Episode 100

Episode 100

Sky's the Limit

SUMMER

TJ slept against my chest the entire way back to our winter wonderland resort getting in a very late nap. We should have put him to bed, but we didn't want him to miss out on the first time we'd be celebrating as a real family.

We entered the lobby of the resort as a group sporting bright pink noses from the cold, overflowing with boisterous laughter, and smiling faces. A man in a pristine suit approached our group and went straight up to my dad.

"Mr. Belanger, your private room has been set up and staffed exactly as you asked." He bowed formally. "If you and your party will follow me," he encouraged.

"Dad, what's going on?" I asked.

My father beamed with joy. "You'll see," he taunted with a sweetness I knew meant he was about to surprise me. Dad loved surprises. I mean, who didn't? More than that, though, Dad loved to give surprises to those he cared for. And I have to admit, he was really good at it.

Jack offered to take TJ, who was now awake and babbling away. Some words were in Norwegian, and others were English. Regardless, everything he said was cute as all get-out.

I passed off TJ, and Jack put him on his hip like an experienced parent, then reached out his free hand. I took it and held on, the three of us following right behind Dad, the rest of our group behind us. We were led to a set of double doors where everyone abruptly stopped.

"Congratulations, Mr. it was time to celebrate. Time to soak in the good cheer we wanted to share with the people who meant the most to us.

"My daughter deserved a proper wedding reception. This was the best I could do after hearing you were dropping a surprise wedding on Jack. Your Mom and I wanted to make sure it was beyond memorable." He swallowed and cleared his throat, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm so happy for you, Sunny. You deserve a man who loves everything about you with his whole heart. And I do believe you have found that in Jack."

I cuddled against his chest and nodded, my gaze on my husband, who was looking at me as though the very moon had risen tonight in my honor. "I've never been happier."

Jack smiled and kissed the top of TJ's head. Our little one was kicking his feet, his eyes bulging at all the different things in the room to explore. Jack laughed and put him down. My mother immediately went to TJ and took his hand, walking him around the room, pointing at the different things he might find interesting. She was going to be an amazing grandmother.

"Mr. Belanger, shall we start the drink service?" the manager asked my father.

"Absolutely. Champagne for everyone!" he called out, squeezed me tight, then let me go.

Autumn ambushed me with a huge hug. "I'm so happy for you, Sis. You deserve all of this and more!" she said while untying my cloak. "Turn around," she whispered in my ear. "I want Jack's eyes entirely on you when he sees you in this dress."

I did as instructed as she removed my white cloak.

Jack's mouth dropped open and he gasped. His gaze took in my dress from top to toe and back. My chest rose and fell under that heated look. He approached as though in slow motion. When he got to me, he held out his hand, and I put mine in his.

"Spin," he instructed, a guttural rasp I swore I could feel running down my spine like a fingertip.

I slowly turned in a circle, my hand still in his above my head as I did so.

"Jesus, you've never been more beautiful. I'll imagine you just like this our entire lives together."

"You like?" I bit into my bottom lip as he plastered me to his chest enfolding me in his embrace.

"I don't like. I love . The dress. Our ceremony. This reception. You. It's all more than I could have ever imagined. What we shared this evening, it was beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for choosing to stay."

I chuckled. "It's you who chose me, remember?" I said, referring to the auction.

He shook his head. "No, I don't believe that for a second. Something bigger than us was involved. I don't know if it's the Universe, God, destiny, or fate. Whatever it is, we were meant to be right here, right now in this moment, experiencing a love that will never fade. We'll take it with us into eternity. Just as you claimed."

"Oooh, is my normally rational, science-over-spirituality type husband talking witchy to me?" I shifted my lips into a kissy pout. "That deserves a reward."

He laughed out loud then pressed his mouth to my exposed neck, layering a line of kisses from my clavicle to the space just behind my ear. His hot breath fanned that sensitive erogenous zone, and I mewled under his attention while clinging to his muscular back.

"There's only one thing I want," he whispered.

"And that would be?" I breathed, my heart rate rising along with desire.

"You. Naked. Spread out on our bed for me to ravish as I please." His voice was a deep rumble I felt race through my body and settle hotly between my thighs.

I squeezed my legs together as I swallowed against the sudden dryness in my throat.

Where the hell was that champagne?

"Okay," I croaked. "So now then?" I suggested, without any concern for the eight other guests here to celebrate with us.

Jack burst out laughing even harder than before, relieving the sexual tension that could have been cut between us with a knife. "Later, my darling. Later."

I frowned, and let out a little miffed harrumph, which only made Jack laugh harder and more obnoxiously.

"Come, my boy," Henrik gestured to the empty seat in the middle of the table. "We're waiting for you two to sit so we can toast."

