Page 42 of The Wedding Toast (The Hamiltons #10)

"Okay," said Hannah as she lowered her camera. "We have some beautiful shots here. I can't wait to work on them."

"Thanks, Hannah." Jacob let go of Becca's hand and went to hug his sister.

She smiled when she stepped back. "Thank you. I didn't want to miss the whole day by being the official photographer, but I knew I had to get you two for golden hour."

He looked at where the sun was rapidly descending toward the horizon then turned back to her with a rueful smile. "I understand about the timing now."

She laughed. "That's okay. I know you wanted to fit this in earlier, but the sunset won't rearrange its schedule even for you.

" She looked around. "I'd better get back to Grady and Ava.

You guys enjoy the sunset if you can – they'll be calling you up for your first dance soon enough, and then you won't get another minute to yourselves. "

She hugged Becca before heading back down the path.

When she'd gone, he held his arm out to Becca, and she came to stand beside him. "We finally made it, Mrs. Jacobs."

She rolled up onto her toes to kiss him. "I'm so happy, Jacob."

He chuckled. "I'll be even happier when the dancing's done, and we can leave."

She laughed. "Me too, but it's like Callie says – we have to make the most of every second of this day."

He kissed her temple. "And we will." He looked out at the yellow and gold clouds stretching away to meet the vines at the horizon. "I intend to make the most of every second of every day with you."

"Aww." She rested her hand in the middle of his chest, and her head against his shoulder. "The wedding was so beautiful, the dinner was wonderful, and all the speeches and toasts... Bentley's so good at that, he could be a public speaker or something."

"He could," Jacob agreed. "He did a great job, and I love what he said, but I think it meant more to me – and to everyone – when your dad stood up and said a few words."

"Isn't he awesome? I told him he didn't have to if he didn't want to. It's not exactly his thing. But he insisted that he wasn't going to let me down – not that I would have seen it as a letdown if he didn't want to."

"He'd never let you down – in anything. His little speech was perfect." He blew out a sigh and tightened his arm around her shoulders. "We should get back there."

"We should, but I'm glad we got a minute like this – I feel like I haven't had you to myself all day."

"That's because you haven't." He waggled his eyebrows. "But you get me to yourself all night."

She grinned. "And for the next two weeks! Can we go yet?"

"Soon. Let's go and take Callie's advice and enjoy the evening while we're here. Spend time with the people we care about." He slapped her ass as they started to head back. "Before I get to spend my first night with my wife."

Just as they reached the tent where the bar and dance floor were set up, he chuckled when he heard the sound of metal on glass – everyone was calling for them by tapping spoons against their glasses.

Bentley was standing at the microphone in front of the band. "There they are! Everyone, I'd like to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs who are – I believe – " he cocked an eyebrow at Jacob "– about to take the floor for their first dance as husband and wife."

Jacob looked down at Becca, and when she smiled eagerly, he nodded at Bentley.

~ ~ ~

Becca closed her eyes and let Jacob lead her around the dance floor. The whole day had been amazing, even better than she’d hoped, but this dance was everything. Jacob held her close, and they moved together like they were one person.

The song was perfect. He’d surprised her when he suggested “ Marry Me” – by the time they danced to it, they’d already be married. But he’d laughed and said that since she was the one who’d introduced him to Train, she should understand. And when she listened to the lyrics again, she did.

His eyes twinkled when he looked down into hers as he mouthed along with the words about wearing white, about hearing “I love you” and “you’re beautiful” every day.

When the song ended, she didn’t want to let go of him. But then her dad was there, wanting his turn, and he’d brought Elena out to dance with Jacob. After that the evening all seemed to blur together – so many hugs, so many smiling faces.

She loved whenever the sound of metal on glass made the music stop and sent her and Jacob hurrying to find each other.

After she’d been sitting and chatting with Russ and Ria – who turned out to be a lot of fun – Jacob came to her when the spoons on the glasses started again.

She got to her feet, and he curled his hand around the back of her neck, his fingers caressing her nape and sending shivers down her spine.

When he kissed her, she didn’t want to let go – and she could tell he didn’t either.

He held her gaze for a long moment before he let her go. She rested her hand in the middle of his chest.

“I love you, husband.”

His eyes widened and he grinned. “I love you, wife.”

