White Magick Read online

  Stacey appeared on the arm of an usher, smiling as she was guided to her seat beside Milly at the front of the room. She gave me the thumbs up sign as she was seated, and I was happy she seemed excited. I'd worked hard to win her over.

  I heard Brad's intake of breath when Shelly appeared in the doorway. She looked stunning in a long, red, satin dress that hugged her figure. “Damn,” he whispered, before straightening as if he just remembered we were in a chapel.

  The doors closed behind Shelly, and we watched her come down the aisle, before taking her place on the opposite side of the podium. Once she was situated, the organist deftly switched songs, beginning the familiar notes of the wedding march.

  I didn't think it was possible, but my heart increased in tempo as the doors slowly swung open, revealing my beautiful bride standing there with Sean.

  Dear lord above! She is spectacular! I thought to myself. I felt like my face was going to split in two, I was smiling so hard.

  Portia stepped forward, her eyes locking with mine, and I really knew I was the most fortunate guy on this planet. Sean patted her hand as he led her forward as if trying to comfort her. She was just as nervous and excited as I was. I could feel her energy bouncing off me.

  I couldn't drag my eyes away, and I didn't want to. I wanted this moment forever emblazoned in my mind. Her dress clung to her body in all the right places, snug on the top before dropping at the hips into a billowing skirt with a train. Her black hair was swept up into curls, with tiny diamond pins glittering through it, a long, straight veil hanging from the back. I was so happy she hadn't chosen to cover her face. I wanted to see all of her reactions, from start to finish.

  Though her approach didn't take long, I couldn't wait, stepping down to greet her so I could take her hand and help her up a couple of steps. I couldn't stop staring as she slipped her trembling hand in mine, and I gave her a reassuring squeeze, having never felt surer about anything in my life.

  My heart soared, gravity unable to contain it. My past worries and problems fell away, and all I could see was my future, shining before me like a beacon from the eyes of the girl I adored.

  “I love you,” I whispered into the private mental link we shared. Everyone else in the room melted away. It was only her now.

  “I love you, too,” she answered in the same fashion, and I felt her emotions bursting through me, almost tangible as they heated me inside.

  “Dearly beloved,” the minister began, but I couldn't look at him. Portia had me captivated, every soft breath, every beat of her heart matching my own. The words of the ceremony were lost on me, vague mumblings in the back of my mind as I stared at the beauty in front of me. She represented everything wonderful, pure, and amazing about the world. She was my freedom, my escape, my wishes, my dreams, all wrapped in the most incredible package. There weren't enough words to describe my feelings for her. She was my everything.

  She began speaking, and I hung on her every word. “Vance, I give my heart to you completely.” Her voice shook a little, but it only endeared her to me even more. “My love is my gift to you, never shaking, and unfailing. I promise to always stand by your side through thick and thin, to be your helper and your companion. I bind myself to you before God and man, promising to always support you in life and love, even into the next life. I love you.” She gripped my hand tighter, emphasizing her words.

  Now it was my turn. Staring intensely into her eyes, I opened my heart wide, letting my energy surge into her. “Portia, I love you with all my heart. Words fail me when it comes to describing the depth of my feelings for you. You complete me in every way imaginable; you're everything about me that is good. When I eat, sleep, live, it's always with you in my thoughts. I accept your love and promises, offering mine to you in return. I promise to always love and support you in all your endeavors as we join together as husband and wife. I will love you for eternity.”

  This time, the minister had my full attention. “Do you, Portia Mullins, take Vance Mangum as your legal and lawful husband? Do you promise to love, honor, and care for him from this day forward?”

  Her gaze was unwavering as she stared at me. “Yes,” she answered, and I never realized how much weight one word could hold.

  “Do you, Vance Mangum, take Portia Mullins as your legal and lawful wife?” the minister continued, causing hope to bloom through my chest. This was really happening. “Do you promise to love, honor, and care for her from this day forward?”

  “Yes,” I replied, adding my word to hers.