I followed Jack to the center of the table and took the chair he'd pulled out for me. He then sat in the seat to my left. Once we were settled, everyone took a seat. TJ was across from us, in between the grandmothers, something I was pretty sure they maneuvered intentionally. Probably to give Jack and me a break, but I knew my mother. She was getting in as much kiddo time as she could, especially since we hadn't decided what our plan was regarding where we were going to settle down permanently. I honestly still didn't know. It was such a huge commitment on both sides. But Jack and I would have those conversations once we were back in Oslo.

The waitstaff handed each of us a filled champagne glass. Henrik then stood and gestured for Irene to stand at his side. He put an arm around her back as he held up his glass over the table.

"Jack, you are like a son to us," Henrik spoke, his words strong and proud. "Irene and I have always tried to show you that you were welcome in our home and our lives as part of the family."

Jack nodded. "You did. Absolutely. I wouldn't be the man I am today without your guidance throughout the years. I'm eternally grateful."

Irene let a tear slide down her cheek and patted at her eyes while Henrik smiled in return. "Now, as you embark on your own journey, creating a family with Summer and TJ, we both want you to know how loved you are. We are amazed at all you've accomplished and are inspired by the man you've become. We know you'll make an excellent father to TJ, and husband to Summer. We're proud of you, son. We hope you, Summer, and TJ, and any other children you may bring into the family have a wonderful life filled with love."

"Cheers!" my sister shouted.

"Shears!" TJ lifted his sippy cup, trying to emulate Autumn.

Erik and Savannah lifted their glasses into the air along with Summer's parents. Then my parents stood. Dad held out his glass, grinning from ear to ear.

"Summer, we are thrilled in the choice you have made to marry Jack. We can see how very much he means to you and vice versa. Sometimes love smacks you upside the head and shows you the way. I believe that's what happened for the two of you. And after all you've been through these past weeks, your mother and I believe this will be a marriage that can withstand anything life throws at you. We love the woman you've become and can see that you are both in good hands with one another. May you be blessed with a long and happy marriage."

"And lots more grandbabies!" Mom quipped, and we all laughed.

After Mom's outburst came a quick toast by Erik who spoke of brotherhood and finding one's true love. Then, Jack stood and turned to face me more than our family.

"Summer, you have changed my entire life. All for the better. I used to think true love was improbable for a guy like me. Someone who didn't really believe something of that magnitude could be mine too. I thought it was reserved for the few like Irene and Henrik and Troy and Ellen. But after seeing my brother Erik enter the auction and find the love of his life in Savannah, my tune changed. I started to believe I could find the right woman for me in the auction. Which I did, but that wasn't when you ensnared my heart, was it?" He shook his head, and I gifted him a devilish smile.

"I never thought the day I walked into a building and got stuck in an elevator with a woman who stole my breath and challenged me at every turn would be the start of my new life. Yet here we are."

"But, of course, I gave him the wrong phone number when he asked for mine," I shared with the group.

"No way!" Autumn gasped. "What number did you give him?"

"The pizza place in town," I grinned.

"That's hilarious! Bet sexy businessman didn't expect to have to chase after you." Autumn teased.

"Very true," Jack answered good-naturedly. "But low and behold, who was standing up on that stage looking like the sun had just come out to shed light on my very dark life? None other than my dream woman."

A collaborative, drawn out "Aww" soared through the room as tears filled my eyes.

"I love you with my whole heart, Summer. I'll always put you and TJ's happiness first, and I'll never forsake the bond we've built. I can't believe I get to spend my life with you." His tone was filled with emotion that I could practically taste.

Instead of clinking our glasses, I jumped up, grabbed both of his cheeks and laid a fat smackaroo on him.

The sweet "Aww" from our group turned into catcalls and hoots and hollers as the kiss went on. I didn't care.

"I can't wait to spend my life with you either." I pecked him lightly on the lips once more. "Sky's the limit on our happiness."

"Sky's the limit," he repeated. "Now, who's ready to eat?"

"Oh, my goodness, I'm starved!" I agreed.

Dad waved at the waiters to get things moving, and before I knew it, there was a plethora of platters set in the center of the table with a mix of vegan dishes and what I learned were traditional Norwegian foods. There was R?kelaks, a smoked salmon dish Jack was excited to see offered, and Brunost, a sweet brown cheese that was to die for. Of course, Dad ordered a couple of vegetable-based dishes, including pasta, but there were many things to choose from, inspiring a unique discussion between the families about their food preferences. Sometimes I forgot that we were two unique groups of people with vast spiritual and cultural differences. We had a lot to learn about one another, which was another exciting part of this new journey.

When the food was demolished and TJ crashed out against Erik's chest this time, the resort manager came in with a traditional Norwegian spirit called Aquavit , which I was told was usually shared on special days and holidays such as Christmas.

"This drink is referred to as the ‘water of life' and is often shared with loved ones. It's known for being Norway's national drink," Henrik announced to the group.

"Water of life? That sounds like my kind of spirit," Mom gushed.

