Chapter 121

 Brianna was still laughing as she rushed into their bedroom. "You're crazy!"

"Crazy about you." Closing the door behind him, he caught her around the waist and pulled her against him. His gaze swept over her face. "You're so beautiful."

She smiled and blushed. Despite his frequent compliments, she still wasn't used to them. "Thank you."

"You're.....glowing."

She shrugged."I'm happy."

"Good. I plan to keep you that way. Although......I think I like you even more when your eyes are glowing." He grinned and lowered his head.

In his kiss she tasted more than just desire. Underneath was something stronger, something longer lasting: respect, commitment, love. With a sigh, she sank into it, savoured it.

As their passion grew, Jon groaned and broke away. "Damn, Golden Eyes."

"What's wrong?"

"You're hell on my self control."

Brianna slid her hands up his chest to undo his tie. "And that's a bad thing why?"

"Because I have plans. And they involve you, me, naked....with no chance of interruption....and all the time we want. And we can't guarantee that here."

"I didn't hear mention of a bed in those plans."

His lips twitched. "A bed is optional. I'm flexible."

"So am I." She reminded him.

"And we're going to put that to the test."

"Mmmm. Sounds.....delicious. But you know," she began removing the studs from his shirt. "We have some time now for....a little appetizer."

"Uh uh." He grabbed her hands to halt her undressing him. "Once we start I'm not stopping until neither one of us can move. Let's get changed, say goodbye to everyone and get out of here."

Her bottom lip came out in a pout that almost shattered his control. "Fine." Turning her back to him, she lifted her veil out of the way. "Unzip me?" When he obliged, she turned to face him and let her dress fall to the floor revealing her corset and stockings.

A growl rumbled in his chest. "Brat!"

Throaty chuckles trailed behind her as she walked into the closet. "But you love me anyway."

"Yes, I do." Shrugging out of his jacket, he took a few calming breaths before following her to the large closet to change his clothes. 

Thankfully he'd taken long enough - and she'd taken pity on him - that she'd pulled a sundress on. Although, the filmy yellow dress  with its spaghetti straps, plunging neckline and flirty skirt that ended just above her knee didn't do much to dampen his desire. The warm colour highlighted her eyes and made her tanned skin glow and all that bared skin lured him to touch. His stomach - or maybe it was someplace lower - clenched. "Did I say we were going somewhere warm? You might get cold in that."

She stared at him for a moment, wondering if she'd guessed wrong. No way. I know him better than that. "Nice try, but I know you Mr. Beach Bum." She pulled on a short, light sweater and reached for her sandals. "Besides, if I get cold I know you'll warm me up."

His mouth went dry at the sight of her legs as she tightened the strap on the high heeled sandal. Damn! Turning his back on her in self preservation he reached for a button down shirt and khakis. By the time he was changed and closed his suitcase, Brianna had hung up his tux and closed her own.

"Ready?"

"Yes."

She led the way out of the bedroom and down the stairs with Jon following with the suitcases. He set the bags in the foyer, then joined his wife to make a last round of the backyard to say goodbye to their guests.

They were met at the door by Carol and Tony carrying Romeo and Jake who were half asleep.

"Nite guys." Brianna kissed their heads. "You guys be good for Grandma and Grandpa while we're away, okay?"

"When will you be back?" Jake lifted his head from Tony's shoulder to ask.

"Two weeks." His father answered.

"How many days dat?" Romeo wanted to know.

"Fourteen."

"No! Too many! You come home 'morrow, kay?"

"We'll be back before you know it." Brianna assured him.

His pout was interrupted by a yawn.

Carol saw it. "Come on boys, bed time."

Romeo laid his head on his grandmother's shoulder and waved at his father and stepmother.

"Bye. We'll see you soon."

"Bring me something." Jake suggested.

"Only if you behave while we're gone." Jon responded.

In the tent, they made the rounds.

"Thanks for everything." Brianna hugged her brothers and sisters-in-law. "Everything was perfect."

"It really was." Lisa agreed. "We wish you both all the happiness in the world."

Richard eyed Jon. "I'm glad you didn't let Father run you off."

"No chance." Jon assured him. "He actually made me want to marry her even more so that I could protect her from his attitude."

"Good." Michael reached out to shake his new brother-in-law's hand. "She deserves to be appreciated and cared for."

"She will be."

"Don't make me cry. My makeup will run!" Brianna chided them with a sniff and a watery smile.

"Hey Beautiful! Don't think you can sneak out without saying goodbye."

"I wouldn't even try Lemma." Brianna assured him as she reached to hug him.

She quickly found herself enveloped by the whole band.

"It's not too late to back out you know. You could get an annulment. The marriage hasn't been consummated yet."

"Are you sure? They were alone in the house for quite a while."

"Naw. Even Kidd's not that fast."

"Fuck off. All of you." Jon growled. "Come on Golden Eyes, let's get out of here and away from these assholes."

Brianna's laughter as she allowed her husband to lead her away quickly faded as they met up with her parents.

"Brianna, everything was beautiful. You did a fantastic job." Sara hugged her daughter. "Have a good trip."

"Thanks Mom and thanks for your help."

Sara reached out for Jon's hand. Looking back and forth between the couple, she blinked back tears. "Be happy."

Fighting tears of her own, Brianna eyed her father, unsure of his frame of mind at this point. She was surprised when he pulled her in for a hug.

"Have a good trip." Stepping back, he simply nodded at Jon.

"Thank you Father."

"Jon!" Matt called from the door of the house. "There's a car here looking for the bride and groom!"

"Coming!" But when he tried to guide Brianna towards the house, she resisted. "Honey?"

Brianna craned her neck, looking around the back yard. "Where's Steph and Jessie?"

"Here." Jessie answered as he walked up to hug them both. "Have fun. And yes, I'll help clean all of this up."

"And I'll help Grandma with the little ones." Stephanie assured them as she joined them.

"Thanks. You guys are great." Brianna hugged them both. "I love you."

"Me too." Jon added. "We've both got our cells if you need us."

