Page 86 of Star-crossed Betas

“Nothin’. Doesn’t matter. Probably gonna die alone, is all.” When I look more closely at my usually serious and sensible older brother, I can see in his eyes he hasn’t slept well in a long while. He’s never been one to drink heavily, and at five pm, he already smells like a brewery.

“Come on, let’s get you some water and maybe a coffee; the night is young.” I wrap an arm around his shoulders to help steady him, and we make our way back over to the marquee.

Fee catches me the second we’re back inside.

“Babe, it’s almost time for our first dance,” he tells me. He’s bouncing on the balls of his feet, and his voice is laced with excitement.

“Gimme me two secs.” Glancing around the room, I try to locate my sister but can’t see her. When I lug Sam over to the bar to ask for some water and coffee, Jasper is there ordering a drink.

“Hey, Jasper, you couldn’t do me a favour, could you? It’s time for the first dance, and I need someone to help Sam sober up a bit. Could you make sure he drinks these?” I ask, knowing he can’t exactly say no since it’s my wedding day and all. He looks panicked, and his eyes dart around the room as if someone will jump in and save him from this very small favour. He’s out of luck on this occasion.

“Jasper won’t help me. Jasper hates me. He prolly wishes I was dead so e’rythin would be simple,” Sam mumbles and I’m not entirely sure what he’s talking about. Jasper rolls his eyes and wraps his arm around Sam so I’m no longer propping him up.

“Jesus. I don’t hate you, and I don’t wish you were dead. Here, drink this.” He says, holding the glass of water with a straw up to Sam’s lips. Content that responsibility for my very intoxicated brother has been palmed off onto someone else, I go in search of my husband.

I find Fee chatting to Alice and Benjy on the edge of the dance floor and sneak up behind him. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I have to go on my tiptoes to prop my chin on his shoulder.

“Ready for our first dance?” I ask. He turns his face and pecks a chaste kiss on my lips.

“So ready.” His enthusiasm is infectious, and I know the grin on my face must be a mile wide. Fee gestures to the DJ, who finishes Valerie by Amy Winehouse and then announcesthrough the microphone that it’s time for our first dance as husband and husband.

Fee takes my hand and pulls me along behind him to the centre of the now-empty dance floor. When ‘Turn’ by the Wombats starts playing through the speakers, I can’t help but laugh. I told Fee he could choose the song, and he’d wanted it to be a surprise. Fee’s smiling like the cat who got the cream. He puts his hands on my waist and squeezes gently. I wrap my arms around his neck, and we dance and sway to the music.

AsThe Wombatssing about running with the wolf pack when your legs are tired, Fee spins me out and back in again before dipping me low for a kiss. It’s hard to kiss him back while I’m smiling so wide, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Several of our guests begin to join us on the dance floor, including Niamh and Will, who appear to be doing some kind of salsa.

After dancing for a while, Fee and I go in search of some refreshments. He then takes a seat on a chair that’s on the edge of the dancefloor but near enough to the door so we can get the benefit of the cool, night air. He tugs me down onto his lap; I’m generally not one for PDA, but I reckon I can make an exception on my own wedding day.

We take a moment to enjoy watching our friends and family dancing and having fun together, and my heart could burst from being so full. I’m relieved to see Sam and Niamh dancing, and he’s looking considerably more sober than earlier in the evening.

In the far corner of the dance floor, I’m surprised to spot Will with Calvin; I didn’t think they really knew each other. Their differences should look comical, but they complement each other. Will’s slim build, porcelain skin and bouncy blonde hair contrast with Calvin, who must be close to six foot five with brown skin and his tight black curls cut short. Where Will’s energy radiates sunshine and combustible energy, Calvin is calm and steady, and he’s looking at Will adoringly. It mightbe nothing, but seeing a spark of potential for Will makes me unbelievably happy. He sacrificed so much for me when he married my sister, and I owe him so much.

When 'Just you and I'by Tom Walker starts playing, Fee taps my thigh gently so I stand up. We rejoin the dance floor, which is quieter now. Mostly couples swaying gently as the pace of the music slows down. We dance together in the centre of the room with our friends and family around us, but I don’t see anyone but him.

“Truth or Dare?” Fee whispers into my ear, sending a little shiver down my spine.

“Truth,” I reply, smiling at him.

“Hmmm, do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?” I can’t help but laugh, the memories from that fateful night under the waterfall invading my mind.

“Well, no girlfriend, because I don’t generally swing that way. But I do have a husband,” I reply, trying to keep a straight face but failing.

“Oh, that’s a shame.”

“Truth or Dare?” I ask.

“Truth.”

“Have you ever thought about kissing me?”

“Mm. Only every day for the past six years. Truth or dare?”

“Dare.” His eyes sparkle with mischief when I reply.

“I dare you to kiss your husband how you always pictured it.”

And I do.

Cupping his face in my palms and angling his head down to meet mine, I press my lips to his. I softly lick his bottom lip with my tongue, and he makes a contented rumbling sound in his chest.

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