuck with me because I thought he had it all wrong. I was his, and I wanted the world to know. After, well, after everything happened, I discovered ink therapy.
The tattoo on the underside of my chin says ‘Baby, I’m yours’.
He rubs the tattoo again and says, “I love you, Hannah. And I’m yours as much as you’re mine.”
Our lips meet in a heated kiss as our bodies move as one. Soon, I’m crying out my release. He’s right behind me, filling me. There’s a part of me that hopes and prays that we’re able to start a family soon. Not because I’m worried about the Brotherhood. No, I want a family with Brooks because that’s how it was always supposed to be between us.
Brooks falls against me, but then rolls us so we’re both on our sides. He’s still deep inside of me, though we’re both spent.
“Trying to make sure I get pregnant?” I joke.
“Sure am, Angel.” He brushes a stray piece of hair that escaped my up do. “I love you.”
For the first time in longer than I can remember, I’m one-hundred percent happy. There’s no fear that something is going to go wrong. And the ache that’s lived deep inside of me for the past six years is gone with Brooks at my side.
“I love you, too.”