Page 95 of It's Complicated

I track his progress across the room, admiring the way his behind fills out his tux as he joins the other guests already gathering around the cake table, chattering compliments about the white sugar roses and edible pearl decorations.

Jace returns with a plate of cake in each hand and a smear of frosting on his upper lip, which makes him look so darn cute I could melt.

“Couldn’t resist, huh?” I ask, stealing one of the napkins in his hands to wipe his cheek.

“You know red velvet is my favorite.”

“I thought I was your favorite?”

Still balancing two plates of cake in his hands, Jace somehow manages to pull me into him. “You are my favorite,” he says, “and my second favorite is red velvet cake.” Jace kisses me. A deep kiss that tastes like sugar and paradise and only ends when my knees have turned into jelly.

“Come on,” Jace says, leading me to our table to eat the cake. Servers are meandering through the guests with glasses of champagne on trays, I grab two flutes and bring them to the table with us.

We’re the only ones back, and Jace steals Mrs. Collymore’s seat to be next to me.

Jace’s gaze is full of promise as he grabs one glass and lifts it. “To the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.”

Our eyes lock, and time slows down. His gaze pulls me in, filling me with warmth, and I know he’s thinking the same thing I am.

This entire day is surreal, dream-like.

Jace and I are married.

39

LORI

Once the cake is gone, the party begins to wind down. The guests start saying their goodbyes and preparing to leave.

On the dancefloor, we watch Aiden, who’s had a few too many drinks, sway our way. He wraps his arms around Jace and me and teases, “You guys are going to be next.”

“Deal,” Jace agrees, grinning.

“I mean it,” Aiden insists, and for a moment, he looks serious. “I can’t be the only old married dude.”

My husband and I share a complicit smile, but also a subtle message. Today’s not the day to tell Aiden. It’s his day, his party, and it should remain about him and Kirsten. We will surprise them with the good news once they’re back from their honeymoon.

Jace gives me an understated nod and pats Aiden on the chest. “You won’t be, man. Not for long.”

Aiden lets out a loud whoop. “I like the way you think, brother. This calls for another round of drinks.”

Aiden grasps three glasses from a passing tray, struggling to hold all three in his hands. Jace relieves him of the bubbly and plants a solid glass of water in his hands.

“Hey,” Jace says, “My role as best man compels me to point out you have some marital duties to attend to later that you don’t want to be too wasted for.”

Jace’s eyes flicker to me as he says this, and my cheeks catch fire.

Aiden gives us his best shocked look, but the hint of a grin quirks the corner of his mouth. “You could be right, man.” The groom puts up his hands. “Speaking of… how long do you think I have to wait before I steal the bride?”

Jace shrugs. “Your wedding, dude, your call.”

Aiden nods. “I’m going.”

The groom skirts across the room and tackles Kirsten into a hug, dragging her toward the exit door.

Kirsten protests at first, but then he whispers something in her ear and she blushes, following him willingly.

Two months ago, seeing them so happy, so in love, and so randy, would’ve eviscerated me, but now only happiness spills in my heart.

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