Page 59 of Champagne Kisses
He walks in time to the music, escorting the maid of honor down the aisle before taking his place at the head of the line of groomsmen. As the flower girls process in, he looks around, obviously searching for someone. At last, our eyes meet and my insides turn to liquid heat at the promise in his gaze. How he feels about me is written all over his face just as it’s written on mine: he loves me. There is no doubt.
The ceremony was beautiful, though I felt every second I had to wait to be in Adam’s arms. He played the part of supportive best man well: handing Bryan the rings before the vows, and handing him his pocket square when he began to cry. Despiteall the pomp and circumstance, Bryan and Jessi appear to truly love each other. From the many weddings I've attended, that's not always the case.
Overflowing with emotion at the ceremony and the love I saw in Adam's eyes, I allow myself to imagine what Adam would be like at our wedding. Would he be strong, or would the magnitude of the day get to him?
At the reception, the newlyweds dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” before the DJ opens the floor up to everyone. Adam makes a bee line for me, pulling me out of my seat and onto the dance floor. I overhear a few people murmuring as we dance.
"Who is that woman dancing with the best man?"
"Why isn't she sitting with him at the head table?"
"I didn't know Adam was into women…like that."
Adam seems to hear none of the chatter, staring meaningfully into my eyes. I use the mantras to push aside my worries about what others think of me and simply enjoy the feel of Adam’s warm chest against my cheek.Whether you like it or not, Adam is here with me!
“You look amazing.” His voice raises goosebumps on my arms. I missed him so much!
“Thank you. You don’t look half bad yourself.” He caresses the skin on the back of my neck and I can’t help but shiver.
“This is why I wanted you to wear your hair up. Your neck drives me crazy.” His hand continues down my back to clutch my waist. “Among other things.”
My voice is stuck in my throat and I can only hum in appreciation. We sway wordlessly as Ed Sheeran sings about his soulmate taking him into her loving arms. As the song ends, Adam moves closer to whisper in my ear.
“We need to talk. Privately.” When I nod, he takes my hand and leads me off the dance floor. More stares and murmurs follow us as we make our way through the crowd. The maid of honor is also on the move, making a bee line directly toward us. Jesus, I hope she's not going to make a scene. This is awedding, for God sakes!
She stops abruptly, cornering us between another topiary and a table piled high with petit fours. She stares at our joined hands and looks…bewildered.
"Maya?…You're here?…withAdam?" I'm so shocked she knows my name, I forget to be offended at her implication that Adam wouldn't bring his girlfriend with him tonight.
"Yeah," I say, confused. "Where else would I be?"
What's-her-name cuts a sharp glance at Adam, who is unsuccessfully fighting a smile. He gestures towards me.
"Emily, this is my girlfriend, Maya." Emily's jaw drops wide enough to catch flies. "We've been seeing each other ever since the engagement party." I preen a bit at the pride in Adam's voice and give him a small peck on the cheek. If she didn't know he was seeing someone, maybe I can forgive her shooting her shot. Maybe.Someday.
She recovers quickly to paste a polite smile on her face. "It's nice to meet you officially, Maya. I hope you enjoy the rest ofyour evening." Then, just as abruptly as she stopped in front of us, she turns on her heel towards the bar. I look at Adam.
"Uh, what was that?"
He grabs my hand and resumes pulling me towards the hallway for some privacy.
"I'll tell you later."
As soon as we’re alone, I push him against the wall and kiss him until we’re out of breath. My lipstick is gone, and my hands are clinging to his shirt inside his jacket.
“God damn! That wassomekiss,” he says against my lips. I can tell he’s trying to get his breathing under control. I kiss him again, softly this time, kissing down his neck, pushing off his jacket, reaching for his bowtie before his hands come up to stop me.
“Wait a second. Wait, Maya.” He’s stopping me, but it’s not a rejection. He keeps holding my hands and places a kiss on my fingers.
“I don’t want to go any further without letting you know how I feel.” He swallows and looks unsure. He’s so cute when he’s nervous. He looks up and meets my eyes, the uncertainty gone.
“I love you. I love you and I want to be with you as long as you’ll have me.” I smile at him, my heart fully open, and touch his cheek.
“I love you too, Adam. I think I have for a while now.” He lets out a huge sigh of relief and pulls me into his arms, smiling ear to ear.
“Oh my God. That’s great news. Because if you didn’t love me back I was going to have to go with Plan B.” We start swaying gently to the music that seeps through the walls.
“What was Plan B?” He just smiles and shakes his head.
