Page 45 of Naughty and Nice
“We have,” we said in unison.
I’d answered the same during my last wedding, but it had been a lie, not the first and not the last.
Today’s answer was freeing and truthful. I was entering this marriage without coercion, freely, and wholeheartedly.
While I’d witnessed countless weddings, including my own, there was something deeper and more special about Father Gallo’s words tonight. It was as if they meant more than I’d ever before realized. When we said our vows, I kept my gaze on Nick, his dark yet sexy stare, the way his chiseled jaw clenched, and the tightening muscles in his temples.
I handed my flowers to Izzy and took Nick’s ring. My hands were steady as he placed the wedding band on my finger and as I placed the band on his.
Finally, Father Gallo lifted his hands. “Nicolas Ruiz, you may kiss your bride.”
Nick’s lips quirked. “My bride.”
“Your bride.”
The star-studded sky, ocean breeze, and patio of people disappeared as Nick’s lips took mine. I pushed upward on my tiptoes, feeling that tightening low in my stomach. When we finally pulled away, the world around us came back into focus.
“Señora Nick Ruiz,” Nick said. “That’s now your name.”
“It is.”
As we turned to face the congregation, I squeezed Nick’s hand for support. My sights landed on an older couple sitting in the last row. I wasn’t certain how I’d missed them before. I hadn’t seen them since Gerardo’s funeral.
My parents.
Chapter
Nineteen
Nick
* * *
“May I be the first,” Father Gallo said, “to introduce Señor and Señora Nicolas Ruiz.”
The guests stood and clapped.
Liliana’s grasp of my hand tightened, alerting me of unexpected alarm. Her glowing smile from a moment earlier was gone, the color drained from her cheeks. I followed her line of vision to the back row of guests. There was a couple present I didn’t recognize, but I was certain my wife did. “Are you okay?” I whispered.
It was as if my question pulled Liliana from a spell. Her soft brown eyes met mine, and her beautiful smile returned. “Of course, I’m your wife.”
“Are you able to walk to our reception or should I carry you?”
The sparkle was back. “I can walk.”
With her hand in mine, we made our way between the guests as congratulations came from both sides of the aisle. Once inside el Patrón and Mia’s house, I tugged Liliana to the front of the house, outside into the inner courtyard, trying for a moment of privacy.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
Once outside, I reached for her cheeks and pulled her face toward mine. This was the kiss I wanted to give her during the ceremony. She tasted of mint and spice. Liliana willingly allowed my tongue entrance as hers joined the tango. When I released her, she panted for breath, a smile curling her lips.
“I like your kisses.”
“That’s good,” I said, “I plan on doing that a lot more.”
Liliana looked around. Beyond the inner gates, guards patrolled with long guns. Yet within the courtyard, there was a sense of calm. The dark sky was filled with stars, as if God himself approved of our marriage, adding his own twinkling lights.
“Did you bring me out here just to kiss me?” she asked.
