“Seriously? Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask, folding my arms across my chest.
He sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. “Because I knew it’d upset you. You already get anxious about fans, and I didn’t want you stressing about those two fuckers as well. They’ve never made a move, they probably miss the attention we used to bring them. That’s all this is.”
I nod slowly, but I can’t help the twist in my chest. “I get your reasons, Colt. I do. But I don’t want secrets between us. Not now. Not ever. I’m your wife now, remember?”
He softens immediately, stepping in closer. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I was trying to protect you, but I promise, no more secrets. Not from you.” His hand slides to the back of my neck as he kisses me, firm and full of intent. Then he leans in and whispers, “So… think we can ditch this place yet and head upstairs?”
I chuckle, resting my forehead against his. “Not yet. Just a little longer. We’ve got the rest of our lives, remember?”
He groans but smiles, looking over my shoulder as Hux and their mum approach.
“Hux in a tux. Who knew you could clean up so well?” I tease, taking in his slightly disheveled look.
Colt pinches my butt playfully, making me yelp as his mother bursts into laughter.
“Oh, Huxley,” she tuts, swatting his arm while adjusting his tie. “You need to look presentable for once in your life.”
“Mum, seriously,” he grumbles, trying to escape her touch.
“Yes, seriously,” she snaps back, wiping the lipstick from his cheek with a motherly huff. “Now say what you were going to say.”
Hux sighs dramatically but finally looks at me. “Welcome to the family, Dee. We’re glad you make Colt happy. Just keep it that way, yeah?”
It’s simple.
But meaningful.
Things between us have been rocky, and hearing those words from him eases something in my chest.
“Thanks, Hux. I will.” I lean in to hug him, and to my surprise, he hugs me back, tight and sincere.
His mum’s eyes shimmer as she hugs me next. “We’re heading off,” she says warmly. “Actually, I think most people are leaving now. You two should get some private time.”
“Enjoy your night, big bro,” Hux adds, giving Colt a wink that makes their mother slap his arm again.
“Huxley Slade! Mind out of the gutter,” she scolds. “You may be a rock star, but you’re also my son, so behave.”
Colt and I laugh as she drags him off like he’s still ten years old.
“Thanks for everything, Hux,” Colt calls after him. “And don’t worry, I plan on having avery, verygood night.”
“Colter Slade!” his mum shouts over her shoulder. “Don’t encourage him! You should know better.” But then she adds, softer, “Enjoy your night… and your honeymoon.”
“Thanks, Mum,” Colt calls back, and my parents, along with Joseph and Danny, walk over to say their farewells.
Colt wraps an arm tightly around my waist as we watch them disappear into the crowd. He leans down, whispering in my ear again, voice low and full of sinful promise, “You think we can go now?”
This time, I don’t answer. I grin.
Eventually, it’s just me, Colt, Anna, Johnny, Dingo, and Sia left dancing slowly under the fairy lights while the workers begin packing things up around us.
“Did you guys have an awesome night?” Anna asks, swaying beside Johnny.
“Anna, everything was perfect. You did such a great job,” I say, smiling as I nestle into Colt’s arms.
“I know,” she replies with a wink, and we all laugh.
“Well, better get the missus home. Some of us have a baby to wake up to in the morning,” Johnny says with a tired grin.
