After the ceremony, everyone had to exit the barn so the staff could move the chairs and set up the tables. I took that opportunity and grabbed Kacie’s hand to steal her away for a few minutes.
I closed the door to my dad’s workshop and pulled the curtain before turning around and grabbing Kacie’s face, planting a firm kiss right on her lips. She opened her mouth, inviting me in and my tongue RSVP’d happily. We stood for a few minutes kissing, hugging, and rocking back and forth.
“We did it.” I was breathless when she finally pulled back. “We’re married.”
“I know.” Her eyes sparkled as she rewarded me with the biggest smile I’d ever seen on her face. Her pink lips were swollen from my kiss, but I didn’t care. It was our wedding, we were in love, and we could do what we wanted as much as we wanted. “Seriously, did someone challenge you to see how many times you could surprise me today, or what?”
“No, but I’d gladly take that challenge.” I laughed, kissing her again.
“I was emotional enough with the necklace this morning, but then the vows with Lucy and Piper and the necklaces for them?” She shook her head slowly back and forth. “I don’t even know what to say, Brody. You’ve made this whole day so special.”
I hooked my finger under her chin and raised her face to mine. “It’s the least I could do. You’ve made my life special.”
Her eyes filled with tears again, and she pulled a tissue out of the cleavage of her dress.
“Got anything else in there?” I joked, yanking the front of her dress out just a bit and peeking down it.
A huge smile broke out across her face as she dried her eyes. “I’m thinking you saw what was down my dress earlier with that photo album.”
“What photo album?” I asked.
Her face fell serious. “The black album? I left it here for you earlier, with a note on it?”
I shook my head back and forth. “I didn’t see an album.”
All blood drained from her face as her eyes bulged.
“Kacie, Kacie, I’m just kidding. Relax.” I grabbed on to her shoulders and held tight, just in case she passed out. “Babe?”
“You ass!” Her tiny fist punched my chest as hard as she could. “You nearly gave me a heart attack! A heart attack on my wedding day, of all days.”
“I’m sorry.” I laughed, not really feeling all that sorry. “I just wanted to freak you out.”
“Mission accomplished.” She narrowed her eyes and glared playfully at me.
“You deserved it.”
“For what?” Her tone raised defensively.
“That album. It was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen in my twenty-eight years on this planet. I sat here and looked at it for about ten minutes, and my dad came in and wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk before the other guys got here. I had to hide behind his workbench for another ten minutes before my hard-on went away.”
Kacie threw her head back and laughed hard, exposing her sexy neck. I took advantage of the opportunity, kissing, biting, and sucking on her. “You’re evil,” I groaned in between kisses.
“Mmmm, I’m glad you liked them,” she moaned, “but that was only half your present. I’ll give you the other half later tonight when we’re alone.”
I nipped at her clavicle area, tasting her sweet skin. “I like the sound of that.”
“No, you hornball.” She giggled. “I really have something for you, but I wanted to see your face when you opened it.”
A knock at the door brought us back to reality. Kacie walked over and opened it as I hid behind the workbench again. Barely through the door, Viper swept Kacie up in his arms and spun her around as she squealed.
“Congratulations, Mrs. Murphy.”
“Thanks, Viper.” She reached up and planted a small kiss on his cheek. “Who knew you’d clean up this nicely? You cut your hair and everything.”
“I know.” He ran his fingers through his newly trimmed blonde hair. “I don’t remember the last time it was this short. Seems to be working though. I got two hot nurses phone numbers already.” He flashed an evil grin before turning to head out the door. “Oh, by the way, they’re all set up in there. Time to party!”
“Ready?” Kacie held her hand out for me.
I glanced down at the tent that was still half-pitched in my pants and back up at her. “Two more minutes.”
We spent the next hour all alone at our little table for four, gorging on lobster, rosemary chicken, baby red garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans that were so fresh they squeaked in between your teeth.
It was time for our first dance, and I was beyond ready for it. The band played an amazing cover of Sara Evans’s song “I Could Not Ask for More” as Kacie and I swayed back and forth in each other’s arms.
“I can’t believe it’s half over already.” She sighed as she rested her head against my chest.
“It’s gone by so fast.”
