Song for the chapter: You and I, by One Direction

Ryker and I had stood awake for a bit, just talking. Ryker kept me caged against his body as he stroked my back softly, telling me about a guy he met named Uriah and how he'd love to meet me now that I'm back.

I didn't even get to tell him about Owen before I heard his sleepy breath. Ryker passed out fast, which made my heart sink. I knew he looked so tired and worn out, and I hate to think that I was the cause of it.

I press my head against his chest as he tightens his grip against my waist. I smile slightly, not being able to get it out of my head that we were gonna get married soon.

Ryker was going to be my husband. That was so strange.

I smile, closing my eyes. I'm glad that Ryker had met this Uriah fellow and Kyler to be here for him while I was gone. I hated hearing that he was broken without me, but I truly hope he understands that I needed to do this.

It was for us, and now look at us—engaged.

I couldn't stop the chuckle. If you would've told me last year that by this time, I'd be engaged to Ryker Brooks, I'd tell you that you'd need mental help. But this is where we are now, and I couldn't be happier.

This is all I ever wanted, him and I. Us.

When I finally fell asleep, it was the best nights rest I'd gotten in months. I'd never felt quite as safe and as peaceful as I do beside Ryker, or in his arms. It's like, subconsciously, I knew he'd always protect me and keep me safe.

It just took me this long to finally realize it.

When we wake up in the morning, the smile that's across our faces is bigger than I've ever seen. Ryker double checks, makes sure if this is what I want, to get married in a court house without friends or family.

"It's always been just us, Ryker." I shake my head. "I'm never going to change my mind about that."

And that's all it took for him to get out of the bed and start getting ready. I let him shower first as I made some breakfast. Ryker barely kept the fridge stocked up, but I was able to make due with some bacon, hash browns I made from potatoes and toast.

He came out with his hair damp, a very fancy white button down and black slacks. I smile up at him as he leans down and kisses my lips, which lingers a moment too long.

I tell him to eat while I shower and get ready. It didn't take me long to pull up my hair and wash my body. When I stepped out, I put on a basic black bra and matching underwear and looked in the mirror. I turn my body, looking at the white marks that's carved on my body.

But it didn't bother me like it used to. I accept it, because it's a part of me, it makes me who I am.

I grab a white v-neck shirt that has three buttons and cute black designs on the sleeves, light blue skinny jeans and white flats. I let my hair fall down around me and brush through it before I apply some mascara, blush and chapstick.

I join Ryker and he just stares at me, which makes me raise a brow.

"You just never fail to take my breath away."

I blush, shaking my head. "Stop."

He smiles, us finishing our breakfast in silence. When we're done, I take our dishes to the sink. I'm in the middle of washing them when I feel Ryker come up behind me, pressing his chest against my back. I almost let the plate slip through my fingers.

"I can't believe you're about to be my wife."

His voice was low as he pressed a kiss to my neck. I shiver involuntarily.

"Then let's go already." I turn to face him when I shut off the water.

He smirks at my eagerness, but grabs my hand, nonetheless. We rush out of the apartment in a fit of giggles as we head down towards his car. He opens the door for me and I climb in, Ryker following and he revs up his engine, his hand landing on my thigh as we pull out of the parking lot.

We had to make a stop to Ryker's place, though, in order to get his legal documents he needed. Apparently, while I was in the shower, Ryker made a smart decision to call ahead and make sure to check what we'd need. So he had to rush inside his house real quick and pick it up.

I held our stuff as we drove, my heart hammering in my chest. We pull up to city hall, the car idling. Our fingers interlace as we walk inside the building. A very nice receptionist takes our information and puts it in the system before telling us to wait for the officiant to be ready for us.

It didn't seem like a long wait; Ryker's thumb was lightly brushing over my knuckles and he kept gazing down lovingly at me. I kept my head on his shoulder and kissed his jaw. Today, we were in our own bliss and nobody could take that away.

