I wrapped my arms around his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair, and he rewarded me with a groan so raw and full of need I thought for sure we’d both combust right there. Reluctantly, he tore himself away from my mouth, but not before nipping at my bottom lip, a clear promise of what was to come later. Desire, hot and thick, pooled in my belly.
Trent laced our fingers, and we turned to face our family and friends for the first time as husband and wife.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN:
A Celebration of Love
AFTER THE CEREMONY, WHITNEY WHISKED ME away to fix my makeup, and then came all the pictures. We took more than I could count with our family and the wedding party, until they’d finally had enough. Then it was just me and Trent in front of the camera.
By the time we made it to his backyard, the reception was already underway. But as we as we approached, the chatter died down, and we were, once again, the center of attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Trenton Halstead,” the DJ announced.
Applause erupted, and I couldn’t help but smile. Trent guided me onto the dance floor as the first notes of our chosen song began to play. He pulled me into his arms, and we swayed to the music.
“How does it feel knowing you crossed off every item on my human bucket list?” I asked, my tone quiet.
“Oh, we’re not done with that yet,” he said.
I raised a brow and wracked my brain trying to figure out what we hadn’t done yet, but I knew we’d done everything on my list. “Yes we are,” I said.
“I added a couple of things,” he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
I laughed. “What stuff?”
Tugging me closer, he pressed his cheek to mine, his lips near my ear. “Making you a mom,” he whispered. His palm flattened against my back, the gesture naturally drawing me closer to his body.
My breath hitched, and my face heated. Yeah, that was definitely something that needed to be done before I became a vampire.
I eased back just enough to look into his eyes, and the intensity of his stare had my knees weakening. “What else?” I asked.
“That’s a surprise.” He smiled in that way that made my heart race.
“I hate surprises,” I said automatically.
“Not mine,” he responded, and all I could do was shake my head, a faint smile curling my lips. He spun me around, and then I was right back in his arms. “Seriously, Chloe, this dress… You’re absolutely stunning.”
“Thank you,” I said, his compliment warming me.
“When I saw you walking down the aisle toward me…” He groaned.
“I felt like I couldn’t walk fast enough,” I said.
He lowered his mouth to mine, and despite the “oohs” and “aahs” of everyone watching us, the noise faded away until it was just me and Trent. My eyes fluttered closed, and we both stopped moving save for our lips working in perfect harmony.
The music ended, but we didn’t stop. Trent moved his hands to my face, and he deepened the kiss, his low, throaty moan reverberating through me. I responded with a sigh, which only encouraged him more.
The DJ cleared his throat. “How about we save the rest of that for the honeymoon?”
Laughter rang out around us. Trent smiled against my lips, his thumbs caressing my cheeks, which I imagined were now red with embarrassment.
“I love you so much,” he whispered, his voice raw with emotion.
“I love you more,” I said.
“Not possible.” He winked.
Taking his hand, I reluctantly turned to face our guests, but I kept my gaze on Whitney, who was grinning like an idiot. But watching her was easier than looking at my parents. I could only imagine what they thought of our little display just now.
We took our seats at the head table, and the next two hours were a blur of congratulations, dancing, and more pictures. But the wedding reception was now officially in full swing, and based on the continuous laughter filtering around the canopy, everyone was having a good time.
The food had been divine, the DJ was incredible, and no one had said anything to me about the fact I was drinking champagne despite being underage.
I sat, watching with a smile, at my friends and family dancing and singing along—very poorly—to the music. I’d danced so much already that I insisted on taking a break, just for a few minutes.
I took a sip of ice water, letting the cool liquid soothe my throat, which was raw from a combination of crying and then laughing so much. My gaze sought out Trent. He was dancing with Aunt Beth, and she had a huge smile on her face.
It was impossible not to stare at Trent. He was downright sexy in that tuxedo, and the smile that hadn’t left his face since we’d said our vows was pretty incredible, too. Not to mention the way his eyes were ocean blue, except for when he looked at me. Then they darkened with unspoken promises of our wedding night. My heart raced just thinking about that.
“May I?”
The sound of Jax’s voice startled me from my thoughts. He held out his hand, nodding subtly toward the dance floor.
I stood and tentatively took his hand, bracing myself for any sort of unwanted emotions to hit me, but none came. He escorted me onto the dance floor and spun me into his arms. I laughed, slightly giddy from the champagne, and fell into an easy rhythm. I’d been passed around the dance floor since the reception began, but I hadn’t yet had the chance to dance with Jax. Until now.
“You look beautiful,” he said, his tone sincere.
“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself,” I said.
Jax laughed. “Your friend Gina can’t seem to keep her eyes off me,” he said, twirling us around and inclining his head in her direction.
“That’s because you kissed her senseless once,” I said, devoid of any humor. “She’s totally obsessed.”
He laughed again. “I should let her down gently.”
“You’re not interested?” I asked carefully.
“No,” he said.
I waited for him to say more, or to make a comment about how he still wanted me, but thankfully, he didn’t.
“You’re glowing,” he said. “So is Trent. I’ve never seen him so bright before. Then again, he’s never been this happy.”
