Page 30 of Glass & Groundwork
“I know, but I wanted to.” He offered me a sweet smile and damn, I was ready to kiss him right there, but I forced myself to wait.
We exchanged rings as symbols of our love and devotion for as long as our love should last. I admired the way the band looked on my finger as the words really set in. This really was no smallthing, and again, I found myself wondering why Gio would give up so much to do this for me. I half-considered not letting him and calling it all off.
Except, he didn’t seem bothered or uncertain as he stood before me. He was in this. I didn’t know why, but I felt more determined than ever to be as good as I could to him. I would forever be grateful to him and the role he was playing to help me fight for my freedom.
Our hands were joined and we stared into each other’s eyes as the judge announced, “By the virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of California, it is my great honor to pronounce you married. You may kiss your husband.”
Cheering erupted around the room, but time stood still as Gio took a step toward me. He stared at me with such intensity, it made me feel like my knees would give out. Instead of me having to take the lead with the kiss as I had in the bathroom, he startled me when he moved in a flash, leaning down, and covering my mouth with his.
My surprise was gone as I groaned into him and felt our tongues meet once more. Gio’s arms folded around my back, lifting me on my toes, and deepening the kiss. I was captive. Completely captive, surrendering to a man who kissed me like he’d finally found me after a lifetime of searching. Gone completely was the shyness and the inexperience that seemed to bleed from him when we’d been in the bathroom, and present was a man who commanded my entire body’s attention. My. Entire. Body.
I couldn’t stop the blood rushing to my dick. Luckily, the judge cleared his throat, drawing our attention back to the present, and stopping the kiss before I creamed my pants in front of everyone. Gio pulled back slightly, and rested his forehead on mine, as he tried to catch his breath.
He whispered a hushed, “Sorry” before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead and straightening.
I carefully pulled at my jacket to hide the chubby that was pushing against my zipper. Did I mention my suit was form-fitting? Gio caught my movement and looked down, his cheeks blushing at my predicament. How could the man kiss me like he did and then blush because of what he did to me? God, he was cute. But even with color on his cheeks, he drew me to his side, using his body to cover me, protecting me even now, and making me feel all gooey at the simple action.
“Congratulations Mr. Maldonado and Mr. Russo.” The judge announced with a wide smile. We decided it would be easier to move things along quickly with my trust fund if we didn’t have to go through name-change paperwork first. Even still, I kind of wished it would have been different. I would give anything to shed the name that tied me to my parents and their world. Could I be a Russo?Perhaps.It had a nice ring to it.
With my blood reaching my chest again, and my dick back under control, we turned to face everyone who clapped and whistled for us. Strange. It wasn’t what I thought my wedding day would be like, but I found myself crying and smiling, and generally, a sappy mess over it anyway.
“Don’t forget, you and two witnesses need to sign the license. You have ten minutes to use the room before we need to bring in the next happy couple.” The judge patted both of us on our shoulders, and left through a door in the back to give us some privacy.
Pictures were taken, hugs were given, papers were signed. It felt more celebratory than I could have imagined, and Gio, he seemed… happy. A contented expression settled on his face as his kids congratulated us. It was weird. This whole thing was weird. But also… really fucking nice. It was a glimpse of what this could be like for real some day.
Gio
He looked radiant, and his smile seemed genuine. Maybe it was all for show, with pictures to prove our happy day happened. I didn't know him well enough yet to know if he was that good at putting on an act, but I'd like to think he wasn't. There certainly was no making up the erection he tried to hide after I kissed him.
Fuck, I was mortified at how I tried to devour him in front of everyone. It was good Jasper had us practice in the bathroom beforehand because that first, gentle touch of his lips to mine had shocked me. How long had it been since I'd last been kissed by someone? Hell, I'd lost track, but it was long before Eduardo had come into the picture,longbefore.
The pre-kiss served as much-needed practice, but it also reminded me how amazing it felt. I couldn't stop thinking aboutit the entire time the judge spoke. Jasper's warm mouth on mine, the way he tasted, the purring sound that rumbled in his throat. I kept thinking about the kiss we had and the one that would come after the ceremony. Once it was time, I gave into the hunger and tried to swallow him whole.
Yes, it was a wedding, and a kiss was expected, but it was bizarre knowing my kids saw me lose control like that. Of course, it was the first time they’d seen me kissanyone, which I was still reconciling with myself, too. When Eduardo came over and clapped my shoulder, grinning wide, and not looking at all bothered, I had to wonder if it was all in my head. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as I thought. It felt like it, though. I’d completely disconnected from the room and all I could sense was Jasper and the way he melted into me.
Jasper’s sweet, citrusy scent clung to my nose and I had to keep from inhaling deeply when he sidled up beside me. He looked up at me with his lips quirked to the side. “Well… it looks like we’re done here, I guess I’ll follow you home.”
Eduardo came over and tsked, shaking his head. “I don’t think so. You just got married, you can’t drive away in separate cars. We won’t let you.”
“We?” I looked around, suddenly realizing it had gotten quiet in the hallway. Eddie was the only one of my kids I could see. “Where is everyone? Did they leave already? I would have thought they would say something.” Unless they did, and I was too stuck on the kiss that should have meant nothing.
Eduardo grinned deviously. “You’ll see. Now, Jasper, if you don’t mind, I’ll drive your Jeep back and follow you to the farm, so you two can ride together.”
Jasper shrugged. “Sure, that would be great. Thanks.”
He handed him his keys and we all began moving outside. When we got to the parking lot, I saw my truck had a sign on theback of it that said, “Just married,” and there were cans tied to the bumper. It was ridiculous, but it made me smile anyway.
“Oh my God! That’s amazing. I didn’t think people still did that. At least they haven’t at all the weddings I’ve been to, but then the ones I’ve attended have been more about the competition of who could spend more for a single day. Nothing like this.”
Jasper’s eyes gleamed, the purple eyeliner he wore making the gold in them shine brighter. It made me happy, especially after they had been so dim the day he saw his parents. My barn, my hand in marriage, anything. I would give anything to see this look on him.
Marley and Derek stood there with my whole crew and watched as we climbed into the truck. It meant more to me than I thought it would to have them all here and celebrate with us, even if the celebration wasn’t real.
I honestly never expected to have a day like this. The idea of getting married was something I shelved a long time ago. I was happy to live a partner-less life like Tom had, caring for the farm and the people that came and went over time. Happy to be papa to the kids that have stayed and the ones that have moved on.
Now, this all seemed like a gift. Something I would get to cherish no matter what the future looked like with Jasper. If or when he decided to move on, at least I would have these memories in my collection, along with all the ones I kept of Papa Tom, and of my kiddos. Tears, smiles, sometimes combined as they were today, but all special. The thought of it had my chest squeeze and my throat tighten as my eyes burned hot with emotion.
Jasper rolled down his window and waved to everyone, who cheered loudly. He turned to face me, grinning from ear to ear, and asked, “One more for the road?”