"Go." Stephanie waved them off. "We'll be fine. Have fun."

"Okay." Brianna turned and waved at everyone. "Bye!"

The drive to the Teterboro airport passed quickly and before they new it they were boarding an executive jet. The plane was smaller than the one the band took on tour, but it was more luxurious. The seats swivelled and were large and plush, there was a flat screen TV, DVD player and state of the art sound system.

While Jon talked to the crew, Brianna explored. The fully stocked bar and kitchen were no surprise, but the size of the bathroom was. She could actually turn around in it. There was even a shower! "Nice!"

"Mrs. Bongiovi, we're ready to take off if you'd like to take a seat." The flight attendant stood in the doorway.

When she didn't answer immediately, or even look up from examining the marble counter top, Jon smiled. "Honey."

"Hmm?"

"She's talking to you. You are Mrs. Bongiovi are you not?"

Brianna smiled. "As of about eight hours ago I am." She turned to the flight attendant. "Sorry. No one has called me that yet. I'm not used to it."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you." Moving into the main cabin, Brianna sat down, her gaze sweeping around again. "This is really nice."

"Yeah." Jon agreed from his seat on the opposite side of a small table. "Just don't tell Lemma or he'll hound my ass to get one for the tour."

"It'll be our secret." She promised. As the plane taxied down the runway, she leaned back in her seat. "Are you going to tell me where we're going now?"

He gave it some consideration, then shook his head. "Not yet."

"And you call me a brat. Why not?"

"You haven't given me any......incentive." His blue eyes glittered like sapphires.

Brianna snorted. "As I recall, I tried to give you some incentive when we were changing, but you turned me down."

"Only temporarily. Until we have more time and privacy." He assured her.

"Hmpf!"  Okay Sweetheart, you asked for it. Shifting in her chair, she shrugged out of her sweater and slowly uncrossed and recrossed her legs.

The table between them did little to block his view of all that smooth skin and shapely limbs. His eyes ate up every bit of it. He knew what she was doing, but he couldn't look away. And he refused to let her know it was working. He just grit his teeth and hoped his control held out until they reached their destination.

When the seatbelt sign went off, The flight attendant brought them champagne and strawberries with whip cream. Brianna stood and searched for the remote control for the TV. "See anything you like?"

"Mmmhmm." But his gaze was locked on the rear view she showed him, not the screen. His arm snaked out to curl around her waist and pull her back and onto his lap. "But holding is even better than looking."

With a gentle smile curving her lips, she curled comfortably into his lap, where he held her with one hand on her hip, the other on her knee. She rested her head on his shoulder and undid a few buttons on his shirt so she could stroke him and tangle her fingers in his chest hair.

She reached out for a strawberry and dipped it into the whip cream. Lifting it to her mouth she bit in. "Mmmmm."

The juice glistening on her lips took all the moisture from his mouth, making it difficult to swallow "Is it good?"

His gravelly tone rumbled in her chest. "Mmmm. Want a taste?" When he opened his mouth, she took another bite and lifted her her face toward his.

At the first touch of their lips, the combined taste of fruit and woman exploded in his mouth. With a low growl he pushed his tongue between her lips for a deeper, more thorough taste.

When he finally lifted his head, they were both breathing heavily. He had no recollection of sliding his hand under her skirt, but the warm smooth skin of her thigh under his hand told him that he had. "Delicious."

Whether he was talking about the berry or her skin, neither knew - or cared. They just wanted more. For the next while, they shared fruit and wine, kisses and soft touches, until Brianna was sure she was going to burst into flame. Her fevered skin was a tingling mass of sensation, her nipples were so hard they ached - but not as much as the empty core of her body. She knew Jon was not unaffected. The hard ridge of his erection under her told her if the heaving of his chest wasn't proof enough. But he still held back. In self preservation, she stood and escaped to the bathroom.

She splashed cold water on her face and ran it over her wrists. Even so, it took several minutes before her blood stopped pounding through her veins. Blowing out a breath, she stared at her reflection in the mirror and debated whether she was calmed down enough to rejoin her husband. Suddenly, the door opened and Jon slipped in, closing the door behind him. The snick of the lock had her brow rising. "Did you need in here?"

He stepped closer behind her, his hands sliding around her waist and up to cup her breasts. His lips nuzzled the tender skin under her ear. "What I need is right here."

Brianna's eyes drifted closed and her head tilted to the side to give him more access as she leaned back against him. When he lifted the sensitive mounds out of her dress and fondled them, she groaned. "What happened to waiting until we were alone and naked?"

"I've waited enough over the last few days while you tortured me." A quick shift of his hands spun her around to face him. Gripping her hips, he lifted her to sit on the countertop and moved her knees apart until he could stand in between. "And this doesn't count as part of my plan. This is just a little teaser to take the edge off."

He cradled her face in his hands. "You are so beautiful." His mouth captured hers once again. This time he didn't hold back. His tongue stabbed deep, then lured hers out until he could suck on it. At the same time, his hands drifted down her body - one to cover and squeeze a breast, fingers pinching an already throbbing nipple, the other to skim down to her knee, then coast back up her inner thigh to the soaked strip of material covering the pulsing flesh of her femininity. Hardly a barrier, he pushed it aside and slid two fingers deep.

Brianna inhaled sharply at the sudden invasion. Not from pain - she was too aroused for that, but the abruptness of his penetration surprised her. Obviously his patience had run out. And that was fine by her. The passion that had subsided to simmer returned to a full boil at his first touch. But teasing touches weren't enough. She needed him inside her....now.

Lifting one knee up to hook over his hip, she reached between them. Unable to access his belt, she gripped his erection through his pants, gratified when he groaned and stiffened. She tore he mouth from his. "Need you. Now!"

The only answer Jon could manage was a grunt of agreement. His hands left her body only long enough to open his pants and and shove them down over his hips. Then his hands returned to grip her hips and tilt her towards him. Her legs locked around him and she gasped as he plunged deep.

"Oh! Mmmmm." Brianna moaned, wrapped her arms around his neck and nipped his earlobe. "Now fuck me!"