Before we knew it, we were being called. I felt my stomach erupt in excitement as we walked to a private room and introduced himself. He presented us with the paperwork, his credentials, and started talking through the words that I never thought I'd be listening to, standing beside Ryker Brooks.

Ryker and I didn't say any personal vows, because our time was limited. But I wasn't going to let the day end without saying them to him. I had them, in my head.

And his birthday gift. Of course I didn't forget.

When Ryker and I repeated the words 'I do' and we were told to kiss each other, I never felt more happy in my life. We were declared to one another—Ryker and I, for the rest of our lives.

Ryker wrapped his arm around me and grabbed the slip of paper before we walked out.

"Congratulations, you two."

"Thanks." I call out as we walk out.

"So," Ryker kisses my temple. "Where to?"

"Actually, I forgot something at home. Do you mind?"

"I have my whole life to serve you now, baby." He grins.

I flush at his words as we get into his car. The thickness in the air was tense as he placed his hand on my thigh, his thumb stroking lightly. I bite my lip and sigh.

I have to practically run into the apartment when we pull up because I don't trust that mischievous glint in Ryker's eyes. He's up to no good, I can tell. But this was too important and needed to be done.

"Maddison." He teasingly called. "Why are you hiding from me?"

I open my duffle and dig inside it. He stops at the door and looks at me as I rise to my feet. I smile widely as I look at him.

"Ryker Adam Brooks," I sigh. "I never thought I'd be standing here today, as your wife. A year ago, I hated you." I crinkle my nose. "I couldn't stand the idea of who I thought you were and what you stood for. But as fate would have it, I was walking alone in the rain, and you were stubborn enough not to let me go. And I am so glad that you didn't. Because it was the start of everything."

I take a small inhale. "I bought this on your birthday because I knew that when I came back to you, that was it. It was going to be you and I forever. You're my sun and my moon, Ryker." His eyes search mine as I step closer. "You're everything I never knew I needed, Ryker. You make me smile, laugh, and love more than I ever knew was possible. You make me a better me, and I couldn't take on this life without you."

I smile as I open the box. "I saw a quote once that said, 'God made you, and then He made me, and then He whispered meant to be'. And I couldn't feel like that fit more perfectly here. You're my other half, Ryker. Physically, emotionally, and mentally. You and I are one. I promise that you and I, no matter how hard life gets, are going to fight through it. In sickness, in health. Whether we're poor or not. Whatever we have to face, we face together. Because you're mine, too."

He looks down at the box and a soft smile takes over his face at the sight of the band in the box. It was a black band, custom made with some diamonds studding around it. My man looked good, and I wanted everyone to know he was taken.

He looked up at me, humor in his eyes. "Black?"

I shrug. "You make it look good."

He laughs as he reaches for it and puts it on his left finger. I smile as the ring, like I had predicted, went well with his tan skin. He looks up at me.

"You're the most amazing woman I've ever known."

I grab his face. "You're perfect for me, Ryker. I'm never leaving you again."

His eyes search mine before they travel down to my lips. Then he inched forward, before smashing his lips onto mine. I gasp, welcoming the overwhelming sensation. I move my grasp into the back of his hair as he grabs my waist and starts walking us backwards.

"You know," he pulls back as I feel my legs pressed against my bed. "We're gonna have to talk about the last name situation."

"Oh?"

He gently nudges me down, and I use my elbows to move back a bit. Ryker crawls over me, making my body hot.

"Mrs. Brooks."

"Mr. James." I retort.

He smirks. "James-Brooks."

"Maddison James-Brooks." I smile. "I like it."

"Ryker James-Brooks has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

I raise a brow. "Why would you change your name?"

"James is a part of you, Maddison. I wouldn't ask you to give that up for me."

I place my hand on his cheek, and he leans into the touch. I smile at him.

"You're the most selfless man I know, Ryker. I love you so much."

