The melody faded as the song came to an end. I knew it was custom to repeat a chorus, but somehow, the song felt perfect just like that. I leaned back on the bench as the final chordreverberated through the ballroom. I could feel Ava’s emotions pouring into me through the bond. She was crying; I already knew it.
Charlie, that was beautiful, Ava told me telepathically.
It’s how I feel, pidge,I replied.
Only a moment later did I remember we weren’t alone. I’d been so lost in the music— so lost inher. The crowd went wild with applause.
I stood from the piano, and the servants quickly came to wheel it away. I never once took my focus off of Ava-Marie. I approached the head table, but instead of going to sit down, I took her hand. I gestured to the string quartet, and they began playing a slow song for our first dance.
“Hold on,” Ava said. “I’ve got to unlock my chair’s wheels.”
I shook my head. “You don’t need your chair, pidge.”
I scooped her up in my arms, and she gave a little yelp. I carried her onto the dance floor, then gently placed her feet on mine. I held her around the waist to keep her upright. My heart filled with joy as I began to sway her back and forth.
Tears leaked from Ava’s eyes and landed on my suit coat. Her voice cracked as she said, “Charlie, we’re dancing.”
“Of course, pidge,” I whispered. “It’s our first dance.”
“I didn’t think I would get one.” She sniffled, then squeezed me tighter and buried her face in my chest. “Thank you for this, and for the song, too. It was lovely.”
“Anything for you, my love.”
I truly meant it. Whatever she wanted, she could have. Everything I did, I did for her.
Ava leaned in closer and whispered, “I got you something too, but it’s for later.”
My dick hardened, because I could only imagine what she had in store. I was thankful at that moment for her huge dress, because it hid my hard-on when all eyes were on us.
I barely registered the guests, though. I was so mesmerized by my wife as I spun her around the dance floor. Holding Ava close like this on our wedding night was something I could only ever dream of, but here it was, really happening.
My fingers trailed over her dress. There were so many bumps and ridges from rhinestones and sparkles that it was a lot to take in, and there were raised dots on the skirt. It was like Ava had chosen the beads just for me, so I could experience the beauty of her wedding dress like all our guests— then I realized that shehad. She wanted me to see this dress just like everyone else could. I was so touched.
“Remember our first dance at ourlastwedding?” I asked.
“That silly reception at the Devil’s Playground.” She laughed lightly. “Our friends made us.”
“I was so worried at the time. I thought you hated me,” I confessed.
“I wanted to dance with you. But I was too scared.”
“There was never anything to be afraid of, pidge. We belong together.”
I took in every sensation of her body against mine, and the beat of her heart against my chest. I was so overcome with joy and love, and I never wanted this night to end.
The song eventually concluded, and our guests applauded. All of our friends swarmed onto the dance floor, surrounding us at all angles.
“We’re so happy for you guys!” Kallie squealed as she threw her arms around the two of us.
“This wedding is even better than your first,” Marcus cut in, squeezing us tight from our other side. “You should do this every year.”
I laughed. “If I could, I’d marry Ava every day for the rest of my life.”
“And beyond,” Ava added.
I beamed. “Every day for the rest of forever, because that’s how long we’re going to be together.”
“Forever,” Ava mused in my arms. “I can certainly live with that.”