A growl rumbled in his throat as he complied. All gentleness evaporated under the churning of his hips. His breath rasped in her ear, his hands slipped on her skin as sweat coated his body and he fought for control. But being close to her without being able to have her, even for just a few days, was more than his libido could withstand. He wasn't going to last much longer.

Brianna was well aware of his approaching explosion. She could feel it in the tension in his body. Considering she was nearing her own detonation point, she considered the timing perfect. "Yes! There! Right there! Mmmmmm."

"Give it to me Golden Eyes. Now!"

"Yes!"

Shattering together, all they could do was hold on while convulsions racked their bodies.

"Fuck!" Jon finally was finally able to take a breath, and straightened. "That was....."

"Yeah." It was all she could manage to say.

"You okay?"

She nodded, then snorted. "I will be....as soon...as I...can breathe.....again."

As Jon stepped back, they both groaned at the feel of him leaving her body. It would be a miracle if she wasn't bruised. After cleaning himself up, he handed her the damp cloth and pulled up his pants. 

Brianna let him help her down off the counter and leaned against it. "I need a few minutes."

He nodded. "Okay." Unlocking the door, he exited, closing the door behind him.

When she rejoined him in the main cabin and sat down, he refilled her champagne glass. "Thanks." She eyed him while she sipped and crooked a brow. "So. Are you going to tell me where we're going now?"

Jon chuckled. "I guess you've earned it." He got up and walked over to his bag, unzipping a pocket and pulling out a folded glossy paper. Returning to the table, he slid the brochure over to her.  "Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands."

Chapter 120

Posing for pictures was right up there on the list of Jon's least favourite things to do - behind interviews but above a root canal.  Anything longer than five minutes was too long as far as he was concerned. He knew lots of people took pictures of him, especially during concerts. That was fine - he didn't have to pose for those, so it didn't bother him. But he knew this was important to Brianna, so he'd suck it up.

The photographer was aware of Jon's feelings, but also wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity. He was walking a fine line.

Brianna could feel Jon's tension rise as time passed. She distracted him with teasing and kisses, but it only worked for a little while. When she sensed he'd reached his limit, she brought it to and end. "Okay, I think we've got lots to choose from. Thanks."

"Oh. Right. Okay." The photographer frowned. "Maybe just..."

Brianna caught Tony's eye.

"Got it." He murmured and stepped towards the photographer. "Hey man, I really liked that lest setup. Can we look at what you got?"

Aware of Tony's talent as a videographer/producer, the photographer was eager to show off his own skill. "Sure."

Jon made a beeline for the tent - and the bar.

When Brianna entered the tent, Jon handed her a glass of champagne. "Thanks." She studied his face, a smirk curving her lips.

"What?"

"Thank you for putting up with the photo session."

Jon shrugged. "No big deal."

She snorted. "Are you forgetting who you're talking to? I'm the one who had to listen to you bitch the whole tour about how much you hate photo shoots."

He shrugged again. "This is different."

"How?"

"This isn't 'look at me' type stuff. This is commemorating a special event."

"Ah. Makes sense." She leaned over to brush her lips over his ear. "It's so hot when you prove you're not just a pretty face."

Blue eyes glittered. "Yeah? I've still got the glasses I wore in Cry Wolf."

"Mmm." She purred. "Bring them on the honeymoon....Professor."

He grinned. "Any other requests?"

Before she could speak, another voice reached them.

"Hey Beautiful, they've got sake! Want some? I know how much you like it."

Amidst the men's laughter, Brianna shuddered. While she had very little memory of that night in Japan, she remembered the next morning very clearly. "I'll pass thanks Lemma. I might like it, but it doesn't like me the next morning."

"Are you sure?" Tico asked. "We're here to celebrate you catching your Iceman. Or.....what did she call him?"

"Herpes." David supplied. "Said he never really went away."

Ignoring her father's disapproving scowl, Brianna groaned and buried her face in Jon's shoulder. He just laughed and rubbed her back. "You're stuck with me now."

"Don't they have an ointment for that?" Richie wondered.

"Okay." Lisa looked around at the various band members. "Someone's got to fill us in."

"No, they don't." Brianna argued.

"David."  Rachel crooked a finger. "Sit down, let me get you a drink. Let's have a chat."

Brianna groaned again.

After circulating with their guests for awhile, Brianna noticed her mother waving at her and pointing at her watch. The catering staff were hovering around the edges of the tent. "We'd better sit down. They're ready to serve dinner."

Jon followed her to the head table and held her chair while she sat before taking the chair beside her.

Lifting the napkin off her plate to lay it across her lap, the printing of their names on it caught her eye. A thought struck and she froze. "What name was on the marriage register?"

"What do you mean?"

"Which version of your name was on the register?" How could she not thought to double check? She knew from all the paper work she'd done for various travel and legal documents since she'd started working for him, that even though he signed autographs 'Jon BonJovi', legally he was still 'John Bongiovi Jr.'. It had been her job to make sure the proper name was used in the proper place.

"Don't worry, I signed my legal name." He assured her. His lips twitched. "Looking for a way out?"

She snorted and shook her head. "No, worried we might have to go through all of this again." She locked her gaze with his. "This is the last time I'm getting married."

Jon reached over to squeeze her hand and kissed her.

"Hey! You're supposed to wait until someone taps a glass!" David hollered.

"She's my wife. I can kiss her when I want to." Jon shot back. To prove his point he kissed her again.

"I want to kiss her too!" Jake insisted, running up to the head table.

"Me too!" Romeo wasn't about to be left out.

Tony picked up his spoon and tapped it against his glass. "I think Sunshine should kiss all the Bongiovi men!"

"I agree!" Matt stood up.

"And since I'm the head of the Bongiovi family, I should go first!" John Sr. declared.

"Okay, okay!" Laughing, Brianna stood and walked around the table where she was immediately enveloped by the male half of her new family.

Jon shook his head, smiling indulgently when he noticed his new sisters-in-law watching him. "I think they love her more than they do me."