  “Do you have the rings?” he asked, and I turned to Brad, who dipped a hand into his pocket and retrieved the wedding band I'd picked for Portia, while she handed her bouquet off to Shelly and got my ring from her.

  “Portia, place the ring on Vance's left finger and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, in front of God and these witnesses.”

  Her hand shook, and I smiled as she slid it over my finger, repeating the words of the minister. I loved the weighty feel of it there and what it symbolized to me.

  Taking her small fingers, I slid her ring on, stating the same vow as she. “With this ring, I thee wed, in front of God and these witnesses.”

  The minister laid his hands over ours. “Let it be known these two are now joined together in the eyes of God, the eyes of the church, and in the eyes of man. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” He removed his hand and glanced between us, smiling. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

  Joy burst through me at his words, and I couldn't wait one more second. Dragging Portia into my arms, I kissed her deeply. I couldn't stop smiling, even during the kiss, and everyone began clapping and cheering.

  Portia's face was flushed when we broke apart, and we both laughed as we turned to face everyone.

  “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Vance Mangum,” the minister proclaimed loudly, to more cheers.

  Taking Portia by the hand, we went down the aisle and out the door. Greedily, I drew her into the first room to the side, shutting the door behind us. I grabbed my girl, my wife, and gave her a scorching kiss. I couldn't help running my hands over her back, wanting to touch her everywhere I could, unable to get enough of her. She wrapped her arms around me, a totally willing participant, and everything seemed so surreal.

  I broke away after several moments, just needing to take another look at her. I stepped back, my gaze raking over her from head to toe and back again. “Wow! You look amazing! I've never seen anything that looked so good in my life.”

  She blushed, staring back at me. “I was just thinking the same thing about you.”

  I cupped her face, gently running my thumb over her beautiful lips, unable to believe my good fortune. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” She smiled up at me, and I wanted to whisk her off to our hotel right now.

  “Dang reception,” I grumbled, not even wanting to bother with it when there were so many other things I wanted to do.

  Portia laughed, shaking her head as she touched my cheek. “Patience, Vance. The time will come soon enough, as I am sure you know, but right now we have guests.”

  “They can wait,” I said, pulling her against me. I was a helpless romantic, unable to not kiss her. Devouring her lips, that incredible mouth, I couldn't get enough. I didn't think I'd ever be able to get her close enough, even if she melted inside me. I couldn't hug her tight enough, kiss her long enough. She made me feel desperate and crazy inside but in the purest kind of high.

  “Come on, Vance,” she said breathlessly. “We've been in here kissing for a while now. Let's go to our reception before something starts you won't want to stop.”

  “Too late,” I replied honestly, grinning. I'd drag her to bed right this minute if she'd let me, but I also wanted her to have the wedding of her dreams. While I honestly didn't mind the party waiting for us, to me, the important part was done. I was ready to get on with it.

  Portia slipped her fingers into mine and wisely dragged me to the door b
efore I could assault her again. The wedding coordinator was waiting for us outside, but she just smiled, as if this kind of thing happened every day. I guess maybe in her world it did. Portia briefly went to the bride's room to touch up her lip-gloss I'd kissed off, and the two of us made our way to the reception hall to greet our guests.

  “Please, welcome Mr. and Mrs. Vance Mangum!” the DJ's voice boomed over the microphone as we entered the lavishly decorated space, covered in red roses.

  Yeah, I was never gonna get tired of hearing that.

  3

  The role of the lovesick fool is now being played by Vance Mangum, I thought to myself, pretty sure every guest at this reception was thinking the same thing about me. I didn't care. Not while I watched my pretty wife eat dinner. Not while I studied her reactions to conversations with others. Not while I held her way too close on the dance floor. Not even when her dad whisked her out of my arms, leaving me staring after them while he danced with her. Especially not while I was feeding her wedding cake, pausing to lick some frosting off the edge of her pretty bow-shaped lips. I couldn't take my eyes off her. She had me completely mesmerized.

