Chapter 13 #2
“Albert’s wedding?” The memory flickered to life. It was the only time they’d danced like this—with him looking at her in a way that made her feel seen, truly seen. “You were kind to dance with me that day.”
His arm tightened around her waist. Then he eased back enough to meet her gaze, just as they’d been that night. Her breath hitched at his attention, and every inhale and exhale fell into rhythm with his.
Too soon, the song ended, and they returned to their table. Wade went over to his siblings’ table to scoop Bella up and returned with the baby nestled against him.
The dance floor opened up with a different song. Shania Twain sang two more songs before smiling their way. “Claire and Wade Stone, congratulations on your happy day!” She clipped the microphone back into its base and clapped along with everyone else.
Then the DJ announced another song, and its upbeat tempo erupted.
“Wade, you gotta join us, bro!” Rohan called.
“Yeah, this is like one of our all-time favorite songs.”
Waving him off to his siblings, Claire scooped Bella from him and settled into her seat.
Wade and his family burst into laughter and playful dance.
He moved with magnetic ease and confidence, his siblings matching his rhythm as they spun and swayed, laughing without a care.
His siblings fell into the twist, and he and his brother Rohan dropped down, twisting and rolling their shoulders in sync.
While the crowd cheered and applauded, Claire couldn’t look away.
How deeply satisfying to watch him like this, to see the man he was around his family.
Wade caught her eye, and was that a flicker of vulnerability there?
Something he hid so well but that felt intensely real.
Bella wiggled and swung her arms, making noises as she clapped, clearly taken by the dance-floor entertainment too.
Claire’s cheeks were hurting now. How could she go back to pretending this was all an act?
“That man can surely dance.” The familiar voice broke through her thoughts, and Irina slid into the chair Wade had left.
“That’s… something new I’m learning about my husband.” Claire then realized her slip. “Oh, did I just say ‘husband’?”
Irina grinned. Her gaze dropped pointedly to the glittering diamonds on Claire’s finger. “Your ring says it all. And I have to say, those kisses didn’t leave much room for doubt on how you two feel about this whole arrangement.”
Claire’s cheeks flushed. “It was all for show.” Even her voice lacked conviction. Bella’s head nestled against her chest, her tiny breaths warm and even. “Surely, things will be different once the crowd is gone, once there’s no audience.”
Irina arched a brow. “We’ll see about that. And what about Shania Twain, your all-time fave!” Irina squealed. “I can’t believe we got to see her in real life. Surely, he wouldn’t go through such trouble if he didn’t plan on putting some effort into this relationship.”
Claire hoped so.
The song ended, and Wade returned, his stride purposeful and easy.
Irina leaned over, whispering. “I’ll catch you later.” With a last mischievous look, she slipped away, leaving Claire alone with him.
“She’s probably heavy now.” He gestured to Bella now fast asleep, her pudgy fingers clutching Claire’s dress. “Do you need some relief?”
She handed Bella over, their arms bumping as he reached for her, and an all-too-familiar awareness raced through Claire at the contact. He cradled Bella against his chest, her head nestled on his shoulder, looking impossibly small and peaceful.
“She’ll stay with Mom tonight.” His tender gaze on Bella caught Claire off guard. “Mom’s already set up the portable bed in my old room. She keeps around all the needed supplies for whenever my nieces and nephews stay the night.”
Regina created a space where every grandchild felt welcome. Even Bella now, who came into their lives under unexpected circumstances, was already embraced.
Then came the toasts. Rohan took the floor first. He raised his glass with a grin.
“I’ve got to hand it to you, little brother.
” Funny he called him “little brother.” They were the same age.
“You’ve managed to pull off two things I never thought I’d see—getting married and finding someone who can put up with you.
” Laughter rumbled, and Wade shook his head as Rohan’s well-placed jabs about Wade’s past dating escapades amused the gathering.
“Now I understand that no one ever topped his Claire.”
She shifted. It had to be a joke because Wade surely hadn’t talked about her to his brothers, not until three weeks ago.
Irina spoke next. “Love has a funny way of finding you when you least expect it.” Her voice warm, she smiled at Claire, sentimentality breaking through her playful demeanor. “Claire and I always dreamed about grand whirlwind romances. I couldn’t be happier that my best friend got hers.”
A lump clogged Claire’s throat, and she blinked back tears. Wade’s hand found hers beneath the table, the simple gesture grounded her, and she squeezed it, grateful for his silent support. He returned his hand to support Bella with both hands.
As the music continued, some people danced while Claire and Wade drifted around the tent, greeting guests. That involved her meeting Shania Twain. Very kind with warm eyes, she congratulated them, and Claire thanked her for coming.
“My schedule was free, and I couldn’t turn down any invitation from Wade Stone.”
Claire would have to find out how many connections he had with artists in different industries.
When they reached Regina, she hugged Claire, her scent of jasmine as enveloping as her arms. Regina whispered into Claire’s ear. “Welcome to the family, my darling.”
“Thank you.” Claire smiled her gratitude.
“You two take off without any worries now.” Regina gripped Claire’s shoulders.
“I already set up a bed for Bella in Wade’s bedroom.
So rest assured she’ll be fine.” Refined and elegant, Regina somehow made everyone feel instantly at home.
She then released Claire and scooped Bella from Wade.
“Well done, son. You not only brought us a lovely daughter-in-law but also a precious grandchild.”
Kyle, Wade’s father, approached. His blue eyes soft, he opened his arms for an embrace.
“Claire, we’re so glad to have you with us.
” His gruff voice caught as if on emotion as his warm arms caught her up, his hug gentle, fatherly.
No wonder Wade’s family was so close-knit.
The warmth they exuded could only come from a place of genuine love and acceptance.
How she longed for such unwavering support.
Could she, Bella, and Dad now expand their family with the Stones?
After Dad assured her he’d be fine with Fern, his caregiver, Claire found Wade at her side. He, too, wished Dad a great time and told him to call them any time he missed his daughter. Then, together, they returned to where Irina was chatting with a few guests.
“Guess it’s time, huh?” Irina winked and gave Claire one last hug. “Enjoy your honeymoon.”
Claire whispered in her ear. “I’m not sure what to expect.”
“You’ll figure it out.”
Wade then took her hand and led her out into the cool night air.
The three-story house in the distance now gleamed with lights that matched the stars, casting a glow over everything.
He pulled her close, their steps falling in sync.
The man beside her was supposed to be her fake husband.
But the lines between fiction and reality were blurring. Who knew what could happen next.