“I know, but I can’t wait to get back and give you your gift.”
“Stop talking about my gift, or you’re going to have to stand in front of me for a while.”
Her laugh vibrated against my hand as it rested on her back. “I told you, it’s not that kind of gift, though that can probably be arranged too.”
Our song ended and I led Kacie to a chair near the end of the dance floor. Puzzled, she pulled her brows in tight and looked at me as I sat her down and kissed the top of her hand before walking away.
“Twinkies, would you please meet Brody out in the middle of the dance floor?” the lead singer bellowed into the microphone. My eyes scanned the barn quickly, not sure which direction they were going to come from. Off to my left, they appeared through the crowd from behind Kacie, walking out to the dance floor slowly with shy smiles on their faces.
Once they got to me, just like at Lauren’s wedding the year before, I motioned for them to each hop on one of my feet and hold on for dear life while the band played “Brown Eyed Girl.” All eyes were on us, but my eyes were only on them. I felt so lucky that I was gonna be able to watch these two grow up and hopefully, have a positive influence on who they’d eventually become. Kacie and Lauren sat next to each other, holding hands as I danced with my Twinkies.
Life was so f*cking good.
We danced the night away for a few more hours until one by one, the guests started to trickle out. It was exhausting trying to make sure I talked to and thanked everyone, but so much fun at the same time. In all honesty, I was glad everyone was leaving. I couldn’t wait to be alone with my wife.
Kacie teared up as we hugged our parents and the girls good-bye before heading out to my condo in the city. We contemplated driving into the city in the morning to catch our flight to Hawaii, but decided that the extra hour of sleep would be more beneficial in the morning rather than at night.
“I love you guys, so much. Be good for Gigi, okay?” Kacie sniffled as she hugged Lucy and Piper for the tenth time.
“We will, Mama.” Lucy shut her eyes, squeezing them tight as she hugged her mom back.
“Will you bring us some seashells?” Piper asked as she clapped her tiny hands together.
I’ll bring you the whole damn ocean, kid.
“We’ll definitely bring you some shells, baby. Maybe a few presents too.” Kacie brushed a few wisps of Piper’s blonde hair from her forehead.
“Honey, you guys still have a couple hours in the car. You’d better get going,” Sophia warned. “We’ll be fine. Go ahead.”
“Okay.” Kacie stood up and sighed. She turned to her mom and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, sniffling again. “Thanks so much, Mom. For everything.”
“You are more than welcome, baby. You guys go, have the best honeymoon ever, and we’ll see you in a week.” Sophia winked at me over Kacie’s shoulder as she hugged her back. “Don’t let her stress about the girls too much.”
“I won’t.” I grinned, knowing that would be next to impossible.
“Congrats again,” Fred said firmly, extending his hand to me.
Looking down at his hand and back up at him, I raised one eyebrow. “Fred, you’re my father-in-law now. Hug me for Christ’s sake.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him toward me for a bear hug.
We pulled out of the driveway, and Kacie turned back for one more look out the back window. I reached over and put my hand on her thigh, squeezing gently. “I love you, Mrs. Murphy.”
Her eyes slid to mine, a soft, sexy haze filling them. “I love you more, Mr. Murphy.”
Kacie and I talked nonstop, recounting all of our favorite wedding moments for the rest of the ride to my condo. One of my favorites was the actual ride itself: being in my truck with her, alone, listening to her giggle about all the little things while she wore black yoga pants and a silver hoodie that said Mrs. Murphy #30 on the back. Her hair was pulled into a messy ponytail and her new necklace hung from her neck, sparkling against the passing headlights.
After I was done checking her out, I noticed the black box on her lap. “Is that another photo album?” I asked hopefully.
Her head whipped toward me. “Oh my God, where is that?” Panic filled her voice.
“It’s in the back.” I laughed out loud at her terror-filled face.
“Thank goodness.” Her shoulders slumped in relief. “And no, it’s not another album. It’s the other half of your present.” She bit her lip nervously, tapping her fingers against the box as she stared down at her lap.
“What’s the matter?”
“I’m just nervous about this one.” She looked out the window, avoiding eye contact with me.
“Don’t sweat it. I’m sure I’ll love it.”