Kayley couldn’t do it for one more second. Once she let one tear go, they all went. She leaned into Ben’s chest, her arms wrapping around him and Alexis, as the guests stood and clapped and cheered. “You’re absolutely perfect,” she whispered.
“We’re perfect together,” he whispered back. He looked back at the minister, waiting for him to finish, and Ben nodded his head. The guests quieted.
“Now, I pronounce them husband, wife, and daughter. Ben, you may kiss your bride.” Ben gripped Alexis to make sure she didn’t fall, then used his other arm to dip Kayley back, putting his lips over hers, then parting them gently with his tongue. When she opened up to him, he darted his tongue in quickly, teasing her, then stood her back up. “Now, let’s go party.” Ben smirked as her mouth made a little o. They walked down the aisle to resumed clapping and cheering. “WE’RE MARRIED!” Ben yelled. “SHE’S MINE!” Kayley laughed, raising their joined arms in the air in celebration.
After taking pictures for about forty five minutes, most of them by the water, the couple was ready to be introduced. The guests were enjoying appetizers and drinks while waiting for the bridal party to join to the party. Many of them stood around the tent, watching the pictures. A live band played music to entertain them during their wait.
“Are you guys ready to be announced?” The hotel wedding planner, Leah, asked them.
Ben nodded. “In just one moment. Can I have a minute with my bride?”
Leah smiled at the two of them and stepped away to go tell the band to get ready for the first dance. Ben pulled Kayley by the hand until they were behind some palm trees and not able to be seen. He pulled her body to his and she wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. He leaned his cheek on her head, careful not to mess up her beautiful hairdo.
“I just needed a minute,” Ben said softly, caressing her bare back. “Before the rest of this crazy, fun night starts. I just wanted to be with you.” He picked up his head and pulled her back so he could see her gorgeous face in the fading sunlight. He touched her earrings, a smile of contentment on his lips. Kayley closed her eyes at his touch, relishing in this moment. They were married.
Running his fingertips along her face, he stopped at her lips, tracing the outline before he leaned over for a kiss. He was gentle and loving, taking her bottom lip into his mouth, then the top, and running his tongue gently at the opening. Her body responded with a shiver as her tongue joined his, and she breathed out. Deepening the kiss, he put his hands on the trunk of the palm tree behind them while she roamed her hands along his chest. Taking one hand and using it to pull her closer to him, he pulled away from her mouth, making her want to whimper with the loss of his heat. He kissed down her neck, then back up. “I. Love. You.”
As Kayley touched him, and they stood hidden behind this tree, she relished in the love that this man just had to show her. “I love you, husband.”
“You’re my wife.” Ben’s eyes met hers, and he looked proud.
“What you did, what you said at the ceremony, it was the most amazing thing you’ve ever said.” Kayley cupped his face with her hands. “I am so happy and proud to be your wife. Are you ready to go have our first dance?”
Ben nodded, remembering the song they had chosen. It was perfect for them, and he couldn’t wait to get out there and mold her body to his. “Let’s go.” They walked hand in hand back to the tent, where Leah saw them coming and motioned the band.
“Okay, ladies and gentleman, the moment you’ve alllllll been waiting for, they are here and ready for their first dance, Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Nichols!” The guests cheered, yelled, and cat called. Ben grinned at Kayley, holding out his hand as they made their way to the dance floor. The band started playing the song that they both loved, the opening chords always making her want to close her eyes and sway.
Ben wrapped his arms around her as the band began playing Hunter Hayes song Wanted. She tipped her face up to look at him, their bodies swaying to the words that meant so much to them.
“I love this song,” she whispered against his lips as he dipped down to reach her. Ben put his lips close to her ear, just like she liked, and started singing the lyrics to her. Her stomach catapulted over itself, sending the feelings shooting like rockets throughout her entire body and forcing her eyes to close as she took in all the sensations of him. She loved when he sang to her. It always reminded her of their first time, at his house. His strong hands splayed on her back, holding her as he continued making love to her with the warm, beautiful lyrics of their song. As the last notes were played, he dipped her backwards again, kissing her and making everyone in the room cheer again.
