Epilogue
Roth adjusted the cuff of his shirt beneath the tuxedo jacket. What he really wanted to do was yank off the tie, rip the whole outfit off, redress in his jeans and plaid shirt and grab one of the horses from the barn. The coolness of the October day didn't do anything to make him feel less constricted standing between his brothers beneath the flower covered pergola.
Ryker's and Ensley's wedding was being held at Sunshine Ranch. It was where the two had their first official date. Or at least that's Ensley's story. Ryker said it was their second date. But those details didn't matter to Roth as he stared out into the crowd, locating Autumn's face. It was bad manners to say anyone was more beautiful than the bride on her wedding day, but his Sugar was by far the most stunning woman in attendance.
The setting sun cast a glow on her honey brown skin, making him want to lick every inch of her. Of course, since his current duties prevented him from acting on his desires, Roth just grumbled internally and counted the minutes until he could shed the restrictive clothing.
The reception was being held at the ranch as well. So once the happy couple said their I dos, and the obligatory photos were taken, Roth made his way to Autumn. She was standing in a small group next to Zaria and Andrei Antonov. He'd officially met both of them at the joint bachelor and bachelorette party a few days prior.
He recognized Andrei, not only from his days on the ice as a professional hockey player, but as one of Ryker's longtime friends. However, Roth had only heard about Zaria from the things Autumn told him about their time as members of the African American Women Association for Nevada Attorneys. She'd also been a part of Zaria's wedding earlier in the year.
Slipping an arm around her waist, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. Her soft fingers grasped his, and she smiled softly. He didn't interrupt the conversation, which was mainly between the two women. Nor did he attempt to engage Andrei in chit-chat. The guy wasn't much of a talker and it suited Roth just fine. When the crowd started moving toward the path lit by lanterns, Roth held Autumn back.
Curiosity coated her expression when she stared up at him.
"Hold on, Sugar. We haven't had a moment alone all day. If it wasn't Mama or your friends pulling you away, it was my brothers and Pop keeping me tied up. I just want to hold you and kiss you without an audience looking over our shoulders."
Slipping her arms around his waist, she snuggled close to him. "You know we're going to have the better part of a week where it's just the two of us, starting as soon as we leave here right?"
"Yeah, but you wouldn't begrudge a man a few moments of peace would you?"
It was a completely self-serving move, but he knew reminding her of his aversion to being around a group of people for extended periods of time would get him what he wanted. Although Ryker's and Ensley's wedding was relatively small and intimate, being surrounded by other people continuously was starting to wear on him.
"Take as long as you need, baby. I've got nothing but time." Resting her head on his chest, Autumn didn't say another word. She didn't have to. Simply allowing him to hold her was quite enough for Roth.
His thoughts drifted to their plans for the next week and a half. They were going to finish packing up her personal items, getting her condo ready for renters. Instead of having her vehicle shipped to Lone Star Ridge, they planned to drive the entire twenty-two hours, breaking it up over four days.
Roth was looking forward to having her all to himself with no distractions for either of them. He had a little surprise for her when they got close to Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. However, before they reached Texas, they had another stop to make. One which would make his desires for their future abundantly plain. The velvet box was safely tucked into his go bag. He'd checked and rechecked the location so often, it was a wonder Autumn hadn't caught him.
Holding Autumn in his arms as dusk settled, Roth felt such a sense of completion. He would've been content to remain just as they were until it was socially acceptable to bid the bride and groom goodnight. However, he should've known their presence would be missed.
"There you two are!" His mother's voice penetrated their peace.
"Yes, ma'am. Here we are."
Roth didn't attempt to hide his feelings on them being discovered. Although, considering they were standing in the center of the aisle between the folding chairs, they weren't hidden very well.
"Don't you two even think about sneaking off." Shifting her penetrating stare from Roth to Autumn, she smiled. "I told your mother we'd have to take some more photos. I'm so happy they were able to make it up. I wish Nicholas could've been here too. Then the whole gang could be together."
Releasing Autumn from his tight hold, Roth bit the inside of his jaw to keep the words inside. Although he and Nick weren't completely back to the way they were before, Roth knew his friend wasn't likely to show up to a wedding without being required to attend. To ease the sting, he offered her mild consolation.
"You know how things go with the military, Mama. They don't always line up the way we'd like."
"I know, son." Patting his arm, her expression was filled with warmth and empathy. "It's good that you're home now. Maybe Nicholas will retire and he can be home soon." Clapping her hands, her face brightened again. "Now, let's get to the party. No, dilly-dallying you two. And no sneaking off."
Spinning on her heel, she walked back towards the lake. Next to him, Autumn covered her mouth, but she wasn't successful in stifling her giggles. With a tug on her hand, he brought her curves back to his body.
"What's so funny?"
Mirth danced in her dark brown eyes as she looked up at him. Her fingers ghosted across his lips.
"I find your pouting amusing… And kinda cute."
Growling, Roth's hold on her tightened. "I'm a fully grown man. I don't pout and I'm not cute. I'm handsome."
"Uh-huh." Autumn's plump lips curved into a knowing smile. "Come on, handsome. Let's go show our faces. The sooner we do, the sooner we can go home."
Capturing her lips in a kiss filled with promise, Roth finally turned them in the direction of the party.
"Fine, Sugar. We can go be social for a little while."
With her hand in his, Roth was once again hit with the depth of his feelings for her. It didn't matter where they were, in his mind, he was already home because he was with Autumn.
The End