by Ivy Smoak
"Ugh," Tavon said from behind her.
Sierra stepped out of his way to give James a hug.
"Congrats, Penny," Tavon said. "Although, I still think you're way too young to get married. Too late now, I guess."
James laughed.
"No offense to you, of course," Tavon said. "Congrats," he said and shook James' hand.
"I think they're about to serve dinner," Sierra said. "We should probably go find our seats. Thank you so much for inviting us." The three of them walked off together.
"You're amazing," I said to James.
He kissed my cheek and escorted me through the crowd of people. There was a long table where the altar had been earlier. The bridal party was already seated and salads were being passed out by the waiters. James pulled my seat out for me and I sat down next to Melissa.
"You really know how to throw a party," Melissa said and picked up her fork. "I know speeches are about to start, but I'm starving."
"I can't wait to see what you have to say."
Melissa took a big bite. "When I'm not stumbling over my words, it's good."
I laughed. "I'm sure you'll be great."
"Can the father of the bride, maid of honor, and best man please meet me up here," the D.J. said.
"Do I have any lettuce in my teeth," Melissa said and smiled.
"You're good."
"Remember, I'm totally getting you back for this when I get married. I know how much you love public speaking." She followed Rob over toward the D.J.
"Any idea what your Dad or Melissa are going to say?" James asked as he put his arm around my shoulders.
"None. At least you know what Rob is going to say."
"I was just kidding earlier. I wanted him to surprise us."
"So he's uncensored?"
James laughed. "What, are you afraid he's going to embarrass you?"
"Of course he's going to embarrass me. It's like his life goal to mortify me as much as possible."
"That's why this is going to be so much fun."
I scrunched up my face and James laughed again.
My dad cleared his throat. "Pen, you know how much your mother and I care about you. And all we've ever wanted was what was best for your future. The road that you took with James swayed a little from the path we wanted for you. But I'm so glad that you veered right. I'm so proud of you for following your heart. Thank you, James. Thank you for making our daughter happier than she's ever been. We couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law. Even if you are a Giants fan."
Everyone laughed and Mason yelled, "the Eagles suck!"
My dad laughed. "We'll see about that this year, Mason." He smiled. "I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. And I'm confident that you'll have it. The two of you can get through anything together. That's the sign of lasting love, having each other's backs through thick and thin. You two have it. Savor it and never let it go. Welcome, officially, to the family, James." He lifted up his glass of champagne. "To the newlyweds!"
James and I clinked our glasses together.
"I'm glad you veered right too," James said and squeezed my shoulder.
I leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. "Thanks for being there to catch me when I fell."
He smiled at my reference to his vows. "Always, baby." He placed a soft kiss against my lips.
"And there they go again," I heard Melissa say into the microphone.
A few people laughed.
I'm sure my cheeks were red when I turned toward Melissa.
"For those of you don't know me, I'm Penny's best friend. We met freshman year of college. And I have to tell you, when we met, I was almost certain she was doomed to a lifetime of being a cat lady."
Oh please, God, no.
James laughed.
"Don't encourage her." I playfully hit his arm.
"I had to drag her out to parties and had to actively push her to be social," Melissa said. "And actually, without poor influence, I'm not sure Penny and you ever would have hit it off."
"Thanks, Melissa," James said.
She smiled. "When Penny told me she was dating her professor, I didn't even believe her. I thought for sure she was joking. I didn't understand how such a goody two-shoes could take such a crazy leap. But then I met James. And it instantly made sense. These two were made for each other.
"Penny, you're my best friend in the world. You deserve the absolute best and I know that James is that for you. And James, I'll say this again because sometimes you don't take me seriously. I will literally kill you if you hurt her. So stop doing it. I'm serious this time." She pointed at him.
He held up his hands, showing his innocence.
Melissa laughed. "But seriously, the second one is for keeps. I believe that counts for marriages too. Except for in Penny's case. One is definitely enough. Because you two couldn't be more perfect for each other. Here's to the happy couple." She raised her glass in the air.
"I'm so sorry," I said as I clinked my glass to his.
James laughed. "I loved her speech. I wouldn't have expected anything less from her."
"She called me a cat lady and threatened to kill you."
"It's the future lawyer in her."
I shook my head.
"How's everyone doing tonight?!" Rob said into the mic.
"I'm sure I'll have to apologize to you after this, though," James whispered to me.
"Man," Rob said. "I'm so much happier doing this the second time around. For a girl that James is actually in love with and excited to be married to."
I couldn't help it. I found James' mother in the crowd. She was absentmindedly picking at her salad with her fork. She couldn't have looked any more bored. I turned back to Rob. I wasn't going to focus on any of that negativity.
"My brother is a hard person to get to know," Rob continued. "All of you probably think you know him, but you don't. Just a handful of people really do. Me, Jen, Mason, and Matt, and that's just because we grew up with him. The lovely Penny is the only person to get to know him recently. She was the first person to ever break down his walls. It's probably the really kinky weird sex they have."
Holy shit.
A few people laughed.
