Page 51 of Love From the Ashes

Concluding twenty minutesago, the wedding ceremony had been elaborate and festive, the guest count mind-blowing. There had to be several hundred people in attendance for the event. I’d sat with Ginny, my eyes glued on Reid almost the entire time. Taller than the other men in the wedding party, he had looked so dashingly handsome as he stood near the altar dressed in a dark gray tuxedo and lavender tie.

So far, I’d succeeded at keeping my morning sickness at bay. I could only hope as the evening progressed that I’d continue to be so lucky. The last thing I wanted was to make a spectacle of myself like I’d done the night before.

Now back at the hotel for the cocktail hour, held on the terrace and in the gardens, Ginny led me from group to group as she introduced me to her friends. After a bit of chitchat and a list of names I couldn’t remember, the wedding coordinator informed us the reception was about to begin. Ginny and I strolled down a brick-lined walkway to the festivity, housed in a separate structure a short distance away. The building was long and tall, with a row of windows beneath its roofline, and resembled a white-washed barn. Reaching the structure, we walked through a large entryway into a sizable room with multiple chandeliers and beautifully decorated tables in staggered rows. A band was setting up on a stage at the front of the room, and a large dance floor was in the middle, a bride and groom’s table near its edge.

“Let’s see where they put us,” Ginny said, leading me to a set of tables full of tented cards. “I have mine and Reid’s. We’re at table two.”

“I’ve got mine. I’m with you and Reid.” I took several steps backward, making room for a group of guests that had walked up behind me.

“I see the cards for Maddie, Harold, Derek, and Kate. They’ll be at our table.” Ginny looked pleased as she scanned the place cards. She walked over to a stand displaying a diagram of the room. “Our table is at the front of the hall. Let’s get a seat.”

Ginny and I walked toward the stage, our table strategically next to it, with the bride and groom’s table adjacent to ours. We had just set our name cards in front of our chairs when someone announced the wedding couple was getting ready to make their entrance, the room instantly filling with excitement. Ginny and I hurried through the crowd, positioning ourselves near the doorway. Then the band played a lively pop song, and we could see the wedding party dancing their way up the walkway in groups of two.

Reid and Kate were the fifth set through the doorway, and although shocked, I couldn’t help but giggle. Reid was an unexpectedly talented dancer, and the two were putting on a wonderfully entertaining show for the guests. Even Ginny couldn’t help laughing. The maid of honor and best man came through the door next, then they all lined up, dancing and clapping as the wedding couple strutted into the room. After a group dance, the music stopped, and the room broke into rapturous applause. As soon as the room settled down, Ginny and I headed to our table. Reid saw us through the crowd and joined us.

“That was a surprise. I didn’t know you were so talented,” I said, grinning at Reid when he pulled out his chair and sat next to me.

“I’m saving my best stuff for you. This will be our first dance.”

“Hmm, I guess it will.” I could feel my face flush as I pictured him holding me in his arms while he whisked me around the dance floor, whispering sweet words into my ear. Now I couldn’t wait for the music and dancing to begin.

The reception continued in standard fashion. There were welcome speeches by Ryan’s parents and Maddie and then the reception dinner, which included several toasts and more comments. The band took the stage as dinner ended, and the wedding couple presented us with their first dance. When their special moment concluded, the musicians played another song intended for the entire group.

“Now it’s time for our first dance,” Reid said, extending his hand.

“Mmm, I like this song… ‘Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran. It’s perfect.” I smiled as I took Reid’s hand and had him lead me to the dance floor. I slipped my arms around his neck while his arms slid around my hips. We moved in rhythm to the music, my head on his chest while I savored every second of our first dance.

Reid’s lips were at my ear, and I could feel a warmth spread through my body.

“I love you,” he whispered.

I looked up at him, and he kissed me. His lips were tender and tasted sweet from his wine. I wanted to melt in his arms.

The music stopped. Then the band played a rock and roll song. Reid stepped backward and took my hand, the two of us dancing to the music. Pretty soon, I was laughing and smiling and having a blast. Three songs later, Reid held up his hand.

“I need some air for a minute. Let’s go outside on the patio.”

“I need to make a pit stop at the restroom first. I’ll meet you outside.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you in a few.” Reid gave me a quick kiss, and then we split up, going in two different directions.

I finished taking care of business and walked out on the patio to look for Reid. He was standing off in the distance, partially hidden by a tree. The area was dimly lit with several decorative lanterns, so it took me a few seconds to realize he was talking to Jillian.

Irritated, I beelined it toward them, my hands balling into fists. I stopped when I reached the tree. Reid’s voice had risen, and he sounded upset.

“What are you plotting, Jillian? I know you too well. You’re up to something.”

“Oh, please. There’s no reason for you to be so defensive. I heard your girlfriend is pregnant and wanted to offer my congratulations,” Jillian said, her voice oddly reminding me of the hiss of a snake.

“Her name is Sofie.”

“Fine. I heard…Sofie…was expecting, and I wanted to say I’m happy for you. I also wanted to offer my help.”

“With what?”

“Well, once Sofie gets toward the end of her pregnancy, the poor girl will be terribly uncomfortable and won’t want to have sex. I thought I’d help you out and offer my services. I’m sure you remember how wild we were in bed together. So anytime you feel yourself needing some company, come and see me. I promise you won’t regret it.” Jillian reached toward Reid’s crotch.

“Don’t touch me.” Reid grabbed her hand and tossed it to the side. His voice was like a growl, and even in the dimness of the patio, it was evident from the stony expression on his face he was angry. “I’m with a woman I love, and we’re having a baby. Why the hell would I want you or anyone else? Stay the hell away from me.”

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