Happily Ever After Read online

  “I’m a man with two daughters, that’s my God-given right,” he said without apology. “But I’ve gotten to know Pierce pretty well, and you were right. He’s a good man. Got his rough edges, but . . . hell, so do I.” Jesse cleared his throat. “I’d take you out of here right now if I thought you needed me to. You know that, right?”

  She blinked at him. “I don’t need you to. I love him, Dad.”

  “I know. I said if I thought you needed me to. Just reminding you how I’ll always, always have your back.”

  Her throat tightened a bit. “I know that, Dad. Thank you.”

  “You’re fine. He loves you. From what I’ve seen, he probably loves you a little more than you love him, and that’s a good thing. He’s good to you, and he’s always gonna be good to you. Besides, I’ll kill him if he’s not. So don’t be nervous. Enjoy everything today.” He patted her hand on his forearm. “I’m right here.”

  “Oh, Dad . . .” Tears stung her eyes and she swallowed hard. “Don’t you dare make me cry now.”

  “Well, then, don’t cry, that’s all.”

  She smiled through the tears. “Yes, sir. I love you so much.”

  “I love you too.”

  Marla, the resort employee who was their wedding coordinator, approached them with an excited smile. “Are you ready? Because we all are if you are.”

  Abby sniffed hard and nodded. “I’m ready.”

  “Let’s do this, then . . .” Marla reached up for Abby’s veil, lowering the front part over her face. “Want to help her with that, Dad?”

  As Marla sprinted off to set things in motion, Jesse fixed the veil, making sure it was correctly in place. He gazed down at his daughter with something like wonder in his eyes. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Well, except for your mother. Sorry, that stands.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” She smiled as she gave his arm a squeeze, then reached over with her free hand to pick up her bridal bouquet. The white, yellow, and orange flowers were vibrant. “God. These are so gorgeous, but they’re actually a little heavy!”

  Jesse chuckled.

  Marla moved to the glass doors and opened them. The wedding party was already out on the lawn, moving toward the beach.

  “You got this,” Jesse said, looking out before them.

  Abby took a deep breath and looked out too. Excitement and exhilaration soared through her, lifting her heart. “Yes, I do.”

  * * *

  As John Legend’s “Stay with You” started to play over speakers aimed at the beach, the wedding party started their walk. They were brought to the edge of where the great lawn ended at the sand and made their way down the makeshift aisle, a boardwalk that stretched down the beach. Over 120 guests sat in white folding chairs on either side of the aisle, which was lined with white ribbons, glass jars with candles inside, and sunflowers hearty enough to withstand the soft breezes that blew off the ocean.

  Pierce walked first, by himself, smiling a deeply contented smile. Striking in his light gray suit, white dress shirt, and gray striped tie, the wind gently ruffled his dark hair as he reached the standing canopy at the end of the aisle, mere feet from the ocean. He shook the hand of the wedding officiant, then turned to face the crowd. He flashed another smile and watched the wedding party come down the aisle.

  Troy walked with Fiona, then Charles with Tess, then Dane with Allison. The men were handsome in their slate-gray suits and sky-blue ties, the women lovely in their sky-blue sheath dresses. Then came Dylan; Abby’s nine-year-old nephew half-jogged down the aisle, a wide, excited smile on his adorable face, bringing warm laughs from the guests. Ava looked so pretty, older than her ten years. Her dark hair in a French braid and her slim frame in a dress resembling the bridesmaids’, she was poised as could be as she let white and yellow flower petals flutter from her fingers. Lastly, Carolyn beamed as she proudly made her way down the aisle; the attractive mother of the bride was gorgeous in her sparkly ice-blue gown. Going off script, she went to Pierce and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Touched by the impulsive gesture, he hugged her quickly before she took her seat at the end of the front row.

  An anticipatory hush fell over the crowd. John Legend’s heartfelt, romantic song was perfect as it continued playing.

  Pierce narrowed his eyes as they locked on his bride. A vision in white floating on the arm of her tall father, Abby’s long, gauzy veil blew back in the breeze as they made their way from the grass to the sand and started down the aisle. As she got closer, and he could see her better, Pierce’s breath caught. He knew she’d be a beautiful bride, but seeing her like this . . . she was extraordinary. She literally took his breath away.

