Filthy Beautiful Forever(53)

At that, Collins’ face brightens and he smiles. And I can see from the look in his eyes that he truly does adore me, and there’s no place he would rather be.

The official’s words are perfect, and I’m surprised to hear him telling the story of us, and the collective chuckle from the guests when he tells them we’ve been engaged for twenty years. I manage to get my tears mostly under control about halfway through the ceremony, so that when it’s time for us to kiss, I’m not a total mess. Collins bends down, taking me in his arms, and I reach my hands around his neck. He presses the sweetest kiss against my lips. It’s gentle, slow, and he draws it out, teasing me with little licks from his tongue. His hand brushes the bare skin of my back and I feel him harden against my stomach. It strikes me immediately that fifty or so of our closest friends are watching. We both go rigid and then begin laughing mid kiss, which seems to help his situation. He looks down at me through hooded eyes though and grumbles, “We’ll take care of that later,” in a voice low enough that only I can hear.

After the wedding, we take pictures near the surf and then join our guests under a big white tent on the beach behind Colton’s house. Collins has thought of everything. There’s a beautiful, multi-tier cake with purple flowers, a band playing soft jazz, and, the best part, all of our friends and family.

I find Leila on the dance floor, and join her.

“I’m so glad you came.” I pull her in for a hug.

“You look so happy,” she says, hugging me back “I’m glad you listened to me.”

I’m not sure if she’s talking about our her initial drunken advice that I should come out here in the first place, or her later advice when she encouraged me to stay, but I’m glad I listened to Leila—both times—and I’m glad she was right.

“I told you, you were right,” I say.

She smiles, I know it’s something she’s been waiting to hear ever since she got here, but her smile also says she’s happy for me.

A slow song comes on, and Collins appears at my side and pulls me to him. He’s not afraid to dance. At least not with me. We slow dance simply, my arms around his neck and his resting at my waist. Our bodies know each other, so even if we don’t know the song, we sway together perfectly.

I feel blessed that I’m able to share the best day of my life with all our loved ones. And I know I’m the luckiest woman alive because the man of my dreams has put this all together for me.

As we dance, my left hand is resting on his shoulder and I admire the way the diamond ring on my finger catches the light. “I can’t believe you did all this,” I say. “And kept it all a secret.”

“My brothers thought I was a little crazy planning all of this without officially asking you first.”

“It was insane.” I press my lips to his. “But in the very best way.”

“I love you, Mia,” he says, his voice uncharacteristically thick with emotion.

“I love you, too. Always have,” I admit.

Through the reception Collins doesn’t leave my side. His eyes and hands find their way all over my dress, and it’s obvious his desire to be alone with me rivals my desire to be with him.

Soon enough Collins announces that it is time for us to leave. As much as I’ve enjoyed the celebration with everyone, I can’t wait to get Collins alone and out of that sexy as hell tux. Our guests throw rice as Collins helps me into the waiting limo. He’s refused to tell me anything about our honeymoon other than that we’re having one. He also assures me that he’s okayed the time off with my employer. The information wins him yet another kiss from me. He has truly thought of everything.

As we near our destination it becomes clear that he can no longer hide his plans from me. We pull into the marina and Collins helps me out, guiding me towards his boat, The Gremlin. As we near the water, I come to a realization and stop. “We don’t have any luggage. I didn’t pack,” I say.

Collins ushers me along down the dock. “What do you think Kylie was doing while you were getting all dolled up? I had her go to our house and pack everything in your closet that wasn’t nailed down. Although,” his voice gets raspy and he growls into my ear, “I plan on keeping you naked for the better part of the next two weeks.”

My panties dampen instantly and a tiny gasp escapes my lips.

Collins chuckles and with little effort whisks me off my feet, making me squeal with surprise. He cradles me in his arms and steps towards the yacht’s ramp. “Collins,” I say nervously, locking my arms around his neck. I’d boarded the boat many times and knew the ramp was sturdy, but worried that with him holding me, we might end up a little too top heavy.