"Good. Then we know she'll be well taken care of." Rachel commented.

"Count on it." Jon assured her.

Since it was the second marriage for both of them, they'd decided to forego some of the traditions like tossing the bouquet and garter and all the speeches. Unbeknownst to either of them, their brothers decided differently. Jon's brothers said that since they'd been cheated (their words) out of their opportunity the first time they were not going to be denied this time. Brianna's brothers weren't about to be outdone by the other two.

"Men and their egos." Brianna rolled her eyes.

They flipped a quarter to see who would go first. Tony won.

"My nickname for Brianna is 'Sunshine'. Partly because of her flaming hair and golden eyes, but mostly because she brought light and life back to my brother when we weren't sure anyone or anything ever could. I get what he sees in her. She's beautiful, smart, caring, compassionate. What I don't get is what she sees in him."

"He came with the kids." Brianna quipped, winking at Stephanie.

The crowd laughed.

"Ah. That explains it. They're pretty great kids. Even after working for Jon and seeing him at his worst, she still agreed to marry him." He shook his head in wonder. "Brave girl. For the love she's shown Jon and his children, for being the wonderful woman she is, we're overjoyed to welcome her into our family." He pointed a warning finger at his older brother. "Don't screw it up. Please, raise your glasses and join me in toasting Brianna. Thank you for brightening up our family."

"To Brianna!"  The crowd chorused.

Richard wasn't going to be out done. "When Brianna told us she was going to work for a musician, I thought she meant a maestro or maybe a conductor for a symphony."

The crowd snickered.

"Yeah. When I found out she was going to tour the world with a rock band, I started looking for a good psychologist. I was convinced she'd lost her mind. I had visions of drunken orgies and trashed hotel rooms. So I did a little investigating into this man my sister was hanging out with. You can imagine my surprise - and relief - that the rock and roll stereotypes didn't seem to apply to these guys."

"Not recently anyway." David sighed.

"Although some of the events during the late eighties seemed to be more than a bit hazy."

"For us too." Richie admitted.

The crowd laughed.

"What I did find was that the drug addled degenerate I expected to find turned out to be an upstanding businessman, philanthropist and father." Richard wiped his brow in mock relief. "And the Wilson family is pleased to welcome Jon and his terrific children to our clan." He raised his glass. "To Jon. Look after my sister. Make sure you keep her happy.....cause her paybacks are a bitch."

"To Jon!" Laughter and clinking glasses filled the tent.

Jake stood in front of the newly wedded couple. "Bianna, can we dance now?"

Seeing that everyone had finished eating and the band was ready, Brianna nodded.

"Yay! It's party time!" Jake announced loudly.

That was the band's cue. The only request that Jon made was that they not play any Jovi, and the band was happy to comply. They could play it, but seeing the composers sit and smile politely while they did would have been demoralizing. Still, they were thrilled with the opportunity to show what they could do.

They didn't have any formal dances, although the bride and groom did dance with each other first. In fact, while Jon surprised everyone by dancing more than they expected, his choice of partner was mainly his wife. Brianna, on the other hand, felt like she danced with every male there - some more than once.

Brianna had insisted the she wanted the guys to just relax and have fun, but she wasn't surprised to see Richie join the band. The look he sent her before turning to confer with them at one point set off warning bells.

The intro to the next song made Brianna pause, then laugh and step onto the dance floor area when she recognized it as Take My Breath Away - the love theme from Top Gun. "Where's my Iceman?"

"I think she means you Daddy." Stephanie nudged her father. "Although the lead character was Maverick." She studied him for a moment. "But you do look more like Val Kilmer than Tom Cruise."

"I thought I was Goose." Jon commented as he took his wife in his arms.

Brianna smiled and pressed closer lifting her face to his. "Oh you're a stud, but you're my stud.....and I'm not sharing."

"Ah." He kissed her then raised his head slightly. "I don't share either."

"Guess we're stuck with each other then."

"Guess so."

She pulled her hand from his and slid both arms around his neck. "Lucky us." Oblivious to the people around them, lost in the music, the feel of him against her, his scent surrounding her, the warmth and love in his cobalt blue eyes, she brushed her lips over his, then went back for a deeper taste.

Applause jarred them back to awareness. Blushing, but not the least bit repentant, Brianna laughed and let Jon lead her from the dance floor.

At the edge of the floor, Edward blocked their path. "Brianna, your behaviour is unacceptable. You're acting like a trollop! I insist you stop immediately. You were raised better than that."

As Brianna's shoulders drooped, Jon stiffened.

But Edward wasn't finished, "I assume now that you're married....again, you will be forgetting about this working nonsense, especially with four children to care for."

Letting go of her hand, Jon slid an arm around her waist and hugged her close to his side, "First of all, her behaviour is perfectly acceptable, even expected of a new bride - especially mine. Since she is now my wife and will carry my name, I would say my opinion now outweighs yours. Secondly, I have no problem with my wife working outside the home if she so chooses. I believe in supporting and encouraging the women in my life, not belittling and demeaning them."

He kissed her temple. "But I hope she will continue to be my assistant. I've never found anyone as capable and efficient as Bri is. She understands what I'm trying to achieve and what I need to make it happen. She can see potential problems and fixes them before they can happen. I don't know what I'd do without her."

"And yet I understand you're leaving her at home when you leave on tour in a few weeks."  Edward pointed out.

"Not for the whole tour." Jon contradicted. "We're still working out a balance between my needs and the kids'. I definitely can't make it through a whole tour without her. She's spoiled me."

Brianna smiled at him.

Jon glanced around. They'd kept their voices calm and their expressions pleasant - as long as no one looked at them too closely, but he didn't want to press their luck. Now was not the time to have a heated argument with his father-in-law. "Now, if you'll excuse us, it's time for us to get changed and ready to leave."

As they walked towards the house, Brianna squeezed his hand. "Thank you."

"I told you I wouldn't stand by and watch him treat you like an incompetent little girl. I didn't want to have a big argument in front of everyone on our wedding day, but he needs to know I don't agree with his views and I won't tolerate his behaviour in our home."

