“I can’t believe they knew all along about my father’s debts.” Taylor’s gaze followed her grandparents on the dance floor.
“I’m sure your father would have eventually told you, too,” Nick said. “But if you hadn’t been so desperate for money, you wouldn’t have agreed to be my fiancée, and we wouldn’t be here now.”
“I think God would have found a way to get us together,” Taylor said, softly brushing her fingers against his cheek.
The sound of five hundred pieces of silver clinking against crystal goblets filled the ballroom of the Heritage Hotel.
Nick turned to his new bride and smiled. “Shall we?”
“It is tradition,” Taylor said with mock resignation, even as her lips curved in a smile.
Nick lifted his napkin off his lap and dropped it to the linen-clad table. He pushed back his chair and stood, reaching for her hand.
Her fingers were warm against his skin, and a faint whiff of perfume stirred his senses. She turned and raised her arms so that her hands rested lightly on his shoulders. Her face tilted upward, waiting for his kiss.
Never had she looked more beautiful. He thanked God once again for the love and trust reflected in her gaze. Out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of his mother and stepfather smiling proudly.
Yes, he had a lot to be thankful for.
“Are you going to kiss her or just stand there looking like a love-struck fool?” Henry’s voice boomed from a nearby table.
Nick’s smile widened, and he lowered his lips to his new bride, forcing himself to keep the kiss light and brief. There’d be time for more later. Much more.
The guests clapped. Nick chuckled. Taylor’s cheeks turned pink. They sat down, and Nick rested his arm around the back of Taylor’s chair, glad to be out of the spotlight. Unfortunately it didn’t last long.
He stifled a groan as Erik pushed back his chair and stood, a mischievous glint in his eye.
“As the best man, I believe a toast is indicated.” Erik lifted his glass of champagne, his gaze focused on Taylor and Nick. “I’ve known Nick for a long time, and he’s made some smart moves in the past—hiring me as his attorney comes immediately to mind—but hanging on to Taylor wasn’t just a smart move, it was a brilliant one. Seeing how happy they are almost makes me want to get married. Almost. But truly, Nick, Taylor, may you have a long and happy life together. Go forth and multiply.”
Abruptly Erik sat down amidst laughter and a round of applause.
“Thank you, Erik.” Nick rose, his smile widening. “That part about multiplying sounds especially intriguing.”
Laughter erupted once again, but died down when Nick turned to the audience of friends and family, his face serious. “I’d like to take this opportunity to do a toast. I’ve said it before but never have I meant it more than I do at this minute.” He raised his goblet, and his voice rang strong and firm in the silence. “To the woman who made me realize that I could have all the riches in the world but be poor without her by my side. To my lovely Taylor, my best friend, my love, and now, my wife. I am truly blessed.”
By the time he finished, Taylor’s eyes glistened with tears. Nana dabbed at her eyes with the tip of a napkin, and Grandpa Bill cleared his throat. Even Nick had a lump in his throat, thinking how far they’d come.
He sat down and impulsively brushed a kiss across Taylor’s lips. “I love you, Mrs. Lanagan.”
Her fingers brushed his cheek. “I love you, too, Mr. Lanagan.”
“Break it up, you two.” Grandpa Bill leaned across the table. “There’s plenty of time for that later.”
“We’re just getting warmed up,” Nick said with a grin. “Erik did tell us to be fruitful and multiply.”
“For once, a member of this family that listens to me.” Erik laughed. “I threw that in because Bill over here was telling me you and Taylor want a big family. I couldn’t believe it.” His friend eyed him with a calculating expression. “You really want six kids?”
Nick’s gaze slid across the crowded room. Past the little ring bearer in his tux dancing with the flower girl, past the children at the various tables nestled between their parents. He thought of what Taylor had taught him, about what is really important in life.
He leaned over and wrapped Taylor’s hand in his before turning to Erik with a smile he didn’t try to hide. “Hey, call me crazy. But I really do.”