Ryker responds by pressing his lips on mine. I move my hand from his face to his neck, gripping gently. We kissed heavily for a few moments, him just kissing my lips, before I felt his tongue asking for permission. I always let him.

I felt his tongue press against mine and I moan, which I felt Ryker harden instantly. My cheeks flush as his hands move to the three buttons of my shirt. I move my face, breathing heavy, looking at his hands. He slowly unbuttons each button, exposing a decent amount of cleavage. He bends down and presses wet kisses on the skin, making my head fall back.

I grip the sheets as I feel his tongue flick, my pants coming short and hot. It was too long without him and his touch and everything felt magnified and heightened right now. I already felt like coming and he barely touched me.

"I missed this," he whispers huskily against my skin. "You melting under my touch is something I'll never get enough of."

I moan as he reaches up and squeezes my breasts, the heat pooling between my legs becoming worse and worse. How does someone endure this much torture?

I pushed my hands under his shirt, needing to feel his hot skin. He hissed, looking at my hands. I look up at him as I move my hands up his chest enough to pull off his shirt. But everything freezes when I see the fresh ink on his rib.

"When did you get that?" I ask, voice small.

"A few weeks back."

I look up at his eyes. "You knew?"

He offers a small smile. "You are mine, Maddison. No matter how long it took."

My heart swelled with love for him. I loved him, I loved him so much it physically hurt.

I trace my fingers over the cursive writing, my smile never falling. I look from it to him. I carefully reach for the bottom of my shirt and lift it over my head. His eyes widen as he takes in my full chest, his throat bobbing up and down as he swallows.

I reach for his hands and press them to my body, which makes goosebumps spread like wildfire. Then I place my hands on his shoulders and kiss his lips. He doesn't waste a moment before deepening the kiss and pushing his tongue in my mouth again.

I bring my hands down his back, pulling him closer to me. His hands move up my stomach and around my back, unclasping my bra. I gasp as I feel the cool air hit my skin. Ryker took advantage of the moment to pull away slightly and pull the fabric down my arms and tossed it aside.

He kissed my jaw all the way down my chest, in between the small space of cleavage, before he placed a sweet kiss right on one of my breasts before taking the nipple into his mouth. I cry out as I feel his teeth graze the bud and then his tongue reach out and flick it. I fist my hands on his hair as his free hand reaches out and his fingers play with the other nipple before kneading it.

"Ryker," I moan loudly. "Oh, God."

He places opened-mouth kisses all over my chest, making me pant wildly and tighten my grip in his hair. He continued all the way down, unbuttoning my jeans.

"Is this okay?" His warm breath fans across my stomach and makes me shiver.

"Yes, Ryker." I nod. "Please."

Ryker immediately tugs my jeans down my legs and I help kick them off. My head is thrown back against the bed as I feel Ryker's hands wrap around my knees and pull my legs apart.

"You're trembling." His voice is so husky, it makes me hotter than what I already am. "I haven't even gotten to the best part yet."

I whimper at the promise. I needed him—Ryker needed to feel how much I wanted him, how much I loved him.

His fingers feel me over the fabric of my underwear and he sucks in a breath.

"I forgot just how wet you get for me, baby."

"Oh my gosh." I moan as he strokes his finger up and down my slit, over my panties.

"You're always so ready for me."

"Only you." I manage to utter.

Ryker's hand moved inside the fabric of my underwear and made me swallow hard as his finger moves sensually up and down my slit. I feel my eyes trying to close as his thumb circles my clit, making my jaw slack.

"You're so beautiful—so perfect, Maddison."

I smile softly before I feel his finger push inside me. I gasp at the contact, the intrusion in my body that's been vacant for so long, and welcome it with open arms. Ryker made me want everything with him, and I'd give it all to him.

Ryker kisses my lips, my chin, my neck as he pumps his fingers in and out of me slowly, the pressure already feeling like it's gonna explode. I have never felt more loved, more safe, and more protected than I have with Ryker.

