“I’m ready.”
The bandleader announced their names through his microphone.
Luke took her hand. He wanted everyone to notice them and continue to speculate as they strode to the perimeter of the dance floor to join the others.
Both sets of parents were invited inside next. With the wedding party in place, the bandleader mentioned something about marriages made in heaven and then said, “And now for the first time, I’d like to present Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Foster!”
Vanessa and Hayden entered the room to cheers and applause. They took to the dance floor for their first dance.
Large crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Strings of tiny white lights fanned out from each one, lighting up the room with a warm and festive glow. Luke lifted his camera from around his neck and took pictures of Vanessa and Hayden as they started the waltz.
“Those dance lessons really paid off,” Luke said to Sela.
“They did,” she answered, a dreamy tone in her voice.
When the waltz music died down and the percussive rhythm of the rumba started, that was the wedding party’s cue to join the bride and groom on the dance floor. Luke put his camera down on the nearest table and took Sela in his arms.
They didn’t immediately fall into an easy routine. Luke sensed Sela holding herself back, not giving in to the music. Or him. He brought her close, whispered, “Relax,” and finally they fell into the sensual moves, their hips rotating in perfect sync, their steps fluid. Luke stared deep into her eyes. She stared back, and he forgot himself to the music and the coupling. He lost track of the other dancers on the floor, the hundreds of guests sitting at round tables. His only consideration was the most beautiful woman in the room.
Forward and back, side to side, he took her with him. When he guided her from the closed to open position and then twirled her, her surprised smile took his breath away.
“What was that?” she said, a little breathless.
Damn he was happy he wasn’t the only one affected. “A little move I thought I’d throw in there. Nice spin on your part.”
“Thanks. Throw in a dip next time and I might be impressed.”
“Is that a challenge?”
“It’s whatever you want it to be.” Her wiggle took on a spicier flair and heat spread up his body.
He flicked his wrist and spun her to his right. “Why, Miss Sullivan, are you flirting with me again?”
“Again?” She almost grazed his chest on the return to the neutral position. “I’ve been doing my best to keep you at arm’s length, Mr. Watters.”
“And why is that? A little communication and we could resume all the fun we’ve been having.”
She kept up as he quickened the pace just a beat. “Fun isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” Her shoulder blade tensed under his fingers, and he regretted his choice of words.
Sela was much more than just fun—hell, she knew that. He’d told her he loved her. But today he meant to keep things light. He didn’t want to scare her away again. “Ah, but it’s a great start.”
“To what?”
“More.” He twirled her again, brought her back to his chest, and then because he never could resist a challenge, least of all from her, dipped her.
Her eyes widened, her lips parted, the tiny heart necklace Vanessa had given her slipped around her neck.
Applause sounded from behind him. He scooped her up with ease and launched right back into the one-two-three-four steps they’d learned together.
“Looks like we’ve got some fans,” he said.
She chuckled. “Show-off.”
“Wait until we do the chicken dance. Then you’ll really see some moves.”
Her full-blown laughter made his heart smile.
“We invite everyone to come on up to the dance floor,” the bandleader said, the music changing to a Top Forty beat.
Within a minute the dance floor filled with young and old alike. Given his family’s history with Cascade, everyone who had been invited had shown up. The entire town had probably shut down in honor of today.
“Mind if I cut in?” Shane said, coming up beside them and winking at Luke. Shane stole Sela away, moving into the crowd with their arms raised and bodies swaying. They joined Erin, Teague, and a couple of Hayden’s friends.
Luke stepped back off the dance floor and retrieved his camera. He surveyed the room to be sure he wasn’t missing an important photo op. And to maybe catch sight of Sela.
“I couldn’t help but notice that dance just now.” His mom bumped his shoulder.
“I know what you’re thinking, and I take back my original hesitance with dance lessons.”
“That’s not at all what I was thinking.”
“You and Dad looked pretty damn good out there. Don’t think I didn’t notice you two.”
His mom exhaled and chuckled at the same time. “You are so full of it. The only person you noticed was Sela.”
Luke stayed quiet. Since their conversation about Sela weeks ago, he hadn’t mentioned anything.
“She’s not sure what to do with you, you know.”
“I know.” He saw the struggle in Sela’s cheeky expression one moment and elation the next. But tonight he’d put an end to that. Tonight everyone would know the truth about his feelings for her. He pushed aside the possibility that she would refuse him a second time.
“Vanessa told me you’ve got a plan to remedy that. It was nice of you to ask for her approval.”
“It is her day.”
“And your last chance.”
He turned to his mom. She’d always been able to read him, always called him on his crap when he was younger. This time, though, she wasn’t reprimanding him but rooting for him. Her warm tone and bright eyes didn’t doubt he could pull this off.
“Think she’ll go for it?” he asked.
“That all depends.” His mom brushed his tuxedo jacket, straightened his vest.
“On?”
“On how well you sell it. But if what I saw on the dance floor is any indication, I predict you’ll land right where you want to be.” His mom kissed his cheek. “She’s a lucky girl to have you. And you’re a lucky man to have her.”
“Luke!” Erin shouted from the dance floor.
