Reed's Reckoning (40 page)

Two hours. In two hours, I’ll be walking down the aisle. I feel like throwing up. Everything I have ever dreamed of is coming true, why am I so nervous? Probably because I haven’t seen Reed since last night’s rehearsal and his presence alone calms me.

He hasn’t left my side since Katy died. Everyone rallied together to plan the perfect funeral and service for my grandmother as I fell apart. Thank God, Luke and Sophie knew where all the legal documents were to make arrangements. Katy has specific instructions on the church and funeral home. Her plot was with my family so we just had to schedule everything. Davis was so confused about what was happening and started having nightmares. His counselor asked Reed and I to join him in session where we explained that Katy had gone to heaven. He asked a ton of questions and I was strong enough to answer, but I cried myself to sleep that night.

After that day, I got stronger. I went through Katy’s papers and started arrangements with her lawyer for probate. Everything was left in my name. I couldn’t go back to the house after the police cleared the scene of the crime so, Reed made arrangements with an interior designer to redesign the entire first floor. I didn’t want to sell the house, but I never wanted to see the original dining room again.

One thing I knew was the right thing to do was make amends with Cara. She would never be my best friend, but she did have a part in saving my son and my life. I invited her over and we talked, really talked. We both cried for losing people in our lives and making mistakes. I forgave her that night because even through the devastation she caused, she came through in my time of need and saved me and Reed a lifetime of heartache.

The day of the funeral, I cried about losing the last parental figure in my life and Amy stepped in immediately. She held me close promising me we would always keep my grandma’s memory alive. Then when the limo drove up and I saw the street lined with people paying their respects, I held my head high. She deserved it. The church was filled with people, but one entire section was Reed’s football friends and I realized I had a huge extended family now. I pulled my shit together and acted like the strong lady my grandmother raised me to be.

I wept a few tears during the service, but nothing could have prepared me for the speeches both Reed and Luke gave. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled at the memories they spoke about. There was not a dry eye in the church.

The football wives and grandma’s book club arranged for the luncheon after the service and it would have made Katy proud. People treated me delicately until I finally said,
“Fuck it, let’s party.
”

Our guest list for the wedding grew that day, but Reed and I didn’t care. We wanted everyone that loved Katy to join in our marriage celebration. Once the funeral services were over, we moved back to Jacksonville and Reed went back to practice. The whole team and staff were understanding of our situation, but he needed to get back and I wanted a sense of normalcy. Once everything was done, there were only four days until we left for Cumberland Island to get married.

We invited only twenty-two people to the wedding, but three hundred are expected at the reception. Reed reserved a few rooms at the Greyfield Inn for us. Even though it was hard, we decided to spend the traditional night apart because Katy would have insisted. Davis stayed with all the guys and spent the day with them as well. Amy will bring him to me as soon as the guys are done with their pictures. The only time I left this suite today was to run a few miles.

Sophie and Cara helped me get ready so now I’m just waiting for Amy to return and then take our pictures.

“Get away from that window!” Sophie snaps at me. “You aren’t allowed to see Reed and he’ll be back any second.”

“I can’t help it; the butterflies in my stomach have butterflies.”

“
Come here, baby.
” Grandma’s arms engulf me. “
This is meant to be, nerves are normal.
” I look around and realize I imagined that. But it felt so real, I know in my heart Katy is here with me today.

“I think it’s funny as hell Reed chose an island. Even if you wanted to run, you’d have to swim to get away from him.” Sophie laughs and I join her.

“Not that I want to run, but you’re right. He made sure I would have a hard time escaping.”

We talk a few more minutes about nothing important until Davis busts through the door with excitement. His little tux is adorable.

“Mommy! Mommy! Daddy told me to give this to you.” He hands me a slip of paper.

I unfold it and gasp. Inside is the most beautiful sketch of my name with today’s date. Underneath it, Reed wrote ‘
the ink is dry’
on a pink post-it
.

“Is that more Reed speak? What the hell does it mean?” Sophie asks over my shoulder.

“It means Reed tattooed this on his body.”

“Is he always this cheesy?”

“No! He’s romantic and loving. This is the most beautiful gift he’s ever given me.” I stare back at her with narrowed eyes challenging her.

“I think the term is p-u-s-s-y-w-h-i-p-p-e-d, not romantic. And I’d take the quarter mil diamond over ink.”

I shoot daggers at her.

“Jeez, Ari, calm down. I’m only kidding. He’s so totally gone for you and you’re perfect together. It’s what girls like me dream about.” She smiles and pulls me into a hug.

“Honey, you ready to go? Luke and Jack had to hold Reed back to keep him from barging up here. We need to get you out of here and get your pictures before he goes crazy.” Amy walks in.

I nod, take Davis’s hand, and follow her out to the waiting car. Luke joins us and we head to the other side of the island. I look at his watch, ninety more minutes until I become Mrs. Reed Matthews.

“You look beautiful,” Luke tells me as we stand outside the small chapel waiting for him to walk me down the aisle.

“Thank you.” I run my sweaty palm down the lace of my dress and take deep breaths. I chose an A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline in the shade of pearl. The lace overlay hangs back with a small train, which is tucked in my elbow until we get into the chapel.

