His lips brush against my cheek. Light kisses create a trail of fire from my cheekbone to my lips. He pulls back enough to whisper, “Beautiful,” before his mouth is on mine.
Each tender touch shatters my insecurities to pieces. With each kiss, a self-doubting statement is written over with a word of devotion whispered by Mateo as his mouth adores mine.
I wrap my arms around his neck, my fingers lost in Mateo’s luscious curls as I pull him closer. With each kiss, I try to convey what his words mean to me.
It’s as if with each kiss my soul is healed.
Our kisses aren’t rushed or frenzied. They’re purposeful and tender, with all the newfound feelings of a relationship. It’s almost reverent the way Mateo kisses me. All of his focus is on our lips, as they wordlessly express his feelings.
After several moments, we break apart and Mateo wraps his arms around me, pulling me against his chest. My mind and heart are reeling, unmoored and swimming in the ocean of the feelings for Mateo I’ve avoided until tonight.
I’m overwhelmed by the depths of these feelings that feel new, and yet achingly familiar. We’ve been married for a mere handful of weeks, and yet I don’t know how to go back to a life without Mateo. Everything feels different after that kiss. I feel different, changed in a way that can never be undone.
Panic races through me, freezing my limbs as the future wells before me, the unknown standing as an intimidating sentinel.
A desperate plea escapes my heart, asking God for guidance.
Immediately, peace washes over me, thawing my panicked body. My heart beats like a drum as my chest warms with a love that I can’t explain. It’s as if God is saying that everything will be alright. That Mateo is right for me, and being together is meant to be.
I cling to the peaceful feeling as I rest my head against Mateo’s. I inhale his comforting pine wood scent as I embrace the myriad of emotions and cling to the feeling of peace. My fingers weave themselves into his hair. He holds me as I bask in the feeling of being wanted and cared for.
Chapter 29
One More
Mateo
Holding Holly in my arms is heaven on earth. It’s better than any peaceful summer night or a crazy day spent with my family at Disneyland. It’s every bit of joy I could have ever imagined. She’s the missing piece of my puzzle, and I never want to let her go.
The sound of shoes on the pebbled path breaks the quiet of the moment. Tittering laughter gets closer to us, and as two women round the corner into our small corner of the garden, Holly pulls out of my arms. She steps down onto the pathway, but doesn’t fully let go of me.
Holly's fingers lace through mine as she wraps her free hand around my arm, hugging it to her and leans in, resting her head against my bicep. We walk at a snail’s pace back to the ballroom. I look down, and a sense of pride rushes through me, seeing Holly’s small, contented smile.
My mind conjures a dream of going to barn dances with Holly, on my family’s property in Oregon. After swing dancing the night away, we’d walk back under the stars, cuddled up next to each other as we cross the farm back to my house.
Some day.
I’m lost in my daydreams, which is why I don’t notice Mr. Knotweedwaiting for us when we enter the ballroom doors until he's right in front of us.
It takes everything in me to not punch the man in the face. If he even breathes a threat toward Holly, I will not hesitate to call the police.
Jorge turns to my wife. “Holly.”
My hand tightens around Holly’s as I pull her closer to my side.
“Jorge.” Holly’s voice is threaded with ice, but she stands up straight, confidence imbuing her features.
“I was quite displeased when a policeman showed up at my multi-million dollar mansion to serve me a ridiculous paper. I thought we had an understanding?” He glares at her.
I desperately want to say something, but this is Holly’s battle. I’m here as support, and I know she can handle this. Letting her handle Mr. Knotweed can give her even more of a confidence boost and a reminder that she can do hard things.
Thatwecan do hard things together.
But that doesn’t mean I’m going to sit idly by.
My muscles flex on command, and I puff out my chest. I’m taller than Jorge, and I’m going to capitalize on every inch that I have. I’m Holly’s intimidating backup fighter. She’s a warrior princess, and I’m the muscle. I tease her withPrincess Bridereferences, but right now I’m channeling every ounce of Fezzik I can muster.
Holly throws her shoulders back. “When I left our date, because you kept touching me inappropriately, I thought that terminated any type of understanding you thought we had. If that didn’t do it, the fact I married Mateo and sent you a restraining order should clear up any confusions you may have, Jorge. Now, if I never have to see you again, I would be an even happier woman.”
