Tamed By You (Always & Forever #2)

24. Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

Ali

The entire day was the dream that Ria had been wishing for. Tears of joy and laughter were shed during the speeches, and in true Jack style, he had the entire room sniffling into tissues with his words for Ria.

“I made a promise to myself that should I be lucky enough to get a chance with you I would be brave enough to love you out loud, so here I am loving you out loud and I will spend forever showing you how much you…”

Jack's words cause a lone tear to trickle down my face. I swipe it away, looking up to see Harry watching me from across the table. Not wanting to get lost in his gaze I turn my focus back to Jack and Ria. We are all seated at one large round table, like one big dysfunctional, mixed-matched family.

Jack's words trail off as my mind wanders to the idea of family. I've never had one. Once my dad died, it was just me and Mom, if you could call her that. She was more of a manager who saw me as a cash cow, something of value, and when I lost that value, she tossed me out like a damaged pair of shoes. No longer needed, no longer fit for purpose.

Lexi wiggles in my lap, interrupting my thoughts, and I press a kiss to her forehead. This is the closest thing to family I have.

“...so please, raise your glasses to my beautiful wife, Mrs. Lawson.” We stand and raise our glasses and Jack dips toward Ria and kisses her. Her face beaming, her entire aura glowing in a way I have never seen it and I think that maybe I’d like to have that someday. I’m just not convinced I am worthy of that type of love.

“Man, you need to calm it with your words. You even made Brooding Brad over here shed a tear,” Harry jokes, tapping Brad on the back.

“I had something in my eye. I think it’s the breadstick Elle just snapped in my face,” he responds, avoiding eye contact with everyone except Elle, who’s sat on Gabby’s lap next to him. He gently bops her on the nose, and she lets out a little giggle, and the women around the table swoon. What is it about men and babies?

“Well, your mother barely made it through, son. We're so proud and happy for you both.” Jack’s dad’s voice fills the silence. If you want to know what Jack will look like in twenty-five years, just look at his dad. Tall, broad, the same jaw line and some salt and pepper hair; the man is a fox.

His mum, a beautiful, elegant, petite lady with brunette hair, blows her nose into the cloth napkin, barely able to get a word out. She is so similar to Anne, her ex-mother-in-law, but they have remained so close despite everything that happened. I know that relationship means the world to Ria, and now she has Jack’s mom too to love on her. They have such a bond already and they treat the girls as if they were their own grandchildren.

It makes me think of what my future might look like. What do I want from life? Marriage and kids have never been on the cards for me. Will I just end up alone, still going out till my legs can no longer withstand my partying ways?

My thoughts are interrupted when the band announces Jack and Ria’s first dance. We all make our way over to the dance floor and watch as they get lost in the song. “All My Life” by Kaci and JoJo—it couldn't be more perfect for them. Ria’s elegant white satin gown moves with her body as Jack takes control and moves them.

They look at each other like no one else is in the room, like no one else matters. A hand slips into mine, interlocking our fingers.

I don't need to look to see who it is. Harry’s calloused palms and thick fingers tell me exactly who it is. We watch on as the song nears the end. His thumb, gently stroking mine where they meet, and my thumb mirrors the movement.

My heart does a little flutter at the touch. I feel something, but I don't know what it is. I think about pulling my hand away, scared someone will notice but it’s as if I’m frozen in place, unable too.

Everyone claps and cheers as the song comes to an end, Jack spins Ria, pulling her back in and dipping her.

“Mr. and Mrs. Lawson would like to invite you all to join them on the dance floor,” the band announces.

“May I have this dance?” Harry asks, his voice low. I can't speak. I've lost the ability to use my words, so I simply nod.

His hands drift to my waist and I wrap my arms around his neck. He pulls me closer, so my cheek rests on his chest. I crane my neck to look up at him, and dear god, the glint in his eye and the grin that shows his Colgate-worthy smile have my knees going weak.

Get it together, Ali girl, we don’t fall.

Harry glides us round the dancefloor like a pro and I let him take the lead. Usually, I'd fight him, but I don't want to, not in this moment. The music changes to something more up tempo and spins me out and then back to him, dipping me and a laugh escapes me. He repeats the movement, and my laughter grows louder, earning a deep chuckle from him.

I feel drunk on happiness. I don't think I have ever felt so carefree as I do at this moment, especially with a guy.

“Well, look at you two getting along,” Jack says as he and Ria dance past us. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Consider it our wedding gift to you both,” Harry teases.

“Yeah, a one-night special. Enjoy it,” I add.

Ria and Jack both shake their heads before they vanish off into the crowd.

“One night, hey?” I’m so close I can feel his heart beating erratically in his chest. I look up at him, my own heart rate matching his. Our lips dangerously close, not caring if anyone notices, I edge closer.

“I think we both know me and you can never be just one night,” he says just low enough for me to hear.

The song ends, and he presses a kiss to my cheek and leaves the dance floor. I’m stood there bewildered.

No, we could never just be one night, but we can’t be more because my head and my heart simply will not allow it.