Page 25 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

"Well, I have been thinking about moving forward in my personal life, so maybe this bouquet will bring me luck and love."

As they exchanged another look, I felt like a third wheel. Every word they spoke, every glance between them, seemed like it held some hidden meaning.

But then Megan asked the four of us to stand together, with Colin and Allison on one side and Andrew and me next to them. He put his arm around my shoulders, and my tension eased. I told myself it didn't matter if Allison still had a thing for Andrew. He was with me. He was my husband. And if he'd wanted to be with her, he would have been.

After a dozen more shots, Megan said it was a wrap, and I had never been so relieved to hear those words. We took the next twenty minutes saying goodbyes, ending with Victor and Paula Carrington.

"Thank you again," I told them. "This has all been amazing, better than I could have ever imagined my wedding being. I really appreciate all of it."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Victor said. "And thank you both for giving us so much great material to use in our campaign."

"You two are very photogenic," Paula commented. "Or maybe it's love that gives you that glow."

I didn't feel like I was glowing right now. I felt exhausted and wrung out, but apparently my makeup was still giving off the shine it was supposed to.

"We'll see you tomorrow for brunch," Victor added. "Some of our friends from the media are looking forward to speaking to you both at greater length."

I'd almost forgotten our duties would continue tomorrow. The events would be smaller and less formal, but they still required our attendance.

"We're looking forward to it," Andrew said, shaking Victor's hand.

Victor opened his arms to me, and I gave him a hug, and then shared a quick and very light embrace with Paula. Andrew did the same, and then it was time to leave.

We didn't have to say anything further to the crowd. We just waved goodbye as we left the banquet room. We were followed down the steps by some of our guests and the photographers and videographer, who captured us getting into the horse-drawn carriage waiting to take us on a starlit ride through the resort and then up to the hotel. It was all very romantic.

When we finally pulled away and the bright lights and cameras were gone, I looked at Andrew in the moonlight and felt a wave of relief.

He cupped my face and gave me a kiss, then said, "We did it, Mrs. Chadwick."

I couldn't help but feel a little thrilled with my new name. "I can't believe it's over."

"I hope you had some fun today."

"The best part was when we said our vows and now," I said as we exchanged another hot kiss in the cool night air.

"I agree. It's back to you and me, Lauren."

"I never thought we'd get here. My head is still spinning from all the people I had to talk to, all the smiles I had to give. My face is actually aching from those forced smiles."

"I hope they weren't all forced," he said, a questioning gleam in his eyes.

"They were never forced when I was looking at you, Andrew."

"Good."

"I just wish we didn’t have to do brunch tomorrow, and I've heard talk of other events, too. I thought we were going to be on our own for the next few days, but it doesn't look like that will happen."

"I can guarantee you it won't. Bennett told me he has a horseback riding session planned for tomorrow afternoon with some of his favorite influencers. We'll be doing that after brunch."

I sat up straighter. "Seriously? Horseback riding?"

"Yes. What's the problem?"

"I've only ridden a horse once, and I didn't like it."

"It will be fun, Lauren. A slow, picturesque ride through the hills. We won't be racing or anything."

"I'd still like to get out of it."

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