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It was Ashlyn’s turn.
***
Brady
I had no idea what was being said. Liam and Ashlyn were repeating something, the most important thing they’d ever said to each other. But I couldn’t listen, my mind completely absorbed in my Cecelia.
She was beautiful. Her lovely face was enhanced by makeup today. As Ashlyn and Liam spoke, her eyes were drawn back and forth, the small quiver of his lips the only clue of the emotions that must’ve been coursing through her mind.
The sudden clapping snapped me back to reality as Liam released Ashlyn from their first kiss as man and wife. The two of them nearly glowed. And where a year ago I would’ve rolled my eyes at their happiness, today I felt only a tight wave of excitement for what came next. I let my gaze drop low, over the basketball-sized bump that Cici’s hand gently held.
As if sensing my attention, her hand moved, pressing and cupping the weight of our son. A tiny wiggle of worry moved into my head as she did. I knew she’d been uncomfortable lately. After this, she could take some time off and let Emma and Ashlyn run the show for a few weeks.
More music swelled in the venue, and with a grin, Ian stepped forward, and instead of reaching for Cici, he moved lower to grip Emma’s hand. Both of them flashed me a wide smile before stepping down the bright-white aisle runner.
Slowly, I turned to Cici, whose brows were lowered. “Smooth move, Martinez,” she said softly.
I gripped her elbow, helping her down the step before turning her soft, slender fingers into the crook of my arm. “Would you be disappointed if I told you I hadn’t orchestrated that?”
“Would you be disappointed if I told you I had?”
“Never,” I laughed. Leaning down, I pressed a kiss to her temple, savoring the sweet smell of her shampoo and what had to be hair spray. “How’s my boy?”
“He’s ready to party,” she said, grinning up at me.
I barely resisted palming her belly as we made our way out into the foyer.
“What about you? You want to sneak home and watch reruns ofFriends?”
Cici snorted but bit her lip. “Nope. I’m going to get all my fun in tonight. I have a feeling that after tonight, my version of partying might be moving from one cushion on the sofa to the others.”
“Then, please, lead the way.”
***
Chapter 28
Cici
This was the latest I’d been up in weeks. Probably months if I really thought about it. And even as the wedding wound down, I couldn’t seem to make myself leave. Everything had been beautiful. Liam and Ashlyn were floating around the room like they were on top of the world, and only a fool would miss the love that flew between them.
I smiled, watching Liam help Ashlyn into her coat. They were talking to the oldest Macklen sibling, Tanner. I barely knew the guy, but it was clear seeing all three Macklens together that those sharp, dark good looks were a family characteristic.
A twinge of pain up my back made me sit up straighter, stretching it out. These Braxton-Hicks were a whole new level today.
I felt rather than saw Brady appear behind me, his warmth blanketing my sore, swollen body with comfort. “Are you ready to go home, my love?”
I sighed, rolling my shoulders as his fingers teased a sore spot along my spine. “Yes, please. We are both about danced out.”
Brady’s laughter was muffled as he wrapped his arms around my upper body. “No one will ever say Cecelia Grove can’t party. Even nine months pregnant.”
“Damn right.”
“Luna is going to put us all to shame.”
Glancing up, I couldn’t stop the wide smile that pulled at my mouth. Luna had hit the dance floor hard tonight on the arm of a very suave silver fox whose name even now I couldn’t remember. They’d been too busy for much conversation, and it thrilled me to no end.
“Help me up?” I reached a hand for Brady. Gripping his wrists, I gave a small grunt as together we heaved me up to a standing position. As soon as my legs straightened, all thoughts froze, my body going ramrod straight.
