Page 92 of Made For You
I left the group in the large multi-story foyer, knowing what they’d see when they wandered around. Two stone fireplaces roared on either side, with leather couches scattered throughout. Above each fireplace were four of the pictures Aurora had taken using that first roll of film I’d given her along with the camera of her dreams. I’d blown them up, framed them, and leaned them against the stone along the mantle. Centered on the tables and hanging on the walls were more of the images I commissioned Aurora to take. They were all breathtaking views of Ashfield.
When I returned with the chef, I silently joined the group as if I’d been there the whole time. They were eyeing one of the images. A bird's-eye view of their town.
Aurora must have sensed my presence. She turned around with pools of saltwater holding on for dear life along her bottom lashes.
“These are my pictures. You used my pictures. I wondered what happened to the film,” she said in awe. Her breathy voice did things to me that weren’t appropriate around her family. At some point, I was going to have her sneak her away to the spa, where I’d snuck in a few images of my own. They were of her naked back, a sheet covering her backside, and her hair draped across her shoulder. No one working at the hotel knew it was Aurora, but I did. My wife was gorgeous in the photographs.
She was probably going to kill me. Not just for the image, but for using her camera. But it was a risk I had been willing to take.
“You took these, Rory?” her dad asked, and I could hear the pride in his voice.
“She did,” I replied on her behalf. The group all congratulated and praised her, and Aurora tucked herself against my side as she took in their compliments.
The chef directed our group to the dining room, where he set up the tasting. I was glad he answered my call earlier before we left Ashfield; otherwise, we’d be having hot dogs and s’mores over a campfire. That was about all I could cook.
As Gigi passed, she patted me softly on the cheek. “You did good, my sweet boy.” I wasn’t sure if she was referring to the lodge, the surprise, or snagging Aurora. There was a good chance she meant all three. I was going to believe that anyway.
Aurora and I held back from the crowd, and she turned a full circle in the middle of the oversized room.
“This place is unreal, Talon. You didallof this. You must be so proud.”
“I am. Dean and Gigi may have tricked me, but I’m glad I agreed to their offer. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
“Oh yeah?” she questioned, stepping up to me. Her fingers hooked the loops of my dark-denim jeans as she pulled me closer to her. Our hips collided, and my cock immediately rose to attention.
“Yeah.”
“What’s the other best thing on your list?”
Leaning down, I slanted my lips over hers in a soft kiss. “Forget the hotels and the money. Asking you to be my wife was the best damn decision I ever made. It might have started off as a fake marriage, but you’re stuck with me for life now, Mrs. Beckett. I’m never letting you go.”
“Well, that’s good. Because I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. With you.”
Epilogue – Aurora
My husband made eyes at me across the room as if we hadn’t just snuck away to our favorite spot in the event venue. Since we started trying for a baby a month ago, he had been chasing after me like I was a dog in heat.
“I think your husband is about to pounce,” Franny said in her ivory satin gown. We were standing together on the edge of the dance floor, while her new husband, Liam, went to get her a new glass of champagne. The two of them had a whirlwind romance. They dated for three months, got engaged at Christmas, and tied the knot in spring. It was fast, but I’d never seen Franny happier.
“He already pounced since we’ve been here,” I joked. Franny knew we snuck away—I wasn’t about to relinquish my matron-of-honor duties without her knowing. Even if it was for a quicky.
“Any luck on the baby front?”
I’d gone off birth control pills two months ago. My doctor said it could take a year for my body to adjust to the hormonal change, but I was trying to be positive. My period was also a week late.
“The test was negative. I called my doctor this morning. She said it was normal with the removal of birth control for your periods to be out of whack.”
Franny apologized as Liam joined us and handed her a glass of bubbly. I had a sip earlier but was being cautious.
The two lovebirds started making their rounds through their guests. Once they left our spot by the dance floor, I went to join Talon. He was seated with most of my family and Dean. I wasn’t sure how the man secured an invitation to the wedding,but from the way he was flirting with Aspen, I had a feeling he added himself as her plus-one.
On my way I was intercepted by Andrew. Our relationship had been strained over the last few months since the day at the market.
“Rory,” he said my name like a plea. It was the forlorn expression he wore that convinced me to take his hand and follow him out onto the dance floor.
“Are you… doing okay? Any baby news?” My entire family knew that Talon and I were trying for a baby.
We swayed to the music as I told him that the same thing I’d told Franny, minus the period comment. I was certain my brother didn’t care to know that information. The dance was awkward in a way. For the first time in twenty-four years, things between me and Andrew were strained, and I was unsure if we could ever fix it.
