Page 51 of Marry Me, Right Now

My old friend Liam had agreed to walk me down the aisle, and he held my arm gently, giving me a little squeeze now and then. He’s always had a comforting energy, which kept me from exploding from stress.

Then I saw Jacob smiling at me. The look in his eyes clearly said that I looked the part. But as I got closer, I saw something more. He was beaming. Maybe he was proud of me? Or relieved that I cleaned up well?

I actually got a little misty as Liam kissed me on the cheek, then took my hand, placing it symbolically in Jacob’s. I instantly relaxed a little. From this moment on, I’d be beside him, and he would take care of me. I almost laughed when I realized some brides would be having the exact same thought, but be thinking about the rest of their lives, not pulling a scam on family and friends for the next year.

Jacob had selected the officiant, who he had met at his friend’s wedding last winter. Mr. Bertram was a warm, funny man who kept things light with a few sweet jokes, stories about love, and very short vows.

The only thing we changed, hoping that nobody would notice, was the line, “Until death do us part.” Apparently it was becoming a common thing among superstitious brides that mentioning death at a wedding was incredibly bad luck. We changed it to, “For as long as we shall both grow in love.” That was certainly more romantic, and a bit more honest in our case.

Before I even knew what was happening, our wedding bands were on, and I heard the words, “You may now kiss the bride.” Turning to Jacob in a daze, he smiled sweetly as he swept me into his arms.

I thought he would keep it chaste, a simple peck since it was a formal occasion. But as his lips dissolved into mine, I sensed so much more. He wanted me, I could feel it. This sweet, handsome, sexy man wanted me through and through. Our lips parted slightly, both of us trying to hold back our obvious hunger.

The feeling was fascinating, but my brain wasn’t really checked in enough to analyze it. My guts, my body, my bones, all suddenly wanted him with a thirst that poured through me. The stress of the past few weeks dissolved, and all I knew was that I wanted to stay in his arms, where everything was warm and simple.

He reluctantly pulled away, and a look of pure shock flashed between us. Jacob’s lips curved up in a charming smile, as he turned us toward the c

rowd while they cheered. As his hand moved to the center of my back, I could feel his palm flinch in surprise. He shot me a sharp glance, and I gave him a saucy wink. My dress was backless, and as those warm, firm fingers meandered across my bare skin, I knew I had made the right choice. This would keep me calm, and keep him touching me, all night long.

JACOB

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FOR THE PHOTOS

As everyone was entering the hall just before dinner, I pulled my new bride aside. “Mia, I’m sorry. I know we’re keeping things businesslike and friendly between us, but I need to say something.” She looked worried, as if she had done something wrong. “Sweetie, you are always astounding beautiful. But today you’re so radiant... It’s like light is bending around you to create a halo. I can’t stop staring at you.”

Her bottom lip quivered, her eyes becoming glassy with tears. “I, um...”

“Shh,” I murmured, wrapping my arms around her. Whispering into her ear, I said, “I just noticed that the photographer is locked on us.”

She tilted her chin up, then something changed in her eyes. “Okay, then let’s give him a shot,” she whispered. Stretching up, she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. This was nothing like the pre-wedding kisses, or even that surprisingly steamy ceremony kiss. Her lips parted, her back arched, and she let something go – giving herself to me. Clutching the bare skin across her back, I returned the kiss as we leaned into each other.

The way her delicate fingers trailed along the back of my neck made my heart lurch, and having her tiny, sexy body pressed against mine was nearly more than I could process. Every primal force in my being screamed at me to whisk her away now, take her hot and fast until she cried out for me to never stop.

We had kissed a few times now, and each time the heat between us seemed to grow. But in this instant, I genuinely felt that she wanted me as desperately as I wanted her. Eight million dollars, my inner voice reminded me. I released her gently, kissing her softly one more time.

“I’m sorry,” she gasped, looking horrified. “Something just came over me.”

“It’s a very romantic day,” I said, taking her hand gently. “We’re absolutely soaking in romance.” That made her giggle. “If we accidentally go with the flow here and there, it’ll just help sell the show.”

She laughed louder, the high, sweet sound like birds chirping. “Right. Well, let’s give them a great show, as long as it involves some food, or I’m going to pass out!”

M I A

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HUGE PARTY

Thank goodness for Zachary. While everyone wandered in, taking their time to be seated, a server set a glass of orange juice, cheese, and crackers in front of me.

“Zachary said that you must eat something immediately, and it’s an order.”

“Thank you,” I laughed, drinking the juice immediately, then nibbling a few bites. My stomach was tight, and I knew I had to do another lap around the room, but this blissful moment off my feet was wonderful.

I’d read about brides saying their wedding day was a blur, and I couldn’t quite understand what they meant. But I’d been surrounded by people all day since being woken by the hair and makeup team. By the time Rayanne and Lauren arrived, I’d had a very gentle facial, a manicure, a coffee, and a protein drink.

By the time all three of us had been glammed up, with a round of mimosas at some point, I was already wondering how I would make it through the whole day.

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