Page 117 of Lush

Mama won’t win this. The blackmailer won’t either.

The officiant’s voice was calm and practiced. I could hardly make out what he was saying, until finally, he signaled for the rings. Reese slipped one onto my finger.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

When his lips finally touched mine, it was an explosion of heat. The taste of him, sharp and familiar, filled my mouth, and my fingers curled into his jacket, pulling him closer.

“I love you,” I said, breaking the kiss.

A light shone in Reese’s eyes.

In his arms, I was home.

CHAPTER 22

Reese

I was married.

In the reception hall, the air crackled with energy; the glittering chandeliers reflected the movement of the crowd, a perfect blend of luxurious, vibrant chaos. In the corner, the string quartet flawlessly transitioned into a high-energy jazz number, causing guests to get up and dance.

“Congratulations!” a voice chimed nearby, and I turned, shaking hands with someone I barely recognized.

I scanned the room and found Laurene.

She was laughing, her head thrown back on the dance floor. She twirled, her ivory gown billowing with every spin. Gigi had her arm slung around Laurene’s shoulder, pressing a shot glass into her hand.

“Bottoms up, bride!” I could hear Gigi yell over the music.

She tipped the glass back, her sisters cheering her on. Even Serena cracked a rare, genuine smile before joining them on the dance floor, and the three of them fell into an impromptu routine, their movements fluid and perfectly in sync.

Laurene looked happy.

A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne, and I grabbeda flute. The sweetness hit my tongue, but it didn’t come close to the warmth blooming in my chest as I watched her.

I let my eyes drift over the crowd, and felt coldness run down my spine.

Yvonne and Harold stood together, heads bent. They weren’t laughing or sipping champagne like everyone else. Their conversation was quiet, hurried, with Yvonne gesturing sharply as Harold frowned and then she walked away.

Laurene caught my eye then, her cheeks flushed and her smile so wide it was almost too much to look at. She raised her glass to me, her movements loose and carefree.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. A quick glance at the screen revealed a message from my accountant:We need to talk about the accounts—urgent.

I slid the phone back.

“What’s up, brother-in-law?”

I turned to see Erik striding over, his grin easy, his hand extended for a dap. I met him halfway, the clap of our hands followed by a quick pull into a half hug.

“Erik,” I said with a nod. “You enjoying the party?”

“This is nicer than expected,” he said, taking a moment to scan the room. “Champagne flowin’, good food, good music. Gigi over there got Laurene takin’ shots like we at the club.”

“Yeah,” I murmured, watching her. “Everyone’s having a good time.”

“And you? You good?” Erik leaned on the back of a nearby chair, crossing his arms.

“I’m good.”

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