“I didn’t say it was time to kiss her yet! But what the hell—have at it. That’s a good man. He knows what he’s got,” he said, a wide grin on his round face. “Well, now, all I have left to say is, by the power vested in me by the grand state of Louisiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife!”
There was a hearty round of applause, along with some whistles and catcalls; then Jamie picked his bride up in his arms and carried her down the aisle, with a glowing Summer laughing joyfully as the crowd cheered.
“I have seriously never seen anything more beautiful,” Layla murmured to Duff.
“Except for my two girls here,” he said.
“You’re such a romantic,” she teased, but she couldn’t help but smile.
“Yeah, I am. But that’s how I reeled you in, princess, so it’s not a bad thing, is it? That and my astounding good looks.”
“I think it may have been your looks, period.”
“Ha. Well, at least this face was good for something. Ah, time to clear out for the reception. Give me that baby for a moment—you’re hogging her.”
She handed Joy over as Allie approached them, and Layla smiled at the woman who was engaged to Jamie’s best friend, Mick.
“Wasn’t that beautiful?” Allie asked, her eyes gleaming. “Wasn’t Summer beautiful?”
“It was,” Layla agreed. “She was. I love her dress, and this place! It’s perfect.”
“It is.” Allie bit her lip. “I hope everyone likes the cake.”
“It’s from your bakery,” Duff said. “I’m sure it’ll be incredible.
“It’s a work of art, Allie,” Layla told her. “It really is.”
“Thank you, hon.” Allie turned her attention to Joy, rubbing her tiny hand with one finger. “Is your father ever going to let me hold you or not, baby girl?”
Layla laughed. “You just have to grab her from him. Don’t worry—she’s a sound sleeper. She won’t be disturbed.”
“I was more concerned about Duff. He’s bigger than I am.”
“I’m bigger than most people,” he said gruffly, but it was all an act. He handed Joy carefully into Allie’s arms.
“I have to go show her off to Marie Dawn,” Allie said, referring to her best friend. “I promise to bring your baby girl back in a bit.”
“You will if you know what’s good for you,” Duff said, a mock threat in his tone.
“Yeah, yeah,” Allie said over her shoulder as she moved across the room.
Layla smacked his enormous arm. “You are ridiculous.”
“Ridiculously in love with my child.” He bent to kiss her lips. “And with you, my lovely.”
“Hey, you two, no hard-core smooching—leave that for the bride and groom,” Kitty said, handing them each a glass of champagne, then pulling them back. “Oh, hell, I forgot you don’t drink, Duff, and you’re still nursing, aren’t you, Layla?”
“I am. You can have my glass, Kitty.”
Her best friend grinned. “I may need it. There’s a hot guy over there and I have to grow the balls to approach him. Fingers crossed that he’s kinky.”
“That’s Grant,” Duff told her. “He’s a friend from the club. So yeah, he’s kinky—kinky as hell.”
“Yay!” Kitty grinned, smoothing her dress and fluffing her hair as her gaze went back to the tall, dark-haired man on the other side of the room. “Single?”
“As far as I know.”
“Meow.”
Duff chuckled. “Layla, darlin’, do we need to hold her down before she jumps the poor, unsuspecting bloke? Could cause a scene.”
“What’s a perfectly good New Orleans wedding without a little commotion? Anyway, Kitty can handle herself—and any man, I’m pretty sure.”
“Damn right I can,” Kitty said, her signature sensual purr in her voice. She tossed back the rest of the champagne “I’ll call you two tomorrow if I don’t make it through the cutting of the cake.”
Layla grinned after her friend as she moved away. “He has no idea how much trouble he’s in.”
“He’s a good Dom. He’ll get her under control quickly enough if they connect—quick enough to make her head spin, maybe. I’ve seen him play.”
“I actually think it’d be good for her. Our Kitty could use a little taming.”
“The same as you needed?”
“‘Needed’? Are you implying I’ve been tamed?” She dug her nails into his thick forearm to drive her point home.
“Only partially, love. Don’t worry—I know exactly who my wildcat girl is.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon smiling, eating and dancing. Joy was passed around and cuddled by nearly everyone at the reception, it seemed, but Layla knew she was always in good hands. Finally, the cake had been cut and it was time to leave.
“You sure you’re up to going to The Bastille tonight?” Duff asked her.
“Absolutely. We haven’t played since Joy was born, and I’m getting antsy.”
“Then it’s definitely time. You’re certain Dennie’s grandma Annalee is up to caring for her overnight?”
“Dennie will be there, too. They’ve been family to Summer forever, and that makes them our family now, too. And they’re dying to get their hands on Joy.”
“It’s our first night without our baby girl.”
“I’ll be fine.”
He grinned down at her. “I know you will be—I was more worried about me.”
“I love that you’re such a softhearted lug.”
“Tonight I’m hoping to remind you what else you like about me.”
He wiggled his dark, heavy brows, making her laugh.
“I’m sure you will—you’ve kept the beast locked up tight for months.”
“Yeah, I have. It’s past time to whisk you off to my lair. Are you scared?”
“Terrified,” she said, knowing he didn’t believe her. But her stomach was fluttering at the thought of playing with her gorgeous man. It had been far too long, and she needed play, needed that level of connection with him. It was going to be a very good night.
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