AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When Honey comes up to me to give her congratulations, she pulls me into a tight hug with more strength than I expected given her deteriorating condition.
“I’m so happy I could be here to witness this,” she tells me, tears welling in her eyes. “Thank you for bringing my son so much joy. He’s lucky to have you as his wife, and I’m lucky to have you as my daughter-in-law.”
I pull her into another hug, touched by her words and by how overjoyed she clearly is to be here. I’m so glad we could give her this happy day, but I can’t help but be aware it’s so much more than that for me now.
“I’m the lucky one,” I tell her, and my eyes really do well with tears this time. “I feel like the luckiest bride.”
21
CARTER
Itry my best to stretch the kinks out of my body from the couch’s curves but it’s no good – post-modern furniture is better for looking at than sleeping on. And unfortunately, that’s all they have in these luxury suites. I guess they expect their newlyweds to share a bed, and I guess I can’t blame them for that.
Still, my physical discomfort is a small price to pay to make sure Jada doesn’t feel emotionally uncomfortable. Even though she insisted I sleep in the bed with her last night, I couldn’t bear the thought of making her worry I was going to try something.
I sit up, rolling my neck a little as I look over to the king-sized bed just a few feet away. Nestled among the sheets is Jada, still sleeping peacefully and I smile.
My wife is so beautiful. The thought comes in my head, and it almost makes me laugh.
As I watch her, I notice her stir a little and a few moments later, she opens her eyes.
“Good morning,” she says, a smile spreading over her face before she’s even woken up properly.
“Morning sunshine,” I reply, my smile matching hers.
She sits up eagerly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “You really should have slept in here last night you know,” she tells me, casting an eye on the couch. “That must have been so uncomfortable.”
“Oh no, it was totally fine,” I lie. “Probably just as good as the bed.”
She gives me a skeptical look. “Mm-hmm.”
“Well anyway, since we’re on our honeymoon now, I thought we could take full advantage of the perks,” I say, eager to change the subject. “How about a couples massage at the spa?”
I don’t tell her that part of the reason is my aching neck and luckily she doesn’t ask.
“Oh, that’s way too much, Chase. You’ve already done so much for me by paying for the wedding,” she protests.
I shake my head. “Don’t think about it like that,” I say. “We’re spending a week here and I already told you I want you to enjoy everything it has to offer. All the parts you always wanted to try for yourself but never could.”
I cast what I hope is a convincing grin, and she smiles back at me. “Well, I did always wonder what the spa here would be like…” she admits.
“It’s settled then!” I announce. “A couple’s massage it is!”
I watch the smile on her face grow even wider as she allows herself to accept the invitation. As we get ready for the day, she even starts telling me how excited she is.
We make our way down to the spa, holding hands half as a joke, half to keep up appearances. As the massage therapists greet us, they comment on yesterday’s wedding.
“We heard you’re the newlyweds!” one of them says. “Congratulations!”
“You really make a beautiful couple,” says the other, and Jada and I can’t help but giggle a little at the comments.
“Thank you,” I say, jokingly keeping up the ruse. “It was love at first sight, you know.”
We keep this up all through the massage before heading up to our room relaxed and bliss-stoned. In this state, we order room service and champagne and have a romantic lunch on the balcony.
“To a long and happy marriage,” I toast, smiling over at Jada.
She smiles back, echoing the sentiment and we both drink to our future, whatever that might be. I can’t help but steal glances at Jada as we enjoy lunch. She really is stunning and even if this is all a ploy, I can’t help but feel lucky to be here with her. I’m having a great time already, and I get the feeling she is too.
