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Without looking away from her face, Joel took both her hands into his. Rather than finish their walk down the altar, he walked backward, pulling her along. When they reached the altar, he kissed her again, each peck longer than the one before it. Just as he went to slide his tongue between her lips, the officiant cleared his throat.
They faced forward, hands joined, and didn’t let go for the entire ceremony.
Once they were announced as husband and wife, their lips met again. Their family’s and friends’ applause rose like thunder. Joel picked her up off her feet until her head was above his, and she laughed between kisses, her fingers slipping through the dark strands of his hair.
“Did you like your gifts?” he asked.
“I loved them.” She kissed his cheekbone. “What about you? Did you like yours?”
“Is this really happening?”
“Yes, and there’s one more, but the boys have that for you later.”
Joel set her on her feet, took her hand, and they headed for the exit.
“So, I was thinking about names,” he began. “And, if it’s a girl…Joelita.”
“And if it’s a boy, what, Joelito?”
“This is why we’re married. Most people would have thought Joel Jr., but no. You knew I would go with Joelito.”
She laughed as they stepped out into the sunshine. A few “congratulations” were tossed their way, but Mo had solicited Giorgio’s and Dez’s help to corral guests so they could have these few moments to themselves. Once the pictures started, it would be nonstop smiling, hugs, handshakes, and meet and greets until nighttime.
“Does it feel different?” Joel asked. “This time and your first time?”
“Ironically enough, I was pregnant both times.” She snorted. “And yes, but not in a better or worse type of way. I feel more confident going into this marriage, and,” she patted her stomach, “with a third baby on the way.”
Joel’s face flushed.
“I feel more hopeful, too,” she added. “And there’s a sort of peace. I think I took some things for granted the first time around. I didn’t fully squeeze the enjoyment out of each day with Curtis. I won’t make the same mistake with you.”
“Is that why, when I was being a little petty bitch that one time after the museum, you said what you did?” he asked. “About going to bed upset?”
“Yes. Me and Curtis didn’t fight a lot, but when we did have disagreements, we let them fall by the wayside. We’d have a verbal spat, and then he’d buy me food, and that was that. We’d also apologize, but we neverworked throughthe issues. After he was gone, every single stupid argument came back, and I wish I’d told him I loved him even when we were at odds.”
They headed to the edge of the green and stood overlooking the lake.
“Eesh, Curtis knew,” he said. “The way you love isn’t subtle or subliminal. You could never again say, ‘I love you, Joel’ from today on, and I’d never feel like you didn’t…but don’t do that.”
She smiled.
Over his shoulder, she noticed his sister running toward them. Once Audrey was close enough, she screamed, jumped onto his back, and planted a loud kiss on the side of his face.
“Ugh.” Joel, trying to tamp down a grin, wiped his cheek. “Please don’t do that again.”
She gave him another kiss. “I’m so happy for you!”
“You don’t say.”
Audrey slithered from his back.
Ayesha braced herself.
Still, Joel had to reach out to steady them both when Audrey crashed into her.
“Audrey, be careful,” he warned. “And there’s no alcohol here. Who gave you tequila?”
“I haven’t been drinking. I’m just happy. This little cutie pie right here,” Audrey gave Ayesha another squeeze, “is what’s got me so happy.”
