15. A Dream Wedding #4
As the dinner plates clinked softly in the hands of the servers setting the tables, Iris leaned closer to Nash, her lips meeting his in a kiss that had way too much tongue for public. It bordered on indecent. But she couldn't bring herself to care.
"I already told you. I didn't like it." She said against his lips, "I loved it. It was everything I always dreamed of." He growled in response and then leaned down to take control of the kiss. "Thank you."
The world around them faded as their guests began to eat. Slowly, the kiss ended, and she picked up her fork and speared a bite of tender steak. Once dinner was over, Nash must have sent out a message of some kind because her siblings made their way to the head table.
Ash approached first, his demeanor rigid but earnest as he offered a stiff congratulation.
Holly followed, her smile seemed strained and Iris noticed the paleness that clung to her skin.
It was clear that the pregnancy was taking its toll.
Iris reached out, concern etching her brow. "Holly, are you alright?"
The question lingered unanswered in the air, unacknowledged by Holly, who seemed unable to find her voice.
Her face was twisted into a pained grimace.
Iris's heart clenched at the obvious sign of her sister's struggles.
She was unwell. And pushing through to be here for her.
It wasn't much, but it was more than Holly had ever done for her before.
Maybe there was hope for their relationship yet.
Nash watched the exchange, his gaze never wavered from Iris. His arm settled onto her shoulders and pulled her in close. She turned back to her siblings, letting her hand fall to his thigh beneath the table.
"Thank you both for taking the time to come here." Both of their faces showed similar expressions of shock.
"Of course we came," Ash said, his voice thick and his eyes sad. "We wouldn't have missed your wedding, Iris." She looked at him with a furrowed brow, but they both turned away. Leaving her alone with her husband.
As twilight surrendered to the night, shadows danced across the sand that surrounded the gazebo. Iris, her eyes bright in the dimming light, turned to Nash, her plea evident.
"Please, just one dance," she implored, her voice a caress against the growing darkness. She knew dancing was not his favorite, but she wanted at least one dance with her husband. She batted her eyelashes at him and smiled at him with her best innocent smile.
She watched as Nash's resistance faltered under the warmth of her smile.
He was a man who commanded empires with an iron will, yet right then, she was the one who held the power.
It was a heady feeling. Before, she felt her only power was in the bedroom.
She hid her smile as he took her hand and moved to pull her up with him.
With a nod, he rose, leading her to the makeshift dance floor. As they moved together, their bodies found a natural rhythm, a slow, sensual cadence that spoke more than words ever could. His hands on her waist were both a claim and a caress, branding her as his.
Iris rested her head on his shoulder. This was everything she ever wanted. The wedding was perfect. All her reservations seemed to fall away.
Daisy, with Dahlia's small hand in hers, joined them, their movements light and carefree. For a moment, Nash stayed there, standing next to her while she danced around him. His eyes softening as he watched Dahlia laugh, the sound pure and untainted.
Iris smiled widely as she danced with Daisy and Dahlia, with Nash's hands wrapped around her from behind.
But soon, his hands disappeared, and he moved to the side.
She sent him a playful wink as she rolled her hips his way.
The answering fire in his eyes promised her a wedding night she would never forget.
"Time for us to go, Iris," came Holly's weakened voice, pulling Iris out of her game with Nash.
Her sister looked frail, a shadow of the formidable presence she used to command.
Ash stood beside her, his expression tight with concern.
"I wish I could stay longer. Thank you so much for allowing us to come. "
"Already?" Iris masked her disappointment with a graceful smile. The awkwardness between them stretched, unspoken apologies hanging in the air.
"Rose needs me at home," Ash murmured, his voice barely above the waves crashing in the distance. "And Holly..."
"Say no more," Iris replied, her heart aching at the sight of their pained expressions. "Thank you for coming—it means more than you know."
Holly leaned in, her movements hesitant, and embraced Iris, a gesture so fragile it might shatter at any moment. Iris returned the hug, her arms wrapping around her sister. It might be the first true hug they had ever had.
"Take care," Ash added, his brown eyes meeting hers.
They held a depth of regret, and just a small shimmer of hope.
Iris leaned forward and hugged him as well.
He was stiff at first, obviously not expecting that.
But he quickly relaxed and sank into the embrace.
As he turned around to leave, he gave her a small yet genuine smile, and then held his arm out to Holly.
As Holly and Ash departed, Iris felt Nash's presence behind her.
He wrapped his arms around her tightly. She turned and smiled up at him.
The cool night breeze blew through the gazebo.
Iris gave a small shiver as Daisy approached them both.
Dahlia's small hand was clasped within her own.
The little girl's eyes fought sleep, her steps slow and heavy.
Daisy leaned towards her and placed a kiss on her cheek.
"We're going to call it a night, too." Daisy said, her voice gentle. "This little girl is all partied out."
Iris smiled ruefully, then bent down to Dahlia, brushing a curl from her forehead.
"You were such a beautiful flower girl, sweetheart.
Thank you so much for being a part of my wedding," she murmured before leaning over and giving her a tight hug.
Feeling Dahlia's two arms wrapped around her tightly tugged at her heart. How she missed her.
It was hard to be away. She loved Dahlia like she would her own daughter. She had helped raise her for three years. And then suddenly, she was gone. Having a small child hug you like you are the most important person in the world... there was nothing like it. How she missed it.
Once Dahlia pulled back, Iris stood to embrace Daisy.
Their hug was warm, filled with all the things they couldn't say.
Words weren't needed. They had weathered their storms together.
They over came grief, pain, fear, not to mention worry together.
They were family, and they both knew they would always have the other.
"Congratulations again, Iris. It was beautiful," Daisy whispered, pulling back with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Thank you for being here," Iris replied, her gratitude genuine. She knew that this was bittersweet for both of them and appreciated how hard Daisy was trying. Daisy was smart enough to know there was never a choice in the first place.
As Daisy turned away, leading Dahlia toward their suite near the pool house, Nash's arm snaked around Iris from behind. His heat enveloped her, his breath hot against her ear.