Lucas and Reed hung out together most of the morning. I’ve been with Erin getting ready, which I thought was going to be a small hell this morning. I assumed the bride would run around trying to get ready and nothing would go according to plan. Nope. Erin was cool, calm, and collected. Everything went off without a hitch and I couldn’t help but wonder how my own wedding day would be.
We’d gotten ready at the hotel spa with hair and makeup and everything in between. I wonder what Reed is going to think when he sees I got everything waxed. That will be a fun surprise. Too bad we’re hours away from him seeing it.
“I shaved,” Lucas informs me while lifting his chin.
Reed shakes his head and mouths that it was fake. My heart flutters because I’m sure Reed was shaving and Lucas wanted to as well. I would have loved to have seen that. It warms me that Reed is giving Lucas something I can’t.
“You look mighty handsome.” I kiss Lucas on the cheek. “And you don’t look so bad yourself.” I go in to kiss Reed on the cheek too, but he turns his head and presses his lips against mine. I let out a happy sigh before I pull away. Lucas doesn’t say anything. He only smiles and looks around at all the people waiting to start the wedding.
“You ready, little man?” Erin walks over towards us and I swear she’s glowing in her wedding dress.
“You look like a princess,” Lucas tells her.
“And you look like a prince.” Lucas puffs out his chest at Erin’s praise.
“You really do look beautiful.” I grab Erin’s hand and give it a squeeze. “Let’s get you married before your husband loses his patience.” Erin laughs, but we all know it’s not a joke.
Reed bends down and puts Lucas on his feet. “You remember what you have to do?”
“I got it.” He holds up a hand and they high-five.
“Come with me.” Lucas takes Erin’s hand as she leads him over to his place in line next to the flower girl.
“Think he’ll do okay?”
Reed pulls me into his arms and leans close. “We practiced all morning. He’s going to nail it.”
When he kisses me so sweet and soft, I admit to myself I’m falling in love with him. How did this all happen so fast?
“You’re breathtaking, but I can’t wait to get you out of this dress later.”
He gives me another kiss and this one is filled with heat and a promise of what’s to come. He gives my ass a squeeze before he walks inside to sit with the rest of the guests.
Everything goes off without a hitch and I get choked up a few times watching Erin and her husband together. They have something special and I think that maybe I could have that with Reed too, if I let myself.
He stared at me the whole ceremony and his eyes never left mine during the vows.
The reception is in full swing by the time I finally get to sit down and relax. Lucas has been on the dance floor most of the night between bites of cake. He’s having the time of his life.
Reed pulls me over into his lap. “Having fun?” he asks before kissing my bare shoulder.
“This has been incredible. My face is going to hurt from smiling so much.”
“Good.” He gives me another kiss and I shift a little on his lap so I can wrap my arms around his neck.
“I’m kinda mad at myself. I could have been with you two months ago,” I say, and he chuckles. “Oh, you find this funny? If I remember right you’ve been a pain in my ass the entire time.” I know now he was only looking out for me and worried that something might jeopardize what we could have.
“I wasn’t trying to micromanage you. You’re one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen.” Honesty shines in his eyes.
“I realize that now and it’s nice having someone look out for me. I’ve never had that before.” I blink a few times, trying to stop the tears. I don’t want to cry because this day has been so perfect.
“Don’t hide your tears from me.” He tilts my chin to meet his eyes. “Chasing you drove me crazy, but it was worth it. Maybe it showed you that I’m in this for the long haul. I’ve got staying power and I’m not going anywhere.”
I sniffle. “Are you trying to make me cry?”
“No. The only people I want to make cry are Lucas’s biological parents.”
“They’re not worth it.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to knock them upside their heads. But even with the shit hand you were dealt, look at you. You fought for you and for him. You work hard to give him everything and I just want you to let me do the same for you.” I’m starting to believe he means everything he says. But what reason would he have to lie?