The Assistant(136)

My father kissing my cheek and pulling me into another brief hug was what pulled me out of my trance, and I quickly wrapped my own arms around his thick torso before we both pulled away. Amy had taken my bouquet out of my hands and was now standing with Anna, Claire and Molly just as I took my position across from Adrian and looked over at a grinning Blake, a smirking Allen and two more of Adrian’s friends, Daniel and Mathew.

The minister began. “We are gathered here today on this happy and joyous occasion to join this man, and this woman, in holy matrimony.”

“Tonight won’t be holy, I can assure you that, Shortcake.” Adrian whispered with a smirk.

My eyes widened and I felt my entire face heat up in shock and mortification before I looked over at the minster, hoping he didn’t hear Adrian’s hushed promise.

Thankfully, the old man continued without hesitation. “Marriage is a solemn institution to be held in honour by all, it is the cornerstone of the family and of the community. It requires of those who undertake it a complete and unreserved giving of one's self. It is not to be entered into lightly, as marriage is a sincere and mutual commitment to love one another. This commitment symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives and still enhances the individuality of each of you.”

“When do we get to kiss?” Adrian asked the minister, initiating a collective gasp, followed by a few chuckles in the large room.

The minister – who looked like he was about to slap Adrian for disrespecting the tradition – answered snippily. “You’ll be able to kiss your bride soon enough.”


“I want to kiss her now. Let’s skip all the ‘I do’s’ for now; we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t want to love, comfort, honour and keep each other in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to each other for as long as you both shall live if we weren’t certain of our love.” Adrian told the minister flippantly, before giving him an expectant look.

“You were able to recite all of that, but you weren’t able to wait for a simple ‘I do’?”

“No,” Adrian snapped, losing his patience.

The minister shook his head and sighed, muttering something that sounded inappropriate for church, before closing the book shut. “With these rings, you shall wed.”

Adrian grabbed my hand and slid the ring onto my marriage finger, grinning excitedly in the process, before handing over the plain gold band to me. I sighed at his impatience and tried not to laugh at his child-in-a-candy-shop expression before slipping his wedding band on and looking over at the minister.

“I’m so sorry about him,” I apologised in a hushed tone, making the guests in the first few rows laugh.

“It’s alright dear, I can see someone is eager to be married. So, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss-”

The minister wasn’t even able to finish his sentence as I felt Adrian’s arms encircle my waist and pull me into another deep kiss, before lifting me up bridal style and making me let out a high-pitched squeak of surprise.

“My wife kisses better than my fiancé,” he announced, making both Amy and me laugh while the others looked at us in confusion.

“Does that mean I can take you to the hotel room and have my way with you now?” Adrian asked, smirking.

I gave him a flat look. “No. We still have to go to the reception!”

Adrian groaned in annoyance before walking me down the aisle – still in his arms. “Can’t they go without us?”

“Keep this up and the only way you’ll be having tonight is the highway back home while I enjoy the lovely hotel room alone,” I warned. “Oh! Did you tell Vera Wang that I said thank you for the dress?”

“Oh no.” He began in a deadpan voice. “I must have forgotten to; even after the 13 messages and constant reminders over breakfast.”

I scowled. “No need to be sarcastic.”

He began to make smooching noises. “I want another kiss.”

“Yeah, well, I want your mother to have my daughter-in-law’s boobs; but we can’t all get what we want in life can we?” A new voice spoke up just as we exited the church.

I laughed and Adrian rolled his eyes just as Mason Kingston stood in front of us and grinned. “Congrats, bestie. Now he’s your bitch for real.” Mason winked, before placing a kiss on my cheek and ruffling Adrian’s hair – who didn’t even bother to get it styled in the first place.

“Don’t worry, Mase, I’ll make sure to keep him on his toes just for you.” I winked, grinning.

“Let’s just get this day over and done with so nighttime can come faster and I can finally do what I’ve wanted to do all day – you.” Adrian spoke up, looking down at me with a broad grin.

“Adrian… I didn’t want to tell you before because I didn’t want to disappoint you on your wedding day, but… we can’t have sex. I… it’s that time of the month…” I trailed off, biting my lip to refrain from laughing at the lie I knew would shatter him.

“Don’t lie to me. I checked the bin this morning after you left to make sure-”

“You did what?! That is so disgusting, Adrian! What the hell!”

Adrian burst into a fit of laughter just as we arrived at the while limousine that was taking us to the reception hall. “I was joking Shortcake; although, maybe I should do that the next time you try to lie to me like that…” He trailed off.