They stood up and smiled at their guests, then Ben grabbed her and swung her around, causing laughter to break out over the tent.
“How about that for a first dance, folks!” The lead singer teased. “Now, we’re ready for the Father/Daughter Dance. Kayley, find your dad, hon, and make your way to the dance floor.”
Dale walked out on the dance floor and held his arm out to his baby girl, now a happily married woman again. The band started playing the song they would dance to, My Little Girl by Tim McGraw. It wasn’t the song she danced with him to at her first wedding, but she loved this one just as much. She could see her mom standing on the sidelines, already dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
Dale wrapped his arms around Kayley and smiled. “I’m so happy for you, Kay. What an amazing man you have there.” Tears shimmered in his eyes. “You have always been my princess. Such a great kid, and my little buddy from the time you were born. I’m glad that you and Ben have each other now. And Alexis—God, I can’t believe how much he loves that little girl. It makes me cry every time I see her with him. I never thought she would have that.”
Kayley kissed her dad on the cheek. “I love you, Daddy. Thank you for loving me the way you did, and supporting me through the worst time of my life. Alexis and I are so fortunate to have Ben, but also to have you and Mom.”
The song ended, and her dad kissed her sweetly before letting her go rejoin Ben. They called next for the Mother/Son dance, and Ben kissed her quickly before heading out with his mom. His mom had picked I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack, and as Kayley watched the two of them, Ben’s mom dabbing her eyes the entire time, she loved watching just how much he cared for the woman that had brought him life.
“How are you holding up?” Emily said, next to her.
Kayley looked at her best friend. Her face hurt from smiling so much, but she couldn’t stop. “I’m great. It’s the best day of my life.”
Emily slung her arm across her shoulders and rested her head against Kayley’s shoulder. “In case I didn’t tell you enough today, you’re absolutely stunning. And I love you.”
Kayley rested her head on Emily’s. “You’re the bestest friend anyone could ever ask for, and I love you, too.”
“Okay, ladies and gentleman, we have two special songs to do before we can bring everyone on out to dance while dinner is being served at the tables. Ben, can you come on up here?”
Kayley met Emily’s eyes. “Again?” What in the world was he doing now?
Ben took the microphone, finding Kayley immediately and locking his eyes with hers. “Thanks for coming everyone. Isn’t my wife beautiful?” Kayley blushed as everyone murmured their agreement. “See, I have a love of music, especially finding music to play for my bride. So, I have another song dedicated to you, Kayley. May I have this second dance?” He handed the microphone back, walking directly to her and taking her in his arms.
“This one’s for the wedding party, too! Get on out there and dance with the new couple.” With that, Kayley stepped into his arms again, not recognizing the song that the band was beginning to play, but knowing it would be as thoughtful and wonderful as Ben.
“It’s called Then by Brad Paisley,” Ben murmured in her ear as the melody started turning into words. Leaning his forehead on hers, he put his hands on either side of her face and looked her directl
y in the eyes, his lips barely brushing hers as they began moving with the words of the song.
Having never heard this song before, Kayley couldn’t prepare herself for the way the lyrics were going to affect her. In a few of the lines, he changed the words the band sang as he sang it against her lips. She gripped his forearms, his hands still on her face, and allowed tears to fall again. She didn’t want to waste a single moment of listening to the words coming out of his mouth. This song was so emotionally powerful. She needed to hear it, again and again and again.
As he finished singing, the music surrounded them, filling every space where they weren’t touching, and she closed her eyes. She felt giddy and like she was floating on a cloud. “Is there more?”
“More what?” His voice was so husky, she almost missed what he said. She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze and noticing the tears on his face. She touched each one as it fell.
“Happy tears?”
“Delusionally happy,” Ben nuzzled her nose with his.
