Page 86 of Press Your Luck

“Are you okay, honey?” my mother asked as I waited outside the door to the ceremony.

“More than okay. Go sit. Make sure the boys are behaving.”

She laughed. “I’m not that capable.” She kissed me and entered the ballroom. I didn't feel the need to have anybody walk me down the aisle. My mother fussed a little bit thinking one of my brothers should do it, but I was my own woman, making my own choice to give myself to Pierce.

The music started, and Analyn, Ruby, and Betts entered the ballroom first. I followed, my gaze going immediately to Pierce. Next to him stood Porter, looking so handsome standing in as best man for Pierce. Reed and Bo were attendants as well.

I glanced at my mom who was weeping while next to her, my brothers looked uncomfortable in their nice suits. When they saw me looking at them, they smiled and all gave me a thumbs-up.

If I were capable of it, I might have run down the aisle and flung myself into Pierce's arms. Instead, with one hand holding flowers and the other gently rubbing my belly, I made my way to him, emotion welling inside me at the way his blue eyes shone with love for me. As I drew closer, he stepped forward, holding his hand out to me.

He took my hand, pulling me in close, and leaning down, he kissed my cheek. "You're so fucking beautiful Naomi."

I blushed.

The sermon seemed to take forever, but then, finally, the minister introduced us as husband and wife, and Pierce kissed me, sealing our hearts and souls together. I finally understood what elation felt like.

After the ceremony, we had the reception, and it was lovely how happy everyone was for us, regardless of whose team they were a part of. Everyone but Betts. Not that she wasn't happy for me, because I knew she was. But I could tell that being here was difficult for her.

When I first asked Analyn and Ruby about Betts as we were preparing for the wedding, Analyn shared how Betts had been engaged, but that he had not only hit on Analyn, but he had been cheating on Betts. I knew if my happily ever after was ripped away from me, I would be devastated, although it was a good thing that Betts didn't marry a philanderer.

Ruby had paired Betts up on a date with Laina’s teacher, Pete, who was a really nice guy. Ruby had been certain they'd be perfect for each other, but as I watched Betts drink yet another glass of champagne, I could see she didn't feel the same.

As Pierce and I mingled with our guests, I sought out Analyn and Ruby. "Is Betts okay? I’m worried about her."

Analyn and Ruby looked over at the table where Betts sat pouring herself another glass of champagne.

"Maybe you should send your boss over," Ruby said with a nod across the room to Todd.

I frowned. "Why?"

Ruby shrugged. "It's just the way he looks at her, you know."

Analyn nodded. "Yeah, I've seen that look before." She turned her attention back to me. "It was on Pierce when he would see you."

I laughed. "Todd and Betts? I don't think so. The guy is a serial entrepreneur and is easily bored. I'll be honest, I don't think he has a sex drive. I don't think he's been with a woman since he divorced."

"I don't know,” Ruby said with a shrug.

I turned my head to look at Todd, wondering what the heck they were seeing. He was standing in the corner, looking down at his phone, which was what I would expect him to be doing. I was about to tell Analyn and Ruby that when his head lifted and his gaze went directly to Betts like he knew exactly where she was.

"Maybe he's just thinking about work." After all, Betts worked for him now.

"Well, I've never heard sex called work before, but okay," Ruby joked.

"Did someone say sex?" From behind me, Pierce's hand slid over my belly, and his lips settled on my neck.

Analyn laughed. "Slow down there, big fella. Looks like you've done enough.”

"How about a dance, then?" Pierce didn't wait for an answer as he turned to me and took me into his arms, and we glided across the floor. Well, he glided because he was sexy, handsome, and graceful. I wasn't any of those things, but I was okay with that. Giving up my figure was worth it to have three healthy babies.

"So, Mrs. Jackson—"

I let out a swoony sound. "I love the sound of that."

He grinned. "Mrs. Jackson. I'm told it's time to cut the cake, and Porter wants to help."

I nodded. "Of course. We’re a family now."

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