Page 29 of The Best Man

I agreed, until I swallowed the man’s cum.

“Yeah, I’m good,” I say, flashing a tepid smile and then looking ahead at the closed double doors.

He hesitates for a moment. I think he considers leaving it there, but then, because he is Marcus’ father, he decides to face it head on. “I didn’t know he tricked you last night.”

I nod, feeling heat immediately hit my cheeks.

“Obviously, I didn’t realize it was you at all,” he adds.

I shift my weight on my heels, waiting for the church floor to open up and swallow me.

“I know my son is very adept at manipulating circumstances to get what he wants, but considering you were marrying my other son an hour ago, I just want to make sure.” He grabs my arm to get my attention and force me to look at him. “If he’s forcing you into this in some way, tell me now. I’ll help you. You’re a sweet girl, I wouldn’t expect you to be able to hold your own against him. Hell, I don’t know anyone who can hold their own against Marcus.”

Fondness for the man in question slips in and melts away some of my awkwardness. “He isn’t forcing me. I want this, I swear.”

“It can be both with him,” he says dryly.

I bite down on my bottom lip. “Don’t I know it.”

“I just don’t want you to get taken advantage of—again. I can’t help feeling you’re out of your depths here, and he’s rushing you into this because he knows it.”

“I understand your concern, believe me. But while I haven’t spent a lot of time getting to know Marcus, we have spent the last twelve to fourteen hours melding our souls together. Please believe me when I tell you I know who I’m marrying, and I am ecstatic about it.”

The handsome older version of my almost-husband smiles. “All right. I believe you.”

I smile and link my arm through his.

It doesn’t feel as awkward anymore, and that gives me hope.

When the time finally comes, the double doors are pulled open.

The wedding march starts up, and my heart fills with happiness.

A grin steals across my face the moment I lay eyes on him.

I sigh, admiring his beautiful smile, the warmth in his eyes when he looks at me. He’s all I can see. All I care about.

His father walks me down the aisle, and the officiant asks, “Do you give this woman to this man?”

“I do,” Marcus Sr. says.

“Thanks, Dad,” Marcus says with a little wink.

I fight the urge to hide my face with embarrassment, and his father just shoots him a look as if to say,behave yourself.

He knows he won’t.

We all do.

That’s why we love him.

Marcus takes my hand and I step up onto the altar.

We join both hands, and it takes all my willpower to resist kissing him.

Marcus doesn’t exert such restraint.

I gasp when he tugs me close, grabbing my waist and leaning in to kiss me.

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