  His eyes traveled over her. Her silky blond hair, usually so pin straight, had been curled at the ends, now barely touching her bare shoulders. The sides of her hair had been pulled up, tucked somewhere in that veil. Her strapless gown had a curved top and was fitted down to her knee, where it softly flared out into waves of gliding, billowing layers, down over her feet and in the back, forming a train. Sunlight caught in the fabric, making it shimmer and sparkle as she moved. She was luminous. The whole look was elegant, classy, and timeless, with a hint of sexy and a dash of sassy . . . just like Abby herself. Pierce had never seen such perfection in his life and she was walking down the aisle to him. Love overwhelmed him, rushing through his entire body.

  He smiled so wide his cheeks started to hurt. She smiled back, meeting his eyes as she got closer . . . and the world fell away. All he saw was her. His woman, this wonderful gift of a woman; his best friend, his lover, his partner, his rock. His heart pounded with the depth of emotion that flowed through him.

  When she reached him, he stretched out his hand to her. Her smile widened, and if he wasn’t mistaken, her eyes were glassy. Jesse took her hand from the crook of his elbow and kissed the top of it before placing her hand in Pierce’s. It was the first time Pierce had ever seen her dad too choked up to speak.

  “I’ll take good care of her,” Pierce promised in a husky whisper.

  Jesse nodded and patted his shoulder. Then he kissed the side of Abby’s head and went to sit with her mother in the front row. Fiona leaned in to take Abby’s bouquet. Finally, Abby turned to Pierce, and they clasped hands, intertwining their fingers as they smiled at each other.

  “You’re absolutely stunning,” Pierce whispered. “My God, Abby. Wow.”

  Yup, she was tearing up. “Thank you,” she whispered back.

  “Let’s do this.” He grinned as he dropped a wink.

  She nodded and smiled tremulously. “Yeah, let’s.”

  * * *

  While the guests enjoyed a lavish cocktail hour on the wide expanse of lawn behind the resort, the wedding party posed for photos on the beach. The sun’s angle had shifted, just starting to deepen the blue of the sky. The ocean was a perfect backdrop as the photographer snapped a million pictures. At the end of the hour, Pierce announced, “I’m starving. And we need drinks. Time to celebrate!”

  The wedding party all started to march back up the beach toward the resort. Abby grabbed Pierce’s hand, stopping him. “Wait.”

  His brow furrowed as he looked down at her. “You okay?”

  “I’m amazing,” she said with a smile. “I just wanted a minute alone with you before we go to the reception.”

  Smiling back, he turned and pulled her into his arms. “That sounds perfect.” He kissed her lips lightly. “You’re perfect.”

  “I’m not,” she said, even as she pressed herself closer into his embrace.

  “You are. You’re perfect for me.” He kissed her again. “And I can’t stop staring at you. You’re off-the-charts beautiful, Abby. I’m the luckiest man alive.”

  Her smile deepened. “Thank you for that.” She hugged him, resting her head on his shoulder. “The ceremony was perfect.”

  “I don’t remember half of it,” he admitted. “I just couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

  She laughed. “Typical
.”

  “I’m sure it was great,” he went on with the joke. “I bet it was meaningful, right? Lots of nice things said?”

  She pinched his ass and he yelped.

  “I was there, baby,” he assured her. “I was there. I’ve rarely felt so present in my life. I just . . .” He tipped her chin up so they could look into each other’s eyes. “I’m going to give you a good life. We’re going to have everything. I promise.”

  “I’m going to give you a good life too,” she said. “We’re in this together.”

  They kissed tenderly, holding each other close as the waves crashed beyond.

  “I love you,” she said. “Husband.”

  He grinned. “I love you too, wife.”

  “We’d better get to the party,” she murmured.

  “I know.” But he kissed her a few more times before taking her by the hand and bringing her along.

