Page 73 of Not In Love

Diego barked out a pained laugh, his ribs aching from how hard he wanted to crush her against him. His hands fisted in her hair, his body trembling not from pain but from everything he didn’t have words big enough to say.

He tilted his forehead against hers, breathing her in, feeling her heart beat against his chest. “I love you. I’m going to say it so much that you’ll get bored of it.”

“Never. Please don’t stop, ever.” Kash smiled against him, tears slipping down her cheeks, her body trembling with the force of what she felt.

Diego closed his eyes and held her tighter, anchoring himself to the only thing that had ever mattered. Their not-in-love story was just beginning. And it was already the most beautiful thing he’d ever fought for and won.

CHAPTER22

It was a beautiful day for a wedding.

The late afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, honeyed light over everything. The backyard sparkled under strings of fairy lights, white flowers, and soft gold accents.

Muriel looked like a vision in white as Diego, somehow managing to look smooth even with one crutch, walked her down the aisle and handed her over to Kaif. Her brother looked radiant with happiness and her mother, of course, had cried like a baby.

To be fair, Kash had teared up too. It was impossible to remain untouched in the presence of such simple, sheer love.

Now, music floated through the air, laughter rippling across the lawn like a living thing. The newly wedded couple were making their rounds, meeting all the guests and seeking their blessings, before it was time for cake and a small reception.

Kash stood with Mona and Chaaru near the edge of the patio, bare feet digging into the cool grass, all three of them dressed in simple beige satin dresses that shimmered when they moved.

She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so light. So rooted. So ready to be part of something bigger than her own carefully guarded world.

Mona bumped her shoulder, before handing her a champagne flute. "Look at us," she said, a teasing lilt in her voice. "All grown up. Almost respectable."

"Almost," Chaaru echoed with a crooked grin, running a hand down her hip. Her dark eyes shone with laughter, but there was a softness underneath, something quieter and waiting.

Kash’s heart ached for her. Chaaru hadn’t found her ending yet. But she would. No one who saw her and DP together could doubt that they were meant to be together. With her own perspective now so different, it was easy to have faith in them.

“I know you aren’t big on weddings and the whole marriage thing, but we could all fly to Vegas and make it a double feature, you know? When DP’s back, I mean.”

Chaaru choked on her drink, making Mona hoot in laughter. Smiling, Kash dabbed at Chaaru’s chin with a napkin. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to shock you into choking. Did I go too far?”

Chaaru shook her head and took the napkin from Kash. “Of course you didn’t. All I want is a future with him, in whatever way I can get him.”

Kash nodded.

“Vegas, really?” Chaaru said, without missing a beat in teasing her back. “I thought you would go for a big wedding.”

“In the few minutes we got to talk at the ER yesterday, Diego made it clear he doesn’t want to wait. And honestly, I agree.” Kash sighed and looked up at the orange-pink streaks in the sky. “The big wedding was a dream when I was naïve enough to think love should look grand and loud and full of big gestures.”

“And now?” Mona asked softly.

“Now, as you very well know, Mona darling, all I want is time with him. But we’re both traditional enough to want to make it official and our mamas scary enough that it’s better to have a big reception/dance party after a quick wedding.”

“That sounds perfect,” Chaaru said, tangling her arm through Kash’s.

"Life's been good to us, girls," Mona said, lifting her champagne flute. “And remember we’re here for each other, yeah?”

“Yes, please,” Kash said, the words catching a little in her throat from the sheer weight of abundance. “I’m bracing myself to do this whole new mother in forties routine and I’m going to need you both.”

Chaaru chuckled. “Better you than me, babe. But,” she squished Kash closer, “I can’t wait to hold an infant again and drink in that baby smell. And I can promise you two days and two nights every month so that you and your soccer stud can run away.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to be an aunty, Kash,” Mona said, sudden excitement making her eyes glow. “I’m going to use this chance to get Dom to change diapers this time. He was too busy making money to help with my twins.”

“Poor Dom,” Kash said, giggling. Not that she had a single doubt that Dom would do anything to prove to Mona that his workaholic days were over.

“Together forever, ladies,” Char said, raising her own glass.

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