Page 55 of Branded

“It doesn’t have to be an argument. I’m just telling you I can’t be sad like this anymore. He’d kick my ass for that and you know it.”

She just sighs, “I know, I know. Look, I just wanted to call and check on you, but I can let you go enjoy your time. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. I feel beautiful. You should see this dress in person. It’s kind of everything.” I smile.

“I’m sure it’s perfect. I want pictures, and when you get the chance, I want you to tell me all about this man who has you so smiley and happy.”

I grin, just as she says that. “He does, and I’ll make sure to snap some pictures for you.”

“Good. I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

I am able to put everything else away mentally when I step into the area where the ceremony is going to take place. It was completely transformed last night and is now covered with beautiful white flowers and twinkle lights with soft chairs arranged to create an aisle in the center. They will be married in front of a large window with a view of the grounds behind them.

It’s stunningly beautiful.

There is soft music, a single violin I believe, playing overhead while the guests take their seats. Once I’m settled, I find myself glancing around, looking for Isaac; trying to sneak a peek of him in his suit before he comes out, but it’s impossible.

I don’t have to wait long though, because the officiant takes her place at the end of the aisle and Christopher walks down with his mother, and kisses her cheek when she sits. From what I’ve learned of him over the past day, he’s a wonderful man, and it shows.

Once he takes his place, I can see a nervous breath leave his chest and I smile. It’s sweet. I turn my head when the groomsmen make their way down the aisle next, and my body physically responds to the sight of Isaac in a suit.

I’ve seen this man in jeans, tees, and his uniform, but those are nothing compared to what is before my eyes right now. He’s in a charcoal suit with a black shirt underneath and a pale pink tie. It’s tailored and fits him like a damn glove. His hair looks like it’s been trimmed today, and it very well may have been. It’s shorter on the sides and longer on the top, styled back in somewhat of a pompadour style. It’s delicious.

I’m sitting toward the front, so I can see his eyes as he gets closer. They are moving from row to row, looking for me, and when they finally lock on me, the smile on his face grows so big there is no way no one else notices. As he passes by, he gives me a wink then takes his place beside the rest of the men.

Throughout the entire ceremony, we are absolutely fucking each other with our eyes. It’s impossible to deny, and there is nothing else I could call it. I want to eat him alive in that suit, and based on the looks I’m getting from him, I think he approves of what I’m wearing as well.

Weddings are foreplay. This is fact now. I am convinced and no one can change my mind.

My body had foolishly forgotten what last night felt like, but that all came rushing back like a tidal wave when I saw him and now my skin is tingling, craving any kind of touch from him.

I’ll catch a smile from him and it sends heat up my spine. He must know because he slides his hand over his mouth to cover the fact he’s laughing at me, and I just shake my head at him.

When the ceremony ends, and we have a newly married couple among us, the bridal party makes their way, arm in arm, back down the aisle and through the doors.

I stand, eager to make my way to the reception area and into the arms of a very handsome fireman.

Isaac

I wasn’t ready to see her in that dress.

I simply couldn’t have been prepared for what that sight was going to do to me. She looked like a bombshell sitting in the chair, and now that I see her walking toward me as a full picture, hell if she isn’t the sexiest woman in the room.

“Goddamn. Look at you,” I extend my hand out for her to take.

“Do you like it?” she asks, doing a bit of a spin, showing me her bare back, save for the slinky crossed straps.

“Like it is an understatement. I fucking love it.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” She meets my eyes again. “It was a beautiful ceremony.”

“It was and the guests weren’t too bad either.” I slide my hand around from her hip to the small of her back and pull her in to me. “I got your text.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.” I nod and lean forward for a kiss. It’s soft and sexy. I can feel her breath shudder just a bit when I break the connection to speak again. “I don’t regret anything either.”

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