VICTORIOUS (A Quantum Novel)(89)

A flush of heat travels from my breasts to my face at his reference to the parts of him that I’ve fully accepted. I have to tamp down the urge to laugh at his outrageousness, which only I and a few others will recognize as such.

“I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure I’m worthy of all the priceless gifts you’ve given me, Natalie. I love you now and forever.”

We kiss again, and the judge clears his throat, reminding us we’re not done.

Laughing, we exchange rings—again—and kiss more intently after the judge declares us husband and wife. Again.

Though it felt as real as it could get in Vegas, this time it feels official because those we love best witnessed it. Fluff circles our feet, barking and yipping.

Flynn bends to pick her up and places her in my arms before leading me down the aisle between the rows of chairs where his sisters, their families and others I haven’t met yet cheer for us as we go by.

We take hundreds of pictures in the Godfreys’ beautiful garden, some by ourselves and others with family and friends. We drink champagne and kiss as often as we can before we’re ushered inside and upstairs to the ballroom for the party. The wedding party I didn’t know I had until today is announced, until only Flynn and I remain outside the doors, holding hands and kissing with Fluff dashing between our feet.

“I would’ve have said we didn’t needed this,” I tell him, “but I’m so glad we did it.”

“I am, too. It feels somehow more official now that we have all these witnesses.”

“I thought the same thing earlier. No getting out of it now, Mr. Godfrey.”

He kisses me again, lingering longer than he probably should have with a room full of people waiting for us to make our appearance. “No desire to get out of anything, Mrs. G.”

From inside the room, we hear, “Please join us in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Flynn Godfrey.”

“That’s our cue, sweetheart.” He extends his arm to me.

I slip my hand into the crook of his elbow.

The room erupts into applause when we enter, Fluff trailing along beside us like the star of the day that she is. Without her, none of this would be happening. Candace picks up Fluff, and I send my sister a thankful smile. I still can’t believe she and Livvy and Leah and Aileen are here. I blow kisses to Logan, who is beaming, and his sister, Maddie.

I’m absolutely stunned to see a ten-piece orchestra, a stage and Jason Mraz.

Jason Mraz?

“Surprise,” Flynn whispers as he leads me to the dance floor as Jason sings “I Won’t Give Up,” the song we chose as our wedding song that night in Vegas.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe this!” I’m overwhelmed by the incredible surprise as we dance to the song that will always bring back such beautiful memories of the first time we said “I do.” And now this, too… “Amazing surprise. Thank you so much.”

“You’ll have to thank my mom. She called in a few favors with the record company.” He draws me in closer to him, close enough that I can feel his arousal hard and heavy against my belly. “I won’t give up, Nat. No matter what, I’ll never give up on us.”

I rub against him as shamelessly as I’m able to without making a scene. “I won’t either. I promise.” I gasp when the vibrating bullet in the panties he made me wear comes to life between my legs. I experience the same thrill I got at the club when people were watching us.

“Save some of those moves for the honeymoon.”

Raising my head off his shoulder so I can see his face, I say, “What honeymoon? We’ve been on our honeymoon for weeks.”

He scoffs. “Please. Give me a break. Hanging out at home is not a honeymoon.”

“Flynn…”

“Shhh.” He kisses the words off my lips. “Enjoy your wedding.”

When the song ends to resounding applause, Jason calls Estelle Flynn to the stage and hands the microphone off to her. Thankfully, Flynn turns off the vibrator, and I sag against him in relief. My entire body is humming from the drumbeat of desire. I’m beginning to accept that as a permanent part of my new life with Flynn.

“Thank you so much, Jason,” Stella says. “Wasn’t that amazing?” She leads another round of applause for the singer, who takes a courtly bow and blows a kiss to us before he exits the stage.

I try not to swoon in the arms of my new husband.

“Max and I are so pleased and honored to welcome Natalie to our family. We have hoped and prayed that our wonderful son would someday find someone who brings him the kind of joy he’s experienced with Natalie. We love you both, and we’re so happy for you today.” After some more applause, Stella continues. “I understand my new daughter-in-law and I have something in common, so I’d like to dedicate this to her and to my beloved son.” She nods to the orchestra, which plays a familiar tune that immediately brings tears to my eyes.