  The DJ started playing a new song, and the lyrics caught my attention. I couldn't help but sing along in my head. “I gotta feeling . . . that tonight's gonna be a good night.” Hell. Yes.

  “Can we get out of here now . . . please?” I asked Portia, more than ready to go, not that I hadn't been having a great time. I just couldn't wait to have some much-desired privacy with my beautiful new wife.

  Smiling, she nodded, her eyes sparkling. “Absolutely.” She held her hand out to me. “Lead the way.”

  I took it but stepped over to the DJ and asked for a mic. “I'd like to thank all of you for making the trip here on such short notice to support us this evening, but the time has come for us to say goodnight. Feel free to stay and enjoy yourselves for as long as you'd like.” I handed the mic back and glanced at Portia, already noticing people gathering by the door to send us off.

  Holding her hand tight, I half jogged to the waiting limousine, wanting to discourage any last-minute hugs as we left. Shelly was prepared, throwing glittery confetti at us as we passed, and we both laughed as it scattered around us. I held the car door open for Portia, and she happily waved one more time at everyone and climbed inside. I smiled and waved too, before joining her.

  The privacy glass was up, and the driver already had his directions. It was finally just the two of us. Portia had some glittery specks on her cheeks and hair, and they sparkled in the dim interior lighting, making her look like some kind of magical fairy. She really was my fairytale princess, and I couldn't resist her any longer.

  Slipping an arm around her waist, I dragged her closer, pressing my lips against hers with a moan. My heart raced, and again, that feeling of not being able to get close enough consumed me. I kissed her long and hard, molding her body to mine until she started laughing.

  Breaking apart, I smiled at her as she placed her hand on my chest, pushing me back a bit as she blushed.

  Damn, she is gorgeous!

  “Calm down! We don't want to scar the driver with our public display of affection.”

  I didn't give a shit about the driver. “We have privacy glass,” I muttered unable to stop myself from placing a kiss in the beautiful curve of her neck, loving the smell of her lightly perfumed skin.

  “That may be,” she continued to chastise me, “but we've waited this long—you can wait a few minutes longer.” She pushed at me again. “I want it to be just right. You know . . . special.”

  Sighing, I smiled and released her, unable to help messing with her. “Fine,” I replied in an exaggerated huff as if she were totally putting me out. “I should've known you'd make me work for it.”

  “Hey!” she said, shocking me when she slapped me with her bouquet, causing some of the red rose petals to fall into my lap. “What's that supposed to mean?”

  “It means you're a tease.” I was thoroughly enjoying myself.

  “Whatever!” She glanced away, totally faking her annoyance.

  Even her chin is sexy, I thought, hooking it with my finger, and gently turning her face back to me. “I love you.” I couldn't stop grinning.

  “I know. I love you too.” She returned my smile, emotion lighting her eyes, and I felt like I could lose myself in them.

  The car jostled a bit, and I glanced out the window, seeing we'd arrived at the hotel. Portia started gathering her dress close to her as the driver got out and open the door. I stepped out, and reached back for Portia, helping her from the vehicle. I noticed right away we were catching the eye of many onlookers, milling about.

  I generously tipped the driver, wanting to share some of my good fortune, and thanked him.

  “Many happy wishes to you both, sir,” he said with a wide smile.

  Grabbing Portia's hand, I hurried through the lobby. Several people called out their congratulations as we passed, looking happy for us. I was surprised when we managed to snag an elevator to ourselves, and I hit the button for our floor before dragging Portia into my arms to steal another scorching kiss. I couldn't help myself. I was utterly wrapped up in her.

  By the time the elevator whooshed open, I was hot, burning inside. Holding onto her, I literally ran down the hall to the double doors of the penthouse suite. Only the best for my baby.

  I quickly slid the keycard in, before scooping my bride into my arms and carrying her over the threshold, kicking the door behind me as she giggled. She held tight to me as I carried her through the dark apartment. I easily found my way, having been here earlier in the day with Brad to set things up.

