Overlooking the ocean from our hotel suite, I'd just finished breakfast and Adam had gone for an early morning run. I was more than happy to relax here and count the minutes until I became Mrs Adam Matthews... Riley Jo Matthews.

I couldn't believe it had been two weeks since Adam had proposed and apparently, it didn't require a whole year to plan a wedding. In truth, it took just a few clicks on a computer and a credit card to organise the entire event and two days ago we arrived here in Maui.

I'd admit it wasn't how I pictured my wedding growing up, but now I realised it's who you marry that counts and not where or how.

What was a surprise was his parents. Dinner had gone well, I thought? His mother had kinda warmed up to me by dessert. Well, at least she wasn't as frosty as the delicious tropical ice-cream sundae I devoured.

But honestly, I didn't mind her too much as my attention kept drifting to Adam and the way he was looking at me, an entire army wouldn't stop me from marrying him today.

"Here you are." His voice, deep yet soft like butter, pulled me from my rambling thoughts. He moved behind me and tentatively placed his hands on either side of my shoulders, giving me a soft squeeze. Excitement skipped across my chest. "You feel tense." He wasn't wrong, but it was a nervous excitement.

Hands moved up to my neck and as he massaged, his touch so soft as my head lolled to my shoulder as he swept my hair aside, pressing his warm lips to my neck. A shiver danced up my spine as his breath teased over my shoulder and his fingers traced down my arms, drifting along the side of my breasts. "No cold feet?"

What? Was he kidding me?

I spun around, grabbing his t-shirt, craning my neck up to him. "My feet are so toasty they're practically being roasted alive!" Relaxing my grip, I splayed my fingers to feel his racing heart from his run. "How about yours, doctor?"

He grinned. "My feet are burning, baby!"

"Well good. Now we figured out how hot our feet are doin'—tell me what's really goin' on up there?" I tapped his forehead.

He planted his hands on my hips, pulling us closer. "I'm just worried this wasn't your dream." His eyes darted over my head, scanning the horizon. "It's nothing like the wedding your sister had, and I don't want you to feel you're missing out."

"Adam, I'd marry you in the middle of a hog pen at feedin' time." I schooled a serious expression, but couldn't hold it for long. "So quit askin' me dumb questions and kis—"

I didn't get to finish my sentence as his mouth met mine in a head on collision, stealing my breath.

"I like it when you're bossy," he said as I gulped down some air.

Slightly breathless. "Oh, y'all gonna love me a whole lot more then."

He eased his head back a little, smiling. "You're amazing Riley Jo, perfect. You know that right?"

"I'm not perfect, Adam."

"I beg to differ and unless you can prove me wrong, then don't argue with me on this one." He narrowed his eyes. "Or do you have some big dark secret you're not sharing?"

"Hmm, let me think..." I clucked my tongue. "Well, I've been told I could start an argument in an empty house." I bit my lip. "And I can't carry a tune to save my life."

His head fell back as he laughed. "I can live with those."

"Good, but I'm also in the business of stealing."

"Stealing?"

"Ah-hu. The way I see it. You stole my heart, so I'm stealing your last name." It was a cheesy line for sure, but it had me grinning like a fool.

Adam looked surprised. "So you're giving up Lockwood? I thought it was a family tradition that the women in your family kept their names?"

"What? No way!" I shook my head. "Happy to see the back of it."

"Riley Jo Matthews..." he rested his forehead on mine. "I like the sound of it."

"Mm-hmm, me too."

His lips returned, and I rose on my tiptoes as his tongue teased. But when his hand shifted south, down to my ass and I felt him harden through his sweatpants, I had to pull away. "Ah, ah, ah, doctor. It's staying in your pants until you make an honest woman outta me!"

His mouth trailed across my jaw, down my neck as I tilted out of instinct, sighing. "Are you sure... I can't persuade you?"

I drew in a breath and forced some distance. "Very sure. Anyways, I have a salon appointment! So you need to go do whatever it is you need to do and I will see you in three hours and forty-five minutes."

He groaned as I slipped out of his grasp. "Keep an eye out for me... I'll be the one in the prettiest dress."

