“If you plan on getting handsy, you’re going to have to wait,” she remarked.
“I make no promises.”
I could see the reprimand coming, but I wrapped my hands around the back of her thighs, gently cupping them and stopping the retort from coming out of her mouth.
“Em, you look stunning. You could wear a paper bag, and still be the most gorgeous woman in the room.” I meant every single word. Her shoulders loosened just a tad.
“Let me help you with your heels.”
Reaching down, I wrapped my hand around her left ankle and brought it up to my chest. Emmie didn’t so much as wobble as I held her ankle up and grabbed her heel. I glanced up, meeting those emerald eyes, pupils flared, as I slid her foot inside the black heel.
I let her foot rest against me as I tightened the clasp at her ankle. I pressed a soft kiss to the front of her arch, loving the deep red nail polish she had on her toes.
Slowly, I guided her foot down before reaching for her right. She didn’t say a word, but her breath was heavy as I slid the heel on her other foot, kissing the same spot. The front of my dress slacks tightened at the heat filling Emmie’s eyes.
I fought the smirk threatening to take over my face as I gently put her back on two feet. I loved the way her face flushed, the pink spreading down her throat and chest.
Voices through the door reminded me we needed to get downstairs for the wedding.
“Ready to go?” I smirked as Emmie blinked down at me, as if trying to remember where we were.
“Y-Yes,” she stammered.
I lightly tapped her butt as I stood, moving around her to grab my suit jacket.
As much as I wanted to stay up here, tangled together, downstairs waited for us.
Emmie came up to my side as I slid my arms through the suit jacket, wincing at the pulling in my side. I definitely aggravated my ribs this morning. She clicked her tongue at not letting her help but didn’t say a word.
Over the last two weeks, I had to learn to accept help with certain things like bending over to grab something, putting clothes on, tons of little things I hadn’t realized I used my stomach for. For someone who was constantly on the move, it was hard staying still and accepting help.
I was in the middle of buttoning the suit jacket when I felt a sharp pinch to my butt.
I cocked my head as Emmie came around to my side. “Did you just pinch my ass?”
“Yep.” She leaned into me, going up on her toes even though she was in heels, and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek. All I could do was shake my head and grin.
While she grabbed her phone, I snatched up the room key, which was a dated brass key. My mom wanted a small, intimate wedding with just family. So instead of booking a huge venue, we rented this little cottage-like inn on the outskirts of Toronto. It held ten rooms on the upper level. The lower level had an indoor ballroom for weddings, parties, or get togethers.
It was the perfect place to get married. Plenty of room for all fourteen of us, kids included, to stay for the weekend and celebrate.
With my hand on Emmie’s lower back, the two of us left the room to go meet everyone else. As we walked, I marveled at how beautiful the inn was. Dark wooden beams lined thestaircase, the wood warm and polished with small grooves and imperfections. The flowery wallpaper was old but carefully kept, its colors muted with age but still bright enough to give the space a certain kind of charm.
It gave off the exact vibes my mom wanted.
Familiar voices drifted up the stairs, along with the smell of flowers. I heard Kai’s giggles, followed by a small squeal, which made my lips curve into a smile. Em gave me a reassuring squeeze on my arm before she descended the stairs in front of me.
Today was a big day. Not just for my mom, but the entire family. Steven had been a part of the family for six years, but now it was official. Today, he became more than family in every way that mattered.
We followed the voices down the hallway, coming around the corner to see Trevor, Tasha, Mila, Bryton, and Lydia standing in front of the doorway to the ballroom. Josie was busy helping Evelyn get ready, while Landon and Wyatt did the same thing for Steven.
“There you guys are.” Tasha caught sight of us first. Her purple dress was similar to Em’s but had straps. When she turned, you could barely see her baby bump that was starting to show. She was glowing.
“Sorry we’re late. This one wanted to jump my bones,” I said, wrapping my arm around Em’s waist and tugging her into my side. I grinned when she jammed her elbow into my ribs.
“You are such a liar!”
While everyone chuckled, I caught Mila’s eye across from me. She laughed along with the others, completely at ease. It was a change to the solemn look that was on her face the last time she was in Buffalo. Today, she looked happy and glowing in her off-the shoulder burgundy dress, braided hair falling down her back.
