Tender Kisses (21 page)

Epilogue

Six weeks later

S
iobhan locked her arm in her father's and made her way down the aisle to where Justin stood waiting. She had asked for a beach wedding, and he'd surpassed her deepest fantasies. A warm breeze blew across her face, the moon illuminated the clear night sky surrounded by a million stars, and torches provided light for her path and for the crowd of guests who had come to witness this special evening. She couldn't have asked for more.

“You take my breath away,” Justin whispered when she reached him.

“And you, mine.” They shared a smile and faced the minister. Twenty minutes later, she heard the words she had been waiting for since the day he proposed.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Justin, you may kiss your bride.”

Justin touched his mouth to hers, intending for it to be brief, but Siobhan had other ideas. She had waited her entire life for this man, and she wanted him to know the depths of her love. She wound her arms around his neck and took over the kiss, sliding her tongue between his lips and twining it with his. When she eventually ended the kiss, both were gasping for breath. “That ought to hold you until later,” Siobhan whispered.

He shook his head. “You are something else.”

After hundreds of photos, they entered the reception area under a hail of whistles and applause. She waved at her family. Her grandparents on both sides had come, and her mother's twin brothers, together with their families, had traveled from Sacramento. Siobhan glanced over at the head table where Kendra and Cynthia sat and shook her head. Those two hadn't stopped crying yet.

Later, Siobhan had an opportunity to meet Justin's maternal grandmother, and just like grandparents often did, the woman slipped some money into Siobhan's hand and said, “Here's a little something for you, baby.” It wasn't until Siobhan was steps away that she opened her hand and saw the crisp one-hundred-dollar bill. She turned her surprised gaze back, and the woman smiled.

She caught Justin's gaze and met him halfway. “It's time for our first dance as husband and wife.” They had chosen one of her favorite songs by Eric Benet, “Real Love,” because she felt it described their love now and forever. Justin rested his forehead against hers, and they swayed to the slow love song, their smiles communicating the words of their hearts. When the song ended, someone brought a chair and placed it at the edge of the dance floor.

Justin led her to the chair. “Have a seat. And enjoy the show.” He tossed her a bold wink and strolled off.

“What is this man up to now?” she mumbled. She followed his movements, and her confusion increased when her three brothers joined him on the dance floor.

They all shed their tuxedo jackets, donned fedoras and stood poised for whatever came next. The music started, and her hand flew to her mouth. She sat transfixed as her husband and brothers broke out in a choreographed dance step to Michael Jackson's “Smooth Criminal.” They executed the moves flawlessly, that circular moonwalk included. She was up on her feet clapping and rocking to the beat. He danced his way over to her and dipped her in a flourish to finish the dance.

“This has been the best day
ever
!” she squealed. “Wow! That was so good. You guys ought to take this show on the road.” She laughed. “You don't do anything by half, do you, Justin Cartwright?”

“Not when it comes to you, sweetheart.”

She hugged him tightly and whispered, “How long do we have to stay here?”

“Hopefully not long because I can't wait to get you upstairs.” They were staying overnight at the hotel adjacent to the beach and flying out in the morning for two weeks of fun and sun in Barbados.

“Me, either.”

“I've got a bottle of honey in my bag,” they said at the same time, then burst out laughing.

“No more condoms.”

Justin stared into her eyes. “Seriously?”

She nodded. “I want babies and more than one, so we need to get started.”

A look of tenderness swept over his face. “Nothing would make me happier.” He leaned in and feathered kisses all over her face.

She could hardly believe she had finally found unconditional love and acceptance—control freak and all—with someone who would protect and cherish her. Someone with whom she could share her dreams and fears. She had found someone to share her life, and it had all started with one tender kiss.

Siobhan closed her eyes and smiled, anticipating the amazing life that awaited them.

* * * * *

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ISBN-13: 9781488003509

Tender Kisses

Copyright © 2016 by Sheryl Lister

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