Neil was in awe of the woman standing next to him—his wife. He couldn't hold back the grin that took over his face when he saw her walking down the aisle. He meant every word he said in his vows; she had saved him and today she looked exactly like the angel he viewed her as.
As they walked together toward the farmhouse to get changed into their reception clothes, Neil turned to her. "Can you believe we're finally married?" He certainly couldn't. How did an antisocial guy like him get to spend the rest of his life with someone so happy and carefree and loving? She was everything he wasn't and for some reason, they still fit together nicely.
Rio was blissfully happy and it showed on her face as she turned to her husband and answered, "No! It's weird… it seems like we just met but also like I've known you forever. Is that how it is for you?" He nodded. "I guess it will always feel like that. We'll continue to get to know each other better than anyone else, yet it will never feel like enough time spent together."
When they reached the house, the first thing Rio did was chuck of the heels Allen insisted she wear. "God walking in those things is torture. Time to put on real shoes!"
Neil laughed, amused that Rio could go from deep and romantic to goofy in just a matter of seconds. She really was something else, but he wouldn't have her any other way. "Hey, Ri, what should I wear? I don't really want to stay in this monkey suit the whole night."
She returned to the living room wearing a shorter, white lace dress and a pair of white, glittery tennis shoes. "Keep the shirt and tie, lose the bottoms for some dark jeans and keep the shoes. You can take the tie off after the first dance and cutting the cake, after that it's pretty much a free-for-all."
"Roger that."
After dressing and spending a few moments together enjoying the quiet, Neil pulled his beautiful bride up from the couch and ushered her out the door. "Let's get going, Ri, I don't want Allen to storm over here to yell at us for being late to our own party."
They held the other's hand tightly as they walked over to the Diner where the reception was held. Neither really enjoyed the spotlight, especially Neil, but that's what the reception was all about.
When they walked inside, Rio gasped at the transformation that had taken place within. Fairy lights and white tulle hung from the ceiling, giving the entire room a warm, glowy atmosphere. Candles and flowers from her very own garden decorated each table. There were nametags at each seat for the guests, as well as a bunch of blank notecards for everyone to write the newlywed couple congratulations.
The most impressive part, however, was the dance floor. More than half of the Diner was cleared of tables and various colored lights shone down on the floor. A sound system sat somewhere in the back corner.
When Allen noticed the couple arrive he tapped his fork on his wine glass, gaining the attention of everyone inside. "Now that the couple of the hour has finally arrived, I would like to say a few words."
Neil looked at Rio and rolled his eyes in preparation for what was sure to be a sappy toast. Allen loved romance so he was in his element.
"I met Rio about two years ago after finding out she was the one in charge of modeling and designing my house. I immediately felt a bond with her that I have only felt with my late sister, so I knew I had to be her friend. Everything about her is joyful—her eyes, her smile, her laugh, you name it!"
The crowd "Awwed" and he continued. "She's always been capable of putting a smile on anyone's face, no matter how tired, sad, or rude they may be." He looked knowingly at Neil. "I knew she'd be able to break down the walls of the most unapproachable man in town—Neil."
Laughs could be heard throughout the room and Neil looked somewhat ashamed. Rio rubbed his back, comforting her obviously embarrassed and shy husband. She'd have to make sure to get a smile back on his face after the toast.
"And she did. Neil was smitten with her before even he knew he was. Rio was strong where he was weak and vice versa. I had my doubts about the pair at first but Neil proved to be a loyal and dedicated partner that treated my little sister like a princess. Seeing them tie the knot today was one of the happiest days of my life. I know these two will work tirelessly to keep each other happy and healthy, and that their love will only grow. Cheers! And enjoy your meal."
Applause erupted and Clement signaled to the wait-staff to begin serving dinner.
Allen made his way over to Neil and Rio and escorted them to the large table where the bridal party sat. Rio pulled him in for a hug before they sat down and she whispered in his ear, "Embarrass my husband in public like that again and you'll wish I didn't have a spare key to your flat."
In typical Allen fashion, he winked, and took his place on the other side of her at the table. The group were all chatting with one another, eating and drinking and just generally enjoying the evening. Neil and Rio were stealing glances at each other, obviously ready to enjoy their wedding night on their own.
Before too long, Mark, who was the DJ for the evening announced that it was time for the couple's first dance. Surprisingly, Neil hopped right up and offered his hand to Rio. She took it and he walked her to the dance floor and pulled her in close.
She looked up at him as the music began with a curious look on her face. "I didn't take you for the slow-dancing type."
He returned her gaze with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "I think there is more to me than you know, Rio. Dancing just happens to be one of my many hidden talents."
He dipped her low, making her gasp in shock. He bent down and quickly kissed her lips before bringing her back up. She flushed and giggled, totally in shock at his skill. "Well, I look forward to figuring out every secret that you have."
He rested his forehead on hers, eyes closed and a smile on his face. "It's a good thing we have forever then to figure them out together, right?"
She nodded and joined him in closing her eyes. For the remainder of the song she could almost imagine that it was just the two of them, locked in this embrace and enjoying the moment. All too soon the song ended and Allen strode up to her, asking to cut in. Neil obliged and went to find Felicity for a dance.
Allen looked down and Rio wanted to find out why. "What's wrong? Aren't you having fun?"
He looked away briefly to gather his thoughts, then locked onto her eyes once more. "You won't leave me, too, right? You'll come back?"
Obviously, the loss of his loved ones in childhood had left a bigger impact on him than Rio thought. It was disconcerting to see the most confident man she met, the one she looked up to, so uncertain and upset. "Of course! I'll be back before you know it. You're my the only family I care about Allen, I'll never leave you. Okay?"
He nodded and held her close for a minute, gaining back his composure. The next time she made eye contact with him he was smiling. "Sorry about that. You shouldn't be listening to my sad story on your wedding day! Felicity and I had a long talk last night where I told her everything and I think it just brought some bad memories back to the surface."
She rubbed his back as they finished up their dance and told him never to apologize for needing reassurance. "That's what I'm here for, Allen. I know you have Felicity and I have Neil, but it helps to have someone who's not romantically attached to you to listen." They parted ways after another hug and she hoped that he and Felicity would soon find the happiness that she and Neil had.
The rest of the night passed quickly. Rio danced with Vaughn, Rod, and pretty much everyone else in town while Neil danced with Chelsea and then called it quits. He was content to watch his breathtaking wife be twirled around the dance floor by her closest friends for the remainder of the evening. He got to have her for a whole month to himself, so he let her friends have time with her tonight.
The party was still in full swing when the couple decided to head back home. They had a flight to catch early the next morning and they wanted some time alone before going to bed. Neil carried her bridal style all the way from the Diner to the house, carrying her across the threshold as was tradition.
He lay her back on the bed and took off her shoes, then her socks, kissing his way up her calf to her knee. When she started to squirm from the ticklish kissed he pulled her up next to him and kissed her once on the cheek. As he unzipped the dress and admired the sexy lingerie that lay beneath he couldn't help but think about how happy he was.
He was looking forward to making love to his sweet wife, but he was still feeling overwhelmed by the idea that he got to do this for the rest of his life. She was his as he was hers and nothing would change that. He was brought out of his reverie by a very demanding kiss.
Rio looked impatient, but she was still smiling. "Well? Are you going to stand here and look all night or are you going to help me take this stuff off?"
With a smirk he quickly unhooked her bra and lay her back down on the bed. This impatient, beautiful, feisty woman was all his, and he'd never ever let her go.
