the crowd once more, I see that Duncan has refused to come. I knew he wouldn’t show up, not after Georgia signed over her half of the business to her mother. Duncan had a fit, but Georgia’s mother had him thrown out of their first board meeting together and has taken the reins. She ran her pet grooming business with an admirable acumen, and it seems she’s doing the same for the Lavine Assets holdings. She even appointed my mother CEO of the cosmetics company Duncan had stolen from her. If he wasn’t already livid, that sent him over the edge. So, no, he won’t be making an appearance. I didn’t want to invite him, but hope springs eternal with my sunshine, so she mailed him the invitation.
“You invited Jim from the mailroom?” Bradley jerks his head to the back row.
“Of course not.”
“And Kurt just waltzed in with a pair of brunettes. Nice.” Bradley nods.
He’s just talking to keep my nerves at bay. But he doesn’t have to. I’m not nervous. I’m brimming with anticipation. Georgia didn’t let me see the dress, and when I tried to get her to open up before the ceremony so I could get a taste of her, she refused. That’s earned her a spanking, which I believe was her intention. I rub my hands together.
The string quartet begins to play a beautiful rendition of “At Last,” and I smile at the selection. Georgia always has the perfect touch.
The doors finally open, and Georgia appears.
My heart can’t seem to beat fast enough as she walks toward me, her eyes bright. She couldn’t be more beautiful. Her white dress with the lace at the top and the satin skirt was made for her--literally. It hugs every curve, caressing her soft skin and anointing her a goddess.
She reaches me, and I take her hands, then lean down and kiss the tears from her cheeks.
The officiant clears his throat. “That comes after the vows,” he says jovially.
I straighten and look into the eyes of the one I love. She smiles, and it warms every part of me. That smile changed my life, and in many ways, saved my life. I let it shine instead of shutting it out, because I can’t deny its power or the strength of the woman who wields it.
We stand together, hands and hearts locked until it’s time for the vows. I say mine and she gives hers with a shaking breath.
“The rings?” The officiant looks at Bradley.
“Right.” He kneels down and reaches into the pocket of the little tux Mr. Grumpy Pants is wearing. “Got ‘em.” Standing, he hands them to me.
When I slide the diamond and platinum band onto her finger, I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face. She eases my ring on and squeezes my hand.
“I present Mr. and Mrs. Baxter. You may kiss the bride.”
I pull her into my arms and claim her. This isn’t a church kiss. It’s a real one, my tongue teasing hers as I lift her and press her to me. My heart has never been so full, and I can’t wait another moment. I have to show her what she’s done to me.
Scooping her into my arms, I hurry down the aisle as everyone stands and the quartet strikes up again.
Pushing through the doors, I turn and hurry her into the groom’s quarters.
“We’re married.” She squeals and drops kisses along my jaw.
Kicking the door shut behind me, I lay her on the settee, then drop to my knees and lift her skirt.
“No panties?” I spread her wide and lick her sweetness. “So naughty, Mrs. Baxter.”
She gasps when I tongue her clit. “I may need to be punished, Mr. Baxter.”
“Definitely.” I rise and push her back, then unfasten my pants.
With a quick thrust I’m inside her. She grabs my shoulders, holding on as I mark my claim on her body and soul.
“I love you, sunshine.” I kiss her again, needing all of her as I surge inside her again and again.
“I love you.” She bites my bottom lip and lifts her hips. “I’m so glad to be yours.”
“Not as glad as I am to have you.” I pick up my pace, and she moans loud enough for the entire church to hear.
Good. They need to know she’s my sunshine. And while she may give light to others because it’s in her nature, her shining heart belongs only to me.
Valentine’s Day is on the way. Spend it with MINK and Pop-up Love, a story about opposites attracting, the strong silent type, and most of all, LOVE!
Coming February 11.
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