I heard him chuckle as I grabbed my purse.

I inspected my reflection, touching my hair. The hairstyle was elegant, paired with a hint of bohemian with a twisted braid swept up but still tousled, textured and perfectly imperfect at the same time.

"You look beautiful, Miss Lockwood," said Brittany, the hotel wedding coordinator.

"Please, Brittany, I thought we decided you would call me Riley."

"Sorry, Riley." She checked the time on her watch. "We need to head down soon."

Damn, I was as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof as I sucked in some much needed air.

"Are you feeling okay, Riley?"

"Yea, I just hope he likes my dress."

"Riley, he will more than like it—he'll love it. You look breathtaking. He's a very lucky man."

My cheeks reddened. "Thank you Brittany." My hand ran over the soft material. I had to admit the fit was perfect, smoothly coating each of my god given curves. I'd kept it simple. A lightweight chiffon skirt with an embellished sweetheart bodice. The natural train ran a few inches behind with a glittering line of sequins running from tip to tail.

Both our heads turned to the sound of a rapping knuckle on the door. "That better not be my future husband!" I raised my voice so the person on the other side of the door would hear.

Brittany scurried off, opening the door. It wasn't Adam.

His mother was standing at my door. My chest deflated. I wondered if she'd come to try to change my mind or perhaps she'd brought one of those pre-nuptial contracts she was talkin' about.

I braced for impact as she appeared in the mirror's reflection. It was a relief that she wasn't wearing black. A nervous smile turned my lips as I twirled around to face her. "Mrs Matthews."

Her blunt features were tight, and her expression guarded. "You like it?" I asked, extending the skirt on my dress for full impact.

She said nothing, and I wondered what else I could say to convince her I loved her son. "Mrs Matt—"

"You look beautiful, Riley Jo," she interrupted and my breath caught as the room suddenly seemed so quiet.

Her eyes softened, and she slowly nodded. "I need to apologise to you for my behaviour yesterday."

My mouth dropped open. I wasn't expecting that.

She continued. "I was worried about Adam, but that doesn't excuse my rudeness toward you."

I swallowed and blinked. "And you're not now? Worried I mean?"

"No..." she paused. "I'm still worried, but I'm hoping you'll prove me wrong."

Fair enough.

A slow smile crept on my lips. "I'll happily oblige." I had an idea. "How about I do you a deal?"

A pensive look crossed her face. "A deal?"

I continued. "Yeah. Every year on our anniversary, I'm gonna call you and tell you how much I love Adam and you will worry a little less each time."

That brought a smile to her face. "You have yourself a deal."

I wondered what changed her mind though, and before I knew it, my big mouth was shooting off. "Can I ask why the change of heart?"

She sighed and pressed her knuckle to her lips, contemplating her words. "I watched you both last night at dinner and the way you both kept looking at each other, barely taking your eyes away for a moment." She shook her head. "It told me all I needed to know."

Well, my nana always said actions spoke louder than words.

"I can't recall him ever looking so relaxed and happy."

Wow!

"Do you mind?" She gestured toward a chair.

"No, please sit."

She sat down, resting her hands on her lap. "It broke him when he lost Emma and tore my heart out that I couldn't help him." She lifted her eyes to mine. "But you've taken that sadness away and replaced it with light...hope."

I appreciated her telling me. "I love Adam, Mrs Matthews. I won't ever hurt him and I hope in time me and you can become friends too."

"Call me Clara, Riley."

Well, hot damn. Today was full of surprises. A sudden rush of emotion choked me. "Clara," my voice hitched.

Thankfully, Brittany interrupted before I started bawling like a newborn.

"Riley—it's time."

I took a breath as excitement and nerves started to do the rumba across my tummy.

Clara rose from her seat. "Are you ready, dear?"

I nodded, answering honestly. "Never more so."

"Let's not keep him waiting."

I spotted him first. He looked so goddamn handsome as he waited at the edge of the beach, where the banks were damp. His white linen shirt moved with the breeze as the ocean nudged closer to his bare feet.

Adam sucked in a breath as our eyes met and his look touched me everywhere.

