“Thank you, baby. I love you.” I say kissing her over and over. My mouth, leisurely taking hers and showing her what my heart won’t always let me say.
“I love you too Saxson.” She snuggles into me for a few minutes as we sit there together. Finally, after a couple of minutes, she moves. “I have to change clothes. Your dad thought you would want to switch into some slacks and a shirt. It's in the other closet on the left.” I open the closet and sure enough, a pair of black slacks and a black shirt. I put my shoes back on and turn around. Standing before me, is my wife. My woman. The one who, at this very moment, is probably baking my kid in her tummy, even though I am aware it is too soon to tell.
She is, to put it mildly, regal. She is standing before me, in red and white and all I can do is thank God, once again for letting me see her first. Holding my hand out, I bring hers to my mouth. “You ready to go, Mrs. Maldonado?”
“Yes, babe. Let’s go greet our guests.” Walking out to the reception, hand in hand, I feel more aware now, than ever, that I have so much to lose as my mind momentarily, goes back to the conversation I had with Ramone earlier. Let them come. Every. Single. Dead one of them.20LexiWhen I chose this dress in the shop, I thought it was beautiful. I loved it because it was different and sexy, but most of all it was me. I didn’t even bother trying it on. I simply, knew. But right now, staring at myself in the mirror, I am speechless. I never in a million years thought I would look this sophisticated. This adult and elegant. Especially not in a partially red dress. Well, to be fair, the floral lace crop top is all red. The bottom of it, starts out white and fades into red roses at the bottom. It is sassy to say the least. So, when I turn around and see the lust-filled gaze in Saxson’s eyes, I know I look good. When he kisses my hand and calls me Mrs. Maldonado, some sort of calm comes over me. It’s like being in a tunnel filled with chamomile smog.
We make it out onto the beach, and everyone turns and claps for us. We stand and greet everyone as they each come up and give us hugs, kisses, gifts, and well wishes. In-between the people we greet, I find myself looking for Lara. Where the hell is that girl always disappearing too. “Lexi, I would like for you to meet my little brother Julio. He couldn’t make it last night because he was still working a case.”
Julio leans in to kiss my cheek. “It’s wonderful to meet you little sis. I am glad my big bro finally found someone who can handle all his...grumpiness,” he says with a chuckle. I cover my mouth trying to hide the giggle, but I know I am failing. Saxson is most definitely a bit grumpy. Though, the more time I spend with him, I feel like it is simply that he is so adult and serious. Which is why I am making it my mission to mix him up a bit.
“It’s so nice to meet you as well, Julio. Are you here with anyone?” I ask looking around for his date.
“No. I am not. I’m single. Right now, anyway.” He mumbles the last part. I am about to ask how long he is staying here when Lara walks up.
“Julio, this is my best friend Lara. Lara this is Sax’s other brother Julio.” They shake hands and I note that he doesn’t let go right away. She begins to blush, and I have the best, worst, devious idea ever. “Say, Lara, Julio is here alone. I am sure he would like to get some time in on the dance floor. Why don’t you two go and have some fun.” I say, quirking my eyebrow up at her. She tilts her head to the side giving me the ‘what the hell’ look, before turning to smile at Julio.
“What are you doing brat?” Saxson leans into my ear and asks.
“Nothing. Just making sure my guests have a great time.” I say nonchalantly. Julio looks at both Sax and I and turns to Lara.
“Well shall we?” He asks, extending his other hand. She goes to grab it when they are stopped.
“I don’t fucking think so. Julio, walk away from her.” Ramone says staring at his brother in the face. Julio looks at Lara then back at Ramone and then at me and smiles.
“I was unaware that she was yours.” Oh yeah.
“She isn’t.” I say, totally adding fuel to the fire.