"Or maybe the fact that she's sexy as hell."
Fucking stop.
"Or maybe it was the whole student/professor relationship they had going on. I mean...that's fucking hot. The sneaking around. The forbidden aspect of it all. I mean damn, that will get anyone turned on. I bet James went into the class he taught her in with a hard-on every day."
James cleared his throat.
"Oh, sorry, I got distracted. Right, right. Obviously it's deeper than just a physical connection. I've never seen a couple that cares so unconditionally about each other. I thought my brother was crazy when he left New York. Especially for Delaware. I mean, what the hell is in Delaware? Well, drum roll ladies and gentleman. Penny was in Delaware. He was meant to go there to meet her. And I truly believe that. Because without Penny, I'm not sure I ever would have gotten my brother back."
I didn't think most people knew what Rob was referring to. And it didn't matter, because I did. James said I had saved him. I knew Rob thought I did too. Maybe it was true. I liked to think that I helped.
"I love you Penny. Not in a weird way. As a sister and most importantly as a friend. I'll always have your back. So don't you ever doubt that again." He turned to James. "And now James. My favorite sibling."
"Hey!" Jen said.
"What? He's getting married, Jen. Let him have his moment."
Everyone laughed.
"Seriously, James. I love you, man. I look up to you. You've always been there for me. I'm so grateful for everything you've given up for me. And I'm so happy that you finally found someone that makes you happy. Because that's what you deserve. A smoking hot girl that makes you happy all day long, if you know what I mean."
James laughed.
This was so inappropriate in front of our families.
"From a profe
ssor and his student to one of the most adored couples in the city, you two are quite sensational. And I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. And I cannot wait to be an uncle to all the kids you're certainly going to have since James never wears a condom." Rob winked at me.
My face had to be scarlet. Why? Why did he think this stuff was okay to say in public?
James' arm seemed to stiffen around me. Just the thought of kids entirely freaked him out. Rob was going to be waiting a long time to be an uncle.
"I bet fifty dollars that they're going to sneak off at some point during the reception to get it on. Talk to me if you want in on the pool. And here's to the happy couple," Rob said and lifted his glass.
James laughed and clinked his glass against mine. "Wow, I'm sorry about all that."
"How do you not get mortally embarrassed whenever he talks like that? Our parents are listening."
"We've been living together for over two years, Penny. Everyone knows we're having sex."
I shook my head. "Still."
"And that's why I apologized on behalf of him."
"That was way more embarrassing than Melissa's speech."
"Maybe I can make it up to you and let Rob win a bunch of money all at once?"
I laughed. "There's people everywhere."
"Leave the details to me. We can probably sneak away for a bit when the dancing starts."
"You don't want to just wait until we get back to the hotel?"
"I'm pretty sure this will be more memorable." He was staring at me so intently.
I still couldn't say no to him. I'd bend over backwards to make sure he was happy. And he was right, too. Sneaking away somewhere here would be more memorable. "As long as it's still romantic."
"When have you and I ever not been romantic?" He lightly bit my earlobe.
I was completely, hopelessly in love. Just his words made me want him right here on this table. I took a bite of my salad to distract myself from the desire to rip off his tuxedo. I looked out at all the people that had come to celebrate with us. Everyone was laughing and smiling. Today couldn't be more perfect.
Chapter 15
Saturday
As the day slowly turned to night, the reception grew even more magical. I could even just make out the stars in the sky, which was a New York City miracle.
"Let's welcome the happy couple to the floor for their first dance," the D.J. said.
James stood up and put his hand out for me. Hands Down by Dashboard Confessional started when we stepped onto the dance floor. I knew it was an unconventional wedding song, but this was our song. We shared our first dance to this song the first time I visited New York with James. Someone had been playing it on their guitar in Central Park. And we had danced under the stars just like this.
James spun me around and then pulled me in close. We swayed slowly despite the fast beat of the song. I stared up into his dark brown eyes. I had never seen him look more handsome, or more perfect than in this moment.
"My heart is yours to fill," James said with a smile, quoting the lyrics. He grabbed my hand and twirled me around again.
I laughed as he pulled me back into his strong arms. I loved the feeling of his hands on my hips. We went to functions that had dancing all the time. James was an exceptional dancer. And somehow he made me seem okay at it too. I was elevated just from being near him.
"The words are hushed, let's not get busted," he whispered.
That was one of my favorite lyrics. It made it seem like the song was made for us. Sneaking around with him when he was my professor had been fun. But I loved now even more. I clasped my hands behind his neck, savoring the feeling of his skin beneath my palms.
"Hands down, this is the best day I can ever remember," I said, quoting the lyrics back to him.
"Baby, you have no idea." His hands tightened on my hips and he lifted me up in the air.
I laughed again as he slowly turned in a circle. I heard a few cheers from our guests and a splattering of applause.
James slowly slid me back down his torso. Before my feet had even touched the ground, he kissed me. Full and deep as he held me tightly in his arms.
I felt a little dizzy when he pulled away.
"Find me after your dance with your father."
