Page 105 of The Girl I Once Loved

Hate couldn’t do it.

Distance couldn’t do it.

Not even time could tear us apart.

Our hearts have always been beating the same song—each other’s name.

If Derrick and Daisy have even a sliver of that same connection Noah and I share, then this wedding is just a formality.

Because in the end they were always destined for each other—come what may.

* * *

“You know they fucked already, right?” Noah leans in to whisper behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me against his chest.

“Everyone knows that. I mean, look at them? They look like they are ready to make a condom commercial.” I point to the dancing couple who just can’t keep their hands off each other.

Not even the two hundred guests gawking at them seems to cool their libido any.

When my sister teased my mom hours ago about consummating her marriage on the car ride to the reception, I really thought she was kidding.

I was dead wrong.

By how her beautiful gown is a little torn in the back and lipstick stains are all over the groom’s collar, I’m not sure they even made it to the car.

“I feel like someone should take the small children elsewhere. I’ve seen more of my brother-in-law's tongue in the last few hours than anyone should.” I shudder.

“I don’t know,” Noah croons in my ear. “I’ve seen a lot of couples sneaking off to hook up in the bushes. Something about seeing the bride and groom all handsy has been making people horny for fucking in places they can get easily caught.”

“Noah Fontaine, if this is your way of trying to get some, then I suggest you know your audience. That is my sister and brother-in-law. Nothing about their PDA gets me hot. Gross.”

When Noah starts chuckling in my ear, I realize he’s just been teasing me.

“You’re an asshole, you know that?” I laugh, slapping his forearm.

“Sorry. I just couldn’t help it. It’s just too easy to mess with you.” He continues to chuckle, tightening his hold on me.

“Try.”

“Fine. I’ll behave,” he concedes, placing a tender kiss on my neck. “But when we get home later tonight, no promises. I fully intend to misbehave then. That fucking dress is going to look amazing on my floor.”

My cheeks heat up at his threat, which I pray he keeps. I’ve been having a hard time myself in his company tonight. Noah looking so breathtakingly handsome in his dark navy suit and tie gives a girl like me funny ideas. Ideas like taking a cue from my sister and fucking his brains out in a dark corner somewhere.

Men shouldn’t look this good.

It isn’t fair to the rest of us mere mortals.

Feeling my throat suddenly parched, I suggest we go over to the open bar and get a refill of champagne. As we sway through the crowd of guests, I am once again amazed at the beautiful wedding reception my sister’s in-laws were able to provide.

Whatever issues the Monroes might have had with this marriage, they sure made up for them by pulling out all the stops.

The tent shimmers under the warm glow of elegant chandeliers, casting a mesmerizing ambiance over the grand reception. With Noah guiding me every step of the way to the open bar, my heart swells with admiration as I survey the unquestionable opulence surrounding us. Daisy’s wedding reception is nothing short of a lavish paradise, a true celebration of love and prosperity.

When we first arrived at the Monroe estate and were led to the back yard, I must admit I had my misgivings, thinking that maybe they were going to snub Daisy in some way, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Entering the tent, my senses were immediately met with an alluring symphony of fragrances. The air carried the aroma of delicate roses, while the tables were adorned with cascades of vibrant flowers in every shade imaginable. The sweet fragrance intertwined seamlessly with the melodious tunes flowing from the string quartet, creating an ethereal atmosphere that seemed impossible to escape.

The grandeur of the scene was further enhanced by the breathtaking décor. Delicate crystal chandeliers hung from the tent's ceiling, gracefully illuminating the space and casting cascades of light on the immaculate white linens draping the tables. Every inch of the reception boasted exquisite details, from the intricately carved ice sculptures to the plush, velvet chairs that beckoned guests to indulge in comfort and luxury.

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