The Mogul and the Muscle - Claire Kingsley Page 0,103
people at our wedding.
Now that we were several hours into the reception, I was glad we’d opted for the zillion people. And for the Ritz-Carlton.
The entire population of Bluewater had turned out to watch me and Jude exchange wedding vows. The WWs, the tech geniuses, the bohemian artists, the retired and semi-retired business moguls—everyone.
A number of people I worked with were also in attendance, as were Jude’s parents, who’d flown in from Minnesota. They were nice and seemed happy for their son—if a little bewildered by the two of us. I got the feeling they knew enough about their son to be the tiniest bit afraid of him, even though I could see they were proud of him, too.
My best friends had stood with me as bridesmaids and their significant others had been Jude’s groomsmen. A fabulous wedding party for my dream wedding.
Everything about this day had been perfect. The weather had been lovely, the flowers beautiful, the food fantastic. My custom gown, designed by an up-and-coming designer who’d been a student in the Kid-Ovation program its first year, was more beautiful than I could have imagined. Jude looked unbelievable in his custom-tailored tux.
Although he looked amazing no matter what he wore. Or when he wore nothing, which was my favorite look on him.
And the eighties cover band we’d hired for the reception? Killing it.
I sat at a table with a half-eaten slice of the ten-tier wedding cake Nicholas had designed and baked for us. He’d surprised us with key lime filling on the bottom layer and I was considering doubling his salary just for that. He sat with Inda at a table nearby, her bare feet in his lap. He gave her a foot massage while she rested her hands on her pregnant belly. I could tell why people said pregnant women glowed. Inda looked amazing. I couldn’t wait to meet their little girl in a few months.
Jude came back to our table and handed me a glass of champagne. He’d taken off his jacket and his tie was loose around his neck, the top buttons of his shirt undone. He was so sexy and delicious, and I was starting to feel like it might be time for us to make our exit so we could get on to the next part of the wedding experience.
Or maybe we’d just duck into a closet somewhere.
He took my left hand and traced his thumb over my ring finger. We’d had a jeweler make a replica of the ring my grandma had worn. It was rose gold with a pale opal in the center, surrounded by a halo of diamonds.
“I like seeing this on you,” he said.
I knew the feeling. Ever since I’d slid Jude’s wedding band on his finger, I couldn’t stop looking at it.
“I’m just glad we have a way to get women to stop throwing themselves at you. Now everyone will know you’re taken.”
He grinned. “Getting territorial already?”
“Always. You’re mine.”
He reached over and grabbed me, scooping me into his lap. “That works out pretty well, because you’re fucking mine.”
Giggling, I draped my arm around his broad shoulders. The band started a new song, “Lady in Red,” and I glanced at the packed dance floor.
“You want to dance to this, don’t you?” he asked.
“So much. I love this song.”
“It’s a good thing you have so many other amazing qualities, because your taste in music is highly questionable.”
“Are you kidding me? This is a classic.”
He chuckled and we got up. He took my hand and led me to the dance floor.
I rested my head against his chest, and he put his arms around me. The lights twinkled, my best friends all slow-danced with the loves of their lives next to me, and the man I loved held me in a protective embrace. And I knew I was going to remember this moment for the rest of my life.
The song wound down and Jude kissed my forehead.
“What do you think? Time to make our escape?”
“Think we can sneak out?”
“I could get us out.” He winked. “But maybe we should do the goodbye thing.”
Jude signaled the wedding coordinator and she put the bride and groom exit plan into action. The band announced our impending departure, and everyone gathered to offer us a final goodbye.
Our friends, family, and loved ones all cheered as we waved goodbye. Daisy had smuggled in bubbles—her maternal side was so adorable—and they filled the air. We rushed out front, hand in hand, to our waiting limo.