Page 105 of Tanner

Afterward, we enjoy a lunch at the Loeb Boathouse before Dad has to leave to tend to Mom.

To end the day, Tanner and I take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. It’s the absolute perfect day, and my cheeks hurt from the huge smile I’ve worn every second.

* * *

“Mrs. Sexton. I have a wedding gift for you.”

Since his place has no walls, only a curtain hanging in the corner of his apartment to form his bedroom, it’s so tempting to sneak a peek at what he’s up to, but I stop myself, knowing the surprise of it all will be that much better.

Finally, he moves the curtain to the side, saying, “I’m ready. Please strip down.”

Excitement runs up my spine as I hop off the bed in a hurry.

I strip down to nothing, holding out my hand to him, ready for him to lead me in this life, this moment as his wife.

He walks me to his painting area, and I stand completely naked with nothing but cans of paint and a blank canvas in front of us. It’s dark outside, and as the rain pounds against the windows, I’ve never felt so secure in my surroundings.

He stands behind me, naked himself, intertwining my fingers from behind and moving me to pick up a paintbrush with him.

As both our hands grip the handle, he dips it in a rich blue and begins to stroke the paint against the canvas. His right hand flows with ease, and mine follows while his left hand wraps around my waist, holding me to him to make us one.

The song “You and I” by Lady Gaga plays loudly in the background as Tanner works his magic on the canvas and my heart.

With every stroke, my soul soars with so much emotion that I could burst.

He switches colors, and I move in complete awe of the man wrapped around me. He moves me like I’m his marionette, and I allow him to without a hesitation in the world.

Paint splatters on my chest, and he runs his fingers over my breasts, creating a masterpiece on my body in a different way. He doesn’t just wipe it away; he moves it, smearing it around in circles and caressing me at the same time.

It’s so sensual.

So erotic.

And so emotional.

The first time we painted together, it was out of rage and frustration. Tonight, there is nothing but love in this room.

I feel his heartbeat against my chest as I live the passion he feels as he paints. But it’s not just paint. He’s putting his entire soul on the line to create something from his mind for the world to see. It’s absolutely magical.

Standing here, naked, I’ve never felt so alive, so bold.

Without thinking, I reach behind, wrapping my hand around his semi-hard cock, and I stroke him like he strokes the canvas. As I slow my pace, he slows his movements, giving me more motivation to carry on with my pursuit.

“We’re not finished yet,” he whispers into my ear.

“I don’t care.” I continue to stroke him.

Dropping his paintbrush to the ground, he flips me around to face him, pushing my back up against the wet paint and lifting me to wrap my legs around his waist.

After a few kisses, I feel him position himself against me, and he pushes himself inside, making love to me against the painting we just created as man and wife.

23

HARPER

“Good morning, my beautiful wife,” Tanner whispers into my ear.

A huge grin spreads across my face. His wife. I am his wife. He married me, and it was the best day of my life.