by Lexy Timms
“Thanks,” I said.
Hanging up the phone, I opened the door and found Colin standing there. He immediately embraced me, pulling me close to him as he rocked us side to side. I threw my arms around him and held him close, sniffling into his neck.
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“No, I’m sorry. If it makes you feel better, we can sue the magazine for libel. We have a strong case, witnesses like Doris and Bernie, as well as the captain of the ship—”
“That’s not necessary,” I said, as I looked into his eyes. “You have nothing to be sorry for. But I do.”
“Why?” Colin asked. “You did nothing wrong.”
“My wedding vows to you. I already broke them. I ran from you instead of leaning into you, and I left you there to fend for yourself. I’m sorry. I’m really trying, I just—have to find my strength again, I guess.”
“Abby,” he said. “A promise like that takes work. It takes practice. And this lifestyle? It takes time to adjust. Are you sure you don’t want to sue the magazine? Because I’ll do anything as long as it doesn’t cost me you.”
“Colin, you’re not losing me,” I said.
I could see relief wash over his face and it made me feel terrible.
“I’m so sorry,” I said breathlessly. “I didn’t mean to make you feel like I’d leave you.”
“It’s my one biggest fear, and it always will be. You are important to me, Abby. The most important person to me. Okay?”
“Okay. I just—need to develop tough skin.”
“And again, that takes time. So long as you promise to work on what you know you need to do, and I will do the same. Together, we’ll be better and stronger for it. Both as individuals, and as a couple.”
I fell into Colin’s body and breathed in his comforting scent. I could still hear the growing horde of people gathered outside at my apartment complex. It made me angry and solidified the fact that my life was forever going to change. People would always want a story. They would always want details. They would stop at nothing to make sure they got a story about us that got them paid, no matter what it did to us.
I had to find my strength again.
I had to start healing myself.
“I don’t want to stay here tonight after all,” I said.
“Then you can come back with me.”
“But the paparazzi. Since I ran from them, they’re going to be on my like piranhas now. How do I fix this?” I asked.
“You call on your P.R. knowledge. If you were coaching someone through this situation in order to spin the story, what would you tell them?”
I took a step back from Colin as my eyes scanned the room. I drew in a deep breath as I centered my mind and stuffed away my emotional state. I locked it away for another time as the logical side of me emerged, and a grin tugged at my lips as I reached down for a box.
“You ready to take some of these boxes to your place?” I asked.
“Brilliant. We’ll make it look like we’re simply moving you out. How many trips do you want to make?”
“I don’t know, how many do you think would look good?” I asked.
“Let’s do this one, then make one more. The focus should be your clothes and toiletries. We can come back for the rest tomorrow, like we said originally.”
“Sounds good to me.” I put the box down and we headed for my room. We picked up suitcases and bags, then headed downstairs towards the crowds. The driver of our car was keeping the people back as they took pictures of us, and we quickly tossed my things in the trunk and headed back in for one more trip. Once we were done, we had all my clothes, shoes, and toiletries in the car and we were ready to head back to his place.
And as I slipped into the car beside my husband, I smiled as we left the paparazzi in the background. I loved that we came up with that plan on our own. Together, like a couple should have. It solidified the fact that we made a good team, and it solidified the fact that Colin would always have my back and that we could face obstacles together.
I slid my hand into his and held it tightly as the car took us to his penthouse apartment. Between us and the driver, we got all my things upstairs in one trip. The moment I emerged from the elevator, I dropped my load and breathed in deep. I could smell Colin’s cologne and the faint odor of lemon that permeated his apartment when it had been freshly cleaned. I smiled as I walked over to the couch, then dropped myself onto the cushions as I gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Home.
For the first time in almost a year, I felt like I was finally home.
Chapter 23
Colin
Today was the second biggest day of my life. The day had come for me to reaffirm my vows to my beautiful wife. All of the friends and family we had invited were going to be in attendance, and I was excited for my mother to finally meet the woman who had stolen my heart. In the space of one week, we had managed to pull off a romantic beach wedding, organize a renewal ceremony, wind down a cruise, throw a reception, and get ourselves back onto even footing.
Abby was even able to buy the dress of her dreams.
I had no idea what it looked like, but it was all Maggie could talk about. Ted was complaining to me about how she wouldn’t stop talking about it. He would come into my office just to get away from all the chatter, and I would chuckle every time he started in on his rant.
“Was a vow reaffirmation really necessary? I thought you said Abby wasn’t high maintenance? Couldn’t she have just gone to Target and gotten another sundress?”
I bit back my laughter as he sought solitude in my office. But it made me happy that everyone was so excited. Maggie had taken Abby and the girls from Human Resources out for drinks as a late bachelorette-type fiasco, so Ted took me to a bourbon and cigar lounge. As the evening continued on, I kept getting photos of all the girls clinking their glasses. Abby was wearing this crown of penises on her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as the girls egged her on in their antics.
