Chapter 31: Reception

SLOAN

We sneak inside my parents’ house for a few minutes of private time before the reception.

“Baby, you are the most beautiful woman in the world,” Kade says with a cheesy grin.

“You are the most handsome man in the world.”

He laughs. “This is cheesy.”

“If we can be cheesy any day, I think we can be cheesy on our wedding day.”

He leans in and kisses me sweetly, then he places his hand on my bump. “Clover, can you believe it? Your mommy actually married me.”

I laugh. “Kade! Of course, I did, you’re the man of my dreams.”

“I’m so lucky.” He grins before he kisses me deeply, then lifts me off my feet and spins me around.

“We’d better get back out there before Sean starts any crazy shenanigans,” Kade says.

“You’re right.”

“Come on, wifey.”

“Right behind you, hubby.”

He pulls me out to the backyard, where the reception is already underway, with drinks flowing and music playing.

I notice that Abbot is off to the side, talking to Finn, and they are standing really close together.

“Kade, look at Finn.”

“Look at Rhea.”

“Ooooh,” I sing.

“Well, go them. I guess love is in the air.”

I giggle. “Maybe.”

“Let’s welcome Mr. and Mrs. Kade Lawson for their first dance as husband and wife,” the DJ announces.

Kade swings me around the dance floor, and I one hundred percent feel like a princess who has found her prince.

After everyone settles at their tables, Kade and I make the rounds to say hello and thank everyone that has come.

Marlene smiles. “Sloan, you look so beautiful, I’m so happy for you two. Congratulations.”

“Thanks, Marlene.”

“You picked the perfect dress,” she says with a grin.

“Abbot and Carly helped.”

Marlene laughs. “Please, Sloan, you look good in everything.”

“You’re too kind to me.”

When we get to the table where the band is hanging out, Abbot is right in the middle of the guys, eyeing Finn, and Rhea is off to the side, bashfully smiling at Sean.

I smile. “Hey, Rock Division, are you staying out of trouble?”

Rhea looks up at me bashfully, while Abbot flashes a flirtatious smile at Finn.

“This one is trouble,” Sean says, gesturing toward Rhea.

Kade grins. “Rhea? My quiet little sister? No way!”

Rhea’s face is as red as a fire engine, and I want to save her but I don’t know what to say, but I try to change the subject. “Finn..., how are you liking Abbot?”

Finn turns red, too, and it’s obvious to everyone what’s going on when he can’t even muster an answer.

I laugh. “All right, well, we’re going to keep making the rounds, but I expect to see you all on the dance floor later.”

“Whoa, is everyone coupling up?” Kade asks as we walk away.

“I guess so; wouldn’t it be kind of cool though? We could all hang out together. I’m happy.”

Kade smiles. “I’m happy too. Come on, I want to swirl you around that floor again.”

After another dance with Kade, I share a dance with my father, and Kade dances with Carol.

When the DJ cranks the music up, I get excited and try to get everyone to the floor to dance with me. At first, only Abbot follows me, and I take the opportunity to get the dirt.

I smile. “So, you and Finn looked close?”

“Oh, my God Sloan, he’s so hot.”

“He’s a sweet guy too. He doesn’t know he’s good looking. He’s so shy.”

“I thought so when he approached me. He seemed really nervous, but we just made small talk.”

“Wow, he approached you? That’s something. He’s like the little brother of the band; everyone is always trying to get him to open up.”

She smirks. “I’ll try to work my magic on him.”

“Yes, girl, save him a dance.”

Kade walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, so I dance with him for a while, and once everyone hits the bar, more and more of our friends are joining us on the dance floor.

I end up having the night of my life.

Even Carly lets go and has fun and dances with me and Abbot.

I get the feeling that this huge web of friends is being formed and I love it. Carly and Abbot are so fun to be around, and I already love Kade’s sisters.

Now, all I need to do is marry them each off to members of the band, and we’ll be all set.

Carol pulls me aside before the night gets too crazy. “Sloan, I just wanted to tell you, I’m so happy you chose Kade and he chose you.

“I’m so happy to have you as a daughter-in-law. I think you’re an incredible person.”

“Carol, thank you for raising such an incredible man. He’s completely changed my life; I’m so happy.”

We share a sweet hug before she sends me back to my friends.

The night starts to wind down, and I organize rides and places to sleep for anyone who has been drinking, then Kade and I head off in his car to our house.

Of course, some of our friends snuck out and covered his car with toilet paper and shaving cream, but we just decide to go with it.

Just because we can’t go on a honeymoon right now, it doesn’t mean we don’t have lots of plans for our wedding night.