I smiled, unsure what to say next.
“I really am happy for you two,” he said, his gaze holding me captive. “Listening to your vows and watching you together all evening… You’re good for him, Chloe. I didn’t realize it before, but I do now. He needs you.”
Tears pooled in my eyes. “Please don’t make me cry,” I said, knowing full well there was nothing I could do to stop it.
“You’re probably not going to want to listen to my best man speech, then.”
“Jax,” I groaned.
“I’m kidding,” he said and then pulled me a little closer.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Trent watching us. His expression was a mixture of understanding, unease, and confusion. At least he didn’t look mad or upset.
The song ended, and Jax kissed my cheek. “Thanks for the dance, sis,” he whispered, then winked at me before sauntering away.
Gina’s gaze was glued to him, and I shook my head. I hoped Jax did let her down easy so that she could move on from whatever fantasy she had about her and Jax getting together.
I wandered over to where my friends were sitting and plopped down in an empty chair. “Hide me,” I said. “I don’t think I can handle one more dance.”
“Sorry,” Abby said with an unapologetic shrug. “You’re the bride. It’s sorta your job to dance with everyone at least once.”
“Well, if that’s the requirement, then I think it’s quitting time,” I said with a small laugh. “Because I’ve officially danced with everyone here.”
“Except for any of us,” Whitney said, motioning around the table.
I gave her a dirty look, and she laughed.
“Seriously, though, Chloe, this wedding is the best one I’ve ever been t
o,” Ellie said.
“You’re welcome,” Whitney said and tossed her hair over her shoulder.
“Hey!” Abby swatted at her. “We all helped, too.”
“Excuse me, ladies,” Trent said, his hand resting on my shoulder. “May I borrow my wife for a moment?” He flashed a sexy smile at them, winked, and reached for my hand.
And I swore every single one of my friends melted into puddles right there at the table, Whitney included.
“You just can’t help yourself, can you?” I asked as he led me toward the edge of the canopy, to the spot where it was the darkest and most secluded.
“What?” he asked innocently.
“You do realize you’ve just given them wet dreams for like, a month, right?”
He laughed—he’d been doing that a lot tonight, too, and I loved it. I wanted him to be this happy all the time.
“As long as I’m your wet dream, too, I don’t care,” he said, tugging me into his arms.
I ran my hands down his lapels and peered up at him—though in these heels, I didn’t have to crane my neck back quite as far. “So, why did you drag me off into a dark corner?” I asked, my tone suggestive.
He must’ve picked up on that, too, because his eyes darkened with lust. “I wanted a minute alone with my hot wife. I’ve had to share you entirely too much tonight,” he said.
My face heated. I coursed my hands down his torso and around to his back, relishing in the way his chest rumbled with a low groan. I’d give anything to be able to leave right now and go home with him.
“Well, you’ve got me alone. Now what’re you going to do?” I asked.
“This.” He brushed his lips over mine. “And this.” He flattened his hands against my back, his touch like a branding iron on my bare skin, and then he kissed me. Slowly. Deeply. Passionately.
By the time he pulled away, I was dizzy and couldn’t breathe, but my lips tingled in the most delicious way.
“I’m going to talk to my brothers and Isach for a few minutes,” he said. “I didn’t want you to worry if you couldn’t find me. But I won’t be long. Promise.”
I narrowed my eyes and stepped out of his embrace. “Why?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, and my stomach sank. “We need to talk about Ivy,” he said.
“No. Absolutely not.” I shook my head vehemently. “We agreed that we weren’t going to deal with any of this until after the wedding. And, I’m sorry, but I’m still wearing my wedding dress, which means this wedding isn’t over yet.” My voice rose with each word.
I could not believe he was going to run off to deal with Ivy. I was moments away from stomping my foot, throwing a tantrum, and demanding he stay here with me. Was it too much to ask to want my husband to be with me right now, to want his undivided attention?
“I know,” he said softly. “But we’re leaving tomorrow, remember? We won’t be here to deal with this, and someone needs to. Jax, Colt, and Isach offered. I’m simply going to find out what their plan is.”
I crossed my arms. “Fine, then I’m going with you to talk to them.”
“I don’t want to ruin your night with this. Please.” He cradled my face in his hands. “Five minutes,” he said. “And then you have my word—no more Ivy or Zoya until we get back from our honeymoon.”
I dropped my arms to my sides, and my shoulders slumped. “Whatever,” I said, defeated.
Because I knew what was going to happen. Trent would talk to them, Jax would suggest something extreme—like sneaking into Ivy’s house and killing her—Trent would tell him how stupid that was. They’d end up arguing, Jax would intentionally say something to get under Trent’s skin, and then they’d start throwing punches.
“Just make it quick,” I said before walking away.
“Chloe, there you are,” Larissa said, catching me just as I stepped back into the lighted area. She had a sleepy Little Frank in her arms.
“Low-ee.” He reached for me.
“Hey, buddy.” I took him, and he rested his head on my shoulder. “Are you leaving?” I asked Larissa.
