Broken Love (32 page)

Lifting my eyes, I softly blew out a breath. My blonde hair was pulled up into a French twist. My grandmother’s pearl-drop earrings dangled from my ears adding the perfect touch. I opted for a simple pearl necklace that had been my mother’s. It added a simple touch and didn’t take away from the neckline of the gown.

“Your blue eyes are dancing with excitement, Ava.”

Peeking over to Michael, I laughed. “Do you have any idea what you being here fussing over my dress is doing to me?”

He winked. “I hope it is making you piss your lace thong you better have on under this beauty. And it better be one of my designs.”

Feeling my face heat, I shook my head. “Ah, the French.”

The light knock on the door had my stomach dropping. “Oh God. This is it.”

“Let’s get this thing going. I can’t wait to get you photographed in this gown.”

Rolling my eyes, I took the pink peony bouquet Karen handed me. They were Kate’s favorite flower and I thought appropriate for the occasion. “Merci, Karen. Will Ryder get to be in any of the photos?”

Michael stopped. Turning to Karen, he fired off in French and I’m pretty sure he asked her if Ryder was wearing the Armani suit.

“Oui,” she quickly replied.

Holding out his arm, I took it and let him lead the way. “Yes, he can. Thank God you’re marrying a handsome man or your wedding pictures would only be of you and the gown.”

“So, why no big wedding? You designed such a beautiful dress?” Michael asked. “I would think you would want to show it off.”

With a shrug, I replied, “Ryder and I talked about it. I was engaged before and was planning a huge wedding. It was a pain and I hated the whole process. When Ryder asked me to marry him, I knew I wanted something intimate. Something just the two of us shared together. We’ll have a reception in both Montana and Texas, but this part … this part is just for us.”

He smiled. “Fair enough. Love doesn’t need to be celebrated in front of huge crowds for two people to know they love one another. The focus is clearly on the two of you. I like it.”

I chucked and concentrated on each step I took.

By the time I made it down the staircase, I was sweating from being a nervous wreck walking in the damn heels I had on. I was still worried about my ankle being weak.

We stopped outside the giant double doors of the banquet room. My chest was rising and falling so quickly, I was sure Michael thought I was going to pass out.

“Telle une belle mariée.”

With a smile, I leaned over and kissed Michael on the cheek. “Merci beaucoup, Michael. For everything. I’m pretty sure you’re the best boss a girl could ever ask for. I am for sure very lucky.”

He tossed his head back and laughed. “I’m the lucky one,” he whispered as he stepped back and they opened the double doors. My eyes scanned the room and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the white and pink roses.

The music started and I had to be prompted by Karen to start walking. I felt his eyes on me before I even saw him. My heart was racing as I looked straight ahead. Sucking in a breath of air, I was overcome with the sight before me. I’d never seen Ryder look so handsome. His face curved into the most delicious grin I’d ever seen. I could see his bright eyes as he swept them over my body.

The closer I got, the more my heart raced. I imagined Ryder must have been pushing his hand through his hair in a nervous manner because it was the perfect amount of messy. Nothing else in this world mattered to me except for the man standing in front of me.

Dear Lord … he looked sexy as hell.

Stopping in front of him, he looked me in the eyes and said, “You take my breath away, Ava. I can’t even begin to tell you how beautiful you look.”

Swallowing hard, I pressed my lips together in an attempt to hold my tears at bay. When I finally felt like I could speak, I barely got the words out.

“You look … handsome. I can’t breathe.”

He chuckled and kissed me on the cheek. I was taken by surprise when he placed his lips near my ear and said, “I can’t wait to slowly take that dress off and make love to my gorgeous wife.”

My knees wobbled and I was pretty sure I let out a moan. When we turned toward the pastor, I tried like hell to focus on him, but all I heard were Ryder’s whispered words playing over and over in my head. Then add in the beautiful backdrop of the garden and I was all kinds of not paying attention.

When it came time for our vows, my heart raced.
Holy flippin’ shit balls. I can’t remember my vows!
Ryder had been rubbing his thumb over my hand the entire time, causing tingles to race across my body. I was ready to tell Michael the hell with his photos, I wanted to go right to our room.

When the pastor told Ryder to recite his vows, Ryder opened his mouth and nothing came out.

“Oh shit.”

I really tried to hold back, but I lost it laughing. Ryder looked at me like I had lost my damn mind.

Dabbing my eyes carefully so I didn’t ruin my makeup, I finally got myself under control.

“I forgot mine too.”

The corner of Ryder’s mouth rose into a sexy as hell smirk. “You did?”

Nodding, I replied, “All I need to know is that you love me.”

He cupped my face. “I love you so damn much, I can’t even think straight. Do you love me?”

I lifted my eyes as if thinking hard about his question.

“Ava!”

“Yes, I love you, Ryder, and all I want is to be your wife and wake up every morning in your arms.”

“Good enough for me,” he whispered with an even bigger grin on his face, crushing his lips to mine.

The preacher tapped on our shoulders and said, “Um … I pronounce you man and wife. You’re already kissing, so keep at it!”

We both laughed as Ryder deepened the kiss while dipping me back. Renee and Michael broke out in cheer.

“Don’t ruin her makeup,” the photographer said in a thick French accent.

Ryder pulled his lips back and looked into my eyes. I could see my whole future in them and all I saw was happiness.

“Are you ready, Mrs. Montgomery?”

“Oh I’m more than ready, Mr. Montgomery.”

I STOPPED AT the bottom of the staircase and moaned. “I’m too tired to walk up these stupid steps.”

Ryder laughed and the next thing I knew, I was in his arms as he walked up them.

“You’re going to carry me the whole way?”

“I am.”

