Page 63 of Tamed By You

The music begins to play from the orchestra sitting to the side of the church. “Until I Found Her” Stephen Sanchez plays, and the words couldn't be more fitting. Lexi and Elle make their way down the aisle looking utterly adorable.

Then comes Gabby, looking beautiful and graceful, and then Ali. My eyes are immediately drawn to the blonde gliding down the aisle, in a sage green satin gown, looking like a goddess. She looks mythical; too stunning for this earth, as she makes her way to the altar. Just as she turns to take her place on the opposite side I stand on, she gives a little wink, and it feels like a Cupid's arrow hitting me directly in the heart.

Shit, I’m in trouble here.

The guests stand to watch as Noah escorts Ria down the aisle. Ali turns to watch her friend, but all I can focus on is her. Tears prick her eyes as she bites the inside of her cheeks to prevent herself from crying. My instincts tell me to go to her, hold her hand and comfort her, but I can't.

She turns back to face me when Ria meets Jack at the altar, and I can’t help but smile. I stare at her throughout the service, not caring if anyone notices. When the minister declares them husband and wife, the church erupts into cheers and clapping.We pair up and follow Jack and Ria out of the church. Ali links her arm with mine as we walk down the aisle.

“You look stunning,” I whisper.” A blush creeps across her face, and she smiles, not looking at me, her gaze straight ahead to where we are headed.

“You are looking pretty damn fine yourself, H.”

Grinning like the cat that got the cream, we walk out, halting as we reach the steps of the church, the photographer calling for us to pose for a photo. Standing next to Ali I lean in, lowering my voice only loud enough for her to hear. “You’re staying in my suite tonight. Don't fight me on it.”

“Wasn't going too,” she whispers back. My eyes catch hers and the way she’s smiling at me makes me forget where we are for just a second. Her icy blue eyes are looking at me and only me, and nothing else matters right now.

The flash of a camera goes off and snaps us from our gaze.

“Okay, let’s try that again. You two face the camera please,” the photographer instructs, gesturing to me and Ali. We pose and he does his thing, one thought running through my head.

There is not a chance I can leave for London without her. I'm not close to being done with Alice Hart.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Ali

The entire day was the dream that Ria had been wishing for. Tears of joy and laughter were shed during the speeches, and in true Jack style, he had the entire room sniffling into tissues with his words for Ria.

“I made a promise to myself that should I be lucky enough to get a chance with you I would be brave enough to love you out loud, so here I am loving you out loud and I will spend forever showing you how much you…”

Jack's words cause a lone tear to trickle down my face. I swipe it away, looking up to see Harry watching me from across the table. Not wanting to get lost in his gaze I turn my focus back to Jack and Ria. We are all seated at one large round table, like one big dysfunctional, mixed-matched family.

Jack's words trail off as my mind wanders to the idea of family. I've never had one. Once my dad died, it was just me and Mom, if you could call her that. She was more of a manager who saw me as a cash cow, something of value, and when I lost that value, she tossed me out like a damaged pair of shoes. No longer needed, no longer fit for purpose.

Lexi wiggles in my lap, interrupting my thoughts, and I press a kiss to her forehead. This is the closest thing to family I have.

“...so please, raise your glasses to my beautiful wife, Mrs. Lawson.” We stand and raise our glasses and Jack dips toward Ria and kisses her. Her face beaming, her entire aura glowing in a way I have never seen it and I think that maybe I’d like to have that someday. I’m just not convinced I am worthy of that type of love.

“Man, you need to calm it with your words. You even made Brooding Brad over here shed a tear,” Harry jokes, tapping Brad on the back.

“I had something in my eye. I think it’s the breadstick Elle just snapped in my face,” he responds, avoiding eye contact with everyone except Elle, who’s sat on Gabby’s lap next to him. He gently bops her on the nose, and she lets out a little giggle, and the women around the table swoon. What is it about men and babies?

“Well, your mother barely made it through, son. We're so proud and happy for you both.” Jack’s dad’s voice fills the silence. If you want to know what Jack will look like in twenty-five years, just look at his dad. Tall, broad, the same jaw line and some salt and pepper hair; the man is a fox.

His mum, a beautiful, elegant, petite lady with brunette hair, blows her nose into the cloth napkin, barely able to get a word out. She is so similar to Anne, her ex-mother-in-law, but they have remained so close despite everything that happened. I know that relationship means the world to Ria, and now she hasJack’s mom too to love on her. They have such a bond already and they treat the girls as if they were their own grandchildren.

It makes me think of what my future might look like.What do I want from life?Marriage and kids have never been on the cards for me. Will I just end up alone, still going out till my legs can no longer withstand my partying ways?

My thoughts are interrupted when the band announces Jack and Ria’s first dance. We all make our way over to the dance floor and watch as they get lost in the song. “All My Life” by Kaci and JoJo—it couldn't be more perfect for them. Ria’s elegant white satin gown moves with her body as Jack takes control and moves them.

They look at each other like no one else is in the room, like no one else matters. A hand slips into mine, interlocking our fingers.

I don't need to look to see who it is. Harry’s calloused palms and thick fingers tell me exactly who it is. We watch on as the song nears the end. His thumb, gently stroking mine where they meet, and my thumb mirrors the movement.

My heart does a little flutter at the touch. I feel something, but I don't know what it is. I think about pulling my hand away, scared someone will notice but it’s as if I’m frozen in place, unable too.

Everyone claps and cheers as the song comes to an end, Jack spins Ria, pulling her back in and dipping her.

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