Inside the house, she pulled him to a stop and reached up to kiss him. "I love you."

"I love you too." He glanced at his watch. "We'd better get a move on."

"What time does our flight leave?"

"When ever we're ready. I booked a private flight."

"Then what's the rush?"

"I've waited long enough to get you all to myself." He gave her a heated look over his shoulder as he headed for the stairs. "I've spent way too many celibate nights planning what I would do to you once I get you alone with no chance of interruptions. My patience has run out." He pushed her ahead of him up the stairs. "Move that gorgeous ass Golden Eyes. Paradise awaits."

Chapter 119

 The next morning, Brianna was pulled from a fitful sleep by the harsh clanging of her alarm clock. She hadn't slept well, but whether it was due to nerves or the emptiness of the bed without Jon, she couldn't say. Yawning, she rolled over and stretched. The sun streaming through the windows assured her this would be another beautiful day.

Her wedding day.

Unlike the last one, she was going into this marriage with her eyes wide open, with no childish dreams of fairytale endings. She knew all too well that while love could be blind, sharing a home and a life cleared the vision fairly quickly. For a marriage to last, the couple had to know and accept each other's strengths and weaknesses. Any ideas of changing the parts you didn't like were the true fairytales - fantasy, not reality.

No, this time she felt she understood her man better. Even more importantly she understood herself and what she wanted out of life better. And she felt confident she could find that with Jon. They just had to figure out the whole tour issue.

Glancing at the clock, she sighed and threw back the covers. She showered and pulled on sweats and a t-shirt. She needed to check that everything both inside and outside was ready....but she needed a cup of coffee first.

She entered the kitchen to find John already there. "Morning! How long have you been here?" She hadn't heard the gate opening.

"Just about fifteen minutes. I see Jon hired security to man the gate instead of someone having to answer the buzzer all the time."

That explained why she hadn't heard anything. "I forgot he mentioned something about that."

John handed her a cup of coffee. "Do you want some breakfast?"

Brianna put her hand on her stomach. "I think I'm still full from last night's dinner. It was so good, but I ate way too much."

"I saved you some tiramisu and some cannoli. It's in the freezer."

"Mmm. Thanks." She licked her lips. "Where's Carol?"

"Outside checking the flowers. She says it's to give you a hand, but I think she misses her shop sometimes.  This is her chance to play with flowers again."

"Well she's very good, and I appreciate the help." She looked at her watch, emptied her mug and stood up. "Would you mind..."

"Go do what you need to do. I'll keep an eye out for the kids." He waved her away.

"Thanks."

Outside, she made the rounds of the makeshift altar near the riverbank, the chairs for the guests and the tent - it's sides currently rolled up, so that it provided shade but didn't block air flow, but which could be dropped at the first sign of rain.

Carol was adjusting and fluffing the flowers and bows that marked each row of chairs when Brianna approached. "Good morning Sunshine! How did you sleep?"

"Not too well." Brianna grimaced. "Must be nerves."

"Probably." Carol agreed. "Just a few more hours and the worst will be over and you can relax."

"Any sign of the men yet?"

"Tony came in search of coffee, so I guess they're all alive."

The door opened and the florists emerged to put the finishing touches on the arbour over the altar and the tables inside the tent. 

Brianna was consulting her seating plan and setting out the place cards when she heard a crash and shouting from outside the tent. Running out, she saw half a dozen chairs knocked over and flowers strewn on the ground. "What the..." The culprit was cowering behind the altar. "COPPER! In the house!"

The dog slunk off with his tail between his legs.

"Brianna? Do you know where....oh...there you are Copper." Jesse stood in the doorway to the house.

"Can you make sure he stays in the house please Jess, before he destroys something that can't be fixed?"

"Sure. Come on Copper. Let's see if we can find you a bone to chew on. That'll keep you out of the way for awhile."

When the caterers arrived, Brianna knew it was time to head inside and start getting herself ready. Her swirling stomach suggested soothing it should be at the top of the list. Entering the kitchen, she was surprised to see her mother there. "Hi Mom." She glanced around.

"Hello dear. Lisa and Rachel are getting organized upstairs. Your father is coming with the boys and the kids later." Sara studied her daughter. "Have you eaten anything today?"

Brianna shook her head and pressed a hand against her stomach. "Not yet. My stomach's a little queasy."

"Nerves." Sara pronounced. "But you need to eat. Let's start you with some tea and toast and see how that settles."

Twenty minutes later, Rachel and Lisa walked in.

"There you are Brianna!" Lisa scolded. "We've been looking all over for you. The hair dresser will be here in ten minutes. The photographer is already here. We sent him out to the guest house. He ought to be able to get some.....interesting.....shots out there until we're ready for them."

"Bina, I hungy." Romeo ran in wearing only underwear.

"Too hungry to finish getting dressed first?" Brianna asked, her lips twitching.

"Romeo, where..oh." Stephanie rushed in and stopped in her tracks. "He got away from me before I could get the rest of his clothes on."

"Where's Jake?"

"He and Grandpa went down to the guest house to check on Dad and the uncles."

"That ought to keep them all busy for awhile."

"You girls go up and get ready. I'll feed the little exhibitionist and make up some snacks for everyone." Sara offered.

"Thanks Mom." Brianna stood and led the way upstairs.

In her room, she set out the corset and stockings she was planning to wear under her dress. The plain white was a  little boring for her taste, but anything more fun might show and ruin the look.

"I still wish you had let us throw you a shower. It just doesn't seem right." Lisa sighed.

A gesturing hand encompassed not just the room, but the entire estate. "And give us what? We have everything already."

"We could have done a personal shower and got you some torture devices for Jon." Rachel suggested, entering from the closet carrying Brianna's shoes. "But judging by what I saw in that open suitcase, I'd say you're all set there too."

Brianna just grinned.

