Page 116 of Liberating Bells
I make eye contact with a few of our other friends as we make our way out of the church. Everyone looks elated that we’ve made it to this moment. And that all means so much.
After we do a greeting line,Izabel and I are shuffled away to do private pictures with just the two of us. Shortly after that, we’re brought back into the church to take family photos. Thalia is beside herself, demanding that she get to stand next to Izabel in her “princess dress” in every single photo. We oblige her, because why could we not?
“You two are just too cute,” one of the photographers says as she takes a few last pictures. “I think we’re all set here. You all can get your things, and we’ll meet you at the reception hall.”
“Thank you so much,” Izabel tells her. The photographers nod and start collecting all their equipment.
I turn to my new bride and take a step back, admiring her dress fully now that we’re in private. “You are absolutely stunning,” I tell her. “I love this dress on you.”
I move closer, wrapping my hands around her hips and pulling her into me. She arches against me, her arms falling over my shoulders. “I think I might love it more if it was piled on our bedroom floor, though,” I tease her, leaning down and nipping at her earlobe.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see her arms erupt in goosebumps. Her fingers play with the ends of my hair on my neck, and she takes a shaky breath. “So impatient.”
I laugh and pull away, shooting her a wry grin. “What? I can’t be excited about our wedding night?”
Izabel looks at me in amusement. “It’s not like this is new territory for you.”
“That doesn’t matter; you’re my wife now. I’ve never done it with my wife before,” I murmur, pulling her closer to me.
“Your wife,” she hums. “I do like the sound of that.”
“Trust me, I do too,” I tell her, feeling the effect those words have on my body.
“I’ll tell you what, husband. Let’s go to the reception, and dance, and eat all the wedding cake, and then at the end of the evening, I promise to let you unfasten every single button on this dress. Then you can do with me as you please.”
“Deal,” I confirm. “I guess we better get going then. Don’t want to keep our guests waiting.”
I release her but still keep a hold of her hand. Then we grab whatever we need to and head outside. A limo is waiting for us, and I let Izabel climb in first, helping her arrange all the skirts and layers of her fluffy dress. As we settle into the back seat, I wrap my arms around Izabel’s shoulders, and she leans against me for our drive.
Once we arrive at our reception, we take the elevator up to the first floor and then hang out outside in the hallway for a moment. I send a text to Juliet and Josie that we’re here, and before long, they’re with us out in the hallway.
“Mind if I steal your bride, Ryan?” Jules asks, taking hold of Izabel’s hand. “We’re just going to go freshen up before you make your grand entrance.”
“Just make sure you bring her back,” I say, only half-pretending to be serious.
Jules whisks her away to a bathroom down the hallway as Josie stands next to me with her arms crossed over her chest. I gotta say, my best friend can rock a suit. I was astonished whenshe showed up dressed to the nines today. I was expecting her to wear a dress similar to the bridesmaids.
But that’s not Josie, and I’m glad she decided to be herself.
Her suit is the same as mine, though without the fancy boutonniere pinned to her front. She has a black bow tie secured around her neck and a pressed white shirt. Her slacks are black, though they only come down to her ankles in a fitted style. She’s strutting around in a pair of strappy heels like she owns the place.
“Are you all ready to give your speech?” I ask her.
Josie’s eyes meet mine, and she huffs out a breath. “Don’t remind me. I’m not so great at public speaking. I’ll probably throw up everywhere.”
“You’ll do great, I’m sure,” I tell her. “Did you bring anyone with you today?”
“Nope, flying solo. How could I have succeeded at my Best Man duties when I have another man hanging off my arms? You’re my primary focus today, buddy.”
“I’m so glad you agreed to do this,” I tell her honestly.
“Please, it’s an honor. Really, Ryan. I know I’m late to this story, but I got to see it all come together. I wouldn’t have missed this wedding for the world.”
“Okay, we are all spruced up and looking beautiful again!” Juliet announces as she and Bells step out into the hallway. “Josie, why don’t you go let the DJ know that they’re here so he can announce their entrance?”
Josie scurries off as Izabel comes and takes my hand, Juliet straightening out her skirts. Inside the reception hall, I hear the DJ ask for everyone’s attention.
“It’s my extreme honor to introduce for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Miller!”