  * * *

  The reception was held in the spacious event room, with dangling crystal chandeliers and high glass walls that displayed panoramic views of the ocean and beach. Tiny white lights strewn everywhere and endless amounts of flowers added to the atmosphere, making it opulent. The DJ played all the best songs, magnificent food and endless drinks were served, and the guests talked and danced the evening away.

  Midway through, Pierce sat at their dais as he watched Abby dance with her father. She’d chosen Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” as their song, and if Pierce wasn’t wrong, Jesse looked a little glassy-eyed as he twirled his daughter in his arms. The man was a grizzly bear, but when it came to his family, he was just a big mush. For a second, Pierce thought of his own father . . . having that traditional dance of the groom and his mother . . . then willfully batted the images away. He had his own family now. Abby.

  “Hey there.” Charles came up behind him and clapped him on the shoulder.

  “Hey.” Pierce rose to stand beside his oldest brother. He grabbed his half-empty beer and took another sip.

  “She’s stunning,” Charles remarked, his eyes resting on Abby as she danced.

  “I know.” Pierce nodded and looked at her too. “She really is.”

  “She’s . . . glowing. From the inside out.” Charles quirked a grin. “I’ve rarely seen a more joyful bride. You did that, you know.”

  Pleased, Pierce could only grin back.

  “You having a good time?” Charles asked.

  “Hell yeah. You?”

  “I am. You guys planned a beautiful wedding and a great party.”

  “Well, I only do a great party,” Pierce joked. “Still got a rep to uphold.”

  They chuckled together. Then Charles said, “It’s the first time we’ve been to a big party as the six of us.” His gaze flicked over to his wife and went soft with adoration. “Lisette is enjoying herself. She’s tired, of course, but she will be for a while—like a few years. So I’m glad she’s here; she needed some fun.”

  “Glad you’re all enjoying it.” Pierce shot a glance over to the table where the entire Harrison clan sat. Lisette looked pretty in a royal purple dress, her dark hair pulled off her face in a slick ponytail that tumbled down her back. She did look relaxed, smiling leisurely, and Pierce was glad for her. Seated next to her, Tess had the baby in her arms, rocking her and cooing at her. Ava, Thomas, and Myles were eating and talking. Dane sat beside Julia, a knockout in emerald green. The woman didn’t have it in her to be anything but eye-popping. They held hands on the tabletop as they talked with her son, Colin. Now almost twenty-four, he was a quiet, reserved, but friendly young man. Pierce liked him.

  “That’s a great group over there,” he murmured.

  “Who?” Charles followed his gaze. “You mean our family?”

  Pierce nodded. Suddenly a lump formed in his throat, and he swallowed it down. He cleared his throat and said, “If you’d told me two years ago that I’d be living on Long Island, getting married, and happy to be in the fold with my family, I’d’ve told you to stop smoking crack. I’d have laughed in your face.”

  Charles nodded slowly, considering. “Well, you were a hot mess when you came back here two years ago.”

  At that, Pierce barked out a laugh. “True. That’s true. Thanks.”

  “Look how far you’ve come.” Charles’s voice wasn’t needling but warm.

  “I just did and it almost knocked me on my ass.” Pierce sipped his beer to ease the tightness in his throat. “Growing up, I thought you and Dane didn’t care about me. Only Tess. You guys were off doing your things. I hated you for that.”

  “I know,” Charles said quietly, the remorse evident. “We were much older than you, but still . . . I’ll always regret that period of time. I wish I could go back and—”

  “I know. But that’s all in the past. I’m not bringing it up to guilt you. I’m saying, look at everything now . . . look at that table. My whole family is here for me. And I wanted you all to be here. And I’m happy to be married. And it’s just . . .” Pierce shook his head in wonder. “Funny how life works out, that’s all.”

  “Indeed.” Charles reached up to squeeze his brother’s shoulder. “Listen . . . quick married life tip.”

  Pierce’s brows shot up. “Really? Didn’t you just get married in May?”

  “Hey, wiseass, it’s my second marriage. I know some things. Shut up and listen.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “You’ve already started heading in that direction,” Charles began, “but the fact is, you’re likely going to spend more time with Abby and her family as time goes on. It’s a natural progression. The wife usually dictates the social schedule and her family usually takes precedence. Especially when that family is as close as the McCords are.”

