22. Epilogue
Rose
I can't stop smiling. My wedding dress swishes around my ankles as I turn to gaze at my new husband.
Dressed in his linen suit, Braxton’s hotness is next level today. His dark hair is tousled from the sea breeze, the top buttons undone on his white shirt allowing a peek of his tan, muscular chest.
And don’t even get me started on those glasses. Seeing him in those tortoiseshell frames, he looks like every gal’s hot professor fantasy.
"You're thinking bad thoughts, Primrose. I can tell." Braxton drawls, pulling me close, his voice low and seductive. "Ready to start our honeymoon?"
"Don't go getting all impatient. We've got guests to thank and …"
"And I've got a beautiful bride to ravish," he growls playfully in my ear.
I fan myself dramatically. "Why Mr. Barrows, you're making me swoon!”
Braxton chuckles, his eyes twinkling with desire. I'm about to suggest we sneak away when I spot Honeybun in the crowd, little stubby tail wagging furiously.
We wanted a casual wedding on the rooftop of the little boutique hotel across from the harbor and next door to Bayside Bean Coffee. The entire time I've been saying a silent prayer that my troublesome baby wouldn't cause a scene. So far, he'd been on his best behavior as ring bearer, but I know better than to let my guard down.
"Relax, Rose," Braxton soothes. "Cooper's keeping an eye on him."
Sure enough, I see Braxton's young nephew chasing after Honeybun, both of them giggling with delight. My heart melts.
Braxton nods, a smile on his face as he watches his brother Adrian scoop up Cooper. "I'm glad they could be here," he says softly.
I squeeze his hand, knowing how much it means to him to have his family here. "Me, too. Now, about that honeymoon..." I trail off suggestively, rubbing my hand up and down his broad chest.
Braxton's eyebrows shoot up. "Why Miss Flowers, are you propositioning me?" he says, slipping into our roles.
"Maybe I am, professor. What're you gonna do about it?"
His eyes darken with promise. "Oh, sweetheart, you're about to find out."
I'm about to respond when Adrian saunters over, letting Cooper continue to chase after Honeybun. Adrian’s the spitting image of Braxton, just a little taller and younger.
"You know, old man," Adrian starts, clapping Braxton on the shoulder, "I can see why you love it here. This town has charm."
Braxton's eyebrows shoot up. "Oh? Coming from a New Yorker like you, that's something."
I laugh. "Are you going to trade in your fancy penthouse for the beach?"
"Maybe not yet, Rose. But I could see myself spending more time here. Truth is, I’m ready to do my own thing and spend time with my son. I need something to keep me occupied."
Just then, Ash, Lila’s billionaire husband and Braxton’s financial advisor, sidles up to our little group. "Did I hear someone say they're looking for a business opportunity? Boy, do I have an investment proposition for you..."
Chuckling, Braxton shakes his head. “That’s Ash. Always hustling.”
As Ash leads Adrian away, I turn to Braxton with a grin. "Well, looks like your brother might be stickin' around. How do you feel about that?"
Braxton's smile is warm. "Honestly? I think it'd be great. But right now, all I can think about is getting you alone."
My cheeks flush at his words, and I'm about to suggest we make our escape when I hear giggles behind me. I turn to see my bridesmaids and two best friends, Tessa and Lila, wearing knowing smirks.
"Look at our Rose, all eager to ditch her own wedding," Lila teases. "Can't wait to get that handsome groom of yours all to yourself, huh?"
"Oh hush," I say, feeling my blush deepen.
The girls erupt in laughter, and I can feel Braxton's chest rumble with amusement as he wraps his arms around me from behind, snuggling me into his body.
"Don't you worry, ladies," he drawls. "I promise to return her... eventually."
I'm about to reply when the crowd parts, and a familiar white blur comes bounding towards us. I’m admiring his little doggy tuxedo when I notice something in his mouth.
"Oh, sweet peaches and cream," I mutter, my eyes widening in horror as I realize what he has in his mouth.
Honeybun drops a small white stick at our feet, looking pleased with himself. It’s landed face-up, two pink lines clear as day.
My secret's out, and in the most Honeybun way possible.
Braxton's jaw drops. "Rose, are you...?"
I nod, tears welling up in my eyes. "Surprise!" I exclaim, throwing my hands out, fingers splayed for dramatic effect.
The crowd erupts in laughter and congratulations. Braxton's strong arms wrap around me, lifting me off my feet as he spins us around.
"You sweet, beautiful, amazing girl," he whispers, before capturing my lips in a searing kiss.
We break apart, both breathless. Braxton's eyes are dark with desire. Without a word, he takes my hand and starts leading me towards the door that leads to the hotel downstairs.
"Well, folks," I call over my shoulder, "Guess we’re leavin’! Y'all enjoy the party!"
Braxton practically drags me to the elevator and to our suite. The same one I used to get ready for the ceremony is now filled with rose petals and candlelight.
