55 - Awkward Introductions
Cordelia
I’ve finally got my cloudless day, and it just so happens it's our wedding day. It’s always portrayed to be the best day of a woman’s life.
When all that strategic planning and organisation comes together to create something beautiful, something perfect, something everyone will remember for years to come.
But nothing will ever top the day Jaxon came kicking and screaming into our lives.
When I catch eyes with the man I’m to spend the rest of my life with, standing at the end of the aisle with unapologetic tears in his eyes, I know this will be a close second.
I still have my reservations about the whole thing, and I’m still petrified of what this alliance means for us all.
What will it mean for our safety and our future?
Am I inadvertently putting my friends in danger too?
My head is full to-bursting with jumbled emotions that I’m struggling to fend off, today of all days.
But as I cast my eyes over our guests seated in the ivory covered chairs with the pretty red slingback bows, I’m met with a stare beyond black. Scar Luciano. The single visual that reminds me that the choice isn’t mine to make; and never was.
Papa strides down the aisle with his arm hooked in mine, wearing a smile full of pride.
When he saw me for the first time, walking down the stairs, looking like I’d just stepped out of a fairytale, he cried.
I can’t recall a time that either of my parents have cried happy tears for me.
Mama is basically a stone-cold statue, and Papa has always concealed his emotions well.
As soon as there were tears in his eyes, there were in mine too.
The ceremony is over in a flash. It’s the part I was the most anxious about, saying my vows in front of a room full of watchful eyes.
A room of people bearing witness to our promise.
They’re strange things really—weddings. In no other capacity would you declare your undying love to one another in front of a live audience.
Logan, however, was in his element, despite the fact his emotions were laid bare for all to see.
Or that his friends will probably tease him about it at a later date.
He’s not bothered. All he’s interested in is me.
That intense blue gaze never faltering, never straying from me for a second.
He probably thinks he’s marrying a different woman to be honest; with the several layers of makeup Chloe applied to my face.
And my hair pinned, half up, half down, finished with a crystal tiara sat atop my head.
Having friends that work in the beauty industry comes in handy.
After strolling around the grounds for at least an hour, hand in hand posing for the camera, my cheeks are sore from all the smiling.
Every single one is real, genuine, happiness.
My husband’s grin is infectious. A tool he uses to his advantage when he needs an extra hand to sway my judgement.
Like right now. As he lifts me with strong arms to perch me on a low hanging tree branch for a photo opportunity.
Beaming up at me with a rogue glint in his eyes.
“Smile, vixen,” he chuckles. And stupidly, I do. Because it's impossible not to, around him.
We return to our guests and the chorus of cheers and hoots as the toastmaster announces our entrance as Mr and Mrs Cox has me blushing furiously.
Once the speeches are over and Chloe’s had to touch up my makeup from all the blubbering, she curses my husband and threatens him to stop making me cry.
“I’m not intentionally making her cry, you know,” he says, cocking an eyebrow. “I can’t help that my stunningly handsome face brings tears to her eyes.”
Clarke sniggers next to him. “Doubt they’re happy tears, amigo. It's just hit her that she's stuck with you forever.”
Casey shares a look with Logan, who nods affirmatively. Her hand snakes out to grab Clarke’s crimson tie. “C’mon you ignorant arsehole. You can help me with the kid.”
Even as she’s dragging him from the hall, he’s cursing at her in Spanish, but Casey’s a strong woman, she can stand her ground. She dated Logan after all and that’s got to stand for something.
“Cordelia!”
My heels scrape the floor. I spin so fast, Logan has to steady me with a hand on my shoulder. Two men in suits hurtling towards me; like some bizarre reverse harem fantasy. The heavy hand resting on my shoulder goes rigid, fingers biting into the bare skin. Jealousy. Bless him.
The excited screech I produce surpasses the upbeat pop song blasting through the speakers.
Ignoring the funny looks directed my way, I welcome the boys into my arms, and we bounce up and down like kids at a teeny bop concert.
I don’t need to look behind me; my husband is likely to spontaneously combust any second, but he’ll get over himself.
“You’re here!”
Phillipe grins, tugging on the lapels of his jacket. “Of course. We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Lucien, ever the gentleman, extends a hand to Logan, who stares dead eyed at it like he wants to tear it off. Scarlett drives her elbow into his side which gets the point across. Reluctantly, he reciprocates the gesture, his grip far tighter than needed.
“Pleasure to finally meet you, Logan. I’ve heard a lot about you,” he says, winking at me over his shoulder with a twinkle in his green eyes.
My husband's gaze sweeps around to mine and I shrug, eyes rolling skyward. Lucien hasn’t heard a lot about him; it’s just a thing people say in greeting. I’ve been far too scared to tell them anything.
“Likewise.” His reply is cold, and I get the sudden need to kick him in the shin.
After the initial awkward greetings, the intensity between the boys fizzles when people take to the dance floor.
This is what weddings are all about. Celebration.
Being surrounded by people you love, letting your hair down, and dancing the night away until your feet burn.
Which we do, until the very last song plays over the speakers, and the DJ encourages people to find a partner for the last dance.
My body fits into Logan’s las if we were made to be together.
Fingers interlocking like two halves coming together to complete each other.
Our foreheads touching, noses nuzzling because we can’t bear to be apart for even a second.
My husband is the most handsome, loving, at times incredibly frustrating, man I've ever met.
He adores baby Jaxon and has adapted to parenthood better than even I have.
Yes, he has flaws, crooked connections and a past shadier than the void.
But I love him. With every part of my heart and soul.