“You know this is meant to be right? I’d never wish the devastation you experienced on anyone, but Reed’s going to make your forever amazing.

“If your parents were here, they would be happy Arianna—happy that you have another man in your life that will always love you.”

Emotions start to take over; tears sting my eyes and I blink rapidly to push them back. One of the two photographers comes out and motions to us it’s time.

Luke leads me to the doors and when they open, I lose it. My beautiful little boy is standing there with his hand extended to help walk me down the aisle. This was not rehearsed and when I look at Luke, he has a sly smirk on his face. I wipe my cheeks and take his little hand in mine then finally look up.

When I do, my heart stops. At the front of the small chapel is the love of my life staring at me with raw emotion. His eyes are glassy and his mouth tight. I can see him trying to hold back his own tears. We walk slowly towards him and I never take my eyes off his.

Sophie, Jack, and Luke are the only ones in our wedding party. Reed reaches down and leads Davis to stand beside him then turns to me. Luke places my hand in his and an electrical current runs between us. Suddenly, all I hear is the beating of my own heart and the clicks of cameras.

Luke breaks me out of my haze by kissing me on the cheek and moving to his spot. The minister starts talking about joining together and the love between two people being the catalyst for a relationship. When he says something about heartaches, I giggle. He has no idea of our history, but we’ve had enough heartaches for a lifetime. Reed smiles with me knowing what I’m thinking.

We say the traditional vows and then the ring exchange. When Reed slips my ring onto my finger, my eyes bulge and I inhale loudly. There are a few chuckles behind us. He chose a wrap-around diamond band that compliments my engagement ring perfectly.

“Told you, Angel, every diamond—tenfold.” He whispers.

The ring I slide onto his hand is much more understated, but he wanted plain. Just when I think we are done, Reed and the minister exchange a glance and Reed’s grip on my hands tightens.

“Arianna, I wanted to say a few words to you today in front of our family and friends to express how lucky I am to have you. Finding you after all those years was the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. I spent some time with Katy when I knew I was going to ask you to marry me.” The room is absolutely still; waiting to hear what he is going to say. We agreed no sad tears today. I hold my breath waiting for his next statement.

“Even though she knew I loved you, she wasn’t convinced I deserved you. I told her that there was nothing in this world I wouldn’t do to provide a wonderful life for you and our children. I explained that I loved you enough to cover every heartache, deception, and misunderstanding. Your heartbeat is the bloodline to mine. I may have lived without you, but I never, ever knew love without you. There is no doubt in the world, I don’t deserve you, but I promise every day on this earth, you will never doubt how cherished you are.”

Sniffles and sighs fill the room, and I let my tears fall. I want to say something but I’m too overcome with emotion. I glance away from his stare for a second and see Luke smiling widely with a sheen in his own eyes.

Reed wipes my tears away and moves in to kiss me but the minister clears his throat loudly. We look at him and he looks at me with a questioning glance. I shake my head.

When he finally announces husband and wife, a loud chorus of cheers breaks out behind us. I don’t look anywhere but in the crystal blue depths of my future and seal my lips to his.

Our kiss is sweet and slow but takes a new direction when he pulls me close and grips my head. His tongue dances with mine and we breathe each other’s air to continue. My body melds to his and I run my hands up his torso until I reach his neck and hold on for life. The kiss turns passionate and needy and I pour everything I feel into it.

The cheers continue but I don’t stop kissing my husband until there’s a tugging on my gown. I nip at his lips and turn to see Davis staring at me with huge eyes. He doesn’t understand the magnitude of what just happened. He simply reaches up for me to lift him. I bend down but Reed stops me and picks him up instead. We turn to the small galley and see flashes all around us. Sophie hands me my bouquet and we walk outside to thunderous applause.

Once we get outside, I’m surprised to see a small bar set up with drinks and a sitting area lined in fans. The South Georgia heat is extreme and the people flock out behind us to the coolness and open bar. Shani brings me water with a koozie while I wait for pictures to begin.

I laugh out loud when I read the caption on the koozie; ‘Operation Matthews’. Reed gives me a sly smile and leads us back to the chapel for the remaining pictures.

An hour later, we are on the ferry heading to our reception. Reed got a special permit to have a bar on the boat so we can mingle intimately and enjoy the small group of guests. Cara is sitting alone on a bench looking silently at the water.

“Did you help with all this?” I motion to the bar behind me.

“A little.” She smiles shyly.

“Come here!” I open my arms for a hug and she flies into me. I hold her tight and she freely melts into my shoulder.

“Care Bear, are you mauling my wife?” Reed interrupts and wraps his arms around both of us.

I see the happiness in her face that his nickname has returned. We all hug for a few more seconds before Davis blows in insisting Cara go look for dolphins with him. We watch them walk away and I feel at peace.

When we get to the dock, loads of black extended SUV limos are waiting for us. I look at Reed in confusion and he shrugs, and each of the drivers stand with the names of their occupants. Reed helps me into ours and I notice a car seat in the middle. I grin and look back at Connor who is watching me closely. I wave and blow him a kiss, which causes a groan from Reed.

We arrive at the Ritz with a huge reception waiting for us. Amy and Cara take Davis and give us a few minutes alone before they announce us.