  Stepping into the bedroom, I used my magic to set the hundreds of white candles we placed around the room aflame, causing them all to burst to life at once.

  Portia sucked in a breath at the site, her eyes lighting in surprise precisely the way I'd hoped. She stared, jaw gaping before she looked back at me.

  “Your room, Mrs. Mangum,” I said, releasing her legs and letting her slowly slide down the length of my body, my eyes never leaving her.

  “I love the sound of that,” she whispered, staring back at me.

  “So do I,” I replied, my heart racing as I leaned in to kiss her again, my hands going immediately to her hair. I took her veil off and began picking the bejeweled pins out until it fell in long, soft waves around her shoulders. “There. That's better.”

  I loved her silky black hair and wanted to see it spread out beneath her as I made love to her. It was always that way in my fantasies—fantasies I intended to make come true tonight.

  “I can't believe we're really married,” she said, running her fingers lightly down my face, causing sparks to go off inside.

  “Believe it,” I replied, capturing her hand, nuzzling it before bringing it to my mouth and kissing each of her dainty fingers. Ironically, she wasn't shaking now. She seemed happy and sure of herself, ready for what was to come. “You look tired,” I teased, scooping her back into my arms. “I think I better tuck you in for the night.”

  She didn't look tired. She looked dang hot, and I was going to use any lame excuse needed to get her under the covers. I loved the sound of her laughter, as I carried her over to the large king-sized bed, already turned back for us, and placed her gently on it, before climbing on next to her.

  Hovering over her, I simply stared, wanting to preserve this moment forever. She looked so beautiful, and I was so happy. I had a real family, now. My own family. Just me and her against the world. I couldn't wait to live the rest of my life with her. The future shone before me, full of love, laughter, and endless dreams, and I felt real hope for the first time in a long time. She made me feel hope.

  Reaching up, she tugged at my tie, loosening it. “Do you love me, Vance?” she asked, her voice suddenly serious.

  “More than words can tell.” I placed a light kiss against her lips.

  “Then show me,” she said, staring straight into my eyes and heat raced thr
ough me from head to toe.

  “With pleasure, baby,” I whispered, giving her another tender kiss. “With pleasure.” I'd never been happier to obey an order. I continued to lightly kiss her lips, as she removed my tie, her fingers fumbling with the buttons of my vest and tux shirt next. When she reached my waistband, she tugged on my shirt pulling the rest out and unbuttoning it too.

  I leaned back on my knees, shrugging out of my suit coat and tossing it across the foot of the bed. Portia sat up, and I couldn't help grinning when her hands slipped inside my shirt, pushing it back off my shoulders. I took it off too, throwing it on top of the jacket.

  It thrilled me that she was such a willing participant. She wasn't hesitant, nothing holding her back as she stared at my chest, running her fingers lightly over my skin and causing every muscle to snap to rigid attention.

  She sighed. “You have the most incredible body I've ever seen.” She pressed her mouth lightly against one of my pecks, and I dragged in a shaky breath. My head was spinning as I watched her seduce me, but I was already the willing captive caught in her magical web.

  Her fingers traced the tattoo on my side, driving me crazy. I slipped my hands to her face, tilting it so I could kiss her again. My hands drifted to the back of her dress, and she laughed when I paused at the massive row of buttons.

  “No zipper, sorry. It'll be easier for you if I get up.”

  Trusting her judgment, I helped her off the bed, and she lifted her hair, placing it over one shoulder as she turned her back to me. Slowly, I began unbuttoning her dress, placing a tender kiss on every spot of bare skin I revealed as I went. This was better than Christmas, unwrapping her this way, even though I was chomping at the bit to get to the gift I knew lied beneath. I forced myself not to rush, wanting to savor every single moment.

  Once I finally reached the bottom, I slid my hands up her skin, slipping them over her shoulders and pushed the dress down. It fell from her body, dropping into a giant puddle of fabric at her feet, leaving her standing in her bra and slip.