It was petty, but deeply satisfying.
When the moment came for the rings, I slid the diamond band onto her finger first, followed by the enormous diamond engagement ring that completed the set. Her hands trembled as she placed my wedding band on my finger.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Pastor Williams said, his voice tight. He didn’t say anything else.
“You may now kiss the bride!” Kandi called out cheerfully from behind us.
I didn’t need permission. I pulled Dede into my arms and held her close, relishing the feel of her belly against my body before capturing her lips in a kiss that left no doubt about my feelings for my wife.
When we finally broke apart, Pastor Williams produced the marriage certificate. We signed quickly, and Kandi and Markos added their signatures as witnesses. The pastor set down his pen and turned to leave without a word.
Williams,” I called after him. He stopped, his shoulders stiffening. “I trust you will file paperwork promptly, yes. I developed a good relationship with your church board. I would hate to burden them with any concerns about their pastor’s professionalism.”
He nodded once and walked away.
“Legally and officially mine,” I whispered in her ear.
She pulled back just enough to meet my eyes, a playful smile on her lips. “Was it worth the seven figures?”
I couldn’t help but grin. “Every penny, yes.”
Dede laughed, shaking her head. “You’re worse than your son.”
“You married me anyway,” I pointed out, kissing her lips.
“I did,” she said, her smile softening as she reached up to touch my face. “And I’d do it again.”
“Good.” I brushed my lips against hers. “You are stuck with me now, yes?”
I felt rather than saw Kandi approach and reluctantly loosened my hold on Dede just enough to let her friend in. Kandi’s eyes were already glistening as she reached for Dede.
“I’m so happy for you!” Kandi embraced her friend warmly.
Markos stepped forward, extending his hand. “Congratulations, sir. Mrs. Christakis is a lucky woman.”
“I’m the lucky one,” I responded to him in Greek, shaking his hand while keeping my other arm around Dede’s waist.
Still, I wanted my wife to myself. I caught Kandi’s eye with an apologetic smile. “I would like to steal her away now.”
Kandi laughed, wiping at her eyes. “Of course. Go celebrate.”
“I’ll call you later,” Dede promised, hugging her friend one last time.
I guided Dede down the church aisle and through the doors into bright sunshine that seemed to make everything appear fresh. I was once again a married man, and thoroughly content with that fact.
Markos opened the door to the limousine, and I helped Dede into the back seat before sliding in beside her.
“Do you know what I want to do with you now?” I began, considering the various ways we could spend our wedding day.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she reached for my belt. “I have a better idea. A wedding gift for my husband.”
Before I could respond, she was sliding down to the floor between my legs, her hands already working my zipper. The privacy screen was up, and the heavily tinted windows ensured complete discretion.
“Dede,” I started, trying to maintain some semblance of restraint. “We should wait until we are home.”
“Why?” She looked up at me through her lashes, her hands still working my zipper. “I want to do it now.”
Any argument I might have made dissolved as her warm mouth enveloped me.
