Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Carly
After some pomp and circumstance of introductions, speeches, dinner, and the first dance, the guests are dancing as a small band plays music.
Twinkle lights in crisscross patterns hang above us, and the last remnants of the sun are setting outside.
Everyone has had a few drinks, and the room is filled with laughter and love.
I lean my head on Bray’s shoulder and take it all in as Ava dances with Hutch and then Al.
“Shall I go cut in out there? Al’s looking like he needs a break,” Bray says. I nod.
“Yeah, probably,” I reply as he kisses the top of my head and gets up to see if Al wants to sit for a while.
Al nods and walks back to a table where Margie and Cornelia are chatting away with Fletcher’s mother.
My attention turns back to where Bray is dancing with Ava.
Her little feet are on top of his, and he’s moving them in a waltz pattern while Ava chats with him.
I feel tears well in my eyes. He’s so good with her.
She’s building memories that she’ll keep forever.
I couldn’t have asked for a better father figure for my little girl.
I only wish her biological dad was half the man that Bray is.
I wish he would care about her and love her like I do, but there’s no sense in getting upset about something that won’t ever happen.
I’m distracted when Cam plops down next to me. “What’s with the waterworks?” she asks.
I swipe at a stray tear. “Just emotional tonight. Probably getting my period or something,” I lie.
Cam leans forward, blocking my view. She looks at Bray over her shoulder and back at me.
“What the fuck is happening between you two?” she hisses.
I sigh. “We kissed,” I admit.
Her eyes light up, and she squeals and claps her hands. “OMG! OMG! That’s amazing. I’m so excited for you. Bray’s the best…well, after Fletcher, of course,” she says with a laugh.
I roll my eyes. “He’s a great guy.” I pause, and she frowns.
“I feel a but coming on,” she says.
“Well, seriously, look at him. He’s attractive, fit, smart, successful, and kind. Why would he want to be with me?” I ask as I wave a hand, motioning to myself.
Cam glares at me. “Why would he not? You’re beautiful, curvy, sexy, smart, kind, and you are a great mom.”
“I’m a mom. I have stretch marks and my boobs have dropped a good two inches since before Ava. I’ve already been married before, and aside from Anne, my parents are my only family, and they don’t even remember me on a good day anymore,” I mutter, suddenly feeling sorry for myself.
Cam sighs. “Don’t be an idiot. You are so much more than that.
Do you ever see how men drool over you? Men love curves.
They want a handful of boob. Trust me on this.
And they don’t give a shit about stretch marks.
You want to compare some. I gained the freshman fifteen and then lost it and gained a few on my thighs.
They are still there, and Fletcher has never once said a thing about them.
And look at those two.” She motions to Ava and Bray.
“They are like two peas in a pod. Your kid is seriously the coolest child ever. We all love her to death. If I ever have a kid, I hope she’s half as cool as Ava. ”
“She?” I interject.
Cam shrugs. “Whatever. Focus! That man out there loves you, and I’m glad he’s finally coming to his senses and acting on it. You both deserve happiness. Bray’s the one for you. I just know it. We all do,” Cam says, waving a hand at all our friends.
I look back at Ava and Bray. He’s now holding her on his hip and spinning them around. She tosses her head back and giggles loudly before throwing her arms around his neck and snuggling against him.
“He was made to be a dad,” I state as I watch them.
“He was made to fuck you and love you. That dad crap is just icing on the cake,” Margie’s voice comes from my other side. I turn and see her staring down at me.
“Margie, seriously? I was closing this deal on my own,” Cam says.
“Deal?” I say.
“Deal, therapy, whatever. You two belong together. The three of you have been a family since you moved in, you two just never got over your shit long enough to make it happen,” Cam says. “You really think we can make this work?” I ask.
“Duh. Or I wouldn’t be here telling you this on my wedding night. I have bigger things to do…if you know what I mean,” she says with a wink as she stands. I stand with her and pull her into a hug.
