Page 79 of Waiting for Devon
“I believe you.” She cupped his face. “Traditional sex is off limits, but…”
Reed groaned and helped her to her feet before he swept her into his arms and carried her into the master bedroom.
Jack amused Devonand Reed when he insisted on planning their New Year’s Eve nuptials himself. He arranged for a minister to perform the ceremony at seven o’clock, hired a cheesy wedding singer, ordered poinsettias to adorn the living room, and beautiful bouquets for Devon and Emmaline to carry, along with boutonnieres for himself and Reed. Jack also hired a caterer to provide the food and a wedding cake.
The three of them laughed at the irony of Jack serving as Reed’s best man. Though Reed had called his family to let them know he and Devon were getting married, the Barringtons agreed not to overwhelm his fiancée in her delicate condition. The few guests included Devon’s family, Jill, and other close colleagues from the hospital. Jill came early to help set up everything, and Devon noticed how she and Jack flirted with each other.
Reed came up behind Devon and rested his chin on her shoulder. He heard the flirty banter between Jack and Jill and smiled. “I’ll be damned.”
“They’re good together. I hope it works out for them.”
An hour before the ceremony Emmaline helped Devon into her strapless, white sarong-styled wedding dress. She curled her sister’s hair and swept it into a fancy updo with baby’s breath. In a touching gesture, Blair had sent her mother’s string of pearls with matching earrings for Devon to wear.
As the sisters studied Devon’s reflection in a cheval mirror, Emmaline gripped her shoulders. “Happy?”
“Blessedly so. I finally feel whole. I just hope and pray my baby survives.”
“It will. Well, are you ready?”
Devon smiled at her sister. “Oh, yes, I’m ready.”
Jack insisted on walking Devon from her bedroom to the living room to prove he honored her love for Reed. Six months ago, she never could have foreseen this in her future. Jack kissed her on the cheek, whispered, “Be happy,” and placed her hand in Reed’s.
Trembling with joy, she and Reed repeated their traditional wedding vows in clear voices, promising to love and cherish each other all the days of their lives. When the minister pronounced them husband and wife and told Reed he may kiss his bride, Reed’s mouth captured Devon’s in a tender but deep melding of their lips.
As he lifted his head, he whispered for her ears only, “I will never abandon you, my love. If death ever separates us, I will come to claim you. I promise.”
“I promise the same.”
Devon danced once with Reed, then stayed off her feet the rest of the evening. Everyone enjoyed the reception, especially the music. When it was time, Reed cut their small wedding cake, and they sweetly fed each other.
At midnight Devon and Reed toasted their family and friends and wished them a Happy New Year. After heartfelt hugs and congratulations, the guests bid the Barringtons good night. Jack left with Jill and turned to wink at Devon.
“He’s a scoundrel,” she said with a smile and gazed at Reed with love glowing in her eyes.
“I owe him my life,” Reed declared as he held Devon close to him. “Youare my life. My only love. My whole world.”
“Reed, I adore you. I’m strong because of you.”
They kissed long and hard. In their bedroom Reed slowly undressed his wife. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”
“Only about a dozen times.”
“You’re gorgeous. Especially carrying our baby.” He caressed her swollen belly and lowered her to the bed.
Reed’s mouth, hands, and tongue explored every inch of her body. His tender ministrations brought her to multiple orgasms.
After she did the same for him, he muttered, “I can’t wait to be inside you again.”
“I want you inside me.” She tracedI love youon his broad chest with her finger.
“I love you so much, Mrs. Barrington.”
“And I love you, Mr. Barrington.”
They fell into a deep sleep, safe in the knowledge of their mutual love and commitment.
Six months later,severe cramps startled Devon out of a sound sleep one morning. To her horror, blood soaked the sheet beneath her. She screamed Reed’s name, and he came running into the bedroom.