When the hair dresser arrived, Brianna pulled on a robe and sat on a stool. While the stylist worked, they all chatted and joked, exchanging stories about previous weddings - both happy and disastrous. Stephanie was called in when it was her turn. Sara brought snacks and Rachel opened a bottle of wine.

Just as Brianna was ready to put on her dress, there was a knock at the door. When Lisa opened it, Jake looked around until he found Brianna.

"Daddy needs his cuff links and..." He frowned, trying to remember the rest of his father's instructions. "..shirt...suds?"

"You mean shirt studs?" Brianna smiled.

His brow cleared. "Yeah, that's it! He said you might know where they are."

"Let me look." Walking into the closet, she pulled out his top drawer. In one corner were two small boxes. She checked both of them and took them into the bedroom. Raising the lid on one of them, she lifted out a gold band and handed it to Rachel, who put it on her index finger so she wouldn't lose it. Next Brianna turned to Jake and handed him the unopened box. There's Daddy's cuff links and shirt studs." Then she closed the lid on the other box and handed it to him. "And give this one to Uncle Tony and tell him not to lose it."

"Okay!" He was off like a shot.

"Shirt studs? So he's going full on traditional tux?" Rachel was impressed. "How'd you talk him into that?"

"I didn't. It was his idea." Brianna replied.

Rachel and Lisa exchanged a glance, their opinion of their soon-to-be brother-in-law rising a few notches.

"Dammit! Whose bright idea was this again?" Jon swore as he dropped a shirt stud....again.

"Yours." Matt grinned and straightened his tie in the mirror.

"What the fuck was I thinking?"

"That Sunshine would like it."

Jon grunted. "She'd better. Tony! You got the ring?"

"Relax bro, I've got it." He winked at Jake.

"Hey guys, you just about ready?" Richie stuck his head in the door. The guests are starting to arrive."

"Uh..." Jon looked around at his brothers. "I need a few minutes."

Richie studied his friend. "Nervous?"

Jon just grimaced and braced himself for the inevitable teasing.

But it didn't come.

"Take your time." Richie clapped him on the shoulder. "Lemma, Tico and I will seat them."

"Thanks man,"

John stood beside his oldest son and looked at their reflections in the mirror. "She's a wonderful girl. You've chosen your wives well."

"I've been blessed." Jon agreed.

"Don't fuck it up."

All three brothers stared at their father, then burst out laughing.

"Yes sir!"

As the men left the guest house to make their way to the altar, Sara was placing the veil on Brianna's head while the photographer finished the pre-ceremony pictures. Stepping back, she surveyed her daughter. Her eyes filled. "Oh honey, you look....beautiful. Just beautiful. Doesn't she Edward?"

"She always looks beautiful." Edward mumbled.

Brianna exchanged a glance with her mother. As much as she felt demeaned and diminished by her father's chauvinistic attitude, she never doubted that he loved her. His gruff voice and shining eyes confirmed it.

"Bina, hep!" Romeo rushed in with his bow tie in his hand. His eyes widened at the sight of her. "You pretty."

"Thank you little man." Brianna smiled.

He held out the tie. "Hep?"

Before Brianna could respond, her father knelt down in front of the little boy. "I can help you." He pointed to his own bow tie. "See mine?"

Romeo looked at Edward's tie, then the one in his hand and held it out towards the older man. "Pease?"

Brianna blinked back tears as she watched her father fasten the tie around Romeo's neck and straighten his collar.

"That's so adorable." Lisa declared. "Where did you find a tux that small?"

"We had it made. His and Jake's."

"Everybody ready?" Stephanie appeared in the doorway. "Uncle Mookie just gave the signal. It's showtime."

Jon stood in front of the makeshift altar, his brothers and Jesse beside him. Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, he tried to make small talk with the minister.

Tony leaned over. "Nervous bro? If you're not sure there's still time to run."

Blue eyes glittered. "Not a chance."

"Just checking."

Music drifted over the guests and drew everyone's attention. Jon turned and watched Stephanie, Lisa and Rachel walk towards them, their dresses a rainbow of fall colours that matched the flowers they carried. Then came Jake and Romeo strutting down the aisle, Romeo proudly carrying a pillow with two metal rings attached.

As he reached the front row of chairs, he grinned and ran to his father. "Daddy! I did it!"

"You did a great job!" Jon crouched down to hug both little boys. "Go sit with Grandma."

The music changed to Here Comes The Bride, Jon straightened and took a deep breath.....and promptly lost it at his first glimpse of her.

Her hair was pulled away from her face at her temples, but instead of her usual twist, it hung in loose curls down her back. His fingers itched to tangle in the thick mass. The ivory of her dress made her lightly tanned skin glow, the lace sleeves ended at her elbows but bared her shoulders and upper chest. The heavy silk hugged her torso, then flared out slightly at her waist to fall gently to the ground.

She was so beautiful his heart ached. Another part of his anatomy did too and he could hardly wait for the honeymoon to start. 

When she joined him and handed her bouquet to Rachel, he took her hands in his. "You're so beautiful."

His low murmur made her smile and the look in his eyes calmed her nerves. The minister's words went largely unheard as she lost herself in the cobalt depths of his gaze. When it came time to say her vows, Rachel had to nudge her to bring her attention back to the ceremony. 

Jon wasn't much better. He had to swallow and clear his throat before he could speak. His voice was raspy, but he forced it past the lump in his throat. He hadn't been lying when he told his father he was blessed - twice. He'd grown up with Dorothea. He'd grow old with Brianna. Someone was looking out for him, determined to see him happy and loved. He wasn't about to argue.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." Amusement coloured the minister's voice as he anticipated Jon's response after the events the day before.

But this time when Jon took her in his arms and took possession of her mouth, he laid claim, but kept it within the bounds of propriety. Later, when he had her alone, with no chance of interruptions, he'd claim the rest of her.

Chapter 118

The next morning, Brianna was awakened by the buzz of the gate opening. A quick glance at the clock - and the weakness of the sun streaming through her window - assured her she hadn't over slept. It really was just past dawn.

Groaning, she rolled over and cuddled into Jon's side. "Seriously? Who would be coming here at this hour?"

