The wives of the men invited oohed and awed over the elegance of the décor, the richness of the food, and the price of the champagne served. Apparently, everything had been done without sparing an expense. I assured, when I received a compliment, that I had done nothing for this day. Gabriella had put all her time and attention into making this day the dream that it was, and she deserved the credit.
The sky had turned dark an hour ago and Calix was spinning me in his arms beneath the twinkling net of lights. In his arms was exactly where I had been since I’d vowed to be his in sickness and in health, in rich or for poor. My chest was pressed tight against his as his hand drifted over the exposed flesh of my back. I shivered.
He dipped his head low, speaking in deep tones into my ear. “Seeing you walk toward me today, in this dress, knowing I’d be able to put my hands on you, dance with you, and kiss you all night, took my breath away, love.”
Oh, if he kept talking to me like this...
I tried to hide my smile in his chest, but he caught my chin, tipping my head back. His eyes honed in on my lips and I knew he saw it. When he smiled, my heart fluttered.
He spoke again. “So beautiful. So mine.”
His words hit me hard. Before, I hadn’t really been his - but now - now I was his completely. I was his wife. I was his to cherish, to protect, to provide for, and to love until death do us part. Would he do all that was required of him in this union ?
When I spoke, my voice was so soft and quiet. I knew he’d hardly heard my reply. “Yes, Calix. I’m yours.”
He tightened his arm around my waist, pressing his hand flat against the small of my back. His other was still holding my chin, only now the pad of his thumb was moving slowly over my bottom lip. “I’m a lucky man.”
My heart was racing, pounding against the cage of my heart so hard, I wondered if he felt it against his chest. “Calix,”
“Love,” his voice was hoarse, and then he dipped his head and pressed his lips against mine. Throughout the night, Calix had kissed me, held me, danced with me and spoken such soft words to me, that I felt almost drunk off him. It could be the ever-constant supply of champagne I’d been sipping on throughout the night, however, that made me feel all warm and fuzzy. But I was almost certain it was Calix.
There was just something about the man - something my body responded to - my entity understood and my soul craved. I didn’t know what it was, but I had never - not a moment in my life, been happier than I was in this moment - in Calix’s arms.
His lips on mine weren’t filled with a need that urged the kiss to push deep, instead, there was a gentle slowness that I treasured. It took no thought or encouragement for me to open my mouth to his tongues exploration, and it wasn’t long before I felt my own tongue pressing against his, tasting him, feeling him, and breathing him.
I could have kissed him all night, losing myself in him, but we were interrupted when Neil tapped Calix on the shoulder. A low sound came from deep within Calix as he pulled back to look at Neil.
“It’s time for you to get ready to leave, sir.”
Calix nodded, the haze in his blue eyes clearing. “Thank you, Neil.” Calix moved his hand to mine, linking his fingers through mine and I felt my heart lurch. We were ready to say our goodbyes.
I allowed Calix to guide me through the mass of people who were still moving over the dance floor and drinking champagne, to Gabriella who watched us through eyes that were a warm blue, like Calix’s had been most of today. She opened her arms to me and I found myself wrapped tight. “You have fun, sweet girl.” She spoke into my shoulder.
“Thank you for everything today, Gabri - Gabby.”
She beamed. “You both have a lovely time.” Her eyes glittered as they found Calix. “And stay safe.”
“We’ll be fine, grandma.” Calix assured, settling his hand on the bare flesh of my back. “We will see you in one month.”
My eyes popped open wide. “A month?”
Gabriella smiled. “It’s a honeymoon, dear.”
Calix only chuckled as I sputtered, wondering how long one needed their honeymoon to be. “Come, Nova. If we don’t hurry we’ll be late.”
“Oh,” I mumbled, waving to Gabriella as Calix guided me firmly away. Once we’d walked through the open door of the patio, and Calix had led me through the halls to his bedroom, I asked. “Are we really going away for an entire month?”
“Yes.”
“But,”
“Love,” Calix warned in low tones. “We’re going for a month, and you will enjoy yourself.” He added at my disbelieving look. “I promise.”