I’m hopeless.
We cut into the bottom layer, our hands working together to cut a thick wedge as Kaden grabs a plate for me. We slowly work it onto the dish, the dessert flopping over messily as I grin.
“It’s also tradition that we feed each other…” my husband’s husky voice whispers in my ear as he kisses my pulse.
My spine shivers as I swallow.
Can feeding each other really be sexy? Why am I thinking this?
I don’t know what compels me to do it, but I scoop up some cake and frosting between my fingers, offering it to him as I glance up through my lashes. Kaden’s gaze sears me as he gently grabs my wrist, and his lips part around the dessert. His eyes close as his tongue sweeps over my digits and his piercing rubs against my skin.
Well, there’s my answer.
I’m going to combust.
He releases me, drawing back before doing the same thing. He scoops a generous amount of cake, grabbing the part with the most icing because he knows it’s what I want, as he holds it out to me. I follow his lead, my fingers wrapping around his wrist before I take the sugary frosting into my mouth. It’s perfect, with the right ratio and a light almond flavor. But I’m no longer focused on cake as my tongue lavishes his digits as if I’m sucking his cock. My eyes flutter as I bob my head slightly, making a show of it all.
Kaden’s jaw flexes as his eyes narrow dangerously on me. I’m taunting him, giving him a taste of what I could do if only he hadn’t fucked with my head. As I draw back, his thumb rubs over my bottom lip, dragging it until it bounces back in place. I bite his finger, not hard enough to elicit pain, but enough to make my stance on our little war abundantly clear.
You can have your fun, but tomorrow, there won’t be a dutiful wife waiting for you.
He brings his glistening fingers to his mouth, stealing what I left over on his digits as he stares at me with knowing eyes.
Game on.
“You two are freaked out,” Saint says with amusement lacing his voice from behind us.
There’s an audible smack before Kodi pipes in. “Shut the hell up. Be glad I only slapped you upside the head, you fucking rat.”
As the cake-cutting ends and people scatter, I clear my throat, pulling my gaze away from Kaden as I pinpoint my mom across the venue. She’s alone now, staring at her champagne flute with distant eyes as she crosses her legs under the table. I don’t know why I feel guilty, but it has me moving before anyone can stop me.
As I near her table, I pull out the chair beside her. “Is this seat taken?”
She peers over her shoulder at me, her face softening. “Of course not.”
I ease down, sighing as I try to find the words. I take the lace of my dress between my fingers, rubbing it as my mouth opens and closes repeatedly.
“I’ve always known…” Mom says quietly, causing my head to whip up to her. She takes my hand in hers, brushing her thumb over my knuckle. “You two were inseparable. I think I realized it the day we had family pictures, and you and Kaden came back from the creek covered in mud. The way he looked at you…” She shakes her head, sniffling as her eyes become glassy and get a fondness to them. “He looked at you like your father used to look at me all those years ago…”
“Mom…” I whisper, unable to get past this. She knew. This whole time.
Her eyes shift to me, riddled with age but still so affectionate and caring. “I’ve only ever wanted what was best for you, Jellybean. If Kaden makes you happy, then I’m happy.”
I blink, battling my own tears. “Oh, I’m so pissed at him right now.”
“Rightfully so,” Mom muses. “I think your dad is outside smoking a cigarette. He needs it right now.”
My eyes widen. “Maxwell Wildersmoking?”
“The horror,” she agrees. “None of us know what to make of this situation.”
“Imagine being the bride,” I smirk.
She chuckles, looking down at our hands before her face settles into something tender. “Love isn’t linear. At least it isn’t in my book. It’s ever-changing and flowing with the tides.” Her thumb brushes over my knuckle. “All I know is that if I had my second chance at a happily ever after, then so should you, baby. I’m not telling you to fall into his arms, but I’m also not telling you that you shouldn’t give him another chance at redemption. People change.”
I nod as I curl my fingers around hers. “That first time was reallymessy…”
“I know,” she whispers. “But sometimes, we have to have faith that our hearts are in the right place. Kaden adores you. I’ve been able to see it since you were kids.”