Page 30 of Love in Unexpected Places

She lets out a long breath and spins slowly. “Do I look like a fairytale princess or something?”

“Like I said,” I start, walking over to her and putting my hands on her shoulders, “amazing.”

“Thank you, Wiz.” Since it’s her wedding day, I’m allowing her to get away with that stupid fucking nickname. I swear, one day, I’ll put a stop to it. Not today though. Today is her special day and I’m here for whatever she needs. After all, being her man of honor comes with a lot of responsibilities.

“Okay, let’s get you down the aisle. I can’t wait to see Victor’s face when you walk down that aisle. He’s going tolose his shit.” Rachel slaps my arm and my hand flies to my mouth. We are in a church after all. “Crap. Lose his crap. Sorry.”

There’s a knock at the door and both Rachel and I turn in that direction. “You two okay in there?” Hudson calls from the other side and I smile despite myself.

I skip over to the door and open it a fraction so anyone walking past won’t see Rachel. “We’re fine, baby. Rachel did the finishing touches on her makeup and we’ll be ready. Tell her dad to give us five minutes, please.” I drag my eyes down his body and admire how fucking sexy he is in his suit. God, this man is probably the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. “You look hot,” I whisper.

“So do you,” he whispers back, leaning forward quickly to give me a kiss. “See you out there.”

I watch him walk away, then close the door and lean back against it. Rachel sighs and I glance over at her. “Wiz, this will be you in a few years. Or months! Oh! Months, Wiz!”

Holding my hands out in front of me, I say, “That’s a little too fast, Rach. Hell, we don’t even live together. What Hudson and I have is good. Really good. We like what we have.Ilike what we have. Don’t let the big poofy dress and tiara make you see wedding bells in my immediate future.” She pouts and I shake my head. “I’m not saying I wouldn’t be his husband. There’s nothing I’d love more. But we’re not there yet. And that’s okay. It’ll happen.”

Rachel loops her arm through mine. “I know, Cal. You’re right. It’s the wedding vibes. I love Hudson for you, though. I hope I’m your best woman one day when you’re walking down the aisle to him.”

“You will. You know you will. Come on, let’s get you married so I can have a matchmaking success story.”

Rachel giggles and we leave the dressing room, where Ihand her off to her father and make my way down the aisle to my spot on her side. Victor gives me a hug and whispers, “Thanks again, man,” before I step to the side and wait for Rachel and her father to make their way down to her future husband.

I look around for only a moment then my eyes land on Hudson, who’s gazing at me with what I can only say is love. I give him a wide smile and he returns it, making my heart skip a beat. I wouldn’t mind at all if he asked me to marry him. Not one bit.

The ceremony is beautiful and I’m not ashamed to say I let a tear or two drop. Rachel and Victor are so disgustingly in love, even the most cynical man would have second thoughts on if true love exists. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the church while they exchanged their vows.

At the reception, I give my speech, telling them how much I love them and how I knew they were meant to be together. I close it with, “Rachel, you’ve been my best friend for twenty-seven years. You’re family. Victor, we bonded as soon as we met and I’m glad to say you’re my best friend as well. I couldn’t have asked for more than you two being each other’s best friend too.” Rachel blows me a kiss and wipes under her eyes and Victor gives me a thumbs up, kissing Rachel on the cheek.

When all the speeches are given and Rachel and Victor have their first dance, I make my way over to Hudson, who’s sitting at a table near the dance floor. “Care to dance with me?”

“Always.” Hudson takes my hand and leads me to the floor, drawing me close to him. “I’ve missed you today.”

“Clingy much?” I joke, making him throw his head back and laugh. We both know I’m the clingy one. Have been since the first night we went back to my house. I always want to spend time with Hudson. I always wanthim around. Always want to be with him. Even if we’re doing nothing more than watching a movie.

“A little,” he admits, planting a soft kiss on my lips. “Can you blame me?”

I lay my head on his chest, breathing him in while we sway to the music. “I love you, you know that?”

The deep rumble of his chuckle vibrates against my ear and I smile into his chest. “You only tell me you love me in that tone when you want something. Is it a puppy?”

I peer up at him with a grin. “No, not this time. I do want something though.”

He rolls his eyes. “Of course, you do. What is it?”

“For you to move in with me.” Since I mentioned it to Rachel, I started wondering, why don’t we live together? We spend so much time together, either at my place or his, that it would make sense to just live in the same place. And I love being around him. I want to wake up with him and not worry about him having to go home to get clothes. I want to share my space with him. I want him, all the time.

Smiling, he says, “Yeah, Cal. I’ll move in with you.” He leans down to kiss me, then presses his forehead to mine. “You stole my thunder. I was going to ask you to move in with me when we got back to my place tonight.”

“Really?” I ask excitedly.

“Yes. I had a speech prepared and everything.”

“Let’s hear it,” I say.

Clearing his throat, he gives me his speech. “Callum, we’ve officially been together for six months. It might not seem like a long time for most couples, but we aren’t most couples. From the moment I met you, I’ve known you were it for me. You’re the man I’m meant to spend the rest of my days with. While we’re not ready for marriage just yet, I am ready to have you in my life as often as I can. I don’twant a few nights at a time. I wantallthe time. I always want you around. So, Callum, will you move in with me?”

My smile hurts my cheeks and I might look crazy but I can’t help it. “You’re right. I stole your thunder.”

We laugh, then Hudson bends down to kiss me softly. “You did, but that’s okay.”

“I love you so much,” I whisper against his lips.

“And I love you. Infinitely.”

THE END

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