Ria laughed. “I think people will understand if you want to make a move soon.”

Becca narrowed her eyes when Jacob laughed and said, “I still have a few details to take care of first.”

“What are you up to?” she asked, tapping her finger on his chin.

He just smiled. “I can’t tell you yet – but you’re about to find out about the secret from the garage.”

“Oh!”

He laughed. “Yes, Becca – oh. But for now, make sure you chat with everyone you want to, because when those details are taken care of, we can leave any time.”

She pressed another quick kiss to his lips. “In that case, I’m going to go find Callie. Do I need to get changed yet?”

She loved the way his voice dropped when he said, “I was thinking you could wear this to leave in. It’s such a pretty dress, and I’d like to be the one to help you out of it.”

“Oh!” She grinned. “In that case, I’ll just find Callie to say bye.”

Ria smiled up at them. “I’m trying not to eavesdrop, but since you’re standing right there … don’t forget about your bouquet – you need to toss it. Perhaps whoever catches it will hurry up and set a date. Most of the girls are engaged, but we don’t have any more weddings on the calendar yet.”

Jacob chuckled and held his hands up. “We can encourage them, and Becca can throw her flowers for someone to catch, but …”

“I know,” said Ria. “I’m only joking – kind of.”

Jacob took Becca’s hand and led her away. “Do you need me for anything?”

“No – I’m good.” She smiled. “I’ll let you do your secret scheming while I go see Callie.”

He kissed her one more time. “Not long now, sweetheart.”

~ ~ ~

Ollie's jaw clenched when he saw Becca coming. He adored her, but right now she had the look of a bride who needed her bridesmaid – and he'd only just managed to get Callie to dance with him.

"What's wrong?" Callie asked.

He gave her a rueful smile. "I think your services are required, but can I count this as only a half dance and say you owe me the other half before the evening's over?"

Understanding dawned on her face when she saw Becca coming. "Oh, right. Um, I guess it'll depend on what Becca needs. I will if I can, okay?"

"Okay." As he watched her hurry to Becca, he blew out a sigh. Everything seemed to be pointing to him pursuing Callie being a bad idea. But he didn't want to give up.

He left the dance floor and went back to where the guys were sitting. Trick was the only one still there, and he was nursing a glass of something non-alcoholic and looking less than happy to be here.

Ollie sat down beside him. "You want to talk about it?"

Trick shook his head. "Thanks, but there's nothing to say."

"Have you talked to her?"

Trick's gaze snapped up to meet his. “To who?”

"Sorry. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to know."

"No one knows," said Trick. "How do you?"

Ollie had to think before he could answer.

"Honestly? My dad talked about it one time.

He felt bad that he was the one who introduced Philip to people around here – the reason that Philip and Annalise moved here.

He said one time that she'd be so much better off with you and.

.." Ollie ran his hand through his hair.

"Crap! I'm sorry, Trick. I shouldn't know, should I? "

"You shouldn't," Trick agreed. He took a long drink and set the empty glass down before adding, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention anything."

"Of course. Does Elliott not...?"

Trick shook his head.

"Damn. Well, since I do know – and I've been told I can be a good listener..."

"Thanks," said Trick. "I should just put her out of my mind. But if I feel the need to talk, I might just bend your ear." He smiled. "Come take those monsters of yours out for a walk with you."

Ollie laughed. "Don't call them monsters! They're more like marshmallows, and you know it."

"I do, but that's another thing we try to keep secret, huh? Oh, would you look at that?"

Ollie followed his gaze and laughed out loud when he saw little Zia leading Charles by the hand away from the main party area. She was chattering away as she went, and Charles seemed to be enjoying the conversation – or at least, listening to her.

"Have you heard what she named him?" Trick asked.

Ollie had to laugh again. "Grandpa Grape? Isn't that awesome?"

Trick laughed with him. "Grandpa Grape? She introduced him to me as Sir Grandpa."

"Love it." He looked around, searching for Reaves.

"Do you think there's any chance that they might stay in town?" Trick asked. "The way she calls Reaves Prince Daddy and now she's claimed Charles as her grandpa – is there more going on between Reaves and Alara than I know about?"

Ollie pursed his lips. "I think there might be more going on between them than even they know. I think he likes the idea of Alara, but he hasn't spent any time with her. It's little Zia who's engineering it all."