“No. The nanny’s here to pick him up. She’s taking him back to the hotel,” she said. “I thought you might want to say goodbye first.”
Trent walked by, momentarily distracting me. His gaze lingered on me, and his steps faltered, but then he continued on toward Jax, Colt, and Isach.
Larissa laughed. “He has not stopped looking at you tonight.”
I forced a smile, not wanting to tell her that Trent wasn’t looking at me because he couldn’t help himself; he was looking at me because he knew I was upset with him, and he was gauging my reaction. Did this count as our first fight as a married couple? That was a depressing thought.
I kissed Little Frank’s forehead. “Night, buddy. Love you,” I whispered and then gently handed him back to Larissa.
She headed toward the house, and my gaze snagged on Trent. He stopped in front of Jax, Colt, and Isach, said something, and then turned around and strode up to me.
“You’re right,” he said. “Now’s not the time or place to deal with this. I told them to handle it.”
“Thank you,” I said.
He nodded and reached for my hand. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I whispered.
“Dance with me?”
We moved onto the dance floor, and I put my head on his chest, my arms locked around his neck. I really loved being held by him like this. He pulled me closer, and his hands came to a stop on my lower back.
“I was watching you and Jax dance earlier. With the way you’re both dressed… it hit me that things could’ve ended very differently for us, that you could’ve been wearing this dress for him today, that he could’ve been the one holding you like this right now,” he said.
“I—”
“But,” he said, cutting me off. “Things didn’t turn out that way. Thank God.” He chuckled. “Because I have no idea what I would’ve done if I had lost you.”
“It’s always been you, Trent, and it always will be,” I said.
He adjusted his hands on my back and rested his forehead to mine. “We should cut the cake, then go home,” he said.
I gave him a teasing smile. “You just want to go home so you can make love to your wife.”
His eyes snapped open, and they blazed a shade of blue I’d never seen before. “Say that again,” he said.
“Uh… You want to go home so you can make love to your wife,” I said, more as a question than a statement because I had no idea why he asked me to repeat it.
“I honestly never thought I’d hear those words, or that they’d be true,” he said with a certain level of wonder. “But they are. I’m married. To my soulmate. And you’re absolutely right. I’m going to make love to my wife tonight.”
I laughed. “I really love seeing you this happy,” I said.
“Excuse me,” Jax said, gently tapping his fork against his champagne glass. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?”
Trent and I moved back to our seats at the head table, and Trent nodded at Jax to continue.
“As best man, it’s my job to give some sort of epic, heartfelt speech, but that’s not really my style,” Jax said, grinning in that way he did before saying something snarky. “So, I’m going to keep this short and sweet.” He turned toward us, his glass raised. “He’s your problem now, Chloe. Cheers.” And then he downed his glass of champagne.
I laughed, and so did everyone else. Trent shook his head, a faint smile spreading across his handsome face.
“All right, fine,” Jax said with a sigh. He gave me a conspiratorial wink, his eyes dancing with delight. “In all seriousness, you two are truly amazing together. You make it easy for the rest of us to believe in true love, and I have no doubts you’re going to have a very long, very happy life together.” He raised his now empty glass. “I love both of you, and I wish you nothing but the best.”
Trent stood and hugged his brother. People clapped. And I sat th
ere, blinking back tears, knowing Jax’s “I love you” held a much deeper meaning than anyone here could ever truly understand.
Wiping my eyes, I stood and hugged Jax, too. “Thank you,” I said.
“My turn,” Abby said, jumping to her feet.
I returned to my seat next to Trent. He took my hand and kissed my knuckles, a moment of silent understanding passing between us.
“Chloe, since you came to live with us, we’ve become friends,” Abby said, her gaze on me. “But you’re so much more than that to me. You’re my best friend and my sister. I am so incredibly happy for you, and I know you’re going to do amazing things with your life, but I have to admit… I’m a little sad you won’t be across the hall anymore.”
I smiled at her through fresh tears.
“That’s okay, though, because you’re starting your life with the man of your dreams. Literally. I mean, he’s perfect in every way imaginable. It’s kind of exhausting,” Abby said.
I laughed.
“Just…” She paused and blinked back tears of her own. “Don’t ever stop loving each other as much as you do in this moment. To Trent and Chloe,” she said.
“To Trent and Chloe,” echoed everyone else.
Trent put our clasped hands over his heart, kissed my cheek, and nuzzled his nose against my neck. “For eternity,” he whispered.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT:
Consummation
TRENT AND I MADE OUR FINAL rounds to say goodbye to everyone, promising our parents that we’d call and check in so they knew we were safe. Then, before we could get swept up in any more of the festivities, we climbed into the back of the limo Trent had insisted on, and headed home.
I collapsed against the seat and yawned. “Who knew getting married was so exhausting?”
Trent laughed. “So, how does it feel to officially be Mrs. Halstead?” he asked.
“Mmm.” I smiled. “Pretty incredible.” I straightened and angled my body toward him. Taking hold of his hand, I twisted the wedding band around on his finger. “I like how this looks on you,” I said.
Eternal Promise: (The Cursed Series, Book 5) Page 29
