I love you. Forever.

Chapter 25: Daughter in Love

Becs’ POV

Mrs. Wilder stole me away from Ben as we walked back in. “We need to touch up our makeup for the professional pictures. Ben please go find your father and meet us by the photographers.” She ordered. One thing I know about Mrs. Wilder is that she loved getting pictures taken of herself and her family. She is a perfectionist but in a sweet way. She is always finding ways to create memories making sure that they are captured. She wants everything to be perfect for her loved ones. I now know where Ben gets it from. He is always finding any excuse to take pictures. Gosh, I love this family.

“Sweetie, are you having fun? I hope this isn’t all overwhelming for you.” Mrs. Wilder asked as we both reapplied our lipstick looking in the bathroom mirror. “I am. It has been a wonderful experience and I’m thankful to be here with you.” I smile brightly looking at her.  “I am so glad to hear. I never seen my son smile or laugh so much at one of these events. You bring out the best in him.” She said in the most grateful tone. “ Oh Rebecca, that is a pretty necklace!” She said just now seeing it. “Thank you, Ben gave it to me this evening. Here look.” I open the locket and show her our pictures. “Oh my word, that is the sweetest gift. This is the type of jewelry you pass down to your daughter.” She winked nudging my arm. “Thank you. I absolutely love it. It actually matches my promise ring. Its funny, when we were in the jewelry store I never said anything but your son noticed that it caught my attention. He completely surprised me.” I say cheerfully looking at the pictures. "And yes, I plan to pass it down one day.” I winked back. Mrs. Wilder has a way of bringing up our future together. “I just love you Rebecca.” We embraced each other for a few moments. “I love you too so much.” We parted ways and she fixed my hair. “Perfectly beautiful. Lets go.” She chimed leading me out the door.

The guys were already with the photographers when we walked up. We did several pictures as a family, individually and as couples. Ben was all over me the whole time. I love how tender he is with me.

“She’s a natural.” The photographer said referring to me. Mrs. Wilder had me pretty much model for the camera. I was asked to turn my back to the camera with my head turned and a gentle smile on my lips showing off my back. As soon as the photographer finished taking my picture Ben spoke up. “Don’t move yet my love.” He took my picture with his phone.

Third Person POV

“Our boy is truly lovestruck.” Mr. Wilder whispered to his wife. “They both are. It’s beautiful isn’t it?” She replied teary eyed. “It sure is my lovely wife. It feels like I am back in time watching us as kids.” He reminisced holding his wife close. They watched as Becs stepped away from the backdrop and into Ben’s waiting arms. He wrapped one around her waist and handed her his phone showing her the picture. “That’s going to be my background picture. My most beautiful girl in the world.” Ben said displaying his classic smile. Becs’ just giggled at him and kissed his cheek before wrapping her arms around his back and resting her head on his chest. He slipped his phone in his pocket and fully embraced her as well resting his chin on her head. Time stood still for the young lovebirds. Mrs. Wilder caught the photographers attention and he snapped this candid moment without them knowing. She knows what picture she will have enlarged and framed for their living room.

Ben’s POV

I can stay like this forever. It’s the small intimate moments like this that I live for when it comes to my Becs. Feeling her small frame in my arms, her head resting on my chest listening to my heartbeat, her wildflower scent filling my senses; I couldn’t ask for more. Any moment our song will come on (All of Me by John Legend). I made sure to put in a special request with the DJ when I first came down. I am going to dance with her like we did in the park that day.

