Chapter 35

After four hours of feasting, tossing the garter and bouquet, and indulging in cake, the DJ called the maid of honor and best man to the stage for their speeches and toasts. Craig and Leslie were giving a joint speech, which was a bit out of the ordinary, but everyone was excited to hear what they had to say.

Craig kicked things off, “I’ve been buddies with Michael for eleven years now, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride!” His words drew laughter from the crowd.

Leslie chimed in, “And I’ve known Ani for four years. Our time together might not have been as wild as yours, but we’ve had a blast.”

Craig continued, “I’ve seen Michael as a single guy, in love, as a dad, and I can tell you, the look on his face when he first saw Ani was something I’d never seen before.”

Leslie added, “Ani was pretty shy when we first met. It took some time to coax her out of her shell and really start living. We even came up with a rating system for the guys we knew, to see how they measured up to our idea of the perfect man.”

Craig picked up the story, “I didn’t see Michael’s reaction, but I knew something was up when Ani texted me after meeting him.”

Leslie laughed, “I asked her where this guy ranked on our scale, and she texted back, and I quote, ‘blows the scale completely out of the water.’ That’s when I knew we were dealing with something serious.”

Craig grinned, “Watching Michael wrestle with his feelings for Ani was hilarious. Then he whisked her off to Paris, and after that, he was a changed man. No matter how much I pried, he wouldn’t spill the beans about what happened, just that they had a great time.”

Leslie agreed, “Ani was just as tight-lipped about their trip, but she did say that Paris would always hold a special place in her heart. Craig, are you surprised that’s where they’re heading for their honeymoon?”

Craig shook his head, “Not at all! But all kidding aside, it’s clear you two are meant for each other. It’s in your eyes, in your actions, and we can all feel it radiating off you like a warm glow.”

He added sincerely, “If I ever fall in love, I hope I have even half of what you two share. I’d consider myself lucky.”

Leslie raised her glass, “And I wish you both years of love, happiness, laughter, and devotion. If the world was filled with the kind of love you two have, it would be a better place. I love you both and I’m so damn happy you found each other.” She sniffed back tears, “So please raise your glasses...”

Craig finished the toast, “To Mr. and Mrs. Michael Whitlock, congratulations!”

The room erupted in cheers and applause as everyone toasted the happy couple. Anelise hugged them both, wiping her eyes. Michael followed suit and then swept his new wife onto the dance floor for more dancing.

Anelise had never had so much champagne in her life, and she giggled as they danced. They switched partners and laughed well into the night.

Anelise got teary-eyed when Susan and Dennis took Ollie and his cousins back to the house for the night. They were leaving early in the morning for Paris and wouldn’t see him until they returned thirteen days later.

“Now, you be a good boy for Grandma and Grandpa until we get back, okay?” she told him, while Michael held him to avoid snagging her dress.

“I promise, Mommy. I’m gonna miss you!” he said, his lip trembling.

“Oh, I know, love bug! But we’ll bring you back presents, okay?” She cooed, trying not to cry and smothered his face in kisses until he giggled. He hugged his father and then went with his grandfather.

“You really are the best mom in the world!” Michael said as he danced with her in his arms, making her blush.

“Thank you, but you know he makes it easy,” she said, resting her cheek on his chest, deep in thought.

“What’s wrong, love? You got quiet on me,” he asked, still holding her.

She looked up at him. “I wasn’t going to bring this up until we got back from our honeymoon, but I don’t know how you would feel about this, and I don’t want to upset you…”

“Ani, honey, just say it,” Michael said, feeling worried. “Is something wrong?”

“No, everything is perfect. I was just thinking that maybe we could look into me formally adopting Ollie so I am a legal guardian…,” she said timidly.

Michael stopped dancing and looked at her. “Are you serious? You would want to adopt Ollie?”

She nodded. “If you don’t want me to, that’s fine. I mean, I don’t know what it would take and with his mother out of the picture. I just thought it might be nice to have everything finalized…”

“First, ~you~ are his mother. End of story. Second, I would love to have you as his legal mother. We’ll look into it as soon as we get back. And third, I love you so much and am so fucking lucky to have you in our life!” He said, full of emotion.

She leaned up and kissed him, and they just stood there kissing, oblivious to the party going on around them. Michael mumbled against her lips. “I think it’s time for us to leave. I can’t wait anymore!”

She pulled back, nodded, and went to find Leslie, who was dancing with Craig and Naomi, who was talking with Johnathan’s secretary. They pulled her into the bridal room and helped her change.

They then helped her into the cream-colored dress while the DJ got their guests lined up and wished them goodbye in a shower of flower petals, cheers, and bubbles.

They drove off in the limo, making out like teenagers until they arrived at the JW Marriot Hotel for the night.

Barely making it to the honeymoon suite, Michael slammed the door and attached his lips to her. They started undressing each other tenderly, and then Michael knew he had to slow down.

This was their first time as man and wife, and he wanted to treasure this moment forever. He pulled back and led her to the bed that was turned down and covered in rose petals.

He gently guided her to sit down, then pulled off his shirt. He poured them both a glass of the chilled champagne and settled next to her.

“Here’s to us... I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that we’re married and you’re mine. I love you more than words can express, and I plan to show you that every single day. I want to build the best life with you, raise Ollie, and expand our family with more kids and more love.”

“You’re the most intelligent, stunning, and kind-hearted woman I’ve ever met, and I’m so proud to call you my wife,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “I love you, Anelise Whitlock.”

She brushed away the tears that welled up in her eyes, and they clinked their glasses together before taking a sip. Then, she found her voice.

“To us... The way you love me is beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of. It’s like something out of a storybook, the way you make me feel so cherished and secure. I’ve never felt more alive than when I’m with you, and I can’t wait to see what each new day brings for us.”

“Thank you for loving me and helping me become a better person. You are truly a gentleman and the love of my life. I love you, Michael Whitlock, and I can’t wait to start our life together.”

Michael set their glasses down on the table and gently laid her down on the bed. He slowly undressed her, his lips trailing kisses, nips, and licks over every inch of her body, leading her to the first of many climaxes.

And when he finally entered her for the first time as her husband, they both knew that they had been irrevocably changed. They had each found the other half of their soul.