And then the words I’ve been waiting for, words that slam into me with the weight of a lifetime.
“You may kiss the bride.”
For a split second, I just look at her, drinking her in, unable to believe that she’s mine. My wife. The woman I love more than anything in this world. A wave of emotions crashes over me. There is relief, joy, wonder, and strongest of all, a love so fierce it nearly brings me to my knees.
I lean in, and kiss her … and everything else melts away.
Chapter Forty-Four
Pippa
The terrace has been transformed while we were off, saying our vows. Earlier, it was all soft romance and roses, the ocean sparkling in the background like some impossibly perfect backdrop. Now, as the sun sinks lower and the sky blushes pink, the reception begins to hum with life. Strings of warm lights crisscross overhead, weaving through the pergola and spilling out across the lawn. Candles glow and flicker in glass votives surrounded by sprays of white and pink flowers on every table. A live band has set up in the corner. They are tuning their instruments, the low rumble of a bass vibrating faintly beneath the chatter.
It’s magical. It’s overwhelming. It’s ours.
Rhett keeps my hand firmly in his as we step into the reception, and when everyone rises to their feet in applause and cheers, I almost falter. But his grip tightens, steadying me, grounding me. I look up at him and he smiles, just for me. As if by magic, all the noises fade into the background and all I seeand hear is him. Then someone shouts, the moment passes and I am back in the room.
We begin the rounds, weaving between the tables, talking to all of our guests. We talk to Rhett’s colleagues, old friends, people I’ve only met once or twice before, but who hug me as though I’ve been a part of their circle forever. I smile until my cheeks ache, my bouquet clutched in one hand, and Rhett’s arm looped through mine like he’s never letting me go. Everyone tells me how nice the ceremony was, how nice the venue is, how great I look in my dress. It’s nice, but there’s only so many times I can say thank you and smile without it looking a bit forced.
And then I spot them – my saviors. Sandra and Lucy. They’re standing by the bar, both of them still in their pretty bridesmaid dresses, their heads bent together conspiratorially, laughing at something on Lucy’s phone.
When they notice me almost upon them, they shriek in unison.
“Mrs. Remington,” Lucy cries happily.
I laugh, stepping into their open arms. They each kiss my cheek, pulling me into a sandwich hug that nearly knocks the breath out of me.
“You look unbelievable,” Sandra enthuses, smoothing her hands down my gown like she still can’t believe it’s real.
“And so crazy in love. It’s disgusting, to be honest,” Lucy adds, her eyes shining. “I’m happy for you, but also slightly nauseated.”
I swat her playfully. “I thought it was George who nauseated you.”
“Oh, please don’t remind me of the bad old days. I was driven to thoughts of poisoning him.”
“You two kept me sane through the bad old days. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
Sandra grins. “Probably combusted.”
Lucy nods solemnly. “Or run away with Max. He’s pretty dashing.”
My eyebrows rise. “Max? You’re not keen on him, are you?”
“No,” she says too quickly.
“Then you won’t mind coming to dinner with him and another friend, will you?” I say smoothly.
She blushes right to the roots of her hair. “As long as Sandra comes too.”
Sandra laughs. “Yeah, I’ll come to watch.”
“Seriously,” Sandra says, turning to me. “We’re so proud of you. Watching you walk down that aisle? I nearly lost it.”
“Nearly?” Lucy arches a brow. “You were sobbing, don’t lie.”
Sandra shoves her, and I just stand there, full to the brim with affection. These are my girls, my anchors. Having them here, sharing this day with me, makes everything even more special.
Before I can say any more, the clink of a spoon against glass draws attention to the head table. Max stands up, his tuxedo impeccable, his grin firmly in place, holding his champagne glass aloft. I hurry back to my seat beside Rhett at the head table. He smiles and takes my hand in his when I sit down.
