I didn’t know what was going to happen once we talked about it, but for me, at least, there was no going back to the way things were before. My world didn’t make sense if Cara wasn’t in it.
Instead of asking those questions, we got back under the covers after we dried off, naked, and I didn’t even have to ask before she was snuggled up next to me and her head was laying on my chest. I kissed the top of her head and squeezed her tight, not wanting to ever let go.
“Was amazing sex part of the arrangement?"
I laughed. “Thanks for the compliment, dear.”
“I’m serious, Vera. What happens now? I think we blurred the lines a little, don’t you?”
“Honey, We’ve been blurring the lines since we met. You can blame it on the alcohol and the emotions of the wedding if you want, but we can deal with that tomorrow.”
She sat up a little and looked at me, frowning. “Is that what you want?”
I kissed her forehead and smiled, not ready to tell her what I really wanted. “I want you to relax and get some rest. There will be plenty of time for adult conversations later. It’s late and if we don’t go to sleep, my body will think of other things we can do.”
“What if I want to know what those other things are?”
“Come here, then. My face is the first place you can look to find out.” I grinned, knowing she was too tired to move.
“Fuck, that sounds like a splendid use of my time.” She yawned. “Just give me…” Another yawn. “A second.”
I smiled to myself. “Goodnight, princesa.”
She yawned again and snuggled deeper into me. “Goodnight, baby.”
Then she was asleep, leaving me alone with the feeling of her body against mine, repeating that word over and over in my head. I had never fallen asleep so fast or so happy in my life.
Chapter Twenty-Five
CARA
I woke up the next morning to a phone call from my dear best friend, demanding my presence at eight in the morning. It was now two in the afternoon, only two hours until the wedding, and I still hadn’t had a chance to talk to Vera. I woke her up to tell her I had to leave and she kissed me good morning and said we’d talk when I got the chance, which looked like it would be at the reception, which was fine. All wedding shenanigans would be over, and we’d have time to talk in private.
Bali had been a revelation. Spending every day with Vera, pretending we were a couple, had opened my eyes to what life could be like with her. But then last night, it didn’t feel like pretending anymore. Especially once we got to our room and the door closed us out from the real world. There was nothing fake about the way my body reacted to her.
And then I had to go and call her baby. What the hell? It wasn’t like I’d said it during sex, so I couldn’t blame it on that. I had been completely comfortable and it had just slipped out. I hoped it didn’t bother her. She’d made her feelings pretty clear from the beginning, so it probably didn’t bother her. Maybe she didn’t even hear it.
We were all waiting in the restaurant of the resort, waiting to get into position. The wedding was just a few feet down the beach, so we’d sort of commandeered the restaurant’s patio as our waiting area. They were closed anyway and we had permission.
The brides were in their respective rooms getting ready, and Fallon and I were sent out to check on everyone. And make sure no one was missing. Everyone was accounted for, and when I found Vera, my legs carried me over to her without a second thought.
“Vera. You look…” I couldn’t form words. She’d worn the tux from the first time we met, and I didn’t know how to hold myself together. It was like the entire night came flashing back all from an outfit. The way she looked at me. The way she danced. The way she touched me.
“What’s wrong? You’re a little speechless?”
I scoffed. “Yeah, a little.” I shook my head, trying to gather myself. “Sorry. I’m just… remembering the last time you wore that.”
She stepped closer and pushed my hair back behind my shoulders. “Now you know how I felt last night, princesa. Anytime I see you in that dress, I’ll be reminded of that night. At least now I know I’ve still got it if you’re at a loss for words.” She winked.
“I didn’t think you ever lost it.”
The wedding was absolutely perfect. A simple arch stood in front of rows of chairs, tulle hanging off in an elegant way, yet not flashy. It was a simple beach wedding, but no one’s eyes were dry. Drea wore a form fitting white dress, while Blair looked absolutely breathtaking in a white ballgown.
Blair’s brother, Christopher, walked her down the aisle since both of her parents had passed when she was younger, and both of his twin boys were the ring bearers. One for Drea and one for Blair. Drea’s friend, Penelope, was there with her husband, Gregory, who officiated the wedding, and their daughter Nora.
The front aisle chairs were reserved for Blair’s parents and grandmother, Ameila, who also passed away a few years ago. They had their pictures and a small vase of flowers on each.
Drea’s three younger sisters were there, and her parents had somehow been able to be in the same place at the same time without ripping each other’s heads off.
