“So fucking good,” I repeat. She shivers and sucks in a shaky breath.
“Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” she says on a laugh.
I smirk. “You’re the only thing that’s hot in here, Carls,” I coo as I kiss her so she can taste herself. She groans into my mouth as I swipe my tongue along hers before pulling away.
“OK, I can make it through dinner now,” I announce. She looks down at my pants and raises an eyebrow.
“You sure about that?” she asks as she grips me through the fabric of my pants. I bat her hand away and adjust myself.
“Yeah, he’s not coming until he’s buried inside you,” I grumble.
She holds up her hands. “OK, OK. If you insist, but we’ll have to wait till Ava’s sleeping,” she says.
I nod. “We will. Now let's get back out there,” I say as I give her a quick kiss and lead us back outside to what will surely be the longest few hours of my life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Carly
After some pomp and circumstance of introductions, speeches, dinner, and the first dance, the guests are dancing as a small band plays music. Twinkle lights in crisscross patterns hang above us, and the last remnants of the sun are setting outside. Everyone has had a few drinks, and the room is filled with laughter and love. I lean my head on Bray’s shoulder and take it all in as Ava dances with Hutch and then Al.
“Shall I go cut in out there? Al’s looking like he needs a break,” Bray says. I nod.
“Yeah, probably,” I reply as he kisses the top of my head and gets up to see if Al wants to sit for a while.
Al nods and walks back to a table where Margie and Cornelia are chatting away with Fletcher’s mother. My attention turns back to where Bray is dancing with Ava. Her little feet are on top of his, and he’s moving them in a waltz pattern while Ava chats with him. I feel tears well in my eyes. He’s so good with her. She’s building memories that she’ll keep forever. I couldn’t have asked for a better father figure for my little girl. I only wish her biological dad was half the man that Bray is. I wish he would care about her and love her like I do, but there’s no sense in getting upset about something that won’t ever happen.
I’m distracted when Cam plops down next to me. “What’s with the waterworks?” she asks.
I swipe at a stray tear. “Just emotional tonight. Probably getting my period or something,” I lie.
Cam leans forward, blocking my view. She looks at Bray over her shoulder and back at me.
“What the fuck is happening between you two?” she hisses.
I sigh. “We kissed,” I admit.
Her eyes light up, and she squeals and claps her hands. “OMG! OMG! That’s amazing. I’m so excited for you. Bray’s the best…well, after Fletcher, of course,” she says with a laugh.
I roll my eyes. “He’s a great guy.” I pause, and she frowns.
“I feel a but coming on,” she says.
“Well, seriously, look at him. He’s attractive, fit, smart, successful, and kind. Why would he want to be with me?” I ask as I wave a hand, motioning to myself.
Cam glares at me. “Why would he not? You’re beautiful, curvy, sexy, smart, kind, and you are a great mom.”
“I’m a mom. I have stretch marks and my boobs have dropped a good two inches since before Ava. I’ve already been married before, and aside from Anne, my parents are my only family, and they don’t even remember me on a good day anymore,” I mutter, suddenly feeling sorry for myself.
Cam sighs. “Don’t be an idiot. You are so much more than that. Do you ever see how men drool over you? Men love curves. They want a handful of boob. Trust me on this. And they don’t give a shit about stretch marks. You want to compare some. I gained the freshman fifteen and then lost it and gained a few on my thighs. They are still there, and Fletcher has never once said a thing about them. And look at those two.” She motions to Ava and Bray. “They are like two peas in a pod. Your kid is seriously the coolest child ever. We all love her to death. If I ever have a kid, I hope she’s half as cool as Ava.”
“She?” I interject.
Cam shrugs. “Whatever. Focus! That man out there loves you, and I’m glad he’s finally coming to his senses and acting on it. You both deserve happiness. Bray’s the one for you. I just know it. We all do,” Cam says, waving a hand at all our friends.
I look back at Ava and Bray. He’s now holding her on his hip and spinning them around. She tosses her head back and giggles loudly before throwing her arms around his neck and snuggling against him.
“He was made to be a dad,” I state as I watch them.
