Page 87 of Ski You Later
Turning back to the table, I see Roman pull out the recently vacated seat, and Daniel storm off somewhere behind us. “That was fun,” Roman says with the most emotionless voice I’ve heard yet. I grin fully at him and love the way his features soften as he looks back at me.
The sound of applause and cheering bring us back to the present, and we quickly stand and welcome the bride and groom. The happy couple waves to everyone as they walk in, making their way to the head table.
The bridal parties’ eyes are filled with love as they watch the newlyweds enter, with the exception ofone. Jasmine’s stare is still pinned on me as she slowly claps her hands together.
I don’t know if it’s the few sips of wine I’ve had, or if Roman has just emboldened me lately, but I smile smugly back as I send a wink her way.
Speeches, dinner, games, and the first dance go by in a blur. Julian holds his new bride, who’s name I totally remember, close to him as they sway to the music. The slow tune is filled with love and passion, ensuring everyone in the room watches in awe at the two love birds.
We’re at the back of the crowd, placing ourselves near the corner so we have a semblance of privacy. Roman’s hands wrapped around my middle as soon as it started, his chest fitting snuggly against my back as we sway back and forth. I feel as his chin rests lightly on top of my head, and I feel nothing but peace in this moment.
“This wedding is beautiful,” Roman whispers. His lips ghosting over the shell of my ear, as I lean farther into him.
“It really is. I would love a wedding like this one day,” I say into the space before us.
I’m pulled closer into Roman as his cheek rests lightly against the top of my head. “I want that one day too, Langley.”
His words register slowly but sit so right with me as I turn in his embrace. I slip my palms up his chest until my hands lock around his neck. The steadying weight of his arms wrapping around my waist brings a smile to my face, and I naturally tilt my mouth up.
I’m met halfway without a second thought, and Roman’s lip are gentle as we melt into each other. Our relationship is so fresh and has so much growth ahead of it, but just the fact that we seem to have to same end goal makes this kiss so much sweeter.
His reluctance is obvious as he slowly pulls away, but we both know this isn’t about us right now. I’m just happy no one has taken their attention off the happy couple, and I return to leaning back into Roman’s hard chest. His hands move up to my shoulders, wrapping around them and holding my close.
Clapping and cheers erupt once again as the atmosphere changes from romantic to electric. The warm lighting switches to a disco ball in minutes, and everyone floods the floor as the real party starts.
I extend my hand to Roman, knowing it’s a long-shot, and that he probably just wants to sit down.But I can’t keep the megawatt smile off my face as he enthusiastically takes my hand, switching positions with me as he drags me on the floor.
Dancing fills the time and Carlos and Henry find us after a while. Car quickly leaves when one of the groomsmen steals him for a dance, but Henry stays by our side and parties his heart out. A couple dances quickly turns into twenty as the drinks keep flowing, and the alcohol numbing my feet gives me no reason to stop.
Roman’s the biggest surprise so far. The man hasn’t left my side for a second, as he uses his two left feet and dances in a manner that has me laughing hysterically.
The bride and groom left for their honey-moon over an hour ago, but it’s obvious the rest of the room plans to stay until we’re kicked out.
I grab Roman’s hand as the music crescendos, pulling me into his frame and randomly beginning to salsa right in front of him. “Langley, what is this,” he says filled with laughter. That joyous expression taking over his face as he tries and fails to match my steps. The energy between us is natural and it just makes my smile continue to grow.
As I try and think of a new ridiculous dance I can make him do, feedback suddenly erupts from themicrophone. Everyone on the floor cringes at the noise and the music comes to a stuttering halt. The drunken group whips their attention to the front, and my eyes immediately widen at what I see.
The drunkest version of Daniel I’ve ever seen takes the stage, his dress shirt unbuttoned, his hair a tousled mess, and a very distressed Jasmine holding him back.
The room waits silently in shock as Daniel taps the microphone harshly a couple more times and stares out at everyone. “Many of you all know me, already. I’m practically as family as the married lady,” he slurs into the mic and stumbles back into Jasmine.
She promptly tries to wrestle the microphone from his hands, but he just holds her to him in a one-armed hug. Successfully pinning her arms to her side as he has trouble focusing on the crowd in front of him.
I turn in shock and I see both my brothers reflecting my emotions. Carlos’ jaw might as well be on the floor, and Henry’s wide eyed as he puts both his hands over his mouth. I’m too scared to look at Roman, fearful he’s going to judge me forever dating this train wreck. But as I turn to my other side, I see the undeniable smirk that he’s trying desperately to suppress.
“You cannot be laughing right now,” I whisper furiously to him.
He looks down at me, placing his hand on my hip as he steps closer to me. “I’m not laughing, Langley. I’m just thinking of something funny, that’s all.”
I don’t believe him for one second, but echoed words from the stage snap my attention back to the front. “Anyway, I need to say something important. Marriage is all about commitment, about finding that person that makes you happy and holding onto them tight.
“I’ve met the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with, and I couldn’t love her more if I tried. I want to take this next step with her, and she wants the same from me.” Jasmines stopped struggling now, and lightly steps away from Daniel. Her face shines with anticipation and the room waits eagerly for what he’s about to say.
As his gaze turns to Jasmine, he quickly looks past her until he finds me in the crowd. “Rhodes Langley, will you marry me?”
CHAPTER 34
And here I thought she couldn’t get any more beautiful.