  Pierce nodded, listening.

  “Luckily for you, they’re really good people. I’m grateful to see they’ve taken you in as they have. It’ll help make things even easier for you as a couple, especially when you have kids someday. But . . .” Charles rubbed his jaw as he chose his words. “You’ll always have a place with the Harrisons too. Just don’t forget that. No guilt here, no pressure—you come around when you can. But do come around, okay? We’re here. We love you. Both you and your wife.”

  Pierce blinked. Charles wasn’t usually an openly emotional man, but he had definitely softened since Lisette had entered his life. And though the brothers had grown closer over the past year or so, this was one of the most heartfelt declarations Charles had ever made to him. Pierce was so moved, he almost couldn’t speak. “Thanks. I won’t forget.” He stared at his oldest brother. “Listen, I know you’ve been totally on guard behind the scenes . . . keeping Dad away from us and the wedding all these months. Maybe Mom too. This is me officially thanking you for that.”

  Charles shrugged, nonchalant. “My pleasure.”

  “No, seriously. It means a lot,” Pierce said. “It’s, uh . . . it’s nice to have a powerful, protective big brother.”

  “You have two, actually,” Charles reminded him.

  “I know. Yeah. But you . . . our past has been . . . I just really appreciate it, man.”

  “You’re very welcome.” The side of Charles’s mouth curved in an affectionate half grin. “I’ll always have your back. And I know you have mine too.”

  They stood in silence for a few seconds. Then Pierce set his bottle down and threw his arms around Charles, clasping him in a hug. Charles was jolted for a second in shock but immediately embraced him, giving him a clap on the back for good measure.

  * * *

  As the resort employees wheeled the wedding cake away, Pierce kissed a last tiny drop of icing off Abby’s lips. “Mmm. That was good.”

  “I guess we can finally sit down now,” she said and turned to head back to their dais at the front of the glass-walled room.

  “Um . . . wait. I have a better idea.” He grasped her hand and led her across the dance floor, then out of the room altogether.

  “Where are we going?” she asked.

  “An i
dea got in my head,” he said, “and now it’s a moral imperative.” He flashed a wicked smile that promised pure sin, then pulled her down the wide hallway.

  “We are so not doing this.” Abby giggled.

  “We so are.” He kept looking around, intent on his search.

  “I never knew you had a wedding dress fantasy,” she said.

  “I never knew I did either ’til I saw you in that.” He stopped and yanked her against him, kissing her hard and hot. His tongue plundered her mouth as his hands went around to squeeze her bottom. “I wanna push up that dress and drive myself into you,” he whispered in her ear. He nipped the lobe, making her breath hitch. “I won’t be satisfied until I watch you come apart, feel you shudder, hear you gasp my name while you’re in this dress.”

  “You’re dirty,” she breathed, shivering as he licked the side of her neck.

  “I wanna dirty you up right now,” he said. “C’mon.” He grabbed her hand again and led her down the corridor.

  “We could just go up to our suite,” she pointed out.

  “Nah, not as fun,” he said. “We need, like, quick and hot broom-closet sex.”

  “In the middle of our wedding day?”

  “Hell yeah, on our wedding day!”

  Both laughing, he stopped short in front of a door marked “Supply Closet” and turned to her with a wide smile of victory. “The gods are with us,” he declared and pushed the door open.

  Inside, a couple was locked in a hot and heavy embrace against the wall. All four of them gasped at the same time. It was Troy and Fiona.

  Abby’s jaw dropped and her eyes flew wide. She barked out a laugh, then clapped her hand over her mouth.

  “Oh my God,” Fiona groaned, flushing bright red.

  “Um, we’re a little busy here,” Troy growled. His ire was a bit less fearsome with his light brown hair tousled and Fiona’s lipstick smeared on his lips.

  Pierce gave a quick nod. “As you were.” He shut the door quickly, then turned to look at his wife in surprise. They dissolved into laughter.

  “I think that just killed the mood for me,” Abby said as they walked away.

  “I think I’m now more determined than ever,” Pierce vowed.