Even though Abby looked thoroughly embarrassed and kept apologizing, I knew she was having fun.
We made a deal for that night. She and the girls could go get into whatever trouble they wanted if they let me supply the transportation and the driver. I made sure they would be protected and taken care of no matter where in the city they went. The driver told me when he dropped everyone off at Maggie’s, and I told him I would pay him double if he stayed parked out front until they all passed out.
That poor man didn’t get to go home until almost five in the morning.
But now, it had come. The day I was going to watch Abby come down that aisle in her beautiful gown. Ted was standing at my side as Maggie marched down the aisle, looking beautiful in her own regard, and I readied myself for the moment. The music struck up and everyone stood, and when my eyes landed on Abby being escorted by her father, I felt tears crest my eyes.
She was breathtaking. The beautiful ball gown fit her perfectly. The strapless bodice had an intricate bead and pearl design. It was a mixture of cream colors and champagne. A bit of white and some shimmering thread. It clung to her curves and shaped her breasts beautifully, then spilled over at her hips with tulle and fabric. She looked like a princess with her veil fluttering over her shoulders. Her beautiful brown hair was piled high in curls and her pouty little lips were a crimson red.
I couldn’t take my eyes off of her as she made her way down the aisle.
There was a professional photographer in place, as well as three trusted reporters snapping pictures in the background. I told them to keep their flashes off and promised them the room would be well lit for their photographs. I didn’t want anything spooking Abby, nor did I want anyone in the press skewing this beautiful day for us.
I told them if they got this right, then I would put them on the top of the list to get scoops about us. With Abby’s consent, of course.
“Who gives this woman away?”
“We do,” Abby’s parents said.
I watc
hed as her father flipped her veil over her face before he kissed her cheek. He turned towards me and held out his hand for mine, and I took his to shake. He then placed Abby’s hand within my palm, then cupped his hands around them both as his eyes met mine.
“Take care of her,” Jack said. “There’s a no refund policy in our house.”
“Whatever it takes,” I said, as my eyes traveled to Abby. “Whatever it takes.”
The ceremony was perfect. The room was filled with stained glass light that tie-dyed Abby’s beautiful dress all sorts of colors. We reiterated our vows in front of everyone as I tried to keep my tears at bay. My chest was swelling with love for this woman. This woman who had run into me before trying to run away. This woman who, for reasons I still couldn’t explain, had put her faith and trust in me time and time again. Who had opened herself up to me even when the world had shown her that trusting someone resulted in nothing but hurt.
She had chosen to take one last chance on me, and I was going to make sure she knew I understood that.
“By the power vested in me by the State of California, I declare the wedding vows of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy officially renewed.”
The audience of our friends and family erupted into applause. People were cheering and throwing flowers at us as I scooped her up into my arms. Our lips connected as I walked her down the aisle, her arms threaded around my neck as she wiggled her feet in delight. Never had Abby looked more radiant than in that moment, and we both smiled for the cameras before we exited the wedding hall.
And there, waiting for us in the wings was my mother.
“Abby? There’s someone I want you to meet.”
She turned her head to look at my mother before she scrambled out from my arms.
“Oh my gosh. You must be Colin’s mother,” Abby said. “It is so nice to finally meet you.”
Abby held out her hand for my mother to shake, but instead my mother pulled her in for a hug.
“It’s Elvira, but you can call me El, or Mom. I don’t know which you’d prefer, but either is fine. I never thought I’d see the day when my son actually got married,” she said. “You must be a hell of a woman.”
“Late as always, Mother,” I said, with a chuckle.
“Well, by the time I had gotten in here she had already gone in with her father. A handsome man, by the way. I slipped in and sat at the back, then slipped back out so I could officially meet this beautiful woman you’ve been telling me about.”
“Ah, so you’ve been talking about me,” Abby said.
“Of course,” I said, grinning. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“And I really need to tell Colin to be more truthful. You’re much more radiant than he painted you to be.”
“I see where you get your charm,” Abby said.
“Oh, yes. Mom’s the charmer in the family,” I said.
“Will you be staying for the reception?” Abby asked.
“If there’s an open bar, I’m there.”
“Mom,” I said.
“What? I’m a hard working woman. I’m legal. I can have a drink whenever I’d like,” she said.
“Yeah. She can have a drink whenever she likes,” Abby said.
“Ooh, I really like her,” my mother said.
“You know we’ve rented out some rooms in the hotel down the street, right? Just in case you want to stay?” Abby asked.
“Trust me, I’ll be staying. There are some wonderfully single men in that room.”
“Have you met Ted?” Abby asked.
“She’s not meeting Ted,” I said.
“We can talk about Ted later,” my mother said.
“What type of fresh hell have I descended into?” I asked.
“Hey, you’re the one that wanted me to meet your mother. Not my fault you weren’t ready for the consequences,” Abby said.
“Spoken like the only type of woman who can handle him for the rest of his life. Come on, dear. You’re gonna need a drink, too,” my mother said.
