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  “Won’t lie and say that idea hasn’t crossed my mind,” Dad muttered.

  “Dad!”

  “Fine. Just leave.”

  With great reservations, I followed Mother out of the room. We talked about many wedding topics-what still needed to be done, but I strained with one ear to hear the conversation in the other room.

  “I’m sure they’ll work things out,” Mother said with a knowing smile.

  “How can you be so calm?” I blurted out.

  “Because your father and I have an understanding. I have one bit of advice for you: once you learn Will’s weakness, only exploit it when absolutely necessary. Men like to think they’re in control, but we women know the real truth. They’re the mouth, but we’re the brains.”

  Mother handed me several recipe cards that she had copied for me when Dad bellowed, “You can come back in now.”

  I dragged my feet behind Mother, reentered the living room, and dropped the recipes onto the floor.

  Dad and Will were playing cards.

  Something my father only did with his closest friends.

  I caught Will’s attention. He smiled, shrugged, and resumed playing.

  A wave of relief enveloped me, and it hardly mattered whether or not Will would ever tell me what they had discussed or how they had settled things. My Will was a charmer all right— I had just never expected Dad to fall under his spell too. So long as they were getting along. Who knows? Maybe they could be friends someday. Wouldn’t that be nice — to not have to worry about Dad’s shotgun anymore?

  Bound By Love

  Chapter Six

  It was amazing how everything fell into place. The weekend before the wedding, all of our friends and family members helped to move our furniture and belongings into our new house. And the wedding — from the flowers to the decorations to the church — was all planned and ready. And then finally, it was our wedding day.

  Dad toyed with his carnation boutonniere.

  I laughed and smiled. “Don’t tell me that you’re nervous, Dad!”

  He straightened. “Not nervous. I just want you to be happy. Are you sure this is what you want?”

  “Yes.” My smile grew even wider.

  “Then that’s all I need to hear.” He wrapped my hand through his extended arm. “You make one beautiful bride.”

  “Thank you. And I love you, Dad.”

  “I love you too.”

  The slow, hauntingly romantic notes of “Canon in D” started, and Helen began her slow procession before me. We had opted for a small wedding party, just Helen and Darren, Will’s best friend. After she was halfway down the aisle, Dad and I followed.

  Every few steps, he patted my hand, and tears filled my eyes. I had never been happier. Everyone stood to look at me, but my eyes were only on my groom.

  He fixed his morning coat and noticed me. His eyes widened, and his lips slowly curved into a broad smile. He looked star struck. I knew the feeling, because it filled me too.

  His white and grey tie completed his dashing outfit, but his lily of the valley boutonniere was slightly crooked, adding to his sexy appeal.

  He was mine. This wonderful, charming man was mine. How lucky was I?

  Abruptly, Dad stopped, and I realized we stood before Will. Dad didn’t hesitate as he placed my hand within Will’s. Then he kissed my cheek and took his place next to Mother.

  The priest welcomed those gathered, but I couldn’t concentrate on his words. I was too busy smiling at my soon-to-be husband.

  My attention focused on my husband-to-be during the vow exchange. Will went first, his face solemn. “Betty Lewis, I now take you to be my wedded wife, to live together in the holy relationship of marriage. I promise to love and comfort you, honor and keep you.” He smiled briefly. “Forsaking all others, I will be yours alone, bound by love, as long as both shall live.”

  Tears rolled down my cheeks. Bound by love, our hearts forever linked. “William Walker, I now take you to be my wedded husband.” The words probably weren’t the clearest, I was still crying, and my voice shook, but I plunged ahead, unable to tear my gaze away from the adoration in Will’s eyes. “To live together in the holy relationship of marriage. I promise to love you and obey you, honor and keep you, and forsaking all others, I will be yours alone, bound by love, as long as we both shall live.”

  After the blessing and exchanging of rings, the priest finally said, “You may now kiss the bride.”

  I turned to Will expectantly. He stared at me with so much love that I again felt tears. Then he kissed me, slowly, lovingly. When the priest introduced us as Dr. and Mrs. Will Walker, the crowd erupted into loud shouts of roaring approval.

  In a daze, I walked back down the aisle, this time Will by my side. Instead of a formal receiving line, our guests swarmed us. My mother wrapped Will and I into a large hug, crying even worse than I had been. Even Dad hugged Will. Will’s aunt, the closest he had to a living parent, pushed her way to us and offered us her congratulations.

  Over his aunt’s shoulder, I spied Helen and George talking. Helen looked gorgeous in her blue dress. Her normally wild locks had cooperated, staying in perfect curl shape. But I couldn’t quite see her face to gauge how the conversation was going.

  “Best wishes,” another voice called out.

  “Thank you, Joan.” I smiled at her. Although I didn’t care for the noisy receptionist, I was friends with everyone today.

  When some of the crowd turned back, Helen approached. “Well?” I asked, nodding toward our boss.

  She immediately glanced around until she spied the object of our conversation. “No, today is about you.” As an afterthought, she added, “And Will.”

  “Helen.” I tried to glare at her but was much too happy to pull it off.

  “We’re just going to be friends,” she said slowly.