Just as I got lost holding my baby doll, our song came on. She looked up at me with wide eyes and a bright smile. “May I have this dance gorgeous?” I asked softly meeting her gaze. “Always my handsome boy.” I led her to the center of the dance floor and brought her close to me as we danced. There were only a few couples dancing at this time. She sang to the music never taking her eyes off of me unless I spun her around or danced for a few moments with her back to my chest. I would leave a trail of soft kisses on her shoulder before spinning her around to face me again; stealing more kisses. The song ended to me dipping her and kissing her delicate throat once more. All eyes were on us again. My parents standing off to the side smiling widely. And of course my mom was crying. We received many compliments as we walked off the dance floor hand in hand over to my parents. “That was marvelous.” Mom sobbed hugging us. “I never thought I’d see that day that my precious little boy would be so in love and dance in front of everyone.” She added. “What can I say mom, Becs brings out the best in me.” I hug my girl from behind and kiss her cheek. Another slow song comes on. “Come on son, dance with your mother.” She said dabbing her tears away and taking my hand. I hear dad ask Becs to dance as well. “May I have this dance my dear?” Dad asks in his most charming way. I look back to see Becs smile and nod her hand looking up at my dad. It was the cutest thing. She reminded me of the picture in her room. It was of her as a little girl looking up at her dad with the exact same smile. My heart just exploded. They joined us on the dance floor dancing beside us. My love looked so happy in this moment. “Take a picture, Ben.” Mom whispered stepping away from a moment so I could pull my phone out. I captured the very moment as dad and Becs looked at each other smiling. It was beautiful. “Its perfect.” Mom cheered in a hushed tone. “Its similar to a picture that Becs has with her dad when she was little. Her smile is the same.” I whispered to mom as we continued to dance. I see dad whisper something to Becs. She nods and follows him off the dance floor before they go their separate ways. Of course I gawk at those damn hips as she sways away making my mom chuckle. “Don’t laugh at me mom.” I whine making her laugh even more. “Oh son, you’re hopeless aren’t you. She has you wrapped around her finger.” She continues to chuckle. “Of course she does. She did the moment I met her.” I admit willingly. “Have you talked to your cousin? His sister is here but he’s no where to be seen. Will he ever attend our events?” Mom asked about her nephew. “Come on, mom. You know Jordan. He rarely goes to Uncle David’s events. He definitely wouldn’t come to this. He’s too busy being a man whore.” I chuckle at the last part. “Stop that, Benjamin. What a mouth you have.” Mom lightly slaps my shoulder. “What? Jordan is. He’s too busy with his night clubs and getting a different girl just about every night.” I try to explain his whorish ways. “You don’t know that son. My brother didn’t raise him that way." She huffed. “Mom, we talk all the time. Jordan is living the high life. I’m actually taking Becs over to his club after this to meet up with him while we are in town. Apparently he is opening another club in some other state soon. He’s trying to build a few more to eventually sale when he takes over for Uncle David at his company.” She sighs. “Okay okay. Well, you tell my nephew to come visit me soon. I miss him terribly.” She said sternly. “Will do mom.” I promised.

The dance ended and mom went off to socialize some more. She has endless energy for these types of events. I walk over to our table finding Becs struggling to get her shoes off.

“May I help?” I ask kneeling down in front of her. “Please. If I bend over anymore my ass will pop out.” She chuckles. “Oh no, we can’t have that. No one sees that fine ass except me.” I state firmly making her laugh some more. “Can you pull these off and help me put these shoes on?” She asked pointing to a pair of royal blue heels. The heels are much shorter than the ones she  has on. Her feet must hurt. “No problem baby doll. How about I rub them real quick before we put the blue ones on?” I smile up at her. “That would be great, thank you love.” She cooed cupping my face with her delicate hand and running her thumb over my cheek. I can’t help but to melt into her touch. I rub each foot for a few minutes before I place her shoes on her pretty little feet. “Perfect fit, my Cinderella.” I coo at her with my classic smile. She smiles back before leaning in and capturing my lips. “Thank you Benny. I feel much better.” She said running her fingers through my hair. “I can’t wait until I have you to myself.” I said huskily. “I love you more than anything Benny.” She purred still playing with my hair. “And I love you more than anything. You are the most important person in my life baby doll. I’m going to marry you one day.” I said getting lost in her eyes. “Promise?” She said caressing my face. “Always my love.” Her eyes danced wildly at me words. 

