I chuckled. “I may be more of a nightmare at times.”
She arched her eyebrow at me, a move I’d found very sexy since she had started doing it a few days ago. “As long as you’re Dylan and not snobby Dylan we’ll be fine.”
I laughed and kissed her hard. “You’ve been spending too much time with Mrs. C—only she gets to call me snobby.”
I became serious. “I can hardly wait to make you mine tonight.”
She smiled up at me, a mischievous expression dancing across her face. “Here, or do you mean later at the hotel?”
I groaned, burying my face into her neck and dropping kisses onto her supple skin. Since Arlene and Simon had arrived, we hadn’t been together. Their room was between Alex’s and mine, and Arlene’s hearing was too good. Given everything else going on, we agreed to hold off until the wedding and we were finally alone. At the time I agreed, I found it a rather romantic gesture, but that lasted a day or so. Every chance I got, I dragged Alex behind a closed door and kissed her until we were both panting with want. But no matter where I took her, someone always found us. However, tonight, I’d finally have her alone, and tomorrow we would leave on our honeymoon—two glorious weeks of simply us. I had the villa in the Bahamas booked. It was secluded and private, with its own beach and pool. Staff was on call for meals or anything we wanted, but other than that, she was all mine.
“I’m so ready to start our life,” I murmured against her mouth, dragging my tongue over her plump bottom lip.
“Me too.”
I tilted my head to kiss her as the elevator door opened and Arlene strolled out, a clipboard in hand. “Ah, there you are, Dylan. We have some things to go over, then I’m stealing Alex for the afternoon.”
I leaned my forehead to Alex’s, fighting a groan. It was as if Arlene knew I was about to kiss Alex and appeared. Every damn time.
Alex giggled, and I realized I’d spoken out loud. She leaned up and kissed me fast. “Tonight,” she promised. “I’ll make up for it tonight.”
“You bet you will!” I growled as she walked away. I narrowed my eyes at Arlene, then burst out laughing when she grinned at me, not the least bit worried over my glare. She knew what she was doing.
“You’ll pay, old woman!” I called after her, turning to get a cup of coffee.
“Whatever, dear boy,” she replied, making me chuckle.
I glanced at my watch. In six hours, I’d be married, and Alex would be my wife.
Six hours until I could kiss her again.
It was dark by 4:00 p.m. The candles flickered, and the scent of the flowers wafted through the air as Alex and I exchanged vows in front of a small gathering of those we both loved the most. I had flown in a few friends, as well as Mrs. C’s family, and the rest of the guests were Alex’s crew. I never invited nor thought to let my father know what was happening. I knew he wouldn’t care, and I had no desire to give him the chance to ruin the day for me.
Alex wore a gorgeous, knee-length, lacy dress and I wore my favorite dark blue suit Arlene had brought with her. My best man, Seth, stood beside me, anxious and proud, and behind him was Simon. Noelle was beside her mother, far more interested in the pretty flowers she was holding for Alex than the service going on in front of her. All she knew, all she cared about, was that, as of today, she could call me Daddy. When she had asked me, I was so overcome I could barely speak, and I’d had to look to Alex, unsure how she would feel about it.
She had smiled lovingly, running her hand over Noelle’s wild curls. “I think Dylan would like that, but after we’re married okay, sweetheart?”
“Otay,” she said, her slipper-covered feet bouncing with happiness. “I can wait!”
Seth had snorted. “I ain’t calling you Daddy.”
I had to laugh, grateful for his humor restoring some lightness to the moment. “I think Dylan will do, Seth,” I agreed.
“Yeah, well, for now,” he stated, not looking my way.
My gaze met Alex’s, and I knew there was another conversation we would have to have. I wasn’t simply marrying her; I was marrying them as well. I would do whatever I needed to do to make sure they understood how important they were.
Alex squeezed my hand, bringing me back to the moment. Behind her, Arlene grinned at me, and I realized people were waiting for me to speak.
I said the words I never thought I would hear myself utter.
“I do.”
Moments later, vows spoken, rings exchanged, Alex was mine. Forever.
Leaning down, I captured her lips, kissing her deeply. I held her close, not wanting the moment to end.
Then I felt it—the small tug on my trouser leg. I broke away from Alex and looked down into Noelle’s sweet little face. She lifted her arms up, her smile wide.