Page 83 of Claiming Becca

I knew he’d love this dress. I love this dress. When I reach the end of the aisle, I take my spot, and my eyes never leave Connor’s. He’s so handsome in his tuxedo. It should be illegal for a man to be able to look as good as he does. I can’t wait to kiss him. We make it through the vows and then walk back down the aisle, but I’m on his arm this time. When we get out into the hallway of our venue, he pulls me aside and wraps his arms around me.

“You look fucking gorgeous.” He murmurs against my mouth before kissing me long and deep. We pull away from each other reluctantly, becoming aware of all the people.

“You look pretty hot yourself,” I tell him. He winks at me and grabs my hand. Bailey waves at us, so we walk over to her.

“Come on, you two. It’s time to go take pictures.” Bailey hugs me tight then we go outside, where the photographer and the rest of the wedding party await us.

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” Bailey whispers as Julian wraps his arm around her and pulls her against his side. I smile up at Connor, and he pulls me close too.

“It was,” I murmur. Today was utterly unexpected. The planning was very rushed, but I think it turned out beautifully. We all gather around as the photographer gives us instructions. We spend almost an hour taking photos as the guests make their way to the reception. We’re close to being done taking pictures, and I glance up at Connor nervously. He gives me an encouraging smile.

“Everything will be fine.” He whispers. We each take some pictures, and it’s Victor and Liv’s turn. The photographer puts them exactly how he wants them and begins to take the last few pictures.

“Do something spontaneous!” The photographer tells them. Liv glances up at Victor with uncertainty, and my lips thin. He smiles at her, wraps his arm around her waist, puts another hand behind her neck, then dips her. Liv laughs and follows his lead.

“Perfect.” Pictures are snapped. Once he’s done, Victor lifts Liv and runs his thumb over her chin. I sigh as I watch them together. Liv will eventually realize this is not a show. He means every touch and every look. My eyes scan the streets, and that’s when I see it. I hit Connor with my hip and gesture to the street. The black Mercedes Benz drives slowly down the street, and we all share looks. Victor wraps his arm around Liv and pulls her close, brushing his lips along her forehead.

“Let’s go.” He announces, and we all follow his lead. Sherrif’s deputies are here, so we’re counting on their presence to deter Donovan from reacting. He slows down considerably, but he doesn’t stop. The car keeps going, and we all visibly relax. We all head to the reception. When we get in the car, Connor looks at me and smirks.

“We’re doing some line dancing tonight.” He exclaims. I clap my hands excited.

“Do you think Julian and Bailey will join us?” I ask him. He laughs and nods.

“Definitely.” It doesn’t take us long to get to the reception. We all walk in; the DJ is already playing music, giving me an itch to start dancing. Connor wraps his arms around me and pulls me back to his chest as we line up.

“They’re coming,” Caroline exclaims. “She’s so beautiful.” She sighs. We all nod in agreement. The DJ turns the music down as they get to the door.

“Everyone, let’s welcome Mr. and Mrs. Valentine.” There are claps and whistles as Liv and Victor walk in hand in hand. They walk over to us, and Liv still looks uneasy, but there’s a smile on her face as she gazes at Victor. Ansley steps forward and wraps her arms around Liv, hugging her tight. The girls take it as a cue and gather around her to do a group hug while the guys chat with Victor. Liv glances around at us.

“Do you think it worked?” She asks. I nod and rub my hand down her arm.

“Don’t worry, Liv. Enjoy your day. Okay?” She sucks in a breath and smiles, her eyes flitting to Victor. There’s uncertainty there, but there’s also hope.

“You’re right. Today is my day. I’m going to dance with Victor.” She tells us. We watch as she approaches him and puts her hand in his. He smiles down at her and then follows her out on the dance floor. He places his hands on the small of her back and pulls her close. He whispers something in her ear, and she starts giggling. His eyes are soft as he gazes at her, his fingers come to her chin, and he tips her face up before brushing her mouth with a kiss. It won’t take long for Liv to realize this is real. She may have married him out of a sense of duty to keep people safe, but I’m sure they will stay married for different reasons. After a few minutes, people join them, and Connor pulls me out on the dance floor.

“A duck walks into a bar and buys everyone a round.” He says, and I’m already smiling as I wait. “Then he told the bartender to put it on his bill.” I throw my head back, laughing, and he laughs with me.

“I love you so much, weirdo,” I tell him. He leans down and kisses me.

“I love you even more.” He murmurs against my lips. The rest of the night passes in a blur of dancing, cake-eating, and lots of laughs.

“We need all the single ladies to gather around. Mrs. Valentine is ready to throw the bouquet.” I glance around at the other girls. Bailey grabs my hand and pulls me, but Ansley and Caroline stay.

“What are you two doing?” I ask. Ansley waves her finger at me.

“I’m no longer considered single.” She says. Lincoln asked her to marry him on her birthday a few weeks ago. I glance at Caroline, and she arches an eyebrow.

“We may not be engaged, but I had his baby. I’m not single.” She says. Bass grabs her and pulls her close.

“Damn straight!” He exclaims. I shake my head and glance at Connor, shrugging.

“Come on!” Bailey pulls me along, so I join her. Liv gets into position. So many women are up here, and they’re all pushing each other to get in front. I shake my head at the theatrics. Liv swings the bouquet over her head once, then twice, but suddenly she stops and turns around. I don’t understand what’s going on. This is the first wedding I’ve ever been to, but I don’t think this is right. She comes to stand in front of me and hands me the bouquet. I grab it automatically and look from it to her.

“What’s going on?” I ask her. She smiles wide at me and then hugs me. When she pulls away, she turns me around, and Connor kneels there with a ring box out. My hands come up to my mouth in shock.

“Becca, you’re my best friend and the love of my life. I don’t want to do life without you. Will you marry me?” He grins up at me. My hands are still covering my mouth. I think I’m in shock. He chuckles, and that breaks me out of my stupor.

“Yes!” I run to him and throw myself at him, almost making him fall. He stands just in time to catch me, though. I wrap my arms around his neck and lift my feet off the floor. He twirls me twice and then gently places me back on my feet. He places the beautiful ring on my finger. It’s a pink diamond ring with a rose gold band. My mouth pops open as I look from it to Connor and then back to it.

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