Page 30 of Wild Ever After
I motion my head toward the guys. “Hang with them. I’ll find you after.”
He pulls away, taking his warmth with him. I head to the table to grab my bouquet. A lot of women keep their real bouquet and have a second for this tradition, but I didn’t see the point in having a memento from this day. It’s beautiful—one of the few things I picked out just for me. It isn’t made up of all the trending flowers of the year or even the colors.
I’ve always liked flowers and never really had a reason to keep them around, so for one day, I wanted all the flowers I like. Muted pinks and yellows, whites. A softer, more elegant mixture than anyone would expect from me but that ended up pairing well with the whole barn and lake setting. I don’t even know the names of a lot of the flowers. I flipped through a book the florist had and pointed to all the ones I wanted. Melody insisted on some tulips in the ceremony archway (tulips are going to be big next season—her words), but I’m happy I was able to pick the rest of the flowers.
“Congratulations.” Melody steps in my path on the way to the DJ booth to let him know I’m ready for the bouquet toss. “You really pulled it off. Everything was beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
Her gaze leaves mine and travels over the party, stopping on my friends dancing in one big circle. I glance over to find Declan looking this way, with a hint of concern over his handsome features. I look away from him back to Melody. A pleased smile is plastered on her face when she meets my stare.
“And if I didn’t know better, I’d think your new husband is smitten. The way he looked at you all night is going to sella lotof magazines.”
I fidget uncomfortably and manage a smile back at her.
“Enjoy the honeymoon. Take lots of pictures and notes in case we decide to feature it with the wedding article. And as soon as you’re back, I want you in my office, so we can discuss the best way to continue your articles, while bringing in Declan and your new life together.”
Our life together. My stomach flutters, and my mouth goes dry. “Yes, ma’am.”
With a small wave, she turns on her heel and heads for the door.Holy crap.We did it. I threw the wedding of the season, got married, and I did it without anyone realizing I switched grooms at the last minute.
My mom stops me next.
“I’m so proud of you.” She wraps her arms around me and guilt washes over me. When I told her that Sam and I had broken up and I was marrying Declan instead, she didn’t bat an eye. I might have fibbed about the length of time between the switcheroo. A few days, a few months—we don’t talk often enough for it to make much of a difference. And I guess because she jumps into serious relationships just that fast, it was believable to her that I did too.
“Thanks, Mom.” I squeeze her with one arm. “I am going to do the bouquet toss and then I think we’ll make our exit.”
“Kenny and I are going to head out now before everyone else does,” she says. “Beat the crowd.”
“Oh, okay. Yeah. You’re staying at the hotel tonight though, right? I’ll see you in the morning before you leave. Let’s grab breakfast in the restaurant.”
She tilts her head to the side and smiles in a way that makes me dread her next words. “We’re not staying. Kenny wants to drive up to Duluth tonight and go to the casino tomorrow.” She reaches over and takes my hand, then glides her thumb over my knuckles. “You don’t need your mother. You never have, but definitely not on your wedding night. I love you. You two come see us sometime, yeah?”
Is she serious? I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s choosing Kenny over being here with me, but somehow, I am. It’s my wedding. My fake wedding, sure, but she doesn’t know that. I’ve never felt like I needed her more. I hate that feeling.
“Sure, Mom,” I say. “We’d love that.”
And just like that, I realize I’m part of a “we” now.
12
DID YOU BEDAZZLE THAT JUST FOR TONIGHT?
DECLAN
After the reception is over,Jade and I go to the outdoor bar at the resort with our friends. We crowd around two tables. Funny how a night watching two people get married has all the couples snuggled up and looking even cozier than usual.
Scarlett sits on Leo’s lap and his head is buried in her neck. Piper and Tyler are in separate chairs, but his hands are all over her. And Mav and Dakota? Let’s just say, I walked into the men’s room during the reception and saw more than I wanted.
The only other single guys are Jack and Ash. I guess I’m not technically single anymore. Weird.
Jack is kicked back smoking a cigar, and Ash is wearing Jade’s garter like a bracelet.
My wife—holy shit, I have a wife—sits in the chair next to me. She’s been distant, quieter, since we left the reception. Then again, it’s been a long ass day, and she’s had to beonfor most of it.
At last call, only Jack and Ash order another round. The couples stand and start to say their goodnights.
I get to my feet to hug Leo, Tyler, and then Maverick.