Smiling, I sunk my teeth into my lip and took in his handsome face. I wasn’t sure how I got so lucky to score such a catch. He caught me staring at him.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

“How lucky I am. How this seems like a dream. I’m praying I don’t wake up in my apartment with Jay passed out on my couch.”

His laughter rippled through my body warming it up even more.

“I promise this is no dream.”

When we finally made it to our room, Ryder carried me and slowly let me down until my feet hit the floor.

“Have I told you how breathtaking you look?”

My stomach fluttered while his eyes danced with desire. “A few times.”

Placing his hand on the side of my face, I leaned into it. “So beautiful.”

I covered his hand with mine and looked into his eyes. My heart was racing and my breathing picked up. I felt like I had just run a race.

“I can’t believe I’m your wife. It seems like it was yesterday you bumped into me.”

He slowly shook his head while his eyes searched across my face. “Do you have any idea how happy I am right now?”

My cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling so much. “I have an idea, but why don’t you show me.”

“Oh Mrs. Montgomery, it would be my pleasure.”

Licking my lips, I asked, “What are you going to do first?”

“Turn around.”

I did as he said. The moment his fingers touched my bare back, I felt my body tremble. His touch did amazing things to me and I couldn’t wait for more.

“Your skin is so soft,” he whispered as he ran his fingers down my back. “When you first turned around and I saw how far down your dress dipped, I wanted to rip it off you and bury myself deep inside of you.”

“Oh God,” I panted out.

The moment I felt him begin to unzip my gown, my panties got even wetter. I jumped when he placed his hands on my shoulders. “Are you ready for me to make love to you?”

Glancing over my shoulder to him, I forced the words out. “Y-yes.”

With one move of his hands, my gown pooled at my feet.

“Holy fuck,” he whispered and I couldn’t help but smile. I was safely guessing my baby-blue lace thong and matching bra were the reason for his reaction.

Turning around to face him, his eyes widened and it was as if he were gazing on me for the very first time. I loved how my bra practically pushed my breasts up to my chin. Ryder’s eyes fell right to them.

“I can’t … even … form words.”

Smiling, I chewed on my lip nervously. “Then use your hands,” I softly spoke.

And use his hands he did. Reaching behind my back, he expertly unclasped my bra and let it fall. Cupping my breasts with his hands, I dropped my head and let out a low moan.

His mouth claimed my nipple as he worked the other with his fingers.

Placing soft kissing on my chest, he spoke against my skin. “You smell so goddamn good. I want to lick every inch of your body.”

I shuddered at the thought. His nose softly made a trail across my neck until he was whispering in my ear. “I’m going to make love to my wife all … night … long.”

“Yes,” I gasped.

His lips captured mine in a kiss that was so powerful, I felt as if I was lost in it. Ryder lifted and carried me over to the bed where he gently placed me. His fingertips slowly traced down between my breasts, down my stomach, and along my panties.

“Lift your hips, baby.”

Doing as he said, Ryder slipped my panties down and off. Pushing my legs apart, he crawled over my body and kissed me gently on the lips. His hand moved lightly over my body as I pushed up my hips. I needed him to touch more before I combusted.

“Ryder, please touch me.”

He pulled up and looked into my eyes. His crooked smile had my heart skipping a beat and desire building between my legs. “I am touching you, baby.”

Frantically shaking my head, “Please. Touch. Me.”

My voice sounded needy, but I didn’t care.

“I’ll do anything for you, Ava. Anything.”

My body felt as if it was on fire. The need to feel him inside of me was beyond insane.

When he pushed his fingers inside of me, I gasped.

“Fucking hell. You’re so wet.”

“I want you. God, Ryder, I want you like never before.”

His mouth was on mine while his fingers worked my body up into a frenzy. I could feel my orgasm building as he deepened the kiss. It hit me hard and fast as I moaned into his mouth. Trembling as my body pulsed with desire, Ryder pulled his mouth away.

“Son-of-a-bitch, I love it when you fall apart.”

He teased my entrance with his tip while I tried to focus. The mind-blowing orgasm felt like it was still rippling through my body. The only thing I could think about was how much I wanted him inside of me.

“Ryder! Please!”

He slowly slid inside of me and our worlds instantly became one.

“Oh, Ava. You feel so good. I want to be inside you forever.”

“Yes,” I gasped. “God, yes!”

Ryder made the sweetest love to me, taking his time as he explored my body with his hands and mouth.

When neither one of us could take it anymore, he grabbed my hips and gave me what I needed. When we came together, it was the most amazing moment ever. One I would never forget.

My body was exhausted as Ryder pulled me up and led me into the shower. He pampered me with the most sensual shower I’d ever had where there was no sex involved at all. He washed every inch of my body in the most tender and caring way. At one point I started to cry I was so overcome with love.

“Baby, are you tired?” he asked as my tears mixed with the water.

I shook my head. “No. I’m just so happy, Ryder. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am.”

His smile made my knees weak. “You make me so happy too. Come on, let’s dry off.”

“And snuggle?” I asked.

With a chuckle, he replied, “Yes. And snuggle.”

We talked well into the night about the ranch, the house in Helena, and our future together. We had so many dreams and I couldn’t wait to start making each and every one come true.

My eyes grew heavy as I began to fall asleep.

“I swear I saw Kate today.”

Forcing them back up, I lifted my head and rested my chin on my hands over his chest. “When?”

He stared up at the ceiling. I could see the tears building and my heart ached for him. “Right before the wedding. The young girl was standing in the garden and she looked up at me. Her face was hard to see. She waved though, which I thought was kind of weird, but at the same time I had the overwhelming feeling it as Kate. Renee walked up and I turned to look at her for one second. When I looked back … the girl was gone.”

Goose bumps covered my body. “Maybe it was Kate.”

He smiled. “Maybe it was.”

“I can’t wait until her designs are being walked down the runway. I just wish she was here.”