Free Forgotten Lullaby by Rita Herron Page A

day. She’d always dreamed of him walking her down the aisle. Her wedding day must have been a bittersweet time for her.
    She recognized other family members and a few friends. Still, several strangers sat interspersed amongthe crowd. Frustration clawed at her. Were those people she knew but couldn’t remember?
    She refocused on the wedding scene. As she watched herself near the end of the chapel aisle, the camera zoomed in on Grant.
    What a handsome man. So tall and impressive. His black tuxedo framed his broad shoulders and accentuated his dark hair. Pleated dress pants enhanced his muscular build, making him look dark and rakish next to her petite feminine body. The contented expression on his face tore at her heart. A dimple appeared in his left cheek and he winked at her as she walked down the aisle, his deep-blue eyes dark with desire—for her.
    An ache settled in her chest as his gaze raked over her. Passion and heat burned in his hungry eyes. She was mesmerized as the camera returned to her, and the photographer captured the radiant glow in her smile as she looked at Grant.
    â€œWe were really in love,” she said in awe.
    â€œYes.”
    Emma glanced up at the sound of Grant’s voice. How long had he been standing there?
    He walked slowly over to the sofa and stared at the TV. A muscle worked in his jaw as he watched the video.
    â€œI’m going to bed now,” Kate whispered, tiptoeing from the room. “I’ll sleep on the cot in Carly’s room.”
    Grant gave Kate an odd look, seemingly surprised at her retreat, then lowered himself beside Emma, his knee brushing her leg as he sat down. They watched the remainder of the video in silence. When the minister asked them to repeat their vows, Grant took her hand in his and declared his love with such tenderness thatmoisture pooled in her eyes. Emma repeated the vows in a voice filled with emotion.
    While Grant slipped the wedding ring on her finger in the ceremony, Emma fingered her wedding band, admiring the small tear-shaped diamond and the thin gold band.
    â€œI wanted to buy you a bigger stone,” Grant said. He took her hand and pressed it over his heart.
    â€œThis is lovely,” Emma whispered.
    Tenderness softened his features, and he gently reached out to cup her face in the palm of his other hand. “I promised to love, honor and cherish you, for better or worse,” he said huskily.
    â€œI think these past few days have probably been the ‘worse’ part,” Emma said quietly.
    â€œFor better, for worse, forever. ” Grant traced her lip with his fingertip, drawing circles around her mouth. Then he touched the bruise on her cheek and planted a soft kiss on the tender spot. A mixture of emotions welled up inside her.
    â€œI must look terrible.” Emma lowered her head, but Grant cupped her face in both hands this time.
    â€œYou’re beautiful. You can’t imagine how I felt when you had that accident. I was so afraid when I saw you trapped in that car.”
    His warm strong hands caressed her jaw. Emma felt protected and needy, as if she wanted to crawl in his arms and let him hold her until everything was normal again. His breath feathered against her cheek, and his masculine scent wafted around her as his body drew closer to hers. She recognized the faint scent of liquor, but found it oddly stimulating.
    He lowered his head and with a rough sigh touchedhis lips to hers. “I’ve missed you so much, Emma. I’m glad you’re home.” He drew her close, brushed his mouth over the seam of her lips, pressed his hand against the small of her back, then moved his lips softly over hers, down the side of her face, down the column of her neck. She arched her back and groaned, shocked at her own response. Her mind whirled with misgivings while her body screamed with desire. He deepened the kiss, his hands inching up her spine, caressing, stroking, until his fingertips