The three of us tracked down Abby’s parents before we scooted out to a side room. I introduced everyone and we got to talking as the crowd slowly trickled into the reception hall. Abby’s face was shining with joy as the five of us stood around and talked, and it seemed that my mother and her parents were going to get along just fine. The three of them left to find their way into the reception, leaving Abby and I in the room together.
Alone, for the first time that day.
“You look—phenomenal,” I said.
“Really? You like the dress?” Abby asked.
“Yes. It was worth all the times Ted came into my office to lock himself away from Maggie,” I said.
“I still don’t believe they’re not dating.”
“Don’t worry. The entire building is expecting them to cave eventually,” I said.
“I don’t think I’ve seen this suit before,” she said. “Is it new?”
“It is. I figured if you got a new dress then I should get a new suit.”
“Well, I like it on you. But do you know where I’m gonna love it?” she asked.
“Where?”
She grabbed the collar of my jacket and pulled me towards her body, her breath pulsing against my lips as my arms slid around her waist.
“On the floor of our suite,” she said, with a whisper.
My lips descended to her neck as she giggled, her body molding into mine as she offered herself to me.
“But first! Dancing. Come on, handsome. I believe you owe me a first dance.”
“Anything you want,” I said. “All you have to do is ask.”
“Or I could just tell you and you do it,” she said, as she pulled me from the room.
“That, too. But then you run into the possibility that I could decline.”
“Are you saying you don’t want to dance with your wife?” she asked.
I pulled her back into me, her body twirling before I caught her around her waist.
“I’m saying we have the rest of our lives to dance. Right now, I simply want to enjoy you.”
“Well, enjoy me as we go talk. Because I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten all day.”
“Unacceptable. Come on. I shall hunt down food for my new bride,” I said.
“My hero,” she said, with a sigh.
“You’ll be calling me more than that before the night is over,” I said.
“Promise?”
I stopped us just before the entrance to the reception hall and claimed her lips with my own.
“Always,” I said.
Chapter 24
Abby
The reception was a blast. There was a live band playing all the hits from any decade requested. Colin spun me around the dance floor and dipped me during all the songs. Good food was plentiful, drinks flowing, and not a single person was sitting in their seats. The dance floor was packed with people talking, laughing, and trying to balance their drinks in their hands.
People came up and hugged our necks. Maggie pulled her date over to meet me and I couldn’t get over how much he looked like Ted. Colin’s eyes grew wide beside me as Maggie threw herself at the poor man, and I giggled as they danced away. The afternoon was magical, and it bled into an evening that was filled with talking and future plans.
We told people not to get us any wedding presents. We didn’t need anything nor did we want for anything. All we wanted was for people to gather, enjoy themselves and have a good time. Colin’s mother pulled me away long enough to get me to do a shot of tequila with her, then she slipped an envelope into my hand.
“From me to you guys,” she said.
“El, now we told everyone not to get us gifts,” I said.
“I know. I don’t take direction well. Anyway, if the two of you don’t want to use it, then save it. If you guys decide to have kids or something, you can use it for them,” she said.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Rude. Why don’t you just open it?”
“Can I wait to open it with Coli
n?” I asked.
“What the hell are you asking me for? Now, take one last shot with me before you go back to dancing.”
I threw another shot of tequila back with his mother before she hugged my neck. I really enjoyed her. She had spunk. She had this fiery attitude and reeked of dominance. I could tell she was a woman that had endured a lot in her life, and she was stronger because of it. I was in awe of women like that. Who could walk through the mire of life and come out on the other end stronger than before they went in.
I hoped to be like that someday. Stronger because of the bad in my life.
Folding the envelope in half, I tucked it away in the bosom of my dress. My father stole my hand, and twirled me onto the dance floor just as a slow number settled in. Colin was dancing with his mother and I was dancing with my dad, and I saw Ted out of the corner of my eye ask my mother to dance. I wrapped my arms around my father and leaned into him, taking in the comforting smell of his mint chewing gum.
“Always chewing that gum, Daddy.”
“Keeps my jaw busy,” he said.
“I still feel bad that you guys weren’t at the ceremony on the island,” I said.
“Now hush that nonsense. This reception is beautiful. I got to see the light in your eyes as you and Colin took your vows for a second time. That is special and it means you really can’t go back on them.”
“Thanks for walking me down the aisle,” I said, as I looked up into his eyes.
“That’s what fathers do. They work their asses off, love without strings, and give their daughters away to good men. Anything less is considered a crime, in my book anyway.”
“Will you and Mom come visit us?” I asked.
“As often as you want,” he said. “So long as you guys make it back for the holidays. His mother is welcome to come, too. She’s a spunky woman. Reminds me of someone else I know.”
I watched my father wink at me as a blush crept across my cheeks.
“I’m not like his mother, you weirdo. I’m not nearly as strong as she is,” I said.