"Where are you going?"
"I'll be setting up something romantic." He kissed my cheek and slowly released my hand. I watched him wander through the crowd of people and disappear into the restaurant.
***
"Jen?" I said when I walked down one of the hallways of the restaurant I hadn't tried yet.
"Oh, hey, Penny," Jen said and looked over my shoulder. She ran her fingers through her bangs and adjusted the strap on her dress.
"Oh my God."
"What?" She awkwardly cleared her throat.
"You just had sex."
"I did not," she said and then immediately laughed.
"I dared you to ask Ian on a date. Not to have sex with him!"
She laughed. "Fine you caught me. You were right about Ian."
I smiled. "You two didn't waste any time."
"We're both adults and we've both liked each other for years. What's the point in waiting when you know it's right?"
"There is no point."
"Exactly. Besides, we're at a wedding. Of course we were going to sleep together. I mean, have you seen him? He's mouthwatering."
I laughed.
"Hello, ladies," Ian said.
"Hi, Ian." I smiled at the fact that Jen had probably asked him to give her a head start so it wouldn't look like they had just slept together. "I'm going to leave you two alone." I stepped around them and walked down the hall. Love was certainly in the air tonight. And I couldn't judge them at all. I was about to do the same thing with James.
"James?" I whispered as I opened the door to the room that he and his groomsmen had been in earlier today. I had already tried the small room that I had finished getting ready in, but it had been dark and empty. That wasn't the case here. Dozens of candles were lit in the small room. It reminded me of when James had proposed. The only thing missing was him.
"James?" I whispered again and slowly turned around. He definitely wasn't here. There weren't even any places he could be hiding. I couldn't explain it, but it felt like something was wrong. James had to have been the one that had set this up. So, where was he?
My pulse quickened. What if something had happened to him? What if Isabella had shown up and...what? Hurt him? I just had this awful feeling that something terrible had happened. I tried to take a deep breath, but it just made my heart race even more. I had passed Porter on the way into the building. He would help me find James. I quickly opened up the door and ran straight into Porter.
He grabbed my arms to steady me. "Are you alright, Mrs. Hunter?"
It was the first time someone had actually addressed me that way. But I was too upset to savor how great it sounded. I shook my head. "Where is James?"
"Isn't he in there with you?"
Shit. "No. Porter, something is wrong. Is it possible that Isabella is here? I just have this awful feeling..."
"No," he said with a frown. "Briggs is doing a border patrol and we have extra security posted everywhere. No one is getting onto the premises that wasn't on the guest list. Mr. Hunter must have just slipped past me. Give me a second." Porter touched something on his watch. "Who has eyes on Albatross?" He placed his finger on his earpiece.
I swallowed hard. Normally I'd find something like that codename hilarious, but my stomach was twisting into knots.
Porter nodded and let go of his earpiece. "He's at the bar getting champagne, ma'am."
"Getting champagne?" Oh, thank God.
"I'm sorry," Porter said. "He told me to keep my eyes on you. I shouldn't have..."
"No, it's fine. I was just overreacting." I wasn't sure why I was so on edge. Everything was fine. I took a deep breath.
"I promise we have everything under control," Porter said. "He just slipped
away from me."
"Thank you, Porter. I know you do. I'm sorry that I bothered you."
Porter smiled. "It wasn't a bother. And here he is now."
I turned my head to see James coming down the hall. He was holding two glasses and a bottle of champagne.
I didn't want him to know how worried I had been. This moment wasn't going to be tainted by a stupid fear. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and opened up the door for him.
James walked into the room and placed the glasses and champagne bottle down on the table. I heard the pop of the cork. But I didn't want champagne. I wanted him.
I grabbed his arm so that he'd face me. Nothing mattered right now except for us. We had both been waiting for this moment for so long. "You're my husband."
The smile that spread across his face was contagious. "And you're my wife."
I grabbed his tie and pulled him toward me. "There's still one more thing we need to do before it's official."
"And what is that? I just thought we'd have a private toast and take a few moments to talk."
"Seriously?"
He laughed. "Fuck no." He grabbed my waist and pulled me against him. "If it was up to me, I'd be making love to my new wife for the rest of the night." He leaned down and kissed me softly.
I wanted to make love to him too. But I was amped up from worrying. I grabbed a fistful of his hair and deepened the kiss. I was on edge and I knew that the only thing that would calm me down was him deep inside of me. I reached down and unhinged his belt.
He groaned into my mouth as he pushed my back against the wall.
I made short work of his zipper and ran my fingers to the waistline of his pants.
He grabbed my hands and lifted them above my head. "Not so fast, baby." He pressed the backs of my hands against the wall.
"You have your whole life to torture me." I squirmed under his grip. I wanted to touch him.
I felt him smile as he kissed the side of my neck. "I promised you that I'd make love to you tonight."
"At the hotel, later. Right now we're just consummating our marriage real quick." I hooked my leg around his waist.
"No, not quickly." He kissed the side of my neck again and slowly left a trail of kisses down the front of my chest and between my breasts.