Page 97 of The Seven Month Itch
They walk out to the sound of adoring guests whooohandahhat their every move. Gracie and Edie look pretty darn adorable in their tulle off-the-shoulder flower girl dresses. The lilac color matches the bouquets tied to each of the aisle chairs.
Terrence’s eyes light up on our daughters’ approach. Petals spill from their tiny hands, and I struggle not to get choked up. Everything goes as planned until Edie gets closer to the end of the aisle.
“Papa, you’re pretty!” She runs at him full speed and bypasses her grandmothers’ bounty of sweets.
He squats down to wrap her in a hug. His arm stretches out for Gracie once she catches up. The girls giggle at something he says and each take a seat next to a grandmother.
I turn back to Emma to see her count the steps in her head and snap.
“Sorry, Jay. I’m nervous.”
I take her into my arms and smile. “There’s nothing to worry about, love. This is your day. Enjoy it, because it goes so fast.” She lets out a laugh and nods. “Don’t make me cry again.” I step back to take another look at her. “You’re such a beautiful bride. I’ll see you down there.”
My turn.
The day is perfect. We’re in a Malibu vineyard that puts any Hallmark movie to shame. Rolling hills surround us as far asthe eye can see and provide the perfect backdrop for two of my favorite people in the world to say I do.
My breath catches when my eyes lock on Terrence. He stares at me with a hunger in his eyes that hasn’t waned after all these years. I drink in the black tux draped over his hard muscles and lick the edge of my mouth to keep from drooling. My man could start a wildfire with his penguin suit.
He grabs my hand to pull me in for a kiss before I make it to my spot. “You look amazing, Mrs. Reyes,” he says in a whisper. His eyes never leave mine.
My cream chiffon matron of honor gown is a simple A-line silhouette with spaghetti straps and a deep V-neck that shows off my other girls. The dress splits up my leg, which has Terrence’s full attention. His eyes travel from my lace-up heels to my exposed thigh.
Our children and parents are a few feet away, but that doesn’t extinguish the heat in his eyes or between my legs.
I lick my bottom lip and keep my voice to a whisper. “Thank you, Mr. Reyes.”
The music changes, and the partition opens again for Emma and her father to walk through. Guests stand, and I have to recite the alphabet backward in my head to stop the tears.
I turn to look at Miles, who wipes an eye. This is one of the first times I’ve seen him so emotional, and it makes me happy to know he’ll care for Emma.
Or I’ll make him wipe the other eye after I pop it.
The ceremony lasts twenty minutes. Emma and Miles tongue each other down in front of God and fifty guests. They jump the broom after the pastor announces Mr. and Mrs. Walker and walk down the aisle to an eruption of cheers.
They did it!
Terrence takes my arm in his for our departure. “I’m fucking you in nothing but those shoes tonight,” he says in my ear.
My nipples perk.Yes, please do.
I brush my shoulder against his and smile at the guests still seated. “Language, baby.”
He turns to his mom on my side of the aisle and gives a nod. “Sorry.” He plants a kiss on my shoulder. “I want you to ride my face and come on my tongue. Better for you, princess?”
“Can’t I have both?”
“Greedy girl.” The lick to my ear sends a chill up my spine.
I shake my head and take in the happy faces. Reina is here with her husband, Ethan. They had an intimate wedding on Catalina Island two years ago during his off-season and are expecting their first child. Reina and I still keep in touch, though she spends most of her time in California with Terrence’s younger sister now that Audre relocated to Los Angeles. She’s here too, and she looks rather cozy next to Chris. They both live in the city, and with Reina and Ethan’s move to the Pacific Palisades to start a family, I’m certain they’re living together.
Terrence hasn’t caught on, but his business partner dating his baby sister will send him into a fit of rage. He’ll flip about the age difference, but five years isn’t that big of a deal.
Kenny is on the other side of Chris, drenched in sweat. He looks at his phone like he’s got an appointment to face the firing squad. My guess is he wants to get back in Olivia’s good graces. This playboy follows her around New York City ever since she turned him down. They really like each other, but Liv needs more assurance he can commit before she “wastes her good years” on someone twelve years her senior.
Good for her.
I catch a glimpse of Miles and Em with the photographer out of the corner of my eye when firm hands wrap around my waist. Terrence lifts me over his shoulder and makes a sharp detour to the tent.
