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“No, I’m not done kissing on you,” she said, leaning in for another which he willingly gave. “We have twelve hours to make up for.”
He chuckled in a low way that made her stomach clench. “We will definitely make up for it, love.”
“I can’t wait. Let’s skip the reception and go right to bed.”
“You should eat. You’ll need your strength.”
“I think you will too.”
He gave her one more kiss that made her toes curl, and then they walked to the deck and accepted hugs and congratulations from everyone.
The photographer arranged them for pictures, from them as a couple to the bridal party to the parents and all variations in between. She was so ready to get to the reception and get the party going that she was bouncing on the balls of her feet, her lioness letting out little excited purrs.
“I think we should get to the party,” Oz said with a chuckle. “My sweetheart is ready.”
“You know it,” China said.
The group headed toward the tent, where Rhaider announced them, starting with Teresa, and China’s parents, and ending with her and Oz. The pride roared its approval once more as they entered the tent. She and Oz moved from table to table, greeting and thanking everyone for sharing their day with them.
When they finally got to the head table, China was ready to eat, but first there were toasts to be had.
A young lion brought champagne glasses for the head table, and she and Oz sat in the center of the table.
Demi rose first. “China’s my best friend. I’ve known her for so long that it’s like we’re sisters. We call each other’s moms ‘Mom,’ and have been attached at the hip since we were little. China was always the one who held me back from doing stupid things, like the time I wanted to jump from the water tower into the lake and she reminded me that cats only land on their feet on land and not in water.”
China giggled at the memory. She’d practically had to drag Demi away from the water tower.
“I’m so glad my bestie found her heart-match. I hope you know how amazing she is, Oz. She’s the best female I know.” Demi lifted her glass a little higher. “To China and Oz.”
The pride repeated the words and then clinked glasses in toast.
Angel stood and said, “I promised Oz I wouldn’t tell any stories about him from his childhood because he doesn’t want me scaring away his new bride. So I won’t tell you about the time we paid a group of acapella singers to follow the school principal around for a whole weekend singing showtunes. And I won’t tell you about the time we snuck out after curfew and ran amok with a group of wolf shifters. Or about the time we accidentally defaced a local farmer’s barn with spray paint and the words ‘O & A Rock.’”
“I knew that was you!” Teresa said. The pride laughed and China shook her head at her mate with a grin. He was definitely trouble, but she’d take him however she could get him. She was crazy about him.
“Ah crap, I got myself in trouble,” Angel said with a chuckle. “China, it sounds like you’ve got lots of practice keeping the people you love safe, just know that you’ll have your hands full with Oz. You couldn’t ask for a better mate, and I’m so glad you two found each other. To Oz and China!”
Cheers arose a second time and glasses were clinked.
They rose to their feet and kissed, and the pride clinked their glasses with silverware to keep the kiss going. When it finally ended, China was seeing stars and her lioness was purring so loudly she couldn’t really hear anything but her happy noises.
“Love you sweetheart,” he whispered against her lips.
“I love you too.”
* * *
After the meal—which was a buffet that held all their favorite foods—they cut the cake, a three-tiered white confection stuffed with strawberries and decorated with delicate peach-colored flowers. A plastic lion male and female sat atop the cake.
Once they’d fed each other some cake, they started the dances. She and Oz danced with each other first and then their parents. Oz took Teresa for a spin, and then China’s mom too, while she danced with her dad.
“It’s been a great day,” Lee said. “How do you feel?”
“I’m on cloud nine. It’s the best day ever. I can’t believe I’m married.”
“I can’t either. In my head you’re still a toddler, holding my hand when we cross the street.”
She laughed. “Well, I’m all grown up now.”
