Page 78 of Nothing to the Wedding

“Shame she and I are different too.I prefer having you to myself.”

All to herself.Him.Them.Love, marriage, and happily ever after, saved for him alone.

He kissed her head.“Have you had a good day?”

“It’s not over yet, Scroogey.”She beamed.“I have plans for later.”

“You want to get married again?”

“Heard third time’s a charm.Not tonight though, we need to set another date if we want more presents.”

They’d asked people to donate to specific charities in lieu of actual presents.No charity would refuse that gift twice.

“Lola—”

“My friends are important to me.They’re important to you.That’s what wins you points, Casanova.You care about what I care about.You listen.You allow me so much freedom.”That wasn’t about geography or money, his support allowed her to reach every peak.“Knox does what makes Jane happy and that involves public displays.Want to know where our power is?How you can match him?”

“Tell me.”

Rising on her tiptoes, she stayed close, begging him to keep their balance.“Right here,” she whispered.“When I have you all to myself.”

The public bayed for Zairn.Always had.He gave the masses just enough to whet their appetites while maintaining the enigma.

He kissed her forehead.“Any time you want me, baby.”

“You give me so much more than I give you.”

“Sometimes you forget how much time I’ve spent overseas.”She didn’t get it.“I’ve been everywhere, Lo.Everywhere.I guarantee there’s only one you, I know it.What you give me is irreplaceable.You’re the world, baby.The whole world.”

“It feels unreal sometimes, doesn’t it?What if I wake up tomorrow and you’re gone?”

“Then charge your phone, ‘cause I promise you I’m trying to call.”

Moving to the music, she rested her head against him.There were others around, on the dance floor.The music wound between them, keeping them all together, even while apart.Their friends, their families and colleagues, everyone was there to celebrate love with her and Jane and their beaus.And where there was one good friend…

“Just so you know, we’ll definitely be getting married again at least once.We’ll have to when Toria finds her Prince Charming,” she said.“That’s a necessity.Keeps everything fair.”

“Toria’s wedding?I dread to think.What will that involve?I’m guessing it’s not the fairytale dress and a shower of petals.”

“Don’t be a party pooper, you never know.Could be a naked wedding.”

“Then we’re talking a vastly reduced guest list.Don’t much want to see all my guys’ girls naked.”He scowled.“Don’t want to see your sister and mom naked either.”

“Mom’s got a great body, she’s really active.”

“Are you trying to convince me I need to see your mother naked?”

“Convince?No.But would give you a preview of what you have to look forward to.”

“Seeing your mom naked?”

His tease earned a nudge though they stayed connected.“You better still be screwing me when I’m her age.”

“Okay, well, she can come, if you’re adamant.”

“Know who’s not invited?”

“Dunlap?”he asked.Was he even in the room?There hadn’t been time to take a lap.Would probably take a couple of hours, or a whole day, to give everyone a few seconds.“Salad?”