Page 38 of Only Time Will Tell

“Charlie, my love, may I remind you you’re not a small child. You’re going to break your favorite toy jumping on me like that.”

“Are you calling me fat?” It’s amazing how fast he can go from sweet puppy to raging twink.

“Well, Mr. Virtue, you’re not fat and you know it, but you damn near crushed my nuts,” I swatted that sassy ass as it left my lap.

“Sorry, my bad. I’ll make it up to you later.” He winked. At times, that wink alone would stir me to life. However, today was not one of those times. Muscles hurt that I didn’t know I had. Years of football practice had nothing on dance lessons.

“As much as I love the sound of that, I’m beat. All I want to do is shower and fall asleep holding you,” I added the last part, hoping not to upset him.

“No problem, I totally understand. Go get changed and I’ll warm up your dinner.” He kissed my cheek and flitted off toward the kitchen.

The next two weeks went by in a painful blur, and I was thankful for that. Dance lessons kicked my ass and getting home late wasn’t working for either of us. Charlie was on edge waiting for our tuxes to come in, and I was more than ready to get to the wedding behind us. All I wanted to do was whisk my new husband off to a much-needed, relaxing honeymoon.

Chapter Twelve

Charlie

Our Wedding

The week before the wedding was complete and utter insanity. Mom and I were running around like mad, making sure all the last-minute details were taken care of. Haircuts, picking up the rings from being cleaned, final tux fittings, assuring everything would be delivered on time. To say I micromanaged the trades involved would be an understatement. Even I felt bad for them. This bridezilla version of myself was riding my last nerve.

On the day of the wedding, I was a freaking wreck and saying goodbye to Alex that morning frayed my nerves even further. We’d decided that he would get ready at our house, and I’d get ready at Mom and Dad’s, then we would meet at the museum in the hallway right before it was time for us to enter the room. The second I saw Alex’s truck in the parking lot, my nerves calmed.

“See, honey, everything’s fine. His truck is here.” She patted my hand before exiting their SUV.

I took a deep breath to center myself and finally got out and damn near sprinted to the entry doors. Once I walked inside and spotted Alex, I felt like I could breathe again. Our eyes met, and he knew. He crossed the foyer and securely tucked me in his arms. Grounding me.

Home.

Wherever Alex was would forever be home.

He kissed me longer than was probably necessary considering Dad had to clear his throat to break the spell.

“It’s time, boys. We’ll meet you inside,” he said, hugging us each in turn. We’d gone back and forth on them walking us down the aisles and in the end, decided to meet them up front instead beneath the baby’s breath arch we’d had commissioned for the ceremony.

“I love you, boys,” Mom said as she hugged us before she and Dad disappeared behind the doors.

As soon as they left, Alex reached for my curls. “You cut your hair.”

Without thinking, I nervously chewed my bottom lip, afraid he hated my new do. Alex pulled my lip from between my teeth. “You know that drives me crazy. Don’t make me defile you in the museum.”

“Do you like it?” I asked, touching my hair.

“I like that it doesn’t cover the eyes I fell in love with. Hair, no hair, I love you no matter what, Charlie.”

“What, no hair? Bite your tongue!” I joked.

When What A Wonderful World, by Louis Armstrong started playing, that was our queue.

Alex smiled that sweet smile that was reserved just for me and took my hand in his, pressing his lips to my knuckles. “Come, my love, it’s time.”

I nodded, and we walked to the door’s security held open for us. Alex squeezed my hand then let go, so we could walk up our respective sides to stand beneath the arch with our family.

Charlie and I joined hands as Adrianna began. “Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love shared between my brother Alex, and his fiancé, Charlie. I’m honored to perform the ceremony that will bind them in matrimony. Over the years, I’ve watched their love grow, never faltering, and if I ever find a love as strong and true as theirs I’ll be one lucky woman.”

My big, strong man’s eyes were filled with tears just as mine were.

She continued, “Alex and Charlie have written their own vows that they wish to share with all of you. Alex, would you like to go first?”