Page 88 of 4 Weddings and a Feud

The emcee stepped up to grab the microphone from Alex. “And mine is to remind you all that the first course is served. Everyone, find your tables, and let’s celebrate Cierra and Sawyer.”

Alex crouched, wincing as he put his palm on the stage and hopped to the dance floor. In a moment, he stood in front of Mary. “Really? You love me?”

She stepped closer to him and put her hands on his chest. His shirt front was damp with sweat, but she didn’t care. He’d put himself out there for her. He’d exposed his broken parts to her and everyone else at the reception. Her chest filled with a golden warmth.

“I always have.”

His mouth landed softly on hers, his kiss both familiar and new. There was a gentleness to it, an openness that welcomed her in. It told her they’d be starting the next leg of this road trip together, once they agreed on where to go. He’d let her take the wheel when he was tired, and they’d get off the highway when they needed to refuel.

Mary’s kiss promised she was more than along for the ride. She’d tell him what she wanted and needed, and she’d remind him to stop and take in the sights along the way.

But as she deepened it to hint at what she wanted from him later, he grunted and pulled back.

“What’s wrong?”

“Just a…a gift from the groom.” He touched his jaw gingerly and worked it around. “Nothing I didn’t deserve for showing up unexpectedly to my ex’s wedding.”

She skimmed her fingers along his swollen jaw and laid a gentle kiss on it. “I’m glad you came. But from here on out, you get a pass on karaoke.”

“Thank God. I never want to do that again.”

“It was a sweet gesture. I wouldn’t mind if you sang to me in the shower.”

“In the shower? I think I’ve got a much better use for my mouth than singing.”

Her skin tingled. “Show me after I’m done here?”

“Maybe I can show you now in the locker room.” He nipped her earlobe.

“Sorry, I’m on the clock. Which reminds me. You sent your regrets. I don’t have a seat for you.”

“I’m not a guest tonight. I’m part of your staff. Give me a job to do.”

“A job?” She glanced at his manicured hands that for many years hadn’t done anything more strenuous than click a keyboard. “Come on. I’ll show you how to cut a wedding cake.”

“Good. So I’ll know what I’m doing at our wedding.”

Her pulse hammered. “Our wedding?”

“You should know by now that once I decide I want something, there’s no stopping me.”

“But…we haven’t talked about it. And you haven’t asked me. I want a story to tell our grandchildren.”

“Grandchildren?” He swallowed. Then a slow smile broke across his face. “Don’t worry. I’ll give you a story that’ll make our grandkids blush.”

Epilogue

3 MONTHS LATER

When Mary stepped outside the Sistine Chapel, the November drizzle barely hit her new red cashmere beret before Alex flipped the umbrella up over her head.

“Thanks,” she murmured, tucking her chin into her also-new cashmere coat. It was a luxury, and her old parka would’ve done the job, but a honeymoon in Rome called for something special. Or so Alex told her when he offered to buy it for her.

But she’d proudly used her own card and the profits from her wedding planning business. Alex had also advised her that as a business owner, she should pay herself first.

The toasty-warm, soft cashmere was worth every penny.

“Put your beanie on.” She reached for the handle of the umbrella and ogled her new husband only a little as he pulled his blue knit cap over his dark waves. Despite his dorky hat, he was so handsome she couldn’t resist rising on the toes of her walking flats to kiss the pink tip of his nose.

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