“Ben, may I steal you away for a few minutes?” Markie’s father asked interrupting our special moment. I sighed lowly not wanting to be rude. “Go Ben, I’m going to get some air.” Becs said squeezing my hand that was resting on her knee. “Sure, no problem sir.” I said getting up and walking over to him. I watched Becs gracefully walk away heading to the balcony. “Did I overhear you wanting to marry that girl?” Mr. Kylie asked through gritted teeth. What the f**k is his problem. “That girl, has a name sir.” I said sternly. My defensive walls going up. “Well, THAT GIRL, made my Markie cry. Markie has always loved you and you do this to her. Don’t you think you should marry someone in your social economical class?” He spat. Oh f**k no. “What the f**k are you on about? Markie slapped Stacy across her face and Rebecca put her in her place never once touching her. For the f*****g record, I never once had any interest in your daughter. Whatever relationship she thinks she had was in her head. And most importantly, my relationship with my sweet and loving girlfriend is none of your damn business.” I spat back puffing out my chest. I am pissed. “Oh please, she’s a sweet and loving slut. And how dare you talk to me that way.” Mr. Kylie said offended. I grab his collar pinning him to the wall. “Rebecca is not the slut around here your bastard. If I hear you or your nasty daughter speak ill of her I will put an end to it.” I threatened. “Ben, what are you doing?” Mr. Wilder said sternly. “I am putting this asshole in his place.” I say letting go of him. “That b***h of a girlfriend of his is changing your son, Wilder. Markie would be a better choice don’t you think? Not some slut from the wrong side of the tracks.” He hissed out before I punched his face. “I just told you to stop, you bastard.” I roared. “Ben enough. Kylie, it is time for you and your family to leave. You are no longer welcome at my events. You judge a little girl that doesn’t deserve it all because you not so innocent daughter was mad that my beautiful daughter stood up to her. Our Rebecca is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She is selfless and has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She had to grow up at a very young age due to suffering a painful and tragic loss. If I hear you or anyone in your family defile her character publicly, I will throw a lawsuit at you in an instant.” My dad boomed making a few heads turn that were in the general vicinity. “You’re beautiful daughter, Wilder. Really?” Kylie said sarcastically. Damn this guy keeps digging the whole deeper. “Yes, our beautiful daughter. We love her as our own and always will. Its time for you to leave.” Mom said walking up and standing with dad and I. The Kylies left with their tails between their legs. “Ben, where is she right now?” Dad asked concerned. “She’s in the balcony. Thankfully.” I replied. “Thank God. She doesn’t need to know any of this.” Dad stated loud enough for any spectators to hear. “I agree.” I replied as mom nodded her in agreement. “I’m going to check on her.” I added heading in her direction.

As I got closer to the glass doors of the balcony I see a familiar guy talking to Rebecca. f**k, why can’t we have one night of no problems.

Becs’ POV

(Her POV happens simultaneously to Wilder-Kylie stand off.)

“I just love it out here.” I sigh to myself gazing at the view. All the buildings are lit up and look so pretty against the midnight sky. “Rebecca, Rebecca!” Stacy came up running to me after pushing through balcony door. “Where’s the fire, Stacy? Slow down before you hurt yourself.” I chuckle. “Ben pinned Markie’s dad against the wall. He was saying nasty things about you.” She said breathlessly. I laugh. I knew that man was going to be trouble when he overheard us. “I heard Markie tell him lies about you and he marched right over to you guys. Mr. Wilder is involved too.” She explained looking worried. “It’s okay Stacy. They’ll handle it.” I say shrugging my shoulders really not caring what the Kylies say or think about me. “Don’t you want to know what he said?” She asked confused. “Stacy, I really don’t. Its nothing new to me. They will get over themselves and move on or just continue to be miserable. Its not my problem.” I said bored of this conversation. “You live for drama don’t you.” I chuckle again. “Yeah, sorta.” She giggled.

“Hey Stacy?” Aaron called out as he walked up to us. “Want to dance with me?” He asked sweetly. “Umm?” She looked at me. “Go Stacy, have fun!” I smiled. “Yes, I would love too.” She finally responded. They headed back inside and to the dancefloor. That girl is too much. I laugh to myself looking back to the view.