"That would be my father." Jon guessed.

"Seriously?

"Yes." He yawned. "When he says his sauce has to simmer all day, he means all day."

"Great." With a heavy sigh she started to sit up.

Jon stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Where are you going?"

"To say hello and help him find things in the kitchen."

"He knows where everything is." He tugged her arm. "Come here. Let's go back to sleep for a little while."

She sighed and shook her head. "You go ahead. I'm awake now. Besides, the florists will be here soon.....and my family."

He watched her walk into the bathroom, then rolled over and groaned. He didn't mind her mother and sisters-in-law, he got along okay with her brothers, but her father was another story. It was going to take all his self control to get through the next two days without losing his temper and telling her father exactly what he thought of him and his treatment of his daughter. But that wouldn't make life easier for anyone, least of all Brianna.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Brianna tightened the belt of her robe and smiled. Jon was sprawled face down, his arms wrapped around her pillow, the blankets bunched around his waist, sound asleep. He looked so peaceful she didn't have the heart to wake him. She bent over him, brushed his hair off his forehead, kissed him, and headed downstairs.

"Morning John." She glanced around the kitchen, noting the bags of ingredients on the counter and the cutting board on the island. "Are you finding everything you need okay?"

"Good morning Sunshine! I didn't wake you did I? Carol will have my ass if the bride has circles under her eyes because I disrupted her sleep."

Brianna smiled. "It's fine. The florists will be arriving pretty soon and the kids will be up before long too." She smothered a yawn.

John turned to the coffee pot and reached for a mug. Filling it, he handed it to her. "And the groom?"

"He went back to sleep. He needs his beauty sleep you know."

"Oh right, of course." Jon snorted. "Do you want some breakfast?"

"Not yet. I'll wait a bit." She glanced at the grocery bags again. "How can I help?"

"By sitting there and keeping me company." He pointed at the stool on the opposite side of the island and picked up a knife and a bunch of herbs.

"Will you teach me the family recipes?" She asked as she sat.

He paused in his chopping. "You want to learn?"

"Mmmm." She nodded. "Very much."

A grin spread over his face. "Then settle in and I'll give you a crash course in Sicilian cooking."

An hour later, the gate buzzed again. Setting down her mug, Brianna went to see who it was. "Hi Carol."

"Hello dear." She noticed Brianna was still in her robe. "Did my husband wake you?"

"No, it's fine. He's been giving me Sicilian cooking lessons."

Carol crooked a brow. "Was that his idea or yours?"

"Mine."

"You just went to the top of his favourites list."

"Grandma!" Jake called from the top of the stairs and came running down.

"Ssh, Jake. Not so loud. People are still sleeping." Brianna admonished gently.

Jake clamped a hand over his mouth. "Sorry."

"Come on." Carol motioned to him. "Grandpa's in the kitchen."

"He making breakfast?"

"I'm sure he will if you ask him."

"Okay!"

Brianna followed them and sank onto her stool again. "I wish I had his energy."

"Don't we all." Carol patted her shoulder. "Try not to overdo it today. If you need a nap, take one or you'll never get through tomorrow."

Even though Brianna knew her soon to be mother-in-law was probably right, with everything she needed to accomplish today, she couldn't see how a nap could fit in.

A few minutes later, the rest of the kids appeared, and breakfast preparations got under way.

"Is your dad still sleeping?" Carol asked.

"Nope. I waked him up." Romeo answered.

"Who could sleep with all the racket down here?" Jon asked from the doorway.

"Uncle Mookie." Jesse answered.

"True. We likely won't see him for a few hours yet." Jon agreed. Drawn by the aromas wafting from the stove, he stepped forward to investigate. As he passed Brianna, he paused to kiss her and squeeze her hip before continuing on. Peeking into a simmering pot, he inhaled. "Mmm. Smells good Dad."

"Thanks. I just hope I have enough to feed everyone." John frowned.

Stephanie glanced around the kitchen. "It looks like there's enough to feed the entire Roman army before the attack on Persia." When the adults stared at her, she shrugged. "We're studying ancient civilizations in history class this semester. I was reading ahead in the textbook."

"Brown noser." Jesse sneered.

"Judging by your last report card, you could benefit from a little extra study time." Jon pointed out.

Jesse grumbled and focused on his plate.

They'd just finished breakfast when the gate buzzed again, this time signalling a visitor. Brianna went to see who it was and open the gate. "It's the florists. And I'm not even dressed yet!"

"Go." Carol waved her towards the stairs. "I'll get them started. It'll take them awhile to unload anyway."

Like the tent crew, the florists would be at the estate at least part of two days. The finishing touches - and the bouquets - would be brought the following morning, but the large arrangements that could withstand a night outside, and the indoor decorations would be installed today. Since the possibility of many guests wandering through the house was high, Brianna wanted to be sure that the house was shown off beautifully.

"Thanks."

By the time she returned downstairs, the foyer looked like she was entering a jungle. Clipboard in hand, she spent the next hour alternating between inside and outside, with a few side trips to the kitchen to check if John needed anything.

Sara, Lisa and Rachel stepped out into the back yard, and looked around. It was organized chaos, but they could see the scene Brianna was trying to set. They found the lady herself inside the tent.

"Bri, it going to be beautiful." Lisa declared.

"It really is." Rachel agreed.

"Thanks. I think so too...if it ever gets done." Brianna rubbed her forehead. "It's taking longer than I thought. Okay. The table in the Inn needs to be set up for dinner. Jon and Richie are setting up the table itself. Tablecloths, dishes, cutlery and glasses are in the dining room. The florists will bring in the arrangements once the table's ready. Then..."

"All of that will get taken care of." Lisa assured her. "But right now you need to come with us."

"Where? What's wrong." Dread swirled in Brianna's stomach.

"We're taking you to the spa." Rachel explained. "It's time to take care of you."

"Oh that sounds nice, but I really can't. There's too much to do here and...."

"We can take care of it." Sara assured her.

"But.."

