Love At First Hate (Love At Firsts Book 2)(59)
We both catch our breath, and Nate gets up from the bed and walks to me. He holds his hand out to me. I take it and get up. We kiss passionately and make our way to the bathroom for one hot steamy shower before heading to bed for some much-needed rest.
My heart is swelling at how much love Nate is giving and showing. For someone who didn’t want to love and be loved, he’s warming up very quickly to the thought of having something good between us, something strong and steady, and I couldn’t be any happier.
May 10, 2016
This past week has been amazing. Not only did I get to spend it with my sister and her friends, but also with my boyfriend, his friends, and family. I only expected to have some fun and to chaperone Maddie and her friends, but I got so much more than that.
Matt’s family accepted me straightaway, and I found myself having drinks with his father and brother last night. They invited me, and I thought Matt would be there, but it was just the three of us. I was a bit nervous in the beginning, but that quickly went away as we started talking and drinking. They just wanted to make sure my head and heart were in the right place and that I wouldn’t hurt Matt. I reassured them, and in the end, we found ourselves talking about the most random shit you could come up with.
Valentine finally joined us. He had to stay behind because of some work he had to take care of. We had a good catch up, and he took us all to one of the best seafood restaurants on the island. Apparently, he knows of the best places there are everywhere, which is good. At least for people who are allergic to seafood like me. I didn’t want to hold everybody up and make them miss the amazing dinner they had just because I couldn’t eat it. Valentine managed to make the chef cook me a rice dish that’s apparently local. I have no idea what I really had, but it was amazing and seafood-free, so I was happy.
In the event that Matt and I ever get married, I’d totally go for a week of fun in an exotic location for it. You get to spend time with your friends and family, discover new places, and marry the person you love. What more could you ask for? I’m shocking myself that I’m even entertaining the idea of getting married. I know Matt is my one. This week has confirmed it. Maybe that’s why I’m not so anti-relationships anymore.
I haven’t seen any more of Lindsey these past couple of days, which was greatly appreciated by everybody. I don’t know if she’s still in the hotel or if she went back home, but I’m glad no one has seen her. Nobody needs her negative attitude.
Only shadow to this perfect vacation is that Valentine seems to have taken a liking to Madeline, and while I know she’s old enough to take care of herself, I know that Valentine is a player, and I don’t want him to corrupt Maddie or hurt her. He might be taller and stronger than me, but I’ll pound him into the ground if he ever hurts her. I made sure they both were aware of it. Which made Valentine laugh but understand, and Maddie was utterly embarrassed, which I kind of enjoyed a little more than I should have. I’m just looking out for my baby sister. I don’t know what Robert has planned for her, but I don’t want her to get into more trouble than they would bring.
Today is the day of the wedding, and everybody is happy. Matt left early this morning to go get ready with the girls as he’s the Master of Honor. He’s rather proud of that title, and I’m sure he’ll do it justice.
“Are you alright, Nate?” Adam asks me, startling me as I was lost in thought. The few friends I have are all in the wedding party and are busying themselves with getting the last things ready. I’m not sure exactly what Haven and Spencer would want me to do or how much they’d want me involved in it, so I’m not sure what I can do to make myself useful, and I didn’t want to just butt in with Matt’s family.
“Yeah, can’t say I’m familiar with weddings, though.” I chuckle nervously.
“Come on, sit with us. You’re part of the family now.” He claps my back and leaves his hand on my shoulder, walking me to where they are sitting in the front row.
“Thanks, si-I mean, Adam.”
“Good catch, and no need to thank me. We told you that you were part of the family. No need to stay in your corner when Matt is being his social butterfly self.”
“Tell me about it. I wasn’t sure where to sit, to be honest.” I sit next to him, waving at the others.
“Why not?”
“It’s still so new to me being a part of a large group.”
“Well, you better get used to it and fast.” Adam chuckles, and my newfound friends start filling the room.
This isn’t the first wedding I’ve attended. Well, it’s the second. The first one was Caroline’s, and it was nothing like this one. You could feel the love between Haven and Spencer and the love from their friends. It was amazing to witness, although I had eyes only for Matt. He was standing there, looking amazing in his three-piece suit with purple accents. He was breathtaking.
After they had been announced husband and wife, we moved to a private part of the beach where the hotel staff set up an amazing reception. Beautifully dressed long tables under a white canopy with candles around the area and purple flowers placed everywhere. It was just amazing.
It’s crazy how you can tell the difference between a forced wedding and one that’s out of love. People were just happy and enjoying themselves. I hope I’ll get this one day.