“You’re really something else aren’t you?” A strange voice said from the far corner. “Excuse me?” I ask looking around. “Oh sorry, I’m Joshua.” A boy around my age came into view staying about 5 feet away from me. “I’m Rebecca.” I introduce myself. “Oh I know who you are.” He chuckles lightly. “I’ve been watching you all night. You are truly beautiful. I now see why Markie was so jealous of you.” He admitted. “Thank you, I think.” I say slowly trying to figure this kid out. “You come to a lot of these?” I ask trying to find out more about this stranger. “Eh, it’s hit or miss. My family had some dealings with the Wilders. Ben and I grew up together basically.” He admitted making me smile thinking of a young Benny running around. “He doesn’t deserve you, you know.” He stated as a matter of fact. I go to respond when I felt a pair a warm arms wrap around me from the side. Ben’s hand resting on my stomach and the other slowly caressing my lower back. His forehead pressed up against my temple. “Hey my love. Mom’s looking for you. I think she wants more pictures. I’ll be in right behind you.” He whispers to me before gently tugging on my ear lobe with his teeth. He seems tense. I better listen to him without question. “Sure handsome.” I smile before I walk away.

Ben’s POV

As soon as I hear the door close behind her, I speak still standing sideways and looking ahead. “Stay away from her. You shouldn’t be here anyways, Josh.” I say in deep low voice. “Hey it’s a free country Ben. I’ll talk to who I want and show up where the f**k I want.” Josh spat. “What about that PFA you got against me?” I said uninterested. “Oh that, we did that just to get your family out of town. Its no longer valid anyways.” He laughed darkly. “That’s a mighty fine piece of ass you have there. Does that red head know she’s with a monster?” Josh taunts. “Yes, actually she does. She loves this monster with her whole heart. And you better watch what you say about her next. I’m only giving you one warning.” I say calmly. He doesn’t know that 2 security guards are standing at the door waiting for my signal. I’ve heard rumblings that Josh wanted to get me back for “ruining” things with his girlfriend. “Whatever Ben. You made my girl hate me. I am here to take Rebecca away from you. I’ll be f*****g your girl tonight whether she wants it or not. And there won’t be anything you can do about it.” Josh says confidently. “Ahh, so that’s why you had Casey and Tyler corner my girl. I’m proud to say that Rebecca isn’t the average girl. She doesn’t fall for the charm of a player. I’m afraid you are on the losing end of this game you decided to start. As for threatening to kidnap and r**e my girlfriend; I have two security guards here that heard everything. Have a safe trip to the police department. You will be hearing from my father’s lawyer.” I said walking away as the security guards detain him. “f**k you, Ben. I’ll be back.” He yelled.

Just as I walk in the DJ announces a father/daughter ballroom dance competition. Oh s**t. Where’s Becs. I honestly don’t know how she will handle this. I finally see mom smiling ear to ear. “Mom, where’s Becs?" I ask desperately. “Over there son, with your father.” She sobs quietly. I look to where she’s pointing and I see them take their place on the dance floor. Soon the music starts and about 20 father/daughter duos begin their dancing as judges walk around. “Did you know?" I ask smiling. Becs has the same smile as before once again. “I had no idea.” She said linking her arm through mine. “They are so elegant.” She whispered. I stood there completely amazed. This is why she needed to change her shoes. Why she spent more time at the dance studio as my dad spent more time at meetings. They were practicing for the last 2 months. It all came together now. “Wow.” I said stunned as dad spun her and her dress flowed magically. They were dancing on air. The judges have been excusing partners who weren’t making the cut. I guess this is a sudden death competition. Its now down to my dad and Becs and another father/daughter duo. But the fancy footwork that Becs and dad just did perfectly in sync put them over the edge. They won! The whole place went up in applause. The judges escorted dad and Becs onto the stage presenting them a check for $200,000. I had no idea dad planned this type of fundraiser for the ball.