"Oh Ryker, I'm not gonna last long." I shudder.

"It's okay, baby." He nods. "Come for me."

His movements doesn't let up, but pick up. I squeeze my hands that are still locked behind his head together as I feel the moment building and building until I finally climax, Ryker's name coming out of my mouth like a broken record.

Ryker POV

She was so fucking eccentric. The way her bare chest was rising and falling right before my eyes was a sight in itself, but she was glowing. And as her eyes were screwed shut and she was trying to collect herself, I couldn't help but admire her.

She has always been this beautiful to me.

When her eyes open, still hooded and dazed, I felt my pants tighten even more.

"I love you." She half sits, kissing my mouth. "I'm ready."

"Ready for w—"

Her hands move to my jeans, unbuttoning them and pushing them down my legs. She kept her eyes on my wide ones as she stroked me through my boxers, making my eyes roll to the back of my head.

"I'm ready for this, Ryker. For you." She kisses my neck once. "So take me."

I fucking moan at her words, at the way she's still touching me, her sudden urge and need that's so fucking hot. I've always been ready for her, but this is how I wanted to do it—legally bound to her, connected to her in spirit and soul.

And now, physically.

"I—" my voice cracks at my own nervousness. "I, I don't have a condom."

She pulls back and looks at me with a raised brow. "You have something you're not telling me?"

"Fuck no."

"Alright, then?" She smiles. "We're...married, Ryker. What's the big deal?" Sadness overcomes her. "Unless you don't want to."

I grip her hips and pick her up, tossing her backwards further on the bed so her head is on the pillows. Her eyes are wild and full of lust as she looks at me crawl over her.

"I've been dreaming about this day for far too long, baby girl."

She whimpers as I reach for her underwear and drag it down her legs, super slow, and watch the goosebumps spread across her skin. I toss them behind me and start trailing kisses up her legs, her thighs, up her stomach, across her chest and up her jaw. She was a panting mess by the time I got up to her.

"Please," she begs.

Like she needed to ask.

"With pleasure." I repeat with a smirk.

I push my boxers down my legs, my fingers playing with her folds again. She gasps as she looks at me, but I'm giving her a kind smile. I reach up with my other hand and knead her breast, rolling the nipple between my thumb and finger and took the other one in my mouth.

Just by me running up and down her length, she was soaking. I needed to get her ready, anything to ease the pain a bit.

I plunged my finger in her again, her cries of pleasure filling the room. My God I could listen to her cry out in pleasure and moan all day long. They were heavenly and euphoric; I could get off just listening to her come.

"Ryker," she cries softly.

But that—hearing my name come out of her lips, those beautiful lips...like I was the only person she trusted in the world. Fuck me, it made me wanna drive into her right now.

She's fisting the sheets so hard her knuckles are white and I know she's close. So I pull my fingers out and move my face down between her legs. Her eyes are wide and wild as she looks down at me. I send her a wink before I place a kiss right at her core, which makes her head fall back.

I instantly dive my tongue in, greedily licking and sucking her sweet juices that were literally pouring out of her. She was so fucking wet for me and it was the purest thing. My tongue lapped all around her, making her hips buck up to meet my face.

She screams my name, which makes a shiver crawl up my spine. Fuck, hearing her literally lose herself and scream my name like that it the hottest fucking thing in the world and I wouldn't trade this moment, or how we got here, for anything.

She's breathing deep when I crawl up her body and start kissing her lips. She hungrily kisses back, which surprises me. I wouldn't stop her if she changed her mind, but with this kiss, it didn't seem like she was.

"Ryker," she begged. "Please?"

"Yes, baby." I nod.

I spread her legs, positioning myself between her legs. Seeing her like this, all flustered and withering away beneath me made my heart squeeze. Her fair skin contrasting against my tan skin and her blonde hair wildly tossed to the side. She was perfect in every sense—my perfection.

