Page 20 of The Billionaire's Engagement

The music started, a live string quartet playing a familiar classical tune, then all heads turned toward the aisle. The wedding party walked down the aisle, the groomsmen wearing crisp, black suits and the bridesmaids wearing sea-green-colored gowns.

I glanced at the groom, he looked nervous as he started down the aisle. Soon, the music shifted, the bride’s song played, and we all stood up. I felt Hudson’s arm around my waist, the warmth of being close to him enveloped me. He tugged me toward him. I watched Courtney walk down the aisle in an off-the-shoulder, form-fitting white gown. She looked beautiful.

I wondered what type of wedding Hudson would want. Did he want something classy, casual, or formal? Would he want tons of guests or just close friends and family? I imagined him up there waiting for me. Would he tear up watching me walk down the aisle toward him? I’ll never find out. It would be just another fantasy to add to the others I had of him.

We sat down, watching the rest of the ceremony, and it was beautiful.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the officiant announced.

We all stood up, clapping as the bride and groom walked down the aisle, followed by the rest of the bridal party. Hudson kissed the top of my head and I looked up at him, his blue eyes sparkling as he met my gaze.

“Come on, let’s join everyone for cocktail hour,” he suggested, taking my hand after I nodded in response.

Our fingers were interlaced as we held hands, walking toward the bar area where the cocktail hour was being held. His thumb brushing the back of my hand, comforting me.

“May I get an old fashioned and a mai tai for my fiancée?” Hudson asked the bartender, who quickly got our drinks made.

Hudson handed a glass to me.

“Thank you, baby,” I said.

“Of course, angel.” He flashed that sexy smile of his and I was weak in the knees.

The reception was close by. A large tent with round tables was decorated with high centerpieces of crystals, candles, and large floral arrangements. A crystal chandelier and fairy lights hung above. There was a photo booth at the corner of the room, a dessert bar, and a five-tier wedding cake.

This wedding was beautiful, but this was overly done. It was over the top…but to each their own. Every woman dreams of their wedding ever since they’re a little girl. If this is what Courtney wanted, then who am I to judge?

“What do you think of the wedding so far?” Hudson asked, taking me aside, away from others.

“It’s beautiful…a little over the top, but beautiful,” I said, then took a sip of my drink.

“Courtney has always been materialistic and over the top.” Hudson chuckled. “She blows through money without a care in the world.”

I rolled my eyes, then laughed. “Definitely doesn’t know the definition of what hard work is, I assume?”

“You are correct. She never worked and doesn’t plan to ever. Everything was given to her on a silver platter. I feel sorry for Kevin, but that’s his choice to marry her. I’m glad I’m not with her anymore.” He gazed into my eyes and there was a glint in them, as if they were telling me that he was happy to be with me.

We stared at one another, not saying a word. There was a sizzle in the air between us, his eyes darkening and getting intense. Then he cleared his throat, his demeanor changing.

“Looks like the reception is going to start soon. Let’s take our seats.” He offered his arm which I accepted, then we walked to the open tent where the reception was held.

We were served a three-course meal, watched the bride and groom dance their first dance, the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance, and the newlyweds cut their cake.

Soon after, the DJ started to play Top 40 hits and guests were going onto the dance floor.

Hudson draped his arm on the back of my chair and leaned into my ear.

“Are you having a good time, baby?” he asked, his voice low.

I twisted my head toward him and smiled. “I am, are you?” I asked, cupping his jaw, stroking the scruff on his jawline with my thumb.

“Yeah, I am.” He gazed into my eyes, there was a crackle in the air between us, then he leaned forward, placing a soft kiss to my lips.

I smiled against his lips. “How about we go dance?”

He pulled back slowly then chuckled. “I don’t dance, sweetheart.”

“Everyone can dance,” I said, standing up and taking his hand.

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