“Oh, sorry, I got distracted. Right, right. Obviously it’s deeper than just a physical connection. I’ve never seen a couple that cares so unconditionally about each other. I thought my brother was crazy when he left New York. Especially for Delaware. I mean, what the hell is in Delaware? Well, drum roll ladies and gentleman. Penny was in Delaware. He was meant to go there to meet her. And I truly believe that. Because without Penny, I’m not sure I ever would have gotten my brother back.”
I didn’t think most people knew what Rob was referring to. And it didn’t matter, because I did. James said I had saved him. I knew Rob thought I did too. Maybe it was true. I liked to think that I helped.
“I love you Penny. Not in a weird way. As a sister and most importantly as a friend. I’ll always have your back. So don’t you ever doubt that again.” He turned to James. “And now James. My favorite sibling.”
“Hey!” Jen said.
“What? He’s getting married, Jen. Let him have his moment.”
Everyone laughed.
“Seriously, James. I love you, man. I look up to you. You’ve always been there for me. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve given up for me. And I’m so happy that you finally found someone that makes you happy. Because that’s what you deserve. A smoking hot girl that makes you happy all day long, if you know what I mean.”
James laughed.
This was so inappropriate in front of our families.
“From a professor and his student to one of the most adored couples in the city, you two are quite sensational. And I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. And I cannot wait to be an uncle to all the kids you’re certainly going to have since James never wears a condom.” Rob winked at me.
My face had to be scarlet. Why? Why did he think this stuff was okay to say in public?
James’ arm seemed to stiffen around me. Just the thought of kids entirely freaked him out. Rob was going to be waiting a long time to be an uncle.
“I bet fifty dollars that they’re going to sneak off at some point during the reception to get it on. Talk to me if you want in on the pool. And here’s to the happy couple,” Rob said and lifted his glass.
James laughed and clinked his glass against mine. “Wow, I’m sorry about all that.”
“How do you not get mortally embarrassed whenever he talks like that? Our parents are listening.”
“We’ve been living together for over two years, Penny. Everyone knows we’re having sex.”
I shook my head. “Still.”
“And that’s why I apologized on behalf of him.”
“That was way more embarrassing than Melissa’s speech.”
“Maybe I can make it up to you and let Rob win a bunch of money all at once?”
I laughed. “There’s people everywhere.”
“Leave the details to me. We can probably sneak away for a bit when the dancing starts.”
“You don’t want to just wait until we get back to the hotel?”
“I’m pretty sure this will be more memorable.” He was staring at me so intently.
I still couldn’t say no to him. I’d bend over backwards to make sure he was happy. And he was right, too. Sneaking away somewhere here would be more memorable. “As long as it’s still romantic.”
“When have you and I ever not been romantic?” He lightly bit my earlobe.
I was completely, hopelessly in love. Just his words made me want him right here on this table. I took a bite of my salad to distract myself from the desire to rip off his tuxedo. I looked out at all the people that had come to celebrate with us. Everyone was laughing and smiling. Today couldn’t be more perfect.
Saturday
As the day slowly turned to night, the reception grew even more magical. I could even just make out the stars in the sky, which was a New York City miracle.
“Let’s welcome the happy couple to the floor for their first dance,” the D. J. said.
James stood up and put his hand out for me. Hands Down by Dashboard Confessional started when we stepped onto the dance floor. I knew it was an unconventional wedding song, but this was our song. We shared our first dance to this song the first time I visited New York with James. Someone had been playing it on their guitar in Central Park. And we had danced under the stars just like this.
James spun me around and then pulled me in close. We swayed slowly despite the fast beat of the song. I stared up into his dark brown eyes. I had never seen him look more handsome, or more perfect than in this moment.
“My heart is yours to fill,” James said with a smile, quoting the lyrics. He grabbed my hand and twirled me around again.
I laughed as he pulled me back into his strong arms. I loved the feeling of his hands on my hips. We went to functions that had dancing all the time. James was an exceptional dancer. And somehow he made me seem okay at it too. I was elevated just from being near him.
“The words are hushed, let’s not get busted,” he whispered.
That was one of my favorite lyrics. It made it seem like the song was made for us. Sneaking around with him when he was my professor had been fun. But I loved now even more. I clasped my hands behind his neck, savoring the feeling of his skin beneath my palms.
“Hands down, this is the best day I can ever remember,” I said, quoting the lyrics back to him.
“Baby, you have no idea.” His hands tightened on my hips and he lifted me up in the air.
I laughed again as he slowly turned in a circle. I heard a few cheers from our guests and a splattering of applause.
James slowly slid me back down his torso. Before my feet had even touched the ground, he kissed me. Full and deep as he held me tightly in his arms.
I felt a little dizzy when he pulled away.
“Find me after your dance with your father.”
“Where are you going?”
“I’ll be setting up something romantic.” He kissed my cheek and slowly released my hand. I watched him wander through the crowd of people and disappear into the restaurant.