Clara sat up to listen as the MC called for order and introduced Dominic. The chatter faded into polite silence. Dominic stood, champagne in hand, looking around and smiling.
‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he began, clearing his throat. ‘Thank you all for being here today to celebrate with us. It means the world to my wife and me.’
Everyone clapped, and a few people sent up wolf whistles.
‘Astrid…’ A small smile tugged at the corner of Dominic’s mouth, ‘has always had a way of lighting up a room – even when she’s not trying. Like the bulb in my shady garden.’
The crowd rippled with laughter, and Sam leaned into Clara and whispered, ‘Really? That’s even worse than my jokes.’
Clara gave him a little smile then glanced at Astrid, whose cheeks were somewhat flushed. She shook her head but smiled.
‘She’s not just my wife,’ Dominic was now saying. ‘She’s my best friend. The love of my life. The one person who has seen every messy, ridiculous part of me and still… somehow sticks around.’
Clara’s chest tightened, her fingers instinctively curling around the stem of her wine glass. As neither she nor Sam weredriving, they were both able to have a drink, though neither of them were heavy drinkers. After the ceremony, they’d gone back to the cottage, dropped off the car, and walked down the track to the gorgeous Mayscombe Hall – no mean feat in her heels. And she was deliberately avoiding thoughts about doing it again later in the dark.
She stole another look at Sam. He was focused ahead, and his side profile was striking, very dashing… and rather sexy. Without even trying, he somehow managed to pull off smouldering alongside sweet. And that gave him double the appeal because who wouldn’t like a guy who looked that hot but was also one of the most charming and kind people on the planet?
And I am not immune.
The line between fake and real was getting very blurry in her mind.
Dominic’s gaze swept the room before landing back on Astrid, and he went on. ‘Every story I could tell about her, every moment we’ve shared, just proves what I already know – how lucky I am to be her husband.’
Dominic raised his glass, and everyone else followed. Clara clinked hers against Sam’s. He caught her eye and smiled. Returning it, she shoulder-bumped him. He didn’t look away.
She raised a brow, mouthing, ‘What?’
His smile widened, and he shrugged, as if to say,nothing, just you.
Clara’s lips twitched as she bit back a grin. But she couldn’t resist stealing another glance his way after she’d sipped her prosecco. He was still looking, still smiling, and she was suddenly grateful for the dim light because she was sure her cheeks were very pink.
The line blurred a little more.
After the meal, people took a breather in the foyer, and more drinks were served before they headed into the ballroom.
Clara took Sam’s arm, and he momentarily brushed his hand over hers as they entered the dimly lit room. A few lasers swept around, creating sparkle patterns on the wall as they headed for a table. Gentle music played. Clara took a chair next to Sam. When everyone was settled new music burst on loudly and somewhat jarringly. It reminded Clara of a game show. It built up to a crescendo, then the MC’s voice said in a clear, rather showy voice. ‘Let’s hear it for the bride and groom. Astrid and Dominic!’
Everybody cheered as the opening notes of a beautiful song started up.
‘How smooth is he?’ Sam leaned in as he spoke, clapping with everyone else as Dominic and Astrid took to the floor like two contestants onStrictly.
‘Very.’ Clara grinned, watching their routine unfold. ‘But they’re actually pretty good.’ They looked like they’d done a lot of practising.
As the song ended to cheers and applause, and a more upbeat track began, bridesmaids took to the floor followed by other guests.
‘Would you like to dance?’ Sam held his hand out to Clara.
‘Of course.’ She smirked, placing her hand in his. ‘That’s the reason I’m here.’
‘For the dancing?’ His fingers curled around hers as he led her to the dance floor.
‘No, for you.’ She met his eyes for a moment, then nipped her lower lip between her teeth. ‘So that you don’t have to dance on your own. That’s what fake dates are for.’
‘Which I greatly appreciate.’ He spun her around, catching her off guard and making her laugh.
‘Oh, my god.’ She landed up against his hard, broad chest, and he held eye contact.
‘You should’ve asked what you were signing up for.’ His grin was infectious.