“What else have you done that I don’t know about,” she teased.
“You just never know with me, baby.” Ben winked as the song ended and the guests shrieked and hollered.
“Ok Ben, come on down. You’ve got one more before you turn this entire room into a bunch of crying women.” Everyone laughed, including Ben, as he made his way back for the microphone. Kayley didn’t know if she could take one more emotional second today.
“I need my Princess. Alexis, where is Daddy’s girl?” Emily indicated that she was there with her and Cate.
“Wight hewe! Pwincess coming, Daddy!” Again, the guests awwed at her as she ran for Ben and he swung her into the air.
“Any dad’s out there that have baby girls, come on and join us. Trev, Kevin, Paul, and anyone else, come on down. This is a dance for me and my Princess.” Alexis tried to take the microphone away from him, and she smiled. “You want to talk, baby girl? Here you go.” He handed it to her, and everyone quieted, ready to listen.
“Dis my Daddy,” she said, beaming as she heard her voice go throughout the tent. “He wuv me. And my Mommy. A ho lot. He kiss us. And he yummy.” Emily snorted laughter first, followed by the entire tent full of people, but Kayley and Emily the loudest.
“That’s my girl!” Emily howled, laughing so hard that tears were flowing down her cheeks. Kayley did the same, holding her stomach at Alexis using Emily’s nickname for him.
“I think that’s Yummy Daddy to you,” Ben snickered while the room was still engulfed in laughter. “Ready to dance, Princess?” She nodded, and he motioned to the band. The music started again, this time Cinderella by Stephen Curtis Chapman.
“He really is too good to be true,” Rachel said, grinning. “I mean, come on. Does he do anything that you just can’t stand? Leave his underwear laying around? Fart a lot? Scratch himself in public? Give me something, Kay.”
Kayley giggled, watching Alexis lay her little head on Ben’s shoulder. She refused to cry any more tonight, so she purposely was trying to stop herself from hearing the words of the song. “He is pretty perfect,” she admitted. “But I’m not giving you any ammo on what his faults are. We all have them, Rach.”
Rachel scoffed. “Seems to me he has a lot less than most guys. Why can’t he have a brother? Any single friends? Anyone? I’m doomed.”
Kayley put her hand on her friends arm. “You aren’t doomed, Rach. You just haven’t found someone worthy of you yet.”
Rachel hugged her quickly, wishing that what she had said was true. She had found someone before that was worthy of her—he was too worthy. That was why she wasn’t with him, and would never commit like that again, to anyone.
Kayley watched as Emily made her way for the stage, the announcement having been made that speeches were starting. There was no telling what she would say. Lacing her fingers with Ben’s, she looked up at him. “Be prepared for anything,” she laughed, and he nodded, knowing Emily. This could either be the sweetest or the funniest speech he had ever heard.
Emily took the microphone, her eyes locking on Kayley’s. “Most of you know me, but I’m Kayley’s best friend Emily, or as we’ve always considered ourselves, her sister. We met when we were in elementary school, second grade, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. We’ve been through a lot together, as you can imagine. When we were kids, we thought our challenges were tough. We had no idea what tough was, though. The things that this woman right here has dealt with over the last few years, it would tear anyone apart. But, see, she was stronger than that. And, she had a best friend that wouldn’t let her give up. See that handsome doctor that’s her husband next to her? Well, when she met him, I wouldn’t let her push away what was there. All of you know what happened to Kayley, and that’s not something for today, because today is happy. So, you two can thank me now for making this day possible.” She paused, smiling at them. “Just kidding. I have never been happier for my best friend, my sister, and her new husband. They are the most sickingly sweet couple you’ve ever seen, but you can’t help but love them. I love you both, and congratulations. Oh- and I forgot to say it, because you know I would, you can also thank me for the nickname Dr. Yummy.”
Everyone clapped, laughing at her nickname for him, and Kayley dried her eyes as Emily made her way for her. Gripping her tightly, she was so thankful for her friendship. “Love you, Em. That was way tamer than I thought it would be.”