My heart was damn near beating out of my chest as I lifted the hem of my dress, kicking off my shoes, wanting to be barefoot like Adam.

As Brittany passed me my small bouquet of white roses, the soft notes of the music we'd chosen played. The palm trees swayed under the warm breeze that lifted strands of my hair to tickle my forehead and cheeks. My heart raced faster, and I had to stop myself from running the last few steps.

He reached out and took my hand. His smile heated my skin, seeping right through to my bones as I tried to soothe the banked fire in my lungs.

This was it.

"Shall we begin?" asked the officiant.

I barely listened to her words, lost in those eyes I loved so much. It was only when Adam's father passed him the ring that I snapped out of my daze.

Adam raised my hand and spoke. "My beautiful Riley. I know we've only known each other a short time, but I feel as if I've loved you for an eternity." I could already feel myself choking up. "You appeared out of nowhere and because of you, I laugh, smile and dare to hope for more. I know in my heart and my head, I don't want to live a day without you in it. You are my last love, my soulmate." He slid the ring down my finger and all I could do was watch him with wide eyes hanging onto every word.

"You've imprinted on my DNA and I will never take you for granted. I will share in you dreams and love and keep you safe above all else."

He brought my hand to his lips and kissed over the white gold wedding band.

"My heart is yours, Riley, along with my body and soul. And I swear your heart is safe with me." He took a breath. "Let me be your everything."

I honestly didn't know how I stemmed the tide of tears, as more pressure built behind my cheeks. I didn't want to cry, but his words touched me deeply.

Swallowing, I breathed deeply. It was my turn and I sent a quick prayer upstairs asking that I not fluff up my words. Brittany passed me Adam's ring, and I started.

"Adam. You're my person in every way, and when you walked into my life, love was right behind you." Adam's smile widened. "I honestly thought I'd never be lucky to find someone like you. And there's no other person on this entire planet that I want to hold my heart or my hand throughout my life and I promise to never ever willingly leave you." He ran his thumb over my cheek.

"So with my whole heart and if you'll let me, I'm gonna spend every single day making you as happy as you make me."

Sliding the wedding band down his finger, my eyes fixed on his. I didn't hear the final closing words from the officiant, but as his lips closed over mine, I knew she'd said you may kiss the bride.

And man, did he kiss me. It made my bare toes curl in the warm sand as his hands came up to cup my cheeks and deepen our first married kiss.

We came up for air. "My husband..."

"My beautiful wife," he whispered, placing his forehead against mine, rubbing our noses together. "I love you."

Wanting to kiss him again, the sound of cheers stopped me.

What the?

Our heads separated and Adam's smile held more than a hint of mischief. "Turn around, Riley."

I did, and my heart damn well near exploded. I squealed like a mama pig as there stood my nana, Connor, Max, Chris, Danny and Cynthia and Mack. They'd all come to see us get married.

I squealed again, turning back to Adam, who happened to look super smug.

"What? Did you honestly think I would let you marry me without the people you love here to see it?"

My smile was splitting my face in two. "I'm gonna have to keep a close eye on you...husband. If y'all gonna keep hidin' things from me."

Everyone, including Adam's parents, crowded around, congratulating and hugging us, and there was no way of stopping my tears.

This was the best day and the first day of the rest of my life.

I had to giggle as Adam carried me over the threshold of our hotel room. "Y'all crazy."

Closing the door with his foot, he walked us straight into the bedroom and gently set me down. "I've been waiting too damn long to get you to myself, Mrs Matthews."

Mrs Matthews... My heart fluttered up a storm.

I was happy to have him all to myself, too. Although I'd had an amazing day and sharing it with our family and friends was the icing on the cake.

But now. I wanted him.

Our bodies pressed together as he claimed my mouth and our hands searched over one another almost frantically. In no time he teased me from my dress, pulled my hair free and my hand squeezed over the bulge in his pants.

Adam growled in my mouth.

"Naked...too many clothes." I said and his hands moved fast, ripping his shirt open and stripping off his pants in no time before pulling me into his arms.

