Zack kissed me softly as he sat down and then took my hand, kissing my fingers. Tears formed in my eyes yet again.
Last but not least it was Jake’s turn. Jasper had said that he was too nervous to make a speech.
I looked up at Zack’s handsome younger brother, a bit worried about what he was going to say.
“Ladies and gentleman,” he said in a slow Southern drawl. “I didn’t know what a wedding in England would be like. So far, it has comprised of a lot to eat and a lot to drink so this pleases me greatly! I only met Jennifer recently when they visited New Orleans and I was really taken with her. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t get in there first! Seriously though, they make a stunning couple, don’t they? We had some crazy times the four of us growing up and Zack was always the ring leader and head of craziness. We used to dare each other to do really stupid things that you would hate your kids doing and I remember this one summer we were bored with nothing to do when Zack suggested that we go and call on old Mr Carter. Now Mr Carter was a mean old man and he thought nothing of giving you a good wallop around the head if you were cheeky to him. Zack said that we should creep into his garden and move his gnomes around and make them look like they were doing rude things. You get the picture! Well, we did this a few times and old Mr Carter got wind that something was up. One day we sneaked into his garden and he was ready and waiting for us with an air rifle! He took shots at Zack, Sam, Harvey and me but he missed all of us as his eyes weren’t too good. All of us except for Zack that is! He got so many pellets in his butt, he couldn’t sit down for a month! Anyway that’s just one of many funny stories but I would like you to join me in raising a glass to the bride and groom.”
“To the beautiful bride and groom, Zachary and Jennifer!”
Everyone took to their feet again and Zack shook Jake’s hand.
After the tables were cleared away, it was time for the first dance.
We had both agreed on the same song, At Last.
It was the song that was playing in the bar when we first met all those years ago.
Zack pulled me in close as we started to slowly move around the dance floor.
He was such an amazing dancer. He moved fluidly and confidently around the dance floor as I let him take the lead.
I started to feel flushed and giddy as he spun me around.
Words couldn’t describe how happy I was feeling.
This was the defining moment.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Mrs Cole?”
“Yes, so much, Mr Cole.”
“This is just the beginning of our lives together and tomorrow we go on honeymoon for two blissful weeks,” he told me, pulling me even closer into him.
“I wish you would tell me where we are going,” I pouted.
“Patience, sweetheart, you will just have to wait.”
Once the first dance was finished, the tempo cranked up and I noticed a band setting up on a small stage.
“You kept that quiet, you naughty boy!”
“You will love them. They do jazz and blues. It will remind you of New Orleans,” he smirked, referring to our amazing sex in the alleyway.
I flushed with raw desire, remembering it clearly and looking forward to enjoying our lovemaking later tonight as man and wife.
The party was fantastic and everyone looked to be having a great time.
About halfway through the night, Happy Birthday played out over the speakers and the most enormous cake was wheeled in to the room. It had a lot of candles on it and Zack led me over to blow them out as everyone sang a rousing Happy Birthday to me. I blew them out and everyone clapped and cheered.
This was certainly a birthday I wouldn’t forget in a hurry.
Zack grabbed my hand and started leading me to the front door.
I wondered what he had up his sleeve.
“You will have to come outside for your present, Jennifer. I hope you like it!”
Scarlett, Jasper and our parents followed us.
When Zack opened the door, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
He never stopped surprising me.
“Jennifer, here he is!” Zack said as he walked me over to the most beautiful horse I had ever seen.
He was clearly a thoroughbred of some impressive breeding. Jonathan had been holding him. He was about 16 hands high and the most beautiful shade of dark brown almost black. A white flash marked his nose. Enormous kind brown eyes stared at me. You could tell a lot about a horse from their eyes.
I went over and stroked him gently.
“Oh my god, Zack, he’s gorgeous. Thank you so much!” I squealed like a child.
I kissed him hard on the lips as he swung me around.
“What are you going to call him, Jennifer?”
“I shall call him Black Magic!”
“I love it!” Zack laughed, watching me.