Emily laughed, hugging her again before walking back by Trevor. Next up was Cam, Ben’s best man. “I could say the same thing about him,” Ben whispered. “He could get embarrassing very quickly.”
“Kellie wouldn’t let him do that,” Kayley said. Ben grinned, and Kayley knew. If Cam wanted to embarrass him, he would.
Cam walked up, grinning at Ben. “I’m Cameron, Ben’s best man and his friend for a really, really long time, but I refuse to say how long because it would make us sound old.” The group laughed. “Ben has always been a fantastic friend. Throughout high school, we had our share of good times, crazy times. But Ben was always the driven, goal oriented guy. That’s why he’s a doctor and I’m not.” Again, laughter twittered throughout the room. “He’s the greatest friend you could ever ask for. He’s there for you whenever you need him, no matter what. And though he was successful and a great guy, he was missing something. When he met Kayley and he told me about her, I could tell right away that she was it. There was a look on his face that I can’t even describe. They are a great couple, and Kellie and I are blessed to call them friends. Congratulations, Ben and Kayley. We wish you all the best, and many more children.”
The room clapped again, and Cam hugged both Ben and Kayley. They really had the best friends in the world.
Rachel sat at the table, watching Kayley and Ben mingle around the room. The speeches were over and the party was winding down. She felt awful for the way she was feeling right now, at her friend’s wedding. No matter how happy she was for them, she couldn’t seem to get a hold of the turmoil swirling inside her. Luckily, she was very good at hiding her true feelings, and from the outside, she looked like she always did— a little edgy, sexy, and confident.
Her feelings had nothing to do with the happy couple. They were amazing together, and she knew they belonged together. Kayley deserved every bit of happiness she had after what happened to her.
Rachel knew that even if Kayley were to notice that she was struggling, she wouldn’t understand why. Rachel had been very careful what she shared with her friend. As much as she loved their friendship, she could never tell her what had brought her to this point in her life. She would never look at her the same, just like everyone else in her life.
I had this once, she couldn’t stop the thoughts. This could’ve been us. Enjoying everyone celebrating our marriage. But instead, she had resorted herself to the fact that she would spend her life avoiding serious commitment. Never again, she reminded herself, pushing the pain back in the box where it belonged and slamming the lid shut.
&nbs
p; “Everyone gather around, let’s say farewell to our bride and groom as they get to the HONEYMOOOOON.” Kayley laughed, shaking her head as Ben looked at her and wiggled his eyebrows. It had been a fantastic night, but she was ready to say her goodbyes, for sure.
As they ran through bubbles being blown and into the hotel, they made their way for the elevator. Ben had reserved the honeymoon suite on the top floor of the resort, and he had already been there to take their things. Leaning against the wall of the elevator, Kayley closed her eyes.
“I am so tired,” she mumbled. Before she could open her eyes and smile to show Ben she was teasing, his body was on hers.
“Oh no you don’t,” Ben growled, his hands everywhere. “I will do whatever I have to in order to make sure you have enough energy for me. I’ve been looking at you all night in this dress. I have been visualizing you in that naughty underwear you gave me the pictures of all day. That was not nice, by the way, wife. Not nice at all.”
Ben nipped her earlobe, cupping her behind through her dress. She could feel his excitement through his pants. “I’m so sorry,” she breathed, wrapping one of her legs around one of his, pulling him closer to her. “Want to hear the good news?”
He flicked his gaze to her eyes, his eyes lazy with desire. “What’s that?”
The elevator dinged at the top floor. “I’m going to show it to you, right now,” she teased, leading him by his sexy blue tie out of the elevator. “Which room is it?”
Ben whipped a key card out of his pocket and walked to the door. “Here it is.” He grabbed her hand and led her quickly into the room, grabbing the Do Not Disturb sign and putting it on the outside of the door before slamming and locking it.
Living Again Page 43