thirty-three FRANCESCA
The night is coming to an end, and it’s been the most spectacular day I have ever had. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t ready to be alone with my husband.
We’re taking one more turn around the dancefloor to ‘One of the Good Ones’ by Gabby Barrett.
I’m taking in everyone around us. Tom and Farrah, Britt and Bobby.
Billy and Adley. My eyes narrow at that last coupling.
They’re spending a lot of time together, I’m not sure if it’s because they’ve been pushed together because of the wedding or if there is something brewing there.
“Have you seen my brother?”
“Your brother is the last thing on my mind right now.” Jackson pulls me close, nuzzling into my neck. “In fact, the only thing on my mind is how fast I can get you to the hotel and out of this dress.”
“Jackson! We can’t leave yet!”
“Why not? It’s our day. If we want to go, we will. They all know why we want to leave anyway.”
“Stop it! Your team is here! Set a good example!”
He laughs. “They already know I’m a bad example and to ignore anything I say or do.”
I play with the hair at the back of his neck. “You know what would make your tux even better right now?”
“What’s that?”
“A backwards hat.”
His eyes flare and I know I’ve got him.
“You better make this getaway soon because I’m just about at my breaking point, Mrs. Gage.”
“I like the way that sounds.” I give him a sweet kiss, sliding my hands down the front of his shirt. He’s lost his jacket hours ago, and his sleeves are turned up. He is absolute sex right now, but I don’t want this night to end.
I want to be with my husband more than anything, but I also don’t want to lose this moment.
“This day has been the best ever. I can’t believe you did all this, and I can’t thank you enough. You knew just what I needed.”
“I always know what you need. That’s why I’m the husband.” He pushes his hips into me.
“Settle down, Casanova,” I tease him.
“Shiiitt. I don’t see a Casanova anywhere in sight.”
“Exactly. Have you seen Adam. Come to think of it, it’s been a little bit since I’ve seen him around.”
Jackson pulls me close, then starts chuckling as he glances around.
“What are you laughing at?”
“Where’s CJ?” he asks and raises a brow.
I search the dancefloor, the bar, the tables. I don’t see either of them.
“I don’t know … “
He raises both brows. “Do I need to spell this out to you, wife?”
I narrow my eyes. “What do you know, Jackson?”
Another laugh bubbles from him as he runs his hands down my back, catching the open spots and weaving his fingers in between the straps of my dress. His touch gives me goosebumps.
“I maybe suggested they just needed to bang it out.”
“Jackson!”
He laughs again. “What? They do. They needed a push and maybe our day is what it took to wake them up.”
I lean into him, hoping he’s right. “We’ve already pushed enough today.” I’d love nothing more than for the two of them to wake up and see what’s right in front of them. But I won’t intrude or say more than I already have at this point. They’re adults and have to figure it out.
The song ends and we stand in the middle of the dancefloor taking it all in.
“Is it time?” “It’s time,” I say. Jackson ushers me from the floor, meeting the rest of the bridal party.
“Well, what do you say? Has this been the best day of your life or what?” Billy asks.
“The best and biggest Christmas Wedding ever!” I shout and I get cheers from the remaining guests.
“But now it’s time to make it official so we’ll catch you guys later. Don’t call us. We’ll call you.” Jackson says. They all laugh, and I squeal as he picks me up, bride style of course and we head for the entrance we arrived through just a few short hours ago for the first time as bride and groom.
“Oh my god!” I gasp as we step out from the tent. Jackson slowly puts me down and I stare up at the sky, turning in a circle.
“It’s snowing!”
For the first time in years, decades even, it’s snowing in Christmas. The flakes are floating down in tiny little crystals from heaven, each like individual wedding rings coming to coat our day in love. Securing us and confirming our love to one another.
“It’s perfect,” I say as we stand together taking it all in.
Jackson grabs my hand and pulls me close, shielding me from the cold. “I know you didn’t order the snow, but I can’t help but think you had a hand in this, too.”
He smirks but has a look of awe in his eyes. “Whatever my wife wants, she gets. Always.”
“Take me home, Coach Gage.”
“With pleasure, Mrs. Gage.”