"I love you Riley." His tongue slid between the seam of my lips, silently beckoning. His fingers unclipped my bra, and it joined the mass of clothes at our feet. His fingers grazed over my breasts as another sifted through my hair. Slowing our kisses, we shed the last bit of our clothing to leave us bare...skin on skin.

"So beautiful," he muttered, using his hips as he steered us toward the bed as I felt the back of my knees bump the mattress and then we both fell down together, caging me beneath him.

"Adam..." My heart pounded in a frantic rhythm... "Please..."

"Please what, baby? Touch you?"

I nodded as his mouth moved over my ear, the warm breath raising the hair on the back of my neck. "Here?" His hand kneaded my breast, teasing my nipple. "Is this what my wife needs?" he hummed so damn sexily.

I moaned mostly because I felt too breathless to speak. "Or here?" his hand trickled down over my tummy, lower, cupping my pussy. "I'm gonna worship you every damn day of my life," he whispered, sucking the skin on my neck as he slipped as his finger swept over my clit, taunting almost.

I tried to lift my hips. "No rushing," he said as his fingers delved with lazy, shallow dips into my slit. His touch was gentle, but equally insistent. "I've been thinking about being inside you all day... have you thought about me, baby?"

Had I ever! If only he knew how much. Every time our eyes had met I'd seen the desire in his and no doubt mine reflected the same. "Yes..." He sank two fingers deep inside me and I moaned.

"You're mine Mrs Matthews... now and always." His thumb moved in delicious circles as his fingers stroked in and out. His head dipped, sucking a nipple into his mouth.

Teeth scraped over my sensitive flesh whilst his fingers kept on teasing... "Adam" I pleaded as I gripped his shoulders, pushing my hips up to seek more of his touch.

"Let me see you come, baby," My muscles flexed taut as flutters formed, building up into a pulsing delight of pleasure rising higher, faster, finishing in an explosion, surging through my body erupting in pleasure that beat through my veins.

"Adam...." I sang out his name as his fingers rode out my pleasure, digging my nail into his skin. I lay there practically panting, whilst awareness returned.

His mouth continued to worship, kissing, nipping and licking across my body, paying close attention to my tummy, whispering but I couldn't make out the words.

He pushed himself up and his hands slid up my thighs slowly pressing them further apart, exposing all of me to him. A flush crept up my face. "So fucking sexy, beautiful," he said, and I was burning up, but not from my orgasm...it was the look in his eyes, the fire within them...for me.

Moving over me, he nipped my bottom lip. "I'm ready to make love to my wife." His voice was deep and oh so sexy.

And the swirl of pleasure from those words alone almost sent me into another tailspin. Expecting him to devour my lips, the softness caught me by surprise. "Wrap yourself around me, baby," he whispered as he made love to my mouth. My legs came up and my ankles locked around him as I eased him closer, feeling his delicious thick erection settle at my core. "I need you, Adam...please."

With a groan that vibrated through my body, "Watch me, baby, eyes on on me." Our eyes met and I couldn't breathe at the intensity banked there as he eased into me slowly...tortuously slow and I felt every inch, ridge and grove of his thick length. Tightening my grip, I let out a muffled cry and pulled him deeper.

"My wife," he growled against my lips as he started moving, hitting those buttons that I didn't know existed till him. I shifted my hand up his arms and clasped them around his neck. His gentle movements shifted to deeper thrusts and I felt the familiar tightening in my stomach. Never wanting it to end, but also chasing that thrill that only came from having Adam deep inside me.

"Sweet Jesus..." His thrust became harder, his pants heavier, but still his kisses were soft as he kept repeating his love for me. I felt like I was drowning in the best possible way...Adam's on me...in me...loving me.

"So hot...tight..." he said, "fucking perfect."

Yes...yes...yes... I'd never felt closer to another person in my entire life. My heart was fit to burstin' for this man. And I was practically flying toward my second climax and when his finger found my clit, I was a goner.

His thrusts quickened and then right there with me Adam found his release, saying my name over and over as he lowered himself on top of me, holding me so close, kissing my eyelids...cheeks. Nose and lips.

Worshipping me, just like he promised.