His mom walked away with a smile on her face as he gave his attention to his sister.
“Get your ass out here and bring that camera. Shane tried to break dance and just split his pants!”
…
Sela rubbed the blister on her foot and cursed her occupation. She never wore anything but scrubs and athletic shoes so it was no wonder her heels had rubbed her skin raw.
Vanessa had told her to wear the pink satin pumps around her apartment to break them in, but she’d forgotten. She’d also told her to wear waterproof mascara and she’d forgotten that, too. As of late, she’d only had one thing on her mind—Luke.
He loves me.
Her knees had wobbled when she’d first laid eyes on him today. He was incredibly handsome in his tuxedo. The crisp black suit, silver vest, white shirt—her very own 007. His hair had gotten longer over the past few weeks but was GQ combed, his face clean-shaven. She’d wanted to crawl inside him and stay forever.
Maybe the blister was a blessing in disguise. It gave her a chance to sit by herself and think. The room smelled like a flower shop and looked like a castle ballroom. Tall, gorgeous topiaries made of silver urns filled with red roses and stephanotis stood on all the tables. Hundreds of tiny white lights twinkled, and giant sandstone planters overflowing with ivy and pink and white roses decorated the outer edges of the tent.
The salmon and filet mignon dinner had melted in her mouth like butter. Conversation among the wedding party had flowed. Luke’s knee had brushed hers on more than one occasion, and every time her pulse romped through her veins.
He’d told funny stories about his travels while they ate. Reminisced with his sisters about their childhood. Sela hadn’t been able to take her eyes off him. He
might be a rock star in the photography world, but at home his humbleness and affection for his family proved him to be a man of depth and gratitude. She had never realized until tonight that behind his stoicism was someone who lived to make a difference in other people’s lives.
She’d never acted on impulse until the past few weeks. Never been bold enough to jump on a motorcycle or skinny-dip in the ocean. He’d gifted her with these things, and she’d never forget it.
“Maid of honors are not allowed to sit alone,” Vanessa said, plopping down beside her and shaking Sela from her thoughts.
“And brides are not supposed to be without their grooms. Where’s Hayden?”
“Bathroom. I was just there by the way, and I really could have used your help. Do you know how hard it is to pee when you’ve got to hold up all this material?”
Sela laughed. “Sorry. Find me next time.”
Vanessa let out a deep breath and looked over the sea of tables and people and lights and flowers. “You know, this is the first time I’m able to look around and take it all in.”
“It’s pretty spectacular,” Sela said.
“Yeah.” Vanessa put her elbows on the table, her chin in her hands. “It is.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes and gladness filled Sela. She loved that after all the planning and hours spent together getting ready for today, the two of them could enjoy some peace and quiet together. This might be the moment she remembered best of all.
“It’s almost time to cut the cake,” Vanessa said. “Smoosh or no smoosh?”
“Well, I suggest you let Hayden feed you first so that he can’t retaliate, and I say smoosh. Then you can kiss it off him.”
“Oh, I like that idea. Have I told you lately what an awesome maid of honor you are?”
“You could tell me one more time if you really need to.”
Vanessa turned, put her hands on Sela’s shoulders, and said, “Thank you for being the best friend a girl could ask for and a maid of honor to put all other maids of honor to shame.”
Sela hugged her. That’s all she’d wanted, wasn’t it? To be the best maid of honor possible.
“Come on.” Vanessa stood and led her toward dessert. “Let’s get this cake business out of the way so I can toss the bouquet and then get out of here with my husband.”
Sela took one look at the cake and her mind raced back to the tasting with Luke at Crem’s. The playfulness, the tingles that shot up her arm when his mouth grazed her fingertips.
“I’m thinking maybe I could feed you your piece.”
Startled by the husky sound of Luke’s voice in her ear, Sela jumped, but kept her attention on Vanessa and Hayden. “Luke. Do not sneak up on me.”
“I didn’t. You were just lost in thought. Thinking about anything in particular?”
She nudged him away with her elbow. He knew damn well what she was thinking about. “Keep your distance with the cake.”
“I’ll skip the cake, then.”
Oh my. How on earth was she ever going to get over him? “Shouldn’t you be taking pictures?” She watched Hayden put the first piece of cake in Vanessa’s mouth without a drop of frosting out of place.
“Good idea.” He switched to photographer mode, snapping pictures and angling for the best shot.
Vanessa took a huge piece of cake and smeared it all over Hayden’s mouth. The guests whooped and hollered, all in favor of Vanessa’s display. Hayden grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close for a kiss. She didn’t protest, kissing her husband back and laughing at the same time.
Sela stepped away from the action.
“Hey. Where are you slinking off to?” Erin asked, hands on her hips.
“Just the ladies’ room.”
“Oh. Okay. Don’t be too long.”
“Won’t be.” She turned on her painful heels and took off for the house.
Once inside the guest bathroom, she shut the lid on the toilet seat and plopped down.
Her shoulders fell and her chin dropped. How was it possible to be so happy for her best friend while so miserable for herself? A small, gold-scalloped frame with a picture of Luke, Vanessa, Erin, and Teague sat on the marble countertop next to the sink. She flipped it over, then buried her face in her hands.