  “I’m sorry. I know George means a lot to you.”

  “He does. But he did give me a slight raise. I should be able to afford our apartment by myself now, but I think I’ll call up the landlord and see if he has a one bedroom available.”

  “Good.” Relief eased any sense of tension I had in my shoulders. I hated that Helen would be on her own now, not that she couldn’t handle herself, but because I would desperately miss her.

  “So did you two decide on a honeymoon locale yet?”

  “We’re just going to the beach for a week. Nothing fancy. With the house and everything, we just couldn’t afford anything else.”

  Will tapped my shoulder. “It’s time for some pictures before the reception.”

  A whirlwind occurred-a mad rush of pictures and food and more talking. Time flew by. Soon, Will’s and my wedding day was over.

  Bound By Love

  Chapter Seven

  Will drove us to our house, his foot firmly on the gas pedal, a look of anticipation on his face. Although our belongings had been there for a week now, we had not slept there yet, wanting our wedding night to be our first night there.

  Will carried me over the threshold and into the house. Somehow he managed to carry me up the stairs and kick open the bedroom door. With a long, deep, passionate kiss, he lowered me onto my feet. “Are you ready?” he asked, his voice husky.

  A shiver ran down my spine. “I’ll be right back.” I hurried from the room into the bathroom. With great care, I removed my gown. Beneath it, I wore a white asymmetrical chemise. With only one shoulder strap and a ruffled hem, it was both sexy and feminine. I removed my already damp underwear and practically ran back to Will.

  He drank in the sight of me and groaned. “You look radiant.”

  I wrapped my body against his in a loving embrace. His strong arms encircled me while his shaft pressed against my upper thighs, begging to be released.

  He still wore his shirt and trousers, although the morning coat had been thrown carelessly onto the floor. With each button that I undid, I kissed his firm chest. Although I could feel Will’s impatience, he allowed me to take my time. Tugg
ing gently, I pulled his shirt from his pants. Once completely unbuttoned, I licked his chest, from his belly button up to his neck to his sweet lips.

  Will crushed his mouth against mine, our tongues dueling, at war, in love. He yanked his belt open and unzipped his pants, dropping them to the floor. Stepping out of them, he stood before me, naked and beautiful.

  Somehow we ended up in the bed, our lips still locked, our hands roaming all over each other’s bodies. We rolled around until Will lay prone, and I climbed on top of him. The apex of my thighs dug into him, and a shot of pleasure coursed throughout my body.

  Will shuddered beneath me and lifted his tight ass, trying to expedite the process, desperate to enter me. But I wanted to take things slowly. I was in control this time. I rubbed my slick folds against him, up and down. Wetness covered my thighs, and my arousal level grew so high. I couldn’t wait any longer.

  He gently held onto my hips as I guided him into me. Our breathing grew harder, our hearts beating as one. Slowly, with control, I moved up and down on his shaft, controlling the tempo. Will reached up and toyed with one of my hardened nipples. With his other hand, he traced the curve of my waist. The soft, teasing touch excited me even more, and I clenched around him in response, taking him completely into me. Up and down. Harder. Faster. My hips rocked against him, my pleasure mounting. From his moans, Will’s was too.

  Will released his hold on my nipple and waist to tickle and caress my hips. Our desire grew, and he thrust upward, begging for me to ride him harder. Even more wetness dripped out of me, making it even easier to pump him. My breasts bounced wildly, the cool air in the room adding to my excitement and the rocks my nipples had become. When Will teased the center of my pleasure with his fingers, I lost control and came. The joyful release mutual as his balls tightened and he climaxed deep within me. My eyes rolled and I arched my back, enjoying the tautness of my muscles clenching around his hardness. I was Will’s and Will was mine. Always and forever. Bound by love.

  Exhausted, spent, I collapsed onto his chest. “That was amazing.”

  Will gasped out, “Correction. You were amazing.”

  After a few more kisses and whispered words of love, we fell asleep in each other’s arms, more than ready to start the rest of our lives together.

  About the Author

  Scarlett invites readers to visit her website and learn more about her writing.

  Website – http://www.scarlettjonstone.com

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  If you enjoyed the wedding, then read all about the romance in SOMETHING MORE by Scarlett Jonstone.

  Chapter One

  I stepped in front of the mirror and patted my perfectly secured bun. Not a single hair was out of place. Perfect. A soft shade of auburn. It had been more orange in high school, but some time and age had graced me with a semblance of beauty. No more pimples but soft, clear skin, and now I wore bright red lipstick that gave my entire face a lift. It was the late 50’s, and although I hadn’t found myself a man yet, I still felt whole, happy. After all, I had a job, one that I loved.

  I changed into my all-white nurse’s outfit. “Come on, Helen, we’re going to be late for work,” I called to my roommate and best friend.

  “Coming, coming,” she muttered. She rushed past me into the bathroom, struggling with bobby pins to secure her wild curls. “I don’t know why I bother,” she complained. “It’s just going to fall out in the car.”

