Page 234 of The Sweetest Obsession

For a second, I realize there’s another burst of blue from the corner of my eye—a second cloud of butterflies rising up to herald our union—but I’m not paying attention to that.

All the magic is right in front of me.

As Grant’s mouth claims mine.

As I fall into him for the first kiss of the rest of our lives, heady and sweet and electric.

He rocks me gently with slow touches I never want to end.

And even with the entire wedding party watching and people roaring behind us, I can’t help how he melts me, how he makes my knees weak with every trace of his tongue from one corner of my mouth to the other, leaving behind trails of fire on my skin.

His kiss takes me deep, owns me, leaves no doubt about my fate with every caress and every rough nip of teeth.

I belong to this man, here and now for all the world to see.

I belong, and I’ll never miss my true home again.

* * *

The reception issmall and intimate.

Most people who aren’t direct family and friends linger for the grand toast and a little food. Plus, a chance to embarrass us with noisy spoons clinking against glasses.

They mostly head out before the dancing starts.

Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess—people trying to dance in high heels in soft earth and lush grass, but no one seems to mind, tripping and stumbling and falling into each other with raucous laughs.

When I see Mr. and Mrs. Faircross dancing together, smiling at each other with such heartwarming sweetness like they’re remembering their own wedding day ages ago, I think my heart grows one more size.

It makes me hopeful that can be me and Grant, one day.

Oh, I’m aching for the wonderful life ahead.

Seeing our children off into their own happy lives, and still as deeply in love as the day we were married.

As Grant and I take the floor for our dance, though, I catch my mother standing on the sidelines, watching us with bittersweet emotions I can’t totally describe.

I offer her a smile, leaning into my husband.

She smiles back and mouths,Love you, baby girl.

Love you right back,I mouth back.

My eyes sting wonderfully.

“You realize,” Grant rumbles, his chin resting lightly on the top of my head, “I have every intention of giving your ma grandchildren to obsess over as soon as possible.”

“Oh?” I tease. “You do know that’smyuterus involved in that decision, right?”

“I know. Just had a feeling your lady bits were thinking the same thing.”

“...I was,” I admit. “I almost lost her. Of course, I want to give her grandbabies while she’s still here to see them grow up.”

“We will, sweetheart. As many as you want.” His hands tighten on my waist possessively. “We’ve got time. Your ma’s a stubborn woman. The Reaper won’t be back anytime soon after she chased him off. She’s not going anywhere—except possibly being swept off her feet.”

“What?” I lift my head from Grant’s chest, peering over my shoulder—just in time to watch Officer Henri Fontenot bow to my mother like an old-fashioned gentleman, offering her his hand while she blushes and titters. “Oh, no! Isn’t he the new guy you warned me about? The shameless flirt?”

“Yep. Every woman over fifty in town loves him. Old Mrs. Maytree calls in with a ‘stolen cane’ three times a week and demands Henri come find it. It’s always in her bedroom closet.” Grant chuckles. “I promise he’s a gentleman. Frenchie won’t do anything too dastardly to your ma.”

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