The night continues, and Mike announces it’s time for our first dance as husband an
d wife. “Please welcome to the floor Mr. and Mrs. O’Connell,” Mike announces.
Aiden leads me onto the dance floor, the lights dim, and a spotlight shines on us. He takes me in his arms, and I wrap mine around his neck while our song, “Thank You for Loving Me,” by Bon Jovi plays.
I’m filled with elation that after everything we’ve been through, we’ve officially made it. We’ve come through all the blackness and into this fantastic world that is now only looking brighter and full of happiness.
Even after everything—the trust issues, the ex issues, the father issues—Aiden and I are a stronger team together. Nothing and no one can tear our bond because we are unbreakable. We are simply meant to be. I know it, he knows it. Hell, all of the people here know it too. Yeah, we’ve had our ups and downs, but that’s what has made us who we are now.
Aiden moves in when the song finishes, leans me over, giving me a Hollywood-style kiss, and everyone cheers. The bridal party enters the dance floor and Lonestar’s “Amazed” plays.
Once the formal part of the evening is over, Mike starts the dance music.
Aiden leans in against my ear. “Come with me,” he whispers.
I giggle as we leave the dance floor and make our way back to the private room, so we are finally alone.
“I can’t take my eyes off you. You take my breath away,” Aiden admits as his hand moves to my cheek where he caresses me softly. We start kissing and get lost in each other’s touch for what seems like hours. Then I hear someone clear their throat.
Aiden pulls his lips from mine, and we turn around to see Mike smirking. “Sorry to interrupt, but your guests are wondering where you have escaped to.”
Aiden chuckles, laces his fingers with mine, and we reluctantly turn to go back out to join the party.
“Before you go, Aiden, I wanted to ask you something,” Mike mentions.
“Sure, Mike… fire away,” Aiden replies.
Mike fiddles with his tie, then clears his throat. “Okay, so here goes… Callie is the love of my life. She always has been. I was forced to take a back seat when her parents shut me out, and I wasn’t allowed to see her. Then your father came along…” He pulls in a deep breath. “I’ve loved her from afar, and I never thought I’d have the opportunity to be with her. I won’t let another minute go by where I’m without her, Aiden. Callie means everything to me. She always has and always will.” He inhales deeply like he’s preparing himself for what comes next. “I guess what I’m trying to say is… Aiden… do I have your blessing to ask Callie to marry me?” Mike asks.
My heart leaps into my throat as my eyes shoot to Aiden, and for once, he’s not trying to mess with Mike. He’s smiling so wide I think his cheeks must be hurting. Aiden reaches out and hugs Mike, complete with a back slap. Mike exhales and laughs as he wraps his arms around Aiden.
“Mike, I’m so happy for you both. You have no idea. Could this day get any better? Of course, you can marry Mom. And thank you for asking. Although, you didn’t need to. I absolutely give you both my blessing, and I know Bree and Killian will, too. They love you just as much as I do,” Aiden states as he lets Mike go.
Mike’s eyes glisten almost like he’s going to cry. I know I’m about to.
“Thanks so much, Aiden. You don’t know what that means to me. You’ve just made an old man very happy,” he chimes as he pats Aiden on the arm. “Well, you should probably get back to your reception, everyone’s waiting for you,” Mike adds.
“Thanks, Mike… for everything.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, and Aiden?”
“Yeah?”
“You have lipstick on your mouth,” Mike jests as he walks past us.
I can’t help but laugh as I lean over and wipe it from Aiden’s lips.
“Thanks, Mike.” Aiden chuckles.
When it’s time to leave, everyone makes an archway for us to move through. Taking my hand, Aiden leads us to say goodnight to our guests.
As we make our way to the penthouse suite at the top of the Intercontinental, Aiden bends down and picks me up. I giggle as he carries me into our suite and straight to the bedroom where he gently places me to the floor. He stands at the edge of the bed and loosens his tie. I turn my back to him, and he gently kisses my shoulder as he undoes the sash on my dress. Slowly, he unbuttons the latticework, letting it fall to the floor, revealing my white lingerie.
“You look truly amazing.”
I turn to face him, slowly taking off his tie, and begin undoing the buttons on his jacket, vest, and shirt, eventually baring his masculine chest.
He moves in and kisses me—it’s nice to finally be completely alone with each other. His hand moves to my breast over my strapless lace corset, and he massages it gently while his tongue finds mine. Without breaking the kiss, he moves his hand to the bottom of my zip-up corset, and gently sliding down the zipper, it opens revealing my breasts. Aiden takes a deep breath at the sight and throws my corset to the floor. My lips move back to his as he pulls at my veil, unclipping it from my hair, and it also falls to the floor.