Carol entered the tent and plucked the clipboard out of Brianna's hand. "I'll co-ordinate with the florists. Sara will look after the table and anything else that needs doing. We've got your lists."

"But..."

"Go Golden Eyes." Strong arms slid around her waist and pulled her against a hard chest as the words were murmured in her ear. "You've earned it. Go have your nails done or whatever you girls do at those places to relax. We've got this."

She knew she should stay and deal with what needed to be done, but she really did need to have her nails done. A squeeze from Jon and the hopeful look on her mother's face pushed her over the edge. "Okay." She turned to kiss him. "We won't be long. I'll have my phone."

Along with the manicure, pedicure and facial that she expected, Brianna found that the girls had arranged for a massage as well. Feeling pleasantly pummelled and relaxed, Brianna took a seat in the empty chair between her sisters-in-law and set her hands and feet in the soaking dishes provided.

Rachel eyed her for a moment. "So. Since the wedding is still on I'm assuming the damage from the storm has been repaired?"

"Interesting way to put it." Brianna snickered. "Yes. We talked it out. Romeo calling me momma really knocked him for a loop and he reacted badly."

"Do you think.....maybe....he might need some grief counselling?" Lisa asked gently.

"I thought about that." Brianna admitted. "But I think as long as he talks about his feelings, especially when unexpected reminders pop, up I think he'll be alright."

Both girls nodded and turned to a more pleasant topic.

"So where are you going on your honeymoon?" Rachel grinned.

"I don't know. He won't tell me. Says he wants to surprise me. He won't even tell me what season to pack for. Says it's a honeymoon. I don't need clothes."

"So you pack some of everything.....and make him carry the luggage." Lisa suggested.

"That sounds like a great idea!" Brianna agreed.

By the time they returned to the house, the florists had gone for the day and Jon's brothers and the rest of the band members had arrived.

"Sunshine!" Tony enveloped her in a bear hug. "You look radiant!"

"Thanks, Tony."

After greeting the others and introducing her family members, Brianna made a quick check of the work that had been done while she was gone. In the living room the garland above the large windows facing the river had fallen down in the middle. Knowing it was futile, she nevertheless stretched up, trying to reach it. Even jumping she was about a foot short. She was debating possible solutions when Jon walked in.

Following her gaze, he saw the problem. "Need me to get that?"

She didn't want to hurt his feelings, but she doubted he would be able to reach it either. She was about to ask him to get a chair she could stand on when she noticed Jake enter the room. "Jake, would you go find Uncle Matt or Uncle Mookie and ask them to come here please?"

"Okay."

Jon raise a brow. "Don't think I can do it?"

Brianna stepped close to him and wound her arms around his neck. "I have a more important job for your arms."

"Oh yeah?" He grinned and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Something like this?"

"Mmm. Exactly." Touching her mouth to his, she ran her tongue along his lips, scraping her teeth over the bottom one.

"What's up Sunshine? Jake said you wanted to see me?" Matt snorted at his brother. "Save it for after the wedding bro."

Jon raised his middle finger.

"See that hook up there?" Brianna pointed to the wall above the fallen garland. "Can you hook the garland on it please?"

"Sure." Reaching up, Matt easily reattached the floral rope. "Like that?"

"Perfect. Thanks Matt."

"No problem."

Richie had watched from the doorway and now turned to Jon. "What, you couldn't fix it for her?"

"He couldn't reach it." Matt smirked.

"Ah. Of course." Richie nodded.

This time the finger was aimed at both of them.

Brianna looked at her watch. "We should get set up for the rehearsal. I hope everyone's here."

"Oh. Your father and the rest of your family just arrived." Jon informed her, his jaw tensing.

Her hands gripped his shoulders. "Please be nice."

"I will as long as he is, but if he starts on you I won't sit back and watch you take it."

Matt and Richie exchanged glances.

When the minister arrived the entire group moved outside and listened while he walked them through the ceremony.

"Then you face each other, we'll do the vows, repeat after me and so forth, exchange the rings, 'I now pronounce you man and wife', then..."

Before he could say anymore, Jon swept Brianna into his arms, bent her backwards and kissed her. Not a peck, not a chaste touching of mouths, but a full on 'I could eat you whole and do you right in front of the preacher' kiss.

While the gathered friends and family - most of them at least - hooted and laughed, Edward scowled. "Brianna! That is not acceptable behaviour for a Wilson!"

Jon stiffened and Brianna gripped his arms. But before either one of them could react, another voice rang out.

"But it's perfect for a Bongiovi!" John assured her, stepping forward and opening his arms wide. "We are blessed and thrilled to welcome her into our family."

Brianna blinked back tears, smiled and walked into his arms. "Thank you."

They gathered in the Inn for dinner and drinks. Whether Sara managed to convince Edward to keep quiet or he realized he was outnumbered, he kept his disapproval to himself for the rest of the evening - at least verbally. His facial expressions spoke volumes however, and everyone gave him a wide berth.

Everyone else had a good time.

As the evening wore on, the mood became relaxed and mellow. Soon after the kids went to bed, Brianna's family and Jon's parents left. It was nearing midnight when Brianna, sitting on Jon's lap, yawned for the third time in ten minutes and gave up.  "Okay guys, I've got to call it a night."

"Nite Sunshine."

"Nite Beautiful."

When Jon stood up with her, Richie grabbed his arm. "Uh uh. Kiss her goodnight. The next time you see her will be on her way to the altar."

Jon frowned. "But..."

"Nope. You're bunking in the guest house tonight." Tico shook his head. "No seeing the bride before the wedding."

With a sigh Jon leaned over to kiss her. "We can still make a run for Vegas."

She laughed and kissed him back. "Not after all this work. One more night won't kill you." She started for the door, then paused and raised a warning finger and shot a pointed look at his crotch. "Oh. Fair warning. If you show up hung over tomorrow, blue will become black in a hurry. Capisce?"

Grimacing, he nodded. "Capisce."

The men watched her leave with various levels of admiration and fear.

"Dude, are you sure she's not Italian?" Tony chuckled.