“Not when it comes to you.”
“Okay, but you need to move. If I’m getting married tomorrow, there are some things I need to do.”
“Nope, the one downfall to my plan is only having a fiancée for twenty four hours. I plan on taking full advantage of this time together. Most of it spent inside you.”
My body responds to his as he grinds against me.
“Give me one hour. Then you can have the rest of the day, night, and tomorrow morning. But I need one hour. There’s something I need to do.”
He rolls off me groaning and I run to the bedroom. When I look back he’s staring at me intently with his eyes shining bright smiling widely.
“You have one hour, then I’m coming for you.”
I shut the door and grab a robe. Knowing he’s taken care of everything for tomorrow, I get my laptop and do the one thing I’ve wanted to do since our eyes first met, buy him a wedding ring.
Even if I had nothing to do with today, it was perfect. One hour ago, I became Mrs. Maxwell McCoy with our families and friends cheering loudly as we said our vows. Even though it wasn’t a formal ceremony, both our mothers and Dana cried.
I wore a strapless ivory floor-length gown, adorned with crystals that Laci had ready for me this morning. When I questioned her, she shrugged and ignored me. Max wore an Armani Tux that was made for him. Amy and Laci, and Chris, Mason, and Matt stood by our sides as we said our vows. More than once, there was a sniff behind me.
Laci picked up the band I chose late last night. When I slipped the platinum and gold ring on Max’s hand he looked at me in surprise. I winked and whispered, “You’re not the only one with connections.”
We had our first dance as husband and wife and then Mason and Matt whisk me away, claiming me for every song. Pretty soon, Jake and Chris join in until Max threatens to close the party down unless they give him his wife back. My mom and Amy giggle at his tactics, not knowing he’s serious.
The only men Max doesn’t mind turning me over to is my dad and Marshall. My dad is quiet but holds me close, telling me how happy he is for me. Apparently, Max has shared his love and devotion for me repeatedly with my family. All my dad can say is, “Be happy, Stella Bella. Let that man love you the way he needs to.”
Marshall, however, is more vocal, catching me off-guard. “I love you, Stella. Loved you since you were a girl. Your dad and I have talked a lot and we both agree Max is the one for you. But if he ever fucks up, you come to me. I won’t allow anything to happen to my girls.”
“I love you for caring about me, but something tells me he won’t fuck up. We’re kinda soul mates, if that doesn’t sound corny.”
“Not corny at all, I feel that with Laci’s mom. But the offer stands, you need me, you call.”
“You know Laci’s next right? She and Jake have a connection. It could get serious.”
“She could do worse I guess.” His eyes get soft and we both look at Laci and Jake dancing. “He seems solid and she could use some toning down.”
“Right! Like she’s ever going to calm down.”
“I don’t want my baby to change, but a good man can do all sorts of things.” He winks at me and I know in my heart he’s already had a conversation with Jake.
“Excuse me, sir,” a very nervous Pedro interrupts. “May I cut in?”
Marshall gives him my hand and kisses me on the cheek. “Yes, young man, you may. Enjoy.”
Pedro takes my hand and puts his arm around my waist tensely. “I’ve never really danced,” he admits.
“Well lucky for you I’m an expert.” I pull him close and position him correctly, then guide him around the small dance floor.
“I’m not sure it’s appropriate to dance with my boss, but your sister insisted I come ask you.”
“I’m not your boss.”
His face drops and he stops moving. I urge him to keep going. “I’m your friend. There’s a huge difference. You’re going to work with my team, but finish school. Then when you get into college, you’ll have a part time job as you need. Or you can go back to work with Max. You may hate Public Relations, and I’m okay with that. I’ll take your help as long as you want to assist us. We’re a quacky team.”
“I met Landon, he has a bit of flare,” he says apprehensively.
“He sure does! Isn’t it great?” I laugh and watch as his face fills with humor.
“I’m honored for your help, Stella.”