  “Remind me on the way home to pick up a can of hairspray. But we really have to go.” I grabbed her shoulders, turned her around, and marched her out of the bathroom, using my elbow to turn off the bathroom light. Then I grabbed both our purses and searched in mine for the car keys. “Come on, Helen.”

  We hurried, and fortunately, traffic was light so we arrived a few minutes early. “Good morning, Dr. Young,” I said as I entered the office.

  “Good morning, Betty. Helen.” The dashing older doctor nodded at my roommate, who promptly turned rouge, her face matching her hair.

  I stared at her but waited until Dr. Young disappeared into the back. “Since when did you start having feelings for the good doctor?” I teased, lowering my voice so that the nosy receptionist, Joan, couldn’t overhear.

  Helen’s face turned an even brighter shade of scarlet. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  I giggled. “Fine. Be that way.” I peeked behind me and stared at Dr. Young. Strange, I had never before realized it, but he was a good-looking man. He had broad shoulders and a nice build. His hair was just beginning to turn gray and gave him a distinguished air. Kind, gentle with his patients, Dr. Young was a decent man. If Helen could claim him, he would make her a very happy woman. Although there was the age difference to consider. Helen and I are thirty. Dr. Young wasn’t so young anymore. He had to be at least ten years older than us, probably more.

  I shook my head to clear my thoughts and straightened a few of the small chairs for the children in the waiting room before walking to the back.

  Dr. Young’s soft voice carried down the hall. He must be on the phone. As was my usual routine, I popped my head into the patient’s rooms, doing a quick sweep to ascertain that everything was in place before the practice opened to the public. The first room revealed missing cotton balls. I returned to the hallway and grabbed a full jar from the stockroom when two men emerged from Dr. Young’s office. I couldn’t catch a glimpse of the other man, hidden behind the doctor. Then Dr. Young stepped aside, and I dropped the container I had been holding.

  It couldn’t be. Will? Will Walker? That stupid boy that hardly understood biology? I fleetingly thought of that day years ago in the backseat of his car and flushed hotly, instinctively knowing that my face was as red as Helen’s had been earlier.

  I bent down to pick up the container. Luckily the lid had stayed attached so none of the cotton balls went to waste, and I rushed into the room, eager to seek out a refuge. With shaking hands, I placed the cotton balls next to the tongue depressors. “Just relax, Betty,” I muttered to myself, willing myself to calm down. My heart thundered in my throat. After a moment, my breathing returned to normal. I patted my hair and left the room.

  “Ah, there you are, Betty. I was just looking for you.” Dr. Young took my arm by the elbow and walked me over to Will. “I have someone I want to introduce you to. Will, this is Betty Lewis, my chief nurse. Betty, this is Dr. William Walker. I finally found a suitable business partner.” Dr. Young seemed awfully pleased with himself. And he should. He talked about wanting a partner for years now. I was happy for him. The business was growing, and we needed the help. Only… why did he have to pick Will?

  Belatedly, I realized that Will was still holding his hand outstretched. With a sigh, I stared him in the eye and shook his hand.

  His face instantly showed signs of recognition — from the widening of his eyes to the ‘o’ shape of his lips that relaxed into an easy smile. “Well, well, well, Betty. Wow. It’s great to see you again.”

  Dr. Young glanced from Will to me. “You two know each other already?”

  “We went to high school together,” Will said easily, still smiling.

  “A long time ago,” I said coolly. Damn. He hardly seemed to have aged although the skin around his eyes did appear a little tighter. The blush had slowly faded from my face but returned full force when I realized that I was staring at him, gawking like a silly schoolgirl.


  He laughed, and I cringed. His laughter had always made me stop and stare. When I had tutored him, I practically had to gag him, so we could concentrate on his studies. For some reason, the sound of his happiness had always made me happy. Now I no longer knew him despite his recognizable face, and I was pleased to learn that his laugh no longer claimed me. I had no desire to join in.

  “Come on now, it wasn’t all that long ago,” Will said in that tone that suggested, demanded, that I cave.

  I refrained from rolling my eyes through sheer professionalism.

  Dr. Young perhaps sense the tension and said, “Betty, may I have a word for you in my office?”

  “Certainly.”

  Dr. Young led the way, and I followed. Will hardly moved aside for me to pass even though the hallways were narrow so I had to turn sideways and shimmy, which meant my body pressed against his for half a second. As much as I longed to glare at him, I refrained, too afraid to see the look of satisfaction I was already imagining on his face.

  The doctor sat behind his paper-covered desk and gestured for me to sit. I complied. A general sense of unease and trepidation filled me. Was this how a student felt when sent to the principal’s office? I had never received that distinction.

  “I have something to ask of you. I feel awful asking you but, well, Dr. Walker needs an office. And—”

  “Say no more,” I cut in. The practice only had two offices: Dr. Young’s and mine, as chief nurse. I had long expected to one day give up my office. Dr. Young had been looking for another partner for quite some time now. If only he had found someone else though.… “It only makes sense that the two doctors have the offices. I’ll clear out my, er, the office now.”

  “Thank you. But you can wait until the end of the day. Patients should be arriving any minute.” The relief was so evident on Dr. Young’s face that I had to flee the room before I giggled.