Page 110 of Out of the Blue

I’ve gotten to know Uncle Casey, Hazel, and Nia over the past months, and they’re awesome. Nia’s even talking about studying marketing and called me her role model. Me? I can’t believe it.

Our wedding planner appears. “Sorry to interrupt, but it’s almost time for the introductions.”

“Already?” I shake my head. “Today’s flying by so fast.”

Trent snags my hand. “Go on ahead, Auntie. Just promise me a dance.”

“You got it.” She and her family disappear down the hallway.

I turn to my husband. “Thank you so much for our wedding in Las Vegas. If today was my only ceremony, I don’t think I’d remember a second of it.”

He kisses me and everything else disappears. “I’ll give you everything you want on a platter. And if I haven’t already told you this, you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

“You might have said that a couple of times today. And you’re the most handsome groom ever invented.”

“Right answer.” His lips descend again.

Dwight clears his throat behind us. “Break it up, you two. It’s time for your formal announcement as husband and wife.”

Trent grumbles something under his breath at his best friend. I’m not sure what he said, but I’m sure I agree with him. It’s not like we haven’t been married for two months already. But then the MC—Brax—calls out our wedding party’s names and they sashay into the ballroom.

Brax announces, “And now, the couple we’re all here celebrating. Please give it up for my son, Trent Washington, and his gorgeous bride, Cordelia. Mr. and Mrs. Washington, come on in!”

The man at my side remains immobile. I tug on his arm and tearful eyes meet mine. “He just called me his son. Publicly.”

I smile as tears once again prick the back of my own eyes. “I heard.”

“And I liked it.”

I lift onto my tiptoes and kiss his jaw. “Me, too.”

The sound of clapping dances around us while we gather ourselves. We stride into the ballroom, which is festooned with flowers. It’s such a happy place.

Brax stands on the stage, his band assembled behind him. “And now, we’d like to play the Washingtons’ first dance song. We wanted to surprise you. We hope you like it. It’s called, ‘At Last.’”

Hunte begins playing the opening notes of the Etta James classic, updated with an amazing guitar solo by Brax. When his smooth vocals are added to the mix, Trent pulls me into his embrace. I rest my forehead against his pecs and we sway to the delicious beat.

“They should put this song out,” I comment.

“It’s only for us. And I think it totally rocks.” He licks his lips. “I want to say something to everyone. To thank them for coming, but—” He stops.

“You want to thank your father,” I whisper.

“I do.”

I kiss him to the sound of Brax’s sexy vocals and sexier lyrics. “I think that would be great.”

We continue dancing until the final note is sung and join everyone in applauding Hunte. Trent’s hands drop to his sides before everyone else’s. He kisses my cheek. “Here goes.”

He walks up to the stage and shakes the band’s hands. They clap him on the back and shower him with affection. As if he were one of them. Which he is.

I glance to my left where Melody and Chase have positioned themselves. To my right, King and Angie stand with their arms around each other. Sara pulls me in for a hug, while Rita’s behind me. Not to be outdone, Juanita drags her date over to my group. Far from feeling abandoned, I feel welcome.

Cherished.

Loved.

Trent hugs Brax and takes the mic. Hunte leaves the stage, but my husband motions for Brax to remain. He begins. “Cordy and I want to thank you all for coming tonight.”

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