“I love you,” I say.
“I know. I’m very lovable,” she teases.
I slap her back, and she laughs. “Now get out there. I’m about to throw the bouquet,” she says.
“Fine,” I reply.
Margie leans in and whispers, “I think you just need a good fucking.”
I blush.
“Go get yourself some of that good cock,” she says. “Have some for me. I’ll sadly be going to bed alone.”
I shake my head and grin as I walk onto the dance floor just in time for Cam to climb on a table. The room goes silent as she holds up her bouquet.
“I need all the single ladies,” she says as she waves her flowers.
Vito’s sister, me, Fletcher’s cousin, Margie, and Cornelia step onto the dance floor in front of Cam.
“Camryn, get your ass down from there. I don’t want to spend our wedding night in the ER,” Fletcher groans as he holds out his hand.
Cam rolls her eyes and turns away from us before flinging the bouquet in the air as she jumps down into Fletcher’s arms. Everyone is looking at Cam, so as the bouquet falls, I hold out my hand and grab it.
Fletcher looks at me and laughs before turning to Bray and clapping him on the back.
“Looks like you’re up next,” he says with a laugh before the band starts playing again.
“Mommy, why did Miss Cam throw her flowers at you?” Ava asks as she tugs on my dress.
“Oh, it’s just a fun party game,” I say as I walk the flowers over to the table.
“Can I see them?” Ava asks.
“Sure,” I say as I hand them to her. She skips off to show the other kids.
I feel a hand on my back and turn to see Bray. “Is your dance card full?” he asks.
Laughing, I shake my head. “No. You’re in luck,” I tease.
He smiles and holds out his hand. I place mine in it and he pulls me to him as he walks us onto the dance floor. Suddenly, the music slows, and Bray presses me more tightly against him. I wrap my arms around his neck, and we slow dance.
“So, you’re getting married next, huh?” he asks.
I roll my eyes. “I seriously doubt that,” I say.
“Well, how about dating at least?” he says, his voice hopeful.
“I might be able to arrange that,” I reply coyly.
“Good, I know this great guy,” he whispers in my ear as his hand caresses my hip.
“Oh? Tell me more?” I play along, letting my fingers run through the bottom of his hair.
“He can be an ass sometimes, but he’s sort of head over heels for this sexy mom he knows,” he replies.
“Wow. He sounds taken,” I reply.
“Oh, he is. He has plans for her later,” he whispers.
“Does he now?” I ask as I lean my head back to meet his gaze.
His pupils are dilated, and he looks intently at me. I lick my lips, and he watches my mouth before finding my eyes again.
“He doesn’t want to go look for that missing key instead?” I joke.
He leans down so his lips are brushing the shell of my ear. “He has another game he wants to play.”
He presses a hand to my back, and my front feels exactly what he means as his erection presses into my belly. I glance over at Ava.
“I think it might be a while. Ava’s on a sugar high and she hasn’t even had the cake yet,” I say as I motion toward my daughter.
Bray’s gaze follows my finger, and he laughs as he sees her waving the bouquet around. “She’s going to give us all a run for our money in a few years, isn’t she?”
“Probably. I was a royal pain in the ass as a teenager,” I laugh.
“I hardly believe that,” he says.
Bray looks around as we continue to dance. The song ends, and he holds me to him for a beat. “I have an idea. Go get us some cake,” he says as he pats my ass and walks over to Al, who is sitting back at the table with Margie and Cornelia.
I walk over to the cake table and grab a slice for both of us and one for Ava. I watch Bray from across the room. Damn, I haven’t taken much time to appreciate how fucking hot he is in a suit. He looks absolutely edible. I want to pinch myself that this man wants me.
I look up at the skylight where a few stars are just making an appearance. “Don’t fuck this up for me, universe. I need a win here,” I mutter before heading back to the table with the cake and a heart brimming with affection for the man staring at me from across the room.