Page 98 of From Wink to Kink

Chuck and I are locked in our own private world now, the rest of the room fading away. Every word of this speech feels like it's meant for us, describing exactly what we've found in each other.

"And vows," Rake continues, "like an agreement, are sacred. They should never be broken."

For a moment, I feel a pang of guilt. Here we are, keeping our relationship on the down-low at Tyler and Lucy's wedding. But then Jonas adds…

"But maybe they can be renegotiated, like a contract, to ensure everyone's needs are met."

Chuck's lips quirk up in a small smile, and I feel my own lips mirroring his. It's like Jonas is giving us permission, telling us it's okay to do this our way.

"May you always meet each other's needs," Rake says, his voice thick with emotion, "as you grow old and even happier together."

"To Tyler and Lucy!" Jonas concludes, raising his glass high.

The room erupts in cheers and applause, but I barely hear it. I'm lost in Chuck's eyes, in the promise I see there. In this moment, I want nothing more than to stand up, walk around this table, and kiss him senseless, everyone else be damned.

But I can't. Not yet. So instead, I raise my glass along with the rest of the room, my eyes never leaving Chuck's. "To Tyler and Lucy," I mouth silently, but we both know what I really mean.

To us.

As the music starts up again and people begin to filter onto the dance floor, I excuse myself from the table. I need a moment, just a brief respite from the intensity of… it all.

I find a quiet corner near the bar, lean against the wall, and take deep breaths. I'm so lost in my thoughts I don't notice someone approaching until I feel a warm hand on the small of my back.

I know it's Chuck before I even turn around. I'd know his touch anywhere.

"Hey, you okay?"

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Being this close to him, his warmth, his scent... it's intoxicating.

"That speech," Chuck murmurs, his thumb tracing small circles on my back. "It was..."

"I know," I whisper. "Chuck, I?—"

"There you are!"

We spring apart as Lucy appears, her face flushed with happiness and too much champagne. "Ruby, I've been looking everywhere for you! It's time for the bouquet toss."

I force a smile, trying to ignore the lingering warmth of Chuck's hand on my back. "Of course! I'll be right there."

Lucy beams, then turns to Chuck. "And you, mister, better get out there for the garter toss. Who knows, maybe you'll be next!"

If only she knew.

As Lucy drags me away, I chance one last look at Chuck. He's watching me go, his eyes dark with longing. I feel an answering pull in my own chest, a physical ache to be leaving him.

Soon. Soon we can be open.

The bouquet toss is a blur of giggles and flailing arms. I hang back, not particularly interested in fighting for a bunch of flowers. Besides, I'm pretty sure I've already found my happily ever after, even if we're keeping it under wraps for the moment.

To my surprise and mild horror, the bouquet ends up in my hands anyway, falling neatly into my arms as if guided there by some mischievous fairy godmother. The crowd cheers, and I feel my face heat up as all eyes turn to me.

"Well, well," Tyler says, grinning as he prepares to toss the garter. "Looks like little sis might be next down the aisle. Better make this a good throw, boys!"

I watch, half-amused and half-terrified, as the single men gather. Chuck is among them, looking decidedly uncomfortable.Our eyes meet across the room, and I see a flicker of determination cross his face.

Tyler launches the garter, and it's like watching a hockey game in slow motion. Chuck moves with the grace and precision I've seen on the ice, easily outmaneuvering the other guys to snatch the garter out of the air.

The crowd goes wild, and I feel my heart skip a beat. Chuck holds the garter aloft, a triumphant grin on his face, but his eyes are locked on mine. In that moment, it's like everyone else disappears. It's just us, Chuck and Ruby, and the promise of a future together.

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