“Girl, please. I wouldn’t know how to handle that nonsense. I get it. But I think that man of yours needs your attention.”
Madison hugs Addison then rushes off to Emmitt. We watch from the corner, so we’re not seen. She reaches his side and utters, “I’m sorry, Emmitt.”
“I swear I haven’t been with anyone…ever. You’ve been the one and only from the moment I saw you through my lens.”
“I know. I know.” She presses her hand to his chest, gently stroking down, calming them. Damn, I didn’t know that. We had more in common than I thought.
“Mother, leave now. I don’t know if I can ever forgive you for what you’ve done here, but I know I sure as fuck can’t forgive you for what you’ve done to Tanner.”
“Tanner, Tanner, Tanner. You’re going to choose him over me?” The violent turn in her, causes me to pull Addison against my side. I won’t let anything happen to her.
“No, I’m choosing to celebrate my wedding day, what’s left of it, with those who care for me and my bride and you’ve shown that you don’t. Goodbye.”
Madison moves out of Emmitt’s arms and over to his mother. “You are disgusting, and I don’t want you in our lives either.”
“You’re just marrying him because he knocked you up.” Out of nowhere, Madison snaps and swings her arm, slapping Tanya right across the face.
Emmitt nods to my father who has two security guards escort the nutcase out and then Emmitt turns to Madison. “Fuck, baby. Be careful. If you are pregnant you could hurt yourself and the baby.”
“She is right, and she ruined my surprise.” She pouts.
Emmitt’s face changes from shock to a massive grin. “Are you kidding? I’m so damn happy. I love you Madison and our baby that I’ve been trying to put in you since I got you naked.” He picks her up and spins her around before kissing her lightly.
My dad nods to me, and I walk up to my brother to feel his wrath for not saying anything. Before I can apologize for his day being ruined, Emmitt hugs me hard. “I wish I knew, bro. I wish I knew.”
When he lets go, I tell him the truth. “Relax, I didn’t even know the details. I just knew she wanted more than a mother-son relationship with me. That’s all. Besides, we have a wedding to get on with.”
“Okay.”
As much as I hate and I mean genuinely hate, being the center of attention, I had to take control for Emmitt. I enter first with Addison on my arm.
“Hello, we’re back! Someone had too much bubbly. She’s sleeping it off, and now we can get back to the reception. Now, who wants to dance? I know I plan to twirl my fiancée around the room.”
Chapter 11
Addison
“Fiancée?” I toss out as he spins me around in a circle before pulling me into his arms. The sounds of Spandau Ballet’s True play as he holds me close.
He drops his head down and whispers in my ear, “Yes. It does have a wonderful ring to it. Although, I must say, wife has a much better one.”
My knees buckle, but his strong hold doesn’t let me fall. “I’ve got you, my soul.”
I gather myself because my heart is more than ready to cave. I wonder if it’s the whole virginity thing that has him jumping from the bed to marriage. “Tanner Bryant, you don’t even know me. Why would you want to marry me?”
“Honey, I know enough,” he growls, nipping along my jaw. My pulse races with each tiny taste of my flesh.
I can barely get the words out, but I manage to say them quickly. “Why? Because you took my virginity?” I push back a little, getting an inch of space.
“You know what? I love this song.” He smiles and spins me out, twirling me to him, so that my back is pressed against his chest.
“Me too, but you’re not answering me.”
“Fine, sweetheart,” he whispers in my ear as he rocks our hips to the side, dancing to the rhythm. “It’s not the only reason, but it does lead me to believe that what happened back there wasn’t just a fling. There’s also the fact that Emmitt thinks you’d be good for me is another plus. He knows my quirks, and well, I’m an odd man, but baby, you’ve changed me. You own me, Addison. One day you will marry me, and I’ll be here waiting.” He twirls me back around, so we’re face to face.
“You’re my fantasy come true, Tanner. Don’t let me down.”
“Never.” His mouth closes over mine, and I don’t care that we have an audience because we have each other. The song comes to an end as our kiss does. There’s a round of applause, and I blush as I see everyone cheering as if this is our night. I look at Tanner, and he’s even more embarrassed about the clapping than I am.