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“Eric…” I warn.
Our conversation is interrupted as Adriana pulls me aside. “Are you ready?”
I nod, it’s speech time. I don’t have to write anything down on a piece of paper. I’m going to wing it, that’s how much confidence is behind the words I’m about to speak. As Adriana calls for attention from the crowd, my dad whispers something in her ear, forcing her to look at me, asking me to hold on.
My dad has prepared a speech, much to my discontent.
“I’m a man of few words, but I hope the words I say carry depth. This day was inevitable for anyone who knew Charlie and Lex nine years ago.” His gaze shifts to my mother as she smiles reassuringly, and he continues, “Charlie, you came into my life as a little girl and became my daughter’s best friend. Life threw some curveballs, but here you are, standing as the strongest woman I’m honored to know. You became my daughter twenty years ago, and only today have we celebrated this milestone.”
Charlotte holds onto my mother, clutching a tissue, the two of them wiping their faces. My dad pauses, his voice quivering slightly.
“Lex, I know we have our differences. I know we don’t see eye to eye on almost anything, but, son, you have done me proud. Every day I relish in the man you have become. You fought me tooth and nail to follow your dreams, not mine, and I stand here today thanking you for challenging me and for making me see that you are your own man. I love you, admire you, and thank you for making me a better person.”
Damn, he hit that fucking spot I’ve been avoiding, the weakest part of me which yearns to be accepted by my father. He walks toward me and hugs me tight. I don’t let go for what seems like minutes. Rocky’s voice rings in my head about smelling like pussy which makes me pull away faster than the speed of light.
Everyone claps, and now I feel slightly nervous, scared I will fuck up, and she won’t believe me. C’mon, Lex, that’s impossible.
“For those of you who wonder why I call Charlotte by her full name, it’s because many moons ago I told her I wasn’t like anyone else. I was a man who saw this beautiful woman and wasn’t going to stop until she was mine. Others tried, and they have failed, and even after all the mistakes I have made, I know that when Charlotte walks into your life you can never look back.”
Reaching out for her hands, she places them in mine as I allow the warmth to spread throughout me.
“Charlotte Olivia Edwards, you are my wife, my reason for taking my breath every morning. I ache when I’m away from you, and I ache when I am near you. I see the light, and you are there, making it shine. I am complete now that I have you, and soon, you will give me the greatest gift a man can ask for.
“I promised to be your husband, but as I stand here, I promise to also be a father. I promise to cherish and love our children like I have been shown by my parents. Once upon a time, I was dying a slow death, and I will forever be in your debt for making me come alive again. Charlotte, my beautiful wife, I love you for not only who you are but for who I am when I am with you.”
As a tear falls so gracefully onto her lips, she mouths ‘I love you’ before kissing me softly and sealing the deal.
We are officially one.
In front of everyone who matters the most to us.
CHARLIE
I sit still while staring out the window with my hand entwined in his.
There’s nothing but light shining over the clouds. We’re heading to London after spending a month traveling through Europe. Nikki and Tate were gracious enough to let me go, especially knowing it won’t be long before I can’t travel.
I’ve never been so relaxed yet excited in my whole life. The worldwide destinations I got to experience, tropical islands to historic architecture, and since I was constantly reminded it was our honeymoon, the sex never stopped. Lex was insatiable, and here I thought I was bad. There were days when I was sore, and those were the days we ventured out of the room to sightsee, but it only ended up with us back in the room for more hot sex.
As the plane touches down at Heathrow, I can’t contain my excitement. It’s my first time here, and all I can think about is meeting the royals. Yeah, like that is going to happen, but everyone knows the Queen of England, don’t they? Lex, on the other hand, looks tense. I offered to give him a blow job on the plane, but he kindly refused, much to my disappointment.
I take out my phone, snapping photographs of Big Ben as we drive past. It reminds of the Griswolds’ futile attempt to exit the giant roundabout which, in turn, makes me laugh out loud. Eric is so jealous and gave me a long list of places he wanted me to visit, including some hot gay club. Why am I not surprised?
It doesn’t take us long before the driver pulls up at Lex’s apartment. He rarely speaks about his home, almost avoiding the topic every time. I was shocked when he agreed for us to come to London, but according to Kate, he needs to tie up some loose ends in the London office before finally making the move to New York. I’m annoyed he failed to mention that to me resulting in a mini-fight followed by some hot sex on the beach in the Greek Islands.
We ride the elevator up until it reaches the penthouse. He keeps his hands to himself, something is definitely wrong and Lord almighty, he is as stubborn as a mule.
As the doors open, my jaw drops.
“Holy shit, this is your digs?”
It’s almost four times the size of mine, and now it makes sense why Lex complains about us buying something bigger in Manhattan.
The design of the apartment is an open-plan loft with dark wood floors, and the furniture is mainly white. It doesn’t look lived in or very homey, to be brutally honest. The building itself is modern compared to some of the older structures around it.
“So, are we just going to stand here, or will you take me to your room and fuck me? Because I’m still annoyed you didn’t accept my blow job which, might I add, was served to you with no strings attached,” I point out.
He relaxes, and that beautiful smile as always melts my insides. Placing his arms underneath my legs, he lifts me, carrying me up the stairs.