I guided myself to her entrance, keeping my eyes on hers. I slowly, slowly pierced her, her soft cry coming out of her mouth and her spine arching off the bed.

"Fuck, Maddison. Am I hurting you?"

She quickly shakes her head, her blue eyes shining at me.

"No, no."

She squirms a bit, adjusting herself beneath me. When she nods for me to continue, I don't hesitate. Slow, of course. As fucking hard as it was, I went inch by inch, watching as she took me into her heavenly embrace.

"Are you okay?" I rasp.

"Yes," she gasps, nodding slightly.

Her legs widened, and I couldn't hold it back anymore. I slid into her, one deep, slick motion, hitting her hilt and filling her completely.

Oh fuck me. I wasn't gonna last long. I've been waiting for forever for this moment and I was five seconds away from coming inside of her. But she made it different. Everything was different with her.

"This feels so—" I pant. "This is my first time, too, baby. It's new, everything is new with you. Because I love you."

She wrapped her arm around my neck. "I love you, Ryker."

I look down, the sight of our bodies molding together as one looked like fucking art. Then I look back at her.

"Are you okay? How do you feel?"

"I'm fine," she shakes her head slightly. "Really. I'm not gonna break."

I smile before I pull out slightly and thrust in slow. Slow was fucking torture when all I wanted to do was please her and show her what making love really felt like.

But the first time needed to be slow. She needed to trust me. I didn't want to hurt her on her first time. Fuck that.

"Ryker," she claws at my back. "Faster. I need you."

Like a siren call, I obeyed her every demand without question. I didn't move too quick, but I did deepen my stroke, sinking deep into her. She was moaning deep in pleasure before her hips started moving with mine the more relaxed she became.

Her moans became more wild as I kept thrusting into her. I kissed her lips, kissed her neck. She wrapped her legs around my waist, tightening her legs around me as she brought me closer to her, claiming me just as much as I was claiming her.

Fucking fast learner and surprised the hell out of me. Nothing could beat the way this felt—feeling complete and one with her.

"Ryker," she moans. "Ryker." She looks deep in my eyes. "I love you."

I can feel her come around me, the words and the feeling of her coming bring me close to the end of my high.

"You're my everything, Maddison." I pant against her skin and with one final thrust, I moan and come in her.

Our heavy breaths mixed together as I lay on her chest. Our bodies were coated with sweat, our hair damp. But our souls were connected in the most intimate way. I reached out and lightly traced my fingers over her stomach, making goosebumps spread across her skin.

"Are you okay, baby?"

She chuckles softly, making me look up at her. She looks down at me and bites her bottom lip, making me get hard. I gulp.

"I'm perfect, Ryker." She sighs. "A little soreness right now. But I'm fine." She smiles at me.

I lean up and kiss her lips. "I love you so much."

"And I love you."

* * *

Rolling up to my parents place, Maddison looks at me. She twists her lips.

"What if they hate me for not being there?"

I shrug. "Too bad."

Maddison and I got married four days ago and we've had sex...a handful amount of times. Last night—and this morning—was the first times we got to fully enjoy having sex together without me having to pace myself and her having that uncomfortable pressure.

It was fucking perfect for us both. Finally.

Oh yeah. We still haven't told anyone we got married. Eloping is fun and kinda sexy when you get to keep the secret all to yourself.

"Ryker."

"They're lucky we're even here." I retort. "I'd rather be in bed with you," I reach over towards her. "Ripping your clothes off your body and—"

"Nope. Nuh-uh." She shakes her head and walks out of the car.

I smirk at her as I follow behind her. I catch up to her easily and wrap my arm around her shoulder.

"Come on, baby. Don't run away from me."

"Don't do that." She warns.

"What?"

She gives me a warning glare when the door flings open. Kyler looks at us, slowly from Maddison then to me. His eyes narrow as he studies us both.

"Something's fishy here."

Maddison smiles. "It's good to see you, too."