"You planned this, didn't you?" I ask as he closes the door to the bedroom, leaving poor Honeybun whining on the other side in the living area.
"Guilty as charged," Braxton admits, turning me around so his hands can work the buttons of my dress. "But I didn't plan on that little announcement downstairs. How long have you known?"
I bite my lip. "Just a few days. I wanted to surprise you tonight."
"Oh, you surprised me alright," he growls playfully, pushing the dress off my shoulders. "Now, I believe it's time I showed you just how much I appreciate the surprise."
He spins me around and his lips find mine again. I lose myself in the moment, eager to feel him as I work the buckle of his slacks.
He hisses my name against my lips when my fingers delve into his briefs and I grasp his hard length, rubbing the moisture seeping from the tip with my thumb.
"Rose," he growls, his deep baritone sending shivers down my spine, "I've wanted you since I laid eyes on you in my backyard with your silly animal. If you didn’t already know, I’m in awe that you’re mine forever. Mine to hold forever, kiss forever … fuck forever.” He punctuates each statement with a soft kiss to my lips, his hands cradling my face.
Scooping me up into his powerful arms, he carries me to the four-poster bed, his eyes never leaving mine.
He openly admires my lace-embroidered panties as I’m spread on the bed, like some blushing sacrificial bride. He smirks that smoldering smile of his, unbuttoning his shirt, revealing a toned, tanned chest that oughta be illegal.
My eyes can't help but linger on his abs. "Like what you see, Mrs. Barrows?" he asks, a cocky grin spreading across his face.
"Oh, I'm definitely admiring the view, professor," I tease, growing bolder by the second. He chuckles, a low, rumbly sound..
He’s finished undressing, and his cock is standing hard and ready. Wanting to taste him, I sit up, grasping his length and giving it a slow, long lick, one hand cradling his balls.
He threads his fingers through my hair, allowing me to take him deep several times before he gently pushes me back onto the bed.
“Not tonight, little girl,” he growls. “I have a lot planned for us, and I refuse to come anywhere but in your hot, tight pussy.”
“Take your panties off,” he commands as he fists himself, stroking and watching as I slowly remove my lace bra and panties.
He steps back for a moment, drawing in a deep breath as if he’s fighting to maintain control.
Then, he’s diving between my thighs, grasping them in his strong hands to allow him better access for a kiss that's anything but innocent.
His lips are hot and urgent, his tongue licking up my seam, finding the source of my pleasure, and lapping my wetness as if he can't get enough. His hands wander up my waist, cupping my breasts and pinching the tight buds, sending little sparks of pleasure shooting through me.
He's so experienced, so in tune with my body. He knows every button to push, every spot to make me moan.
"Braxton," I gasp, arching my back upwards, "I... I can't..."
He smirks, that devilish grin I'm quickly learning to love. "I know, baby girl. Just let go," he whispers, and with those words, I do. I shatter with a cry of pleasure.
He turns me over while I’m still panting with my earth shattering climax.
“On your knees, baby,” he growls, grasping my hips, allowing the tip of his cock to barely penetrate me, teasing me.
"Please ...," I gasp, not knowing if I’m begging him to stop or begging him to fuck me into oblivion, so delirious with pleasure that I can’t form a coherent thought.
“Come with me, Rose. I need to feel you come on my cock." With those words, he thrusts, driving into me with a possessive passion so forceful I can only bury my head into the sheets and hold on as he stretches me and uses me for his pleasure.
I feel my core tighten as another wave of an orgasm roll out over me, shocking me with its intensity.
Braxton sits back on his heels, bringing me with him, his arms wrapping around my waist as he pistons himself in and out seeking his release.
Just as I sense another climax peaking, I feel him come with a roar. “Rose, damnit, little girl, every time is so fucking good.” He’s moaning and panting, resting his head on my shoulder.
We collapse onto the bed, both of us breathless.
I snuggle closer to Braxton as we bask in the afterglow. The soft sea breeze drifts through the balcony doors, carrying the faint sounds of our wedding guests still celebrating on the rooftop.
"Well," I say, tracing lazy circles on his chest, "I reckon that was quite the way to start our honeymoon."
He chuckles, the rumble vibrating against my cheek. "You can say that again. Though I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we're going to be parents."
I prop myself up on one elbow, gazing into his eyes. "Are you happy about it? I know it's soon, but… "
"Happy?" He cups my face, his thumb caressing my cheek. "I'm over the moon, baby girl. You've given me everything I never knew I wanted."
My eyes well with tears.
Barnacles. That’s been happening all day.
Dang hormones.
"Well, I guess we have Honeybun to thank for that. If he hadn't decided to go for a dip that day..."
Braxton's fingers tangle in my hair, gently tilting my face up to his. "Luckiest day of my life, Mrs. Barrows."
As his lips meet mine, I melt into the kiss, feeling like the luckiest girl in all of Sea Shanty Cove–no, in all of Mississippi.
But that's the magic of our little slice of paradise.
The End.