“The ache in your heart will go away. The ache in your heart will go away,” she muttered.
Someone pounded on the door.
“Sela. Get your butt out here right now!”
She jumped up and opened the door. “What is it? What’s wrong?” Vanessa’s urgent tone scared the crap out of her. She’d only been gone a few minutes. What could have happened?
Vanessa took her hand. “You know that year we watched the Emmy’s and the lead actress winner was in the bathroom when they announced her name?” She dragged Sela out of the house and back toward the reception.
“What are you talking about?”
“Your attendance is required. Like now.”
“Did I win something?” Sela scrunched up her nose. She didn’t know about any prizes being awarded. Must be something the band had planned.
Vanessa gave a quick look back. “Yes. Yes you did.”
The second she walked through the flaps of the tent and saw Luke up on stage, her stomach plummeted to her feet. His eyes locked on hers as Vanessa led her to the dance floor. She felt every other eye at the reception on her, too, and tried not to shake.
He held a piece of paper in one hand, a microphone in the other.
“Now that the maid of honor is here, it looks like I can start my speech.” Luke turned his gaze on the hundreds of guests. “Thank you all for coming today. I know it means the world to my parents and sister to have family and so many friends share this special occasion with them. When Vanessa told me I needed to give a speech as the best man, I had my doubts as to whether I could do it justice. But then inspiration hit. A beautiful inspiration that I’ll get to in a minute.”
Sela gulped. Luke shined up on stage, like the brightest star in the galaxy.
“First, I’d like to take this opportunity to say what an extraordinary day it’s been. Mom, Dad, you really outdid yourselves. Lets have a round of applause for Paula and Reed.”
Luke glanced at his piece of paper. “Next, I’d like to acknowledge that both sets of parents have done an excellent job raising two amazing people. Vanessa, you are gorgeous inside and out and Hayden is a very lucky man to have you. Hayden, I couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our family and know you’ll take good care of my sister.
“To the ushers, it’s been a pleasure getting to know you. To the bridesmaids, you look lovely. Erin and Teague, you are especially appreciated. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make this a special time in Vanessa’s life.”
His eyes scanned the crowd and then landed back on Sela. “There is one bridesmaid, however, who I need to address personally. With Vanessa’s permission, I have something I’d like to say to the maid of honor in front of all of you.” He let go of the paper in his hand so it floated to the stage floor. “And I didn’t need to write it down because it comes straight from my heart.”
Sela wobbled, butterflies filling her head. She was pretty sure everyone could see her heart practically pounding out of her chest.
Hear it, too, since the room had gone dead silent.
“Sela.” Oh God. Just her name on his lips and she was a goner. “I didn’t do right by you ten years ago when I lied and said some awful things. The truth was your kiss knocked the wind out of me. It still does. And I didn’t set things right when my words were twisted in a recent newspaper article.
“The truth is when we touch it’s better than anything I’ve ever known. When I’m with you, it’s like a tidal wave—widespread and overwhelming emotion crashes over me and I want nothing more than to put a smile on your gorgeous face.
“You challenge me and excite me. You make me want to put down roots. You make me want to be a better man. The best man I can be. I want to be your fa
vorite ‘good morning’ and your only ‘good night.’”
A tear slipped down her cheek.
“I have fallen madly, deeply in love with you, and I hope you don’t mind that I included most of Cascade in my declaration.” He handed the mike to the bandleader, jumped off the stage, and headed toward her.
Joy, surprise, and elation collided inside her and more love than she’d ever imagined pulsed through her veins.
Amidst applause and shouts of good wishes, she met Luke in the middle of the dance floor. He kissed her like no one else was in the room.
“Damn you’ve got an irresistible mouth,” he said, coming up for air. That mischievous gleam sparkled in his impossibly green eyes. “You should hold it against me more often.”
She laughed and followed him as he tugged her out of the reception, his hand firmly wrapped around hers. Behind her she heard the announcement for the bouquet and garter tosses. Grateful the wedding marched on without a hitch, she hurried to be alone with Luke.
He took her to the dirt pathway that led to the front of the house. Shrubs filled with yellow flowers on either side of the narrow walk gave them some privacy.
“I have something for you,” he said, letting go of her hand and pulling a box out of his pocket. “I’ve had it for a few days.” He opened the box and dropped a ring into her palm. The thin band with aquamarine stones matched the style of the others she wore.
Emotion choked her.
“I asked one of the nurses when Liam’s birthday was,” he said with warmth and compassion.
Sela slid it on. “Luke, it’s perfect.” She looked up. “You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You know what else is perfect?” She traced a finger down and up the inside of his vest.
“God, I hope you say me.”
The corners of her mouth lifted. “You.”
He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Does that mean there’s a you and me?”
“Definitely. I love you. I love you so much.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed along his jawline. “We’ve got some things to figure out, though. For starters, I’m scared, Luke. Scared that you’ll get hurt again. But I know life is short and I’d rather spend the rest of mine loving you than not.”
Kissing the Maid of Honor Page 19