The waiter filled each person's small crystal cocktail glass with the liquor as another staff member brought in a volcano-shaped dessert. It looked like at least a dozen or so cake rings that sat on top of one another, each ring smaller than the previous one, creating a pyramid-like structure. There was white icing drizzled all over the cake, and it smelled divine. Notes of almond and sugar wafting in the air made my mouth water.

Jack puffed up with pride as the unusual wedding cake was placed on the table between us.

"This is a Kransekake . A traditional Norwegian wedding cake also called the Lover's Ring Tree. The cake and its structure are meant to symbolize everlasting love." He picked up one of the extra pieces lying around the base of the cake, also drizzled with frosting and held it up to my lips. "Taste it."

I took the bite he offered, keeping my eyes open as the almond and pastry flavors exploded on my tongue. I hummed as I chewed. Jack's expression was bursting with love and joy as I grabbed a piece and offered it to him.

He slowly took it from my fingertips, swiping his tongue along my thumb as he did so. A shiver of arousal swam from the tips of my fingers, up my arm, and settled in my chest. His pupils dilated, desire swirling in his heated gaze.

Suddenly, I was ready to be done with dinner, and I made my intentions known to the room. "Welp, I think that's about all the celebrating I want to do here…"

"Atta girl. Go get your man," Mom said as Jack and I stood.

"You cool with taking TJ for the night and morning?" Jack asked Erik.

"Would be our pleasure," Erik confirmed. "Besides, he's crashed out anyway. We've got the diaper bag already loaded with everything he needs. Tomorrow, after breakfast, we'll take him to play in the snow and have lunch out in the town. Give you both a full day together."

"That would be lovely, guys. Thank you," I said.

"No problem at all," Savannah waved her hand. "We want to get in as much time with TJ as we can before we head to Montana. The twins will be here soon, and I really want to be there for Dakota and help out as much as possible."

"I can totally see that," I agreed. "If Autumn were preggers, I'd be all over Auntie duty."

"Fat chance of that happening any time soon. You and Jack will probably have a couple more kids before I even get married. Ugh." Autumn slumped in her chair, seeming rather sad.

"I thought you had a girlfriend," Savannah asked.

Autumn shrugged and looked away.

My heart stopped. "Did you finally break it off with Raquel?" I said with far too much enthusiasm.

"As a matter of fact, I did. Don't be so thrilled with my relationship ending. I'm still bummed about it. I hoped she'd be the one."

I held my breath, doing my best not to react insensitively. I fucking hated Raquel.

Autumn glared in my direction, likely seeing through my expression I wasn't unhappy about this breakup. "Just because you found Prince Charming over there doesn't mean we all do. Sometimes it's just not in the cards."

That time my mother snorted. "It's always in the cards." She reached into her purse and pulled out a tarot deck.

"I'm the one that has the sight, Ma, and I've never seen myself walking down the aisle to the person of my dreams, male or female."

"Do you want to be married one day?" Savannah asked.

"Honestly…more than anything. I would love to share my life with someone special. Someone who gets me, and of course, all of this chaos and family drama, I mean loyalty." She grinned and gestured around the room.

Autumn was right. We did have an unorthodox family that only got more complex with the addition of Jack, TJ, and all of the Johansens. We were a lot. Our spiritual beliefs. Our culinary needs. The way we made a living. The average person might shy away from all that comes with our group. I'm just glad Jack wasn't scared off.

"You know, you could always enter the auction," Erik suggested. "Seemed to work out aces for me and Jack."

Autumn's eyes widened before she looked at me, then at Mom and then at Dad. "Holy shit, I could totally enter the auction and let fate decide who was my destiny. That's a brilliant idea, Erik!"

"Whoo hoo!" Mom jumped up and clapped while dancing around the table and calling to the ancestors.

"I think that's our cue," Jack whispered.

"Wait, what's going on now?" I blinked in confusion as Jack helped me up and around the table. We both kissed TJ's head as he slept through all the noise like a champ. This boded well for our future sex life with a little one around.

"Come, darling, we have a long night ahead of us." He growled under his breath, and we both waved as we exited the room.

Jack led me down the hallway and up the stairs. Each staff member we passed on the way to our room congratulated us on our nuptials.

By the time we made it to our room, my head was spinning with all that had happened that day but especially regarding that last part involving my sister.

"What just happened in there?"

"You mean after our reception wound down?" Jack asked, tugging his black cashmere sweater up and off, leaving him in a white V-neck t-shirt. Before I could comment, he whipped the t-shirt off, gifting me a perfect view of his golden, muscular chest. I wanted to lick him everywhere, from his waistband up and over every abdominal hill and valley, over his steely pecs and all along his tasty neck.

I nodded silently as I watched my husband undo his belt and pull it through the loops on his pants and drop it on the floor. I jumped at the sudden sound; my gaze focused entirely on each new bit of skin that was revealed.

"Your sister just decided to enter The Marriage Auction."

I was about to respond when his pants and underwear hit the floor. Instead, I attacked him with my mouth. Anything else would have to come later.

Priorities and all that.