Chapter 6

• Everyone listens attentively and he bends to kiss the back of my hand – a simple gesture that means so, so much to me.
• “I love you with all of my heart.”
• Everyone gushes, and I melt.
• He raises his glass for the final time. “To Natasha. My love. My life.” He raises his eyebrows cheekily. “My wife.” The table cheers loudly. “And her breathtaking smile.”
• I stand at the handrail and stare out to ocean as the sea breeze whips over my skin. My thoughts are on my father and the fun he would have had here tonight. It’s a bittersweet moment of reflection, one that I know every member of our family has felt heavily, today more than ever.
• He is deeply missed, but with every dark thought that I have, a new thought of hope takes its place.
• We did it. We made it. Joshua Stanton is my husband.
• I hold out my hand and stare lovingly at the beautiful rings on my finger. They mean so much more to me than mere diamonds and gold. They’re a symbol of love and our ultimate commitment. A symbol of our bravery.
• Happiness surrounds me. Our families are dancing and laughing loudly as they talk over the music. Joshua is relaxed for the first time since I have returned, and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I feel two large, strong hands slide around my waist from behind before soft lips dust my temple.
• “Are you ready for bed, Mrs. Stanton?”
• I smile broadly, Mrs. Stanton. That sounds so good.
• “What time is it?” I ask as Joshua starts to slowly kiss my neck from behind.
• “Who cares?” he whispers onto my skin.
• “We have guests.” I smile as my head tilts by itself to the side to give him greater access.
• “This is our wedding. It ends when we say it does, and besides, it’s after twelve.” He nips me and sends goose bumps down my spine.
• I smile and continue to stare into the darkness over the water as Joshua wraps himself around me from behind.
• I can feel his arousal encase me and I close my eyes to bask in its glow.
• “I’m heading off.” Mum smiles.
• I turn and smile, take her in my arms and squeeze tightly.
• “I love you,” I whisper.
• “I love you too, darling. This has been one of the happiest days of my life.”
• “Mine, too.” I kiss her softly on the cheek. “Thank you for everything, Mum Your support means so much to both of us.”
• She pulls out of my embrace and wraps her arms around both Joshua and I. “I just want you kids happy.”
• “Thank you. We are.” Joshua smiles, his eyes lingering lovingly on my face as he puts a protective arm around my shoulders. His attention then flickers around to the guards and he signals to Peter who comes over immediately. “Can you walk Victoria back to her room and watch over her, please?”
• “Of course.”
• Mum shakes her head dismissively. “Joshua, I’m fine.”
• He raises his eyebrows. “I know, but you will be guarded and safe as well as fine.”
• Mums eyes fall to mine and she rolls them playfully.
• Bridget walks over and puts her arm around Joshua, kissing his shoulder before taking my hand in hers. “I think I was the best bridesmaid today.”
• I smile, and Joshua shakes his head and smirks.
• She holds her hands up in an I’ve had too much champagne gesture. “Tell me? When we were walking down the stairs, who looked the daintiest? It was totally me, wasn’t it?”
• I laugh out loud. Oh, God, where does she come up with this shit?
• “Murph was actually, if you must know,” Joshua replies dryly.
• “Oh, phooey,” she calls loudly. Oh, she is really drunk. Joshua, Mum and me all look at one another and smirk.
• Joshua catches Ben’s eye and calls him over.
• “Didge, do you want to go home?” Joshua asks.
• Bridget puts her hands on her hips. “No!” she snaps, annoyed. “I’m going out clubbing. I deserve a night out after all the…” She hesitates and waves her hand over between Joshua and I. “Stuff,” she blurts out.
• Her eyes find Abbie, who is slow dancing with Nicholas. “We are all going out, aren’t we Adrian?” she slurs.
• Adrian winces. “I’m tired, Didge, I’m turning in. Nick, Abbs and Cam will go out with you.”
• My heart drops. Oh no. It really is over with Nick and Adrian, I thought they would work it out.
• I smile at Ben who is now standing beside us. “Ben will come with you,” I reply.
• Bridget’s face instantly falls and she goes to say something to him, but then wisely holds her tongue.
• He narrows his eyes at her in disdain as if knowing what she was going to say. I frown at their interaction, and my eyes meet Mum’s, she shrugs slightly. Hmm, what’s going on with these two? Are they still seeing each other? I just assumed they were still together… maybe not.
• Joshua’s hand slides discretely to my behind and he pulls me slightly into his body where I feel his waiting erection.
• My husband wants to consummate his marriage.
• “I’m taking my husband home.” I smile as I pick up Joshua’s hand and kiss the back of it.
• His eyes hold mine in the best damn come fuck me look I have ever seen, and I feel a rush of adrenaline hit me hard.
• He leads me by the hand as we kiss everyone goodnight and then he is dragging me up the stairs in double time. The guards wait wisely at the bottom of the steps to give us some much needed privacy.
• We get to the top step and, once out of everyone’s view, Joshua picks me up like a bride causing me to squeal in delight. He marches toward our bedroom like a man on a mission.
• “What’s the rush?” I whisper onto his lips as I sweep my tongue seductively through his lips.
• “I need you naked and underneath me.” He growls. “Now.”
• I inhale deeply and realise Bridget is right – it is true – I can smell his testosterone and it does smell awesome. He’s so fucking hot… and he’s so fucking mine.