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Chapter Thirty-Seven
Pastor Mielke nodded, and everyone assumed their places when the organ music started. Jody strolled down the aisle first and was met by Sam’s youngest brother, whom she was partnered with in the wedding party. He walked with her down the aisle, for the last few steps, before they parted and went to their respective sides of the altar.
Joe watched Elizabeth as she followed behind Jody.
Just when he thought she couldn’t be more beautiful, he stood corrected. As she gracefully floated toward him, he took in her beauty, both inside and out. Her milky white skin looked soft and smooth against the red velvet, sequined bridesmaid dress that hugged her thin, proportionate body. She was breathtaking. He couldn’t help but wonder if someday she would walk toward him while wearing a white dress.
His heart skipped a beat as her bright, emerald green gaze caught hold of his. Judging from the intensity of her stare, he was sure she just read his last thought.
––––––––
Elizabeth eyed Joe as she walked down the aisle toward him. She was completely taken aback at how handsome he looked in his jet-black tuxedo, crisp white shirt, and bright red tie. The tuxedo perfectly accented his wide shoulders, thick arms, slim waist, and powerful thighs.
Her breath hitched. Oh, what he did for a tuxedo! Though the bruising on his face was blatantly evident, he still looked handsome as ever.
She couldn’t help but wonder if someday she would be walking down an aisle toward him, wearing a white dress. Her heart skipped a beat as his dark chocolate gaze caught hold of hers. She was sure by the possessive look in his eyes he just read her last thought.
He flashed her a soft smile and walked toward her in order to accompany her for the last few steps to the altar.
Elizabeth watched as Holly’s sister, the Matron of Honor, and Sam’s oldest brother, the best man, took their places.
The music switched to the traditional wedding march as Holly and her dad appeared in the doorway. The beautiful bride’s face beamed with happiness as she glided with poise down the aisle.
Tears of joy flooded Elizabeth’s eyes. She was so unbelievably happy for her friend.
As Sam and Holly exchanged their wedding vows, Elizabeth repeated them in her mind as if she were reciting them with Joe.
When the ceremony was complete, Sam and Holly turned and faced their guests as Pastor Mielke announced Mr. and Mrs. Malone for the first time.
After the ceremony, Holly and Sam’s two-hundred-plus guests proceeded to the country club for dinner and dancing.
Elizabeth smiled generously as Joe held her close, dance after dance. As she clung to him, she daydreamed that this was their wedding, and they were surrounded by their family and friends. Resting her head on his shoulder, she recalled all she’d been through with him and his family these past several months, and she couldn’t help but recall how they’d gotten to where they were tonight.
He edged back. His dark gaze fixed on hers. “What are you thinking about?”
She smiled. “I’m just thinking about you and your family.” she paused, though she wanted to say more.
“What about us?”
She contemplated her response, wanting to tell him how much she loved him, and the kids, but she didn’t want to stop there. She wanted to tell him how much she loved his entire family, and how grateful she was to know them, and how much she wouldn’t mind being a permanent member. Not knowing just quite how to say it, she decided to keep her thoughts to herself for the time being. She simply responded by brushing her lips across his.
Shortly after the grand march, Joe’s exhaustion seemed to overcome him. Elizabeth wasn’t surprised. Though his injuries were healing, it would take some time for him to fully recover.
“You look tired. Do you want to leave?” she asked.
“If you don’t mind, that might be a good idea. Nick has to return the kids early tomorrow morning so there’s no sleeping in for me,” he replied.
They loaded into his truck and headed home. During the entire ride, her thoughts were consumed with sharing Joe’s bed with him. Though she had spent every night at his house since Mr. James and Felicia were murdered in her living room, and slept in his big warm bed, he’d slept on the futon in his office, because of the kids. But on this particular evening, Max and Molly were spending the night at Nick’s.
Joe parked his truck in the garage and quickly scooted to the passenger side to open the door for her. She slid out of the truck and into his waiting arms. He wove his fingers among hers and led her into the house. They flung their coats over the back of the kitchen chairs, and kicked their shoes off along the way.
He led her down the hallway and into his bedroom before he dipped his head and pressed his mouth softly to hers. At the touch of his warm lips, she parted hers slightly, enticing his tongue to enter into her mouth. It worked. She suckled his tongue and his reaction was exactly as she hoped for, his kiss turned more possessive and passionate, hotter and wetter. God, he sure knew how to kiss. Her urgency met his, and she wanted to be taken, now.
