Page 49 of Wedding Games
Henry gave Rory a look. ‘You’ve met my parents? All three of them?’
Rory nodded.
‘And you must know how my father makes money?’
He shook his head. ‘I haven’t a clue. I like to pretend most of the world doesn’t exist.’
‘I wish I could,’ Henry replied. ‘My dad runs sex parties. Been doing it since before I was born.’
Rory shrugged. ‘Honestly, I’d rather have your entire family living in my cabin than have Brad Bauer as a father-in-law. Want to swap?’
Henry smiled. ‘He is rather… erm, energetic?’
Rory couldn’t help but smile. ‘He’s a Duracell bunny that’s been accidentally hooked up to a nuclear reactor.’
The two men lapsed into silence. Rory remembered how he felt about his family’s legacy when he was Henry’s age. Henry may be better looking and better dressed than Rory, but he looked as Rory had once felt. Like the weight of familial expectations was bearing down on him.
‘I never wanted any of this, either,’ Rory said. ‘But when my dad died, I was forced to come back. You can’t avoid what you were born into forever, but you can make it work for you. You’re not your father. Do things your way.’
Henry shrugged. ‘It’s impossible.’
‘Bollocks,’ Rory replied good naturedly. ‘Look at me. When I first met Zoe, she said I looked like I slept in a hedge and called me a man-bear, yeti, mutant-redneck-hobbit, hobo. Now she’s bloody married me. I’m living proof miracles can happen.’
Rory’s sporran interrupted the moment by playingI’m a Barbie Girl.
He glanced at Henry as he pulled it out. ‘It’s the so-called “best” man.’ He answered the call. ‘Yeah?’
‘It’s time for the most important part of the day,’ Charlie said in his ear.
‘Dinner?’
‘No,’ Charlie replied. ‘My speech.’
‘I’m on my way.’ He hung up and turned to Henry. ‘Grub’s up if you want any?’
Henry smiled. ‘Thanks. Sounds good.’
8
Saturday – The wedding breakfast
Zoe was in heaven. Her left hand was in Rory’s and her right was delivering chocolate mousse and Prosecco at regular intervals to her mouth. Three orgasms had reduced her stress tenfold, and she was now relaxing with her friends.
Rather than have a long top table, she and Rory sat with Sam, Jamie, Fiona, Duncan, Valentina, and Charlie. Her parents were with Morag, Big Jim, and some distant relations, and Brad and Barbara presided over their own table alongside those lucky enough to sit with the King of Hollywood and his queen.
Rory held her hand, his thumb moving back and forth over her wedding and engagement rings.
She finished her pudding and kissed his cheek. ‘I love you, husband,’ she whispered in his ear.
He turned, his lips brushing across hers. ‘I love you more, wife,’ he growled.
She grabbed a clump of his hair and deepened the kiss.
A loud whistle broke them apart.
‘Plenty of time for that later,’ Charlie said. ‘Speeches are coming up.’
Rory stiffened beside her.
