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I spared a brief glance to the edge of the crowd to see the bridal party hustling someone away. Whatever it was, they could handle it. My only focus was Allie.
“What do you suppose that was all about?” Mr. Marino asked me while we moved in a simple two-step pattern to the song that had been chosen for the parent-child dance. My own father was MIA, but Sidney’s had very happily stepped up to the plate.
“Troublesome family members who refuse to get help and would rather be a butthole to everyone.”
“Ah, yes.” Mr. Marino nodded. “I feel like most families have one of those.”
“An unfortunate truth.”
“Well, ignoring all that, I want to officially welcome you to the family.” Mr. Marino smiled softly.
“Happy to be here.” I grinned. I relaxed into the easy dance. Sidney’s parents had been welcoming from the start, but his mother had been absolutely ecstatic when we’d decided to get married on top of being bonded so she could show us off.
“This makes me nostalgic for my own wedding.” Mr. Marino spun me around. “I hope you haven’t had too much stress today?”
“A bit,” I confessed. “But my bridal party is awesome.”
“I raised good children.” Mr. Marino grinned, his eyes crinkling. “I’m glad they could all make today better for you.”
I threw my arms around my father-in-law’s neck. “You have a great family. I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”
He hugged me tightly. “I’ll give you back to my son so we can get the guests dancing.”
As if summoned, Sidney appeared next to us with his mom on his arm. “Trade you your wife for mine.”
Mr. Marino laughed and pushed me toward his son, accepting his wife’s hand instead. I rejoined Sidney and the music shifted again as the guests poured onto the dance floor.
“Hey, beautiful.” Sidney pulled me in with a kiss I felt down to my toes. His hands rested on the small of my back, and he smiled down at me as if I were the most exquisite thing he’d ever seen.
Dinner was served while the dancing was going on. We’d gone with a buffet style so people could pick and choose and eat whenever they felt like it. I lasted through a handful of dances in which I was passed around the bridal party before being returned to my husband so we could get some dinner.
We’d elected to have a sweetheart table with only the two of us so we could have a quieter space. I stuffed my face with fried chicken and mashed potatoes, wearing an apron Nicky had thought to bring to protect the wedding gown.
“I dunno how you manage to look so perfect with chipmunk cheeks full of chicken.” Sidney laughed and poked one of my cheeks.
I swallowed hastily. “Love has blinded you to my faults.”
“I’m okay with that.” Sidney pulled my chair closer and draped his arm around the back of it. “Refueled enough for more dancing?”
“I could be persuaded.”
I joined my husband on the dance floor and danced my little heart out. One song bled into another, the minutes ticking by until the DJ announced it was time for cutting the cake. We’d gotten cupcakes instead of the traditional tiered cake but did opt for getting a smaller one just for the cutting ceremony. I swished the knife in the air, admiring the flash of the lights on the polished surface.
Sidney slid his hand down my arm and wrapped it around mine, bringing the blade down safely onto the confection before us. The photographer circled, snapping photos as we sliced two pieces free. I held up a piece to Sidney, and he slowly licked the cherry filling while looking me dead in the eye. My breath caught, and I bit the piece he offered me to cover up my reaction. He took a proper bite and kissed my fingertips.
“Get a room!” Nicky shouted with a laugh.
“All in good time.” Sidney pulled me closer, and I nestled against his chest.
The Macarena started to play and I vibrated with excitement, pulling Sidney onto the dance floor. It lured almost all of the guests too. Laughter and synchronized steps filled the venue, and I giggled, watching Sidney. The DJ fed the crowd with all the dorkiest and most entertaining wedding songs that had me laughing and dancing until my lungs burned.
“All right, everyone,” the DJ’s voice boomed over the mic. “Time for our bouquet toss. All the unbonded or unmarried omegas on the floor. Betas, you can choose bouquet or garter toss.”
Meg brought me the tossing-bouquet. A decent crowd was waiting for me, with Luna front and center and Nicky hovering around the edge. I spun to face my groom and, with a grin, hurled the bouquet behind me.
A whoop of joy filled the air, and I turned to see Luna holding up the bouquet, far more victorious than I’d have expected for someone who never planned to marry. She preened and clutched the flowers to her chest.
“Next up is the garter toss,” said the DJ. “Let’s get a chair out there for the bride and groom.”