Kyler smiles. "Yeah, yeah. I know you missed me."

Maddison steps inside and I follow behind her. We walk towards the dining area, where dad and mom were sitting. They looked up at us.

"Ryker," mamá gasped.

I ignored her and looked at Maddison. She smiles encouragingly at me and I nod. I look at my mother and clench my fists.

"We're not staying long. I just came to say that what you did, ma, was real shitty. I can't believe that you thought it was okay for you to do that to me, and for so long. You really had no right to interfere with my life and my choices."

"Ryker, mi amor, listen—"

"Helena, he's not done talking. Let him speak." Maddison says.

This girl. She's gonna be the death of me, I swear.

The glare ma gives Maddison makes me wanna throw something at her, but I take a deep breath. Baby steps.

"Dad, I—" I shake my head. "I blamed you and accused you and literally hated you for no reason. I'm so sorry. What I did to you was shitty and I can't believe I did that to you. I'm sorry. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to follow my dreams."

Maddison squeezes my hand reassuringly and I feel my heart skip a beat at that. She's everything I've ever needed.

"I need to follow the path I set for myself and see where it takes me. I'm not Kyler and I hate this stupid family business. So, please, respect that."

Maddison wraps an arm around mine and I place my hand over hers. My father looks at our embrace and I see his gaze soften.

"Son," he sighs. "A father's love is unconditional. You're my son and I never held a grudge towards you. I knew you were doing what you thought was right." He nods. "I'd be happy to help in any way I can with your dreams going forward."

Maddison squeezes my arm and I feel her looking up at me. I look down at her and give her a nod.

"And what about me?" Mom speaks up.

I look at her and sigh. "You're my mother. I love you. That's not going to change. I forgive you, mamá. But trust? Trust is earned." She looks down shamefully. "Oh, and if you ever even think about casting another dirty look or glance at my wife again, you can forget about me coming back, ever."

Everyone's eyes widened. They looked between Maddison and me.

"I knew it! You two looked so suspicious." Kyler laughed before he walked over to us and hugged us both. "You're wild, brother. Congratulations."

"Thanks, man."

Kyler kisses Maddison's cheek and she gives him a gentle shoulder squeeze. I look at my parents, who are still in shock.

"Since when?"

"Tuesday."

"Wow," dad breathes.

"Was this your idea?" Mom looks at Maddison.

I open my mouth, but Maddison beats me to it.

"Actually, in a way. Our whole relationship, it's always been Ryker and me. Just us. And it only made sense for it to be just us again on our wedding day. Because it's us against the world. And I'm not sorry for that, Helena, because Ryker is my entire life. He's everything to me and I'm gonna treat him right. Far better than you have."

Kyler hides his smile with his hand as I turn to her. Damn—she is so fucking fierce. That time away really had healed her and changed her so much. She's confident and doesn't back down from any fight.

She's sexy as hell.

"Thank you." Dad suddenly says, nodding at Maddison. "Thank you for loving my son so much."

Maddison smiles at him before putting an arm around my waist.

"It's not even an option at this point, Mr. Brooks. His my other half."

"Please, call me Weston." He nods at her.

Kyler gives me a discreet high five as I finally pull Maddison out of the house and get her into the car. She looks at me and frowns.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap on her."

I smile. "It's okay, baby. Don't be sorry."

She reaches up and presses her hand to my cheek. "So what's next?"

"Forever?"

"How cheesy." She wrinkles her nose at me.

"But worth it." I say, gripping her chin and bringing her lips towards mine.

I knew that it wouldn't be enough time with her, as crazy as it sounds. A lifetime loving her would never be enough. But it's just a start. Our souls are woven together for eternities to come.

Because she's my other half, and I am hers.

A/N

Holy smokes this chapter gave me so much anxiety. I hope it was worth it 🥲 The epilogue is next omg 🤧

Thanks for reading, lovelies! Don't forget to vote, comment, etc!! <33