Page 83 of You Are Cordially Invited

I wanted to remember every second of this forever.

Somehow, I kept moving, one foot in front of the other, my heart afire.

Heading for Reuben.

Heading home.

I returned my love’s smile, cocked a hip, much to his amusement, and then sashayed over to take his hand before leaning in to whisper, “You looking for a cigarette?” Repeating the very first words I’d ever spoken to him.

He beamed and ran his nose across my cheek to brush mine. Goosebumps ran over my skin.

“You were the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. You still are.” His gaze ran the length of me. “And you look absolutely stunning. I am so fucking proud of you.”

“You too, baby.” I couldn’t drag my eyes from his face, astonished at the shadow of charcoal that framed his eyes.

“You like?” He sounded nervous.

“I love.” I cupped his cheek. “It makes the light grey of your eyes pop even more. I never knew you wanted to try—”

“I wanted to surprise you.” He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the back. “I needed help to get it straight because my hands were shaking so damn much.”

“Not too straight, I hope.” I winked, then frowned and straightened the tie under his neck brace.

For some reason, he laughed.

“And are you wearing that item of clothing we bought?” I arched a brow.

His gaze turned molten. “I am.”

I pictured the tiny pink jockstrap I’d bought him and was thankful the tulle was a forgiving piece of clothing.

“And canIassume that whatever you’ve got under that skirt matches that sexy-as-fuck leather harness?” He tried to lift the tulle and I slapped his hand, much to the amusement of everyone gathered around.

“Now, that would be telling. But I have one word for you—chains.”

His pupils blew wide.

Michael cleared his throat alongside. “Gentlemen, can we maybe move this show along before I have to find you two a room?”

“Shall we?” I turned to face the chapel doors, keeping my gaze locked on Reuben.

He slid alongside, threaded my arm through his, and kissed my forehead. “I can’t wait.”

We turned to check on Cory and he offered a small smile. He had the rings safe in a bag in one hand, whilst the other held tight to Tink’s collar. Sandy was walking alongside for support, and to take Tink, while Geo waited at the front to escort Cory to his seat once his job as ring bearer was done.

I winked at Cory who looked nervous but quiet, his favourite train shoved in his pocket just in case.

“You look very handsome,” Reuben whispered, and Cory’s lips quirked up at the compliment.

We turned back around and nodded to Ed to open the doors. He did, and the sound of Haley Reinhart singing ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ swept out into the corridor. I looked to Sandy and whispered, “Thank you.” It had been my first choice for walking in.

But when I heard Reuben’s gasp, I quickly turned back around and gaped at yet another honour guard waiting on us, this one a line of Reuben’s rugby friends and players, all standing with a smile and an outstretched arm, welcoming us to walk between them, all the way to our celebrant waiting at the front.

Behind the guard, the chapel swelled with all our friends and family, standing and grinning, some wiping their eyes.

Reuben blew out a long breath and patted my hand. “You ready?”

I covered his hand with my own. “I’ve been ready for you forever.”

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