Chapter 45
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Tessa
I did it. I walked down the aisle that stretched on for eons before me and did not trip or fall flat on my ass. I do a small air pump with my fist before I slide into my reception attire. Sadly, it too is a dress, as Blossom insisted, but at least this one is light and flowy where the other was thick and uncomfortable.
I have to remember to thank Beth after this. She’s been a thorn in my side these last few months, but the look on Andrew’s face when he saw me, full of awe and adoration, that was worth every second of torture.
The wedding is going by so fast, and I want to slow down time to enjoy every moment. If there’s been any hitches, I would never know. If counseling doesn’t work out for Blossom, she could certainly be a wedding planner.
There’s a light knock on the bathroom door. “Tessa, we rehearsed this, you have one minute and thirty-five seconds until you need to be walking out of this cabin.”
I open the door and twirl. “Master, I’m ready, please don’t punish me again,” I wail at Blossom who stands with her arms crossed, unamused. She was never one to appreciate my awesome humor.
“I have Andrew ready for the big entrance, so hop to it.” She gives me a curt nod and turns away muttering something about being stuck with a “bride sloth” rather than a “Bridezilla”.
Andrew stands by the front door of our cabin, when he turns to look at me, I finally have a moment to drink in the full tux effect. The dark material hugs every muscle. His jacket is thrown on the back of a chair and the sleeves of his white dress shirt are rolled up to his thick forearms. His blond hair is slicked back, and a small, black bow tie sits at his throat. I don’t know what the current stage of my pregnancy is technically called, but I’ve been referring it as the ‘Why are you still dressed ‘cause I want to fuck your dick off’ stage. Not eloquent, but it sums up the haywire effect of my hormones.
He smiles and winks when he sees that familiar look in my eye, and I’m done for. “Fuck the reception, honeymoon starts now,” I growl as I wrap my arms around his neck. He laughs and gives me a kiss that further serves to kindle my burning desire.
“Are you guys kidding me right now?” Blossom snaps. I break away from his soft lips with a groan. “Could you please keep your panties on for the reception that I poured my blood, sweat, and glitter into?”
“Yes Sergeant.” Andrew salutes her mockingly, but she ignores him.
“As soon as you hear the music, that’s your cue to head out to the sweetheart table.” Blossom bustles outside and we both laugh when she’s finally out of earshot.
The music begins, and Andrew holds his arm out for me to loop mine through. “Are you ready, wife?” he whispers, emerald eyes sparkling.
My body thrums with happiness at his words. “I’m ready, husband.”
We step outside and hear Marybeth on the mic. “It is my honor and privilege to introduce. . . Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell.”
We pass a roar of applause as we take our place at the head table.
The dock is strung up with twinkling lights. White tables surround a large dance floor and glittering white and gold material flutter in the soft breeze. The buffet is opened, and after we are served the guests filter over to get food.
It’s not long before Blossom stands before us with a mic, ready to give the first speech of the night. Also having done a wardrobe change, she’s now in a dark pink, glittering evening gown that looks incredible on her small frame.
She smiles at us, tears already shining in her eyes.
This beautiful bitch is going to make me cry.
“Tessa, when I first met you, I knew right away I would become your friend. You fought tooth and nail, but eventually I wore you down.” A light laugh moves through the crowd. “That girl was sad and angry, and although I like to think I helped bring you out of your shell, it wasn’t until I saw you w—” the word gets caught in her throat. “With my brother, that you came alive, becoming this sparkling, electric version of yourself that could light up a room. I know you guys never had it easy. At times, I’m sure it seemed like the world itself was against you. But no matter what was thrown at you, against all odds, you kept finding your way back to each other. Your love was not easy, but throughout the struggle you have forged an unbreakable bond that will stand the test of time. Tessa, you were my best friend in the whole world, and now I am so happy to call you my sister.”
Tears stream down her face as she smiles at me before turning to her brother. “Brohemoth, you did good.” Everyone laughs as she passes the mic on to her mother.
Mrs. Blackwell, now my mother-in-law, moves to take her place.
“I will keep this short so I’m not a crying mess like my daughter. Andrew, hunny, you have always been one of the sweetest boys. I remember how hard you cried when you accidentally stepped on the cat’s tail. Even then, you hated to see pain in the world, and I thank my lucky stars that the little girl who desperately needed some kindness, had you to love her. I see how happy you make each other, and that is what any mother wants for her child. Tessa, dear, I would be honored if you considered me to be someone you turned to, and I would love it if you called me Mom.”
I get up and cross to her in no time flat, we hug each other and cry.
These Blackwells will be the death of me.
“Thank you, Mom,” I manage to choke out. The smile on her face is worth a million words.
I can’t handle much more of this, and even Andrew’s eyes are bright red and watery. Much to my surprise, it’s Chase that comes up to take the mic next. He has told me a million times that talking in front of a crowd of people is his worst nightmare.
He clears his throat and takes a deep breath.
“Andrew, you’re a good man and I know you will take care of our girl. As a wedding gift, I signed us up for a kickboxing class. It will help relieve stress, but more importantly we will have a reason to kick the shit out of each other.” He grins, and Andrew nods in appreciation, understanding that he is offering to help him with his anger.
Chase turns to me next. “Reap, you are an incredible woman, do you know that?” I roll my eyes, but a big smile stretches across my face. “You’re also the scariest chick I have ever met.” A few chuckles move through the crowd and a few heads nod in agreement. “And yet, underneath all that armor you hide the biggest damn heart. You loved me when I felt worthless, and challenged me to rise up and become a man. So thank you for helping me grow, for accepting the parts of me that I hated, and giving me hope for my own future.” He glances at Blossom and her cheeks turn pink. “I wish you both enough happiness to last an eternity.”
After we thank everyone for coming, Blossom is back on the mic inviting guests to take a stroll down the lit dock, dance their asses off, or simply enjoy the beautiful night. It took a lot of convincing, but I was able to get all the idiotic wedding games off the agenda. Several guests, including Mrs. Masters (her new boyfriend?), Sam and Delilah, and Bailey and her baby boy filter over to give us their best wishes.
When a slow song begins to play, Andrew guides me to the middle of the dance floor. His hands slip around my waist as I press my cheek against his shoulder.
His slow movements guide me as he whispers in my ear, “You look gorgeous,”
“You don’t look half bad yourself. Please tell me this tux isn’t a rental.”
“Nope, it’s all mine.”
“Oh, thank god, you have to wear it every day,” I growl.
He chuckles. “How’s our little one tonight?”
“I can feel the baby moving around, must be just as happy as we are.” I smile.
“I know you’re nervous, but we can’t hold off getting you checked out any longer, I have an appointment with the doctor set up for tomorrow.” I make an irritated noise but nod my head in agreement. “And how is my wife?”
“She has to pee again.” I grimace.
“You’re impossible.” He grins, stepping back. “Go to the cabin real quick, I’ll be here waiting. I love you.”
“I love you most.”