Blake's lips trail across my neck as his arms wrap around my waist. I shove my elbow into his body but that doesn't stop him from tugging on me. I turn to the side and shake my head. His pouts and his green eyes swirl with sadness.

"We're not sneaking anywhere because there's a room full of people waiting for us."

"If we don't sneak away now, then we won't be able to later."

"Once tonight is over, we have a whole two weeks to relax and enjoy ourselves. Can't you wait a few more hours?" I raise an eyebrow.

"No." He shakes his head. "I can't wait another second."

"I'm sorry you feel that way." I frown.

    "We could tell them we were stuck in traffic, if that's what you're worried about."

    "There's delicious food, and it's calling my name."

Blake squeezes my hand and shakes his head.

"Welp, how could I be so silly? Come on, let's do this."

"Thank you!" I sing. "I promise to make it up to you."

"Oh, do you?" He smirks.

"Yes, Mr. Rivers." I giggle.

Blake slips his phone out of his pocket and sighs.

"Since we're on time, they'll be announcing us any second now."

"Thank goodness! Any longer and you might drag me away from the food."

He shakes his head and frowns.

    "Announcing Mr and Mrs. Rivers." The doors open and music booms as we walk out.

    We cross the dance floor and Blake swirls me around, which causes the crowd to cheer with excitement. His arm circles around my waist and he guides me to the bridal table.

    Kyle pushes the plush chair out and I slide onto it. Blake moves my dress to the side and takes a seat. Nora and Ben are to Blake's left while Kyle and Charlotte are to my right.

"Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rivers. We're going to kick start the reception with a speech from the best man, Kyle."

Kyle jumps to his feet and buttons his tux as he wanders onto the dance floor. He squirms under people's gaze but he keeps his shoulders back and head high.

"Don't worry, I made sure my speech would fit in so nobody is waiting to eat their food because I know the bride is starving."

    "Thank you, Kyle," I shout.

    "Ava and I have been best friends our whole lives, and so, I suffered through their love story. It started with Ava peeking over her locker door pretending she wasn't staring at Blake, to babysitting and eventually dating." Kyle shoves his hand into his pocket and smiles. "I'm happy my best friend found someone I approve of because things might have been awkward! Anyways, I wish you two a wonderful night and a happy life."

Everyone claps and Kyle sighs with relief.    

"And now for the part we've all been waiting for, entrees will now be served."

A smile spreads across my lips as the waiter walks towards us. He puts the plate on the table and strides away. I look at Blake, then the delicious bowl of noodles and broth.

"You can eat." He chuckles.

I take the spoon and scoop some liquid onto it. I moan with happiness as the flavour explodes in my mouth. Blake squeezes my thigh and raises his eyebrow. I nibble on my lower lip and blush.

At the end of the entrée, the waiters collect the plates and Jude takes a stand on the dance floor.

"Little brother, I can't believe you're married before me, no surprise because your bride is stunning! I hope you enjoy the rest of your night and I wish you the best with your marriage because our mother will probably murder you if you screw this up." He laughs. "To the happy couple."

"Why is that so true?" Blake laughs.

"Those two are inseparable and it's kind of scary."

Jude scurries away and our fathers take his place. Dad looks annoyed, while Thomas appears nervous. Dad clutches the microphone and looks at us, then the crowd who is staring with anticipation.

"We've been given this task because our wives told planned everything, but I thought paying was enough." The crowd rumbles with laughter. "So, I speak on behalf of the parental team in saying, welcome to the family! We've been waiting for our children to find the perfect person who will take care of them and we're happy you found each other."

I take Blake's hand and squeeze it. His kisses my cheek and smiles.

The microphone is handed back to the MC, which enables our father's to leave.

"Dinner will be served soon, then the bride and groom will have their first dance."

"Food, yes, please." I bounce on my seat happily.

"Of course you only take notice of the food." Blake laughs.

"If it helps, I only want to snuggle with you once I go into a food coma."

"Hm, it sort of helps."

Dinner is promptly served, and it's even better than the entrée. Roasted vegetables and meat drizzled in gravy, with a side of steamed vegetables and Yorkshire puddings.

Once we're finished, Blake and I wander onto the dance floor and take our positions. The lights are dim, music plays and we sway from side to side.

"I don't think I've mentioned how beautiful you look tonight, Mrs. Rivers."

"Well, thank you, husband." I smile.

His lips capture mine and the crowd 'aws.' At the end of the song, it switches to something dancy and people join us.

Kyle takes my hand and tugs me away from Blake. We goof out to a song which makes me giggle like a madwoman.

* * * * *

Blake takes my hand and pulls me to his chest.

"Hey wifey, we have some duties to attend to."

He points to the cake which is being wheeled out of the kitchen.

We walk over to the cake and people gather around us. The photographer snaps pictures a couple of pictures which is blinding. Blake and I hold on to the knife and we slice into the cake.

The first piece is dumped onto a plate and someone else takes over slicing it up. Pictures are taken as Blake feeds me cake. We both demolish the chocolate slice and return to the dance floor.

Partway through the song, the music is lowed, and a microphone is passed to Blake. I try to walk away but he pulls me close.

"Thank you for coming out to celebrate our wedding! Please drink all the alcohol since it's been paid for and enjoy the cake!"

* * * * *

On the last song,  Blake takes me into his arms and I rest my head on his chest. I sigh with dismay because I hate tonight is ending.

The song ends and the lights are turned on. We're tugged into so many hugs and kisses, it's a bit of a blur, much like how today was.

Blake leads me out of the function room and into a side room.

"We're not having sex."

He rolls his eyes and sighs.

"There's a change of clothes in the bag."

"What's happening?"

"Just change." He smiles.

Blake undoes the back of the dress and I change into a pair of yoga pants and a loose shirt. This wasn't the glamorous attire I thought I would be wearing on my wedding night.

There's a knock on the door and Mum enters with a grin. She takes the dress from the ground and places it inside a bag. I grab a suitcase but Blake takes it from my hand and tugs it out of the room. 

"What the heck is happening?"

"We're heading to our honeymoon."

"Wait, what, really?" I gasp.

"Don't worry, we'll take care of everything here." She smiles.

We hug our parents goodbye and Blake leads me outside to a waiting car. He places our bags into the boot, and we climb into the backseat. I tug the seatbelt on and smile at him.

"Can I have a hint to where we're going, or is that a surprise?"

"To work on the creation of Paris."

I lean against Blake's shoulder and smile. It wasn't the ending I was expecting, but it's perfect.

Last chapter ♥️ the series continues in the next book called "Passing Motions."