Talk about a mess. A delicious, fiery mess that’s only going to end in heartbreak.
He said we’re not going to think about the end, so I put it out of my head.
Gina clears her throat beside me, and when our eyes meet, she gives me a wry look, grinning and shaking her head. The minister continues leading Boo and Ricky through their vows, and she makes some comment about afterglow.
I’m sure I’m glowing. I feel like a firefly.
My eyes drift to the audience again, and he’s looking down as his mother speaks in his ear. Gina’s mom is on her other side, and they’re all watching, smiling, supporting. I’m the only one having impure thoughts.
We finish with a prayer… or we’re supposed to be praying. I’m thinking about Mav’s massive body quivering as he held me in his arms. I’m thinking about the huff of his breath in my ear, the whispered words… such dirty words.
Finally, the man holds out his hands to present Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Kouns. We all clap and file out quickly to the exit music. The reception is under the massive oak tree behind the house.
Everyone departs the area, and we’re held up taking wedding pictures for what feels like forever. Finally, I’m in Mav’s arms again.
He hands me a glass of champagne, and I hold his shoulder. We sway in time, slow dancing to a song about magnolia breezes and never wanting to be apart. My cheek rests against him. His large hand engulfs mine, and it’s all so perfect.
Small round tables draped in long, peach-colored tablecloths form a perimeter. They’re all set with gold-trimmed fine china and matching peach napkins. In the center ofeach table, a bouquet of ivory and peach roses is held in a crystal vase.
The ancient live-oak trees dotted throughout the yard are wrapped in twinkle lights, making their thick black trunks appear even darker. Curtains of lights hang from the heavy branches, forming a magical glow.
Lifting my chin, I look up at him. A soft, yellow glow surrounds us, and I’m sure stars are in my eyes.
“Hey, there.” He smiles, looking down at me. “Have I told you how beautiful you are today?”
“I think you told me repeatedly… very early this morning.”
He leans down to brush his lips over mine. “I especially like this dress.”
I’m wearing the beige wrap-skirt with the silky top Darcy sent me a photo of last month. As I suspected, it barely contains the girls.
I give him a coy smile. “I had a feeling you might appreciate it.”
“I’m thinking about later, when I slide these straps down your arms and…”
My skin heats as I follow his words, until an evil voice breaks the spell.
“May I cut in?” Corey Hayes stands right beside us on the dance floor, scowling down at me like he has some business interrupting Mav’s sexy talk.
I’d like to flip him the bird. Instead, I start to pull away.
Mav’s hand on my back tightens, holding me to him, and he takes one look at Corey before sweeping me away with a single word.
“No.”
Corey is left behind with his mouth hanging open, and I snort, leaning forward.
“That’s not how it works,” he calls after us like a big baby.
Mav shakes his head, rolling his eyes. “That guy is the worst. I can’t believe you actually went out with him.”
“I never went out with him!” My voice rises. “What in the world gave you that idea?”
“Just checking.” A naughty smile curls his lips, and he looks down his nose at me.
I slap his arm. “You are so wrong.”
“So you didn’t date that guy, but you dated somebody.” His chin lifts, and his gaze scans the outdoor area. “Are there any ex-boyfriends here, silently murdering me in their minds?”