“The winners of the first annual father/daughter dance competition goes to Mathew Wilder and his daughter in love Rebecca Sampson. Congratulations you two. And Mr. Wilder thank you for putting on this wonderful event. And thank you to the amazing sponsors who came together and donated $200,000 for this particular dance off. Winners get to choose where this money is donated. Where did you two decide?” One judge exclaimed handing the microphone to dad. “First off, no need to thank me. My employees deserve the credit for all the hard work making this event possible tonight. I am proud of all of you.” Just like to dad to never take the credit. He works the hardest for this event. “I just want to thank this beautiful young lady beside me. She was kind enough to become my dance partner. We may not be blood but she is the daughter my wife and I never had but always wanted. Which brings me to my son. Thank you Ben for bringing this sweet girl into our lives. Our family is truly complete now.” Dad said hugging Becs tightly. “No problem dad.” I yell out making everyone laugh. I have no problem taking credit for finding my baby doll. My mom is ugly crying now. All happy tears. “Rebecca would you like to say a few words and tell everyone where this money will go?” He asked and she nodded her head smiling brightly. “Thank you for accepting me into your amazing family and for raising a truly wonderful young man that I love and cherish each and every day. And yes Ben, every time you and Matt were at the gym; your dad and I were practicing our routine. I saw you connecting the dots earlier. Thank you for the foot rub by the way. You helped me prepare for this dance without even realizing it.” I grinned devilishly finally making him blush for once. “Oh my gosh, I finally made my boyfriend blush.” I cheered causing everyone to laugh again. Ben just shook head chuckling as his mom prods him playfully. “Anyways, Mr. Wilder and I decided to donate this check to the non profit organization that is most in need at this time. It is the Earthly Angels Foster Care. So many kids are in need of a loving home that can provide for their needs. This money will be dispersed as the board of directors see fit. Rest assured, every last penny will go towards clothing, food, school supplies and whatever else is needed for approximately 1,000 parentless children across the state of California. I just ask that you research this amazing non profit. They offer so many ways to help. You can open your home to a child in need as a foster or potential adoptive family, you can sponsor a child monthly and even write letters once you are vetted or you can even become a mentor once your graduate their training program. That entails spending time with the child, who lives in a group home. Your job is to take the child out on adventures; hiking in the woods, going to a carnival or Disney land, watching a movie in the theater eating junk food. Any normal activity that all children should be able to enjoy no matter their background. It is a truly special program. And I hope you get involve. I have brochures for anyone whose interested. They will be sitting on the silent auction table. Thank you all and enjoy the rest of your evening!” Becs finished as radiant as ever.

They left the stage and made a B line for mom and me. We were so ecstatic. I opened my arms wide and Becs flew into into them. I lifted her and spun her around before placing her feet on the ground and hugging her tightly. “I’m so proud of you baby doll. You and dad were so amazing.” She looked up and smiled at me before puckering her pretty lips. I chuckled giving her what she wanted. We shared a sweet passionate kiss that only lasted a few moments. “Thank you, Benny.” She whispered before resting her head on my chest. I held her against me enjoying the closeness.

“Mathew Wilder. Who knew you had it in you.” Mom sobbed out hugging him tightly. “That was marvelous.” She added. “I had a great teacher.” Dad said proudly looking over at Becs. Her face was facing them as she cuddled into my chest. “Don’t listen to him Mrs. Wilder. He moved like Fred Astaire even before I gave any helpful tips. He’s a natural.” Becs said in a sing song voice. “Oh stop.” Dad chuckled.

“By the way son, was that who I think it was being escorted out earlier?” Dad asked. “It was.” I said not wanting to go into detail. He nodded before leading mom back to the dance floor. We will talk more later. “It was him, wasn’t it. He said his name was Joshua. I didn’t put two and two together until you came out.” Becs said quietly. I was hoping she wouldn’t have caught that. Who am I kidding. Hardly anything gets past her. “Yes, but baby there’s no need to worry about anything. He’s being dealt with as we speak.” I say calmly. “I know. I’m not worried.” She smiled. “Dance with me?” She added changing the subject. “As you wish my love.” I said stealing one more kiss before she pulled me onto the dance floor.