Chapter 39 : Wedding Day

Luke POV The wedding ceremony seemed like it had taken forever. I'd sat near the back, alone, watching my younger sister get married. She had been glowing and smiling, but when I'd looked at Aaron, it seemed like he wasn't thrilled. After they'd said their vows and kissed, all the guests moved to the garden for the reception. I was still bummed that Cat had decided not to come with me. If she'd been there, I was sure we'd have a way to make it all entertaining. I stood with a small group of investors that had been invited as a courtesy. I'd hoped that by inviting them, they would give me their investment money. A limo pulled up outside the garden. I'd only half been paying attention to the conversation my investors were having, so I was happy for the slight distraction. As far as I knew, all the guests had arrived. At least, the ones my family deemed as important. Who would be arriving late in a limo? It was enough to get my attention. The driver opened the back door and held his arm out. A slender arm appeared, and then Cat got out, wearing a gorgeous black dress. She smiled at the driver and straightened her dress before heading into the garden. I smiled and passed my champagne off to a server, heading over to where she stood. Her hair had been pinned up in a beautiful updo, with decorative, diamond barrettes. The dress itself had spaghetti straps and was floor-length. It had a small train and was the kind of dress I imagined professional tango dancers wearing. When Cat saw me, she smiled. I'd never seen her look so beautiful. "I thought you weren't coming," I whispered, putting a hand on the small of her back. "I said it would be the best decision if I didn't come. I'm not the greatest decision-maker," she said, giggling. "Don't sell yourself short. I think it is best that you are here," I said. I looped my arm through hers and escorted her into the garden. The moment we entered, I saw Fiona's jaw drop, and her eyes bug out. Aaron gritted his teeth and quickly grabbed Fiona, pulling her closer. Cat didn't seem to notice. She was looking across the garden at Aaron's parents and his sister. All of them were staring at her, jaws dropped. "You can do this," I assured her. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't know that," she shot back. We headed across the garden to Aaron's parents and sister. His father crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. Aaron's mother opened and closed her mouth several times, and then she looked away from Cat. I was impressed when I saw Cat smiling. "You must be so proud of your son on his special day," she said, nodding. Aaron's mother clamped her mouth closed and walked away. "Yes, we are very proud," his father sniffed and followed after his wife. I bit the inside of my cheek, keeping from laughing. It was no secret now that Aaron had cheated on Cat. Her statement was a low blow masked by a compliment. "I don't think they ever thought I was good enough for Aaron," Cat whispered to me. "Yes, because their lying, cheating son is such a catch," I whispered back, teasing. Aaron's sister, who had been standing a bit far behind her parents, came up to us and grabbed Cat's hands. She pulled her in for a hug. Cat glanced at me awkwardly, but I didn't interfere. "I'm really sorry the way things worked out," she said, giving Cat another squeeze. "Thanks. I'm glad Aaron is happy, though," Cat said. "Yeah. I hope he gets everything he deserves," she said, letting a little bitterness enter her voice. Again, I was impressed with how much grace Cat had. I knew she'd been dreading this, wondering if she'd be able to keep it together. She was handling herself very well, just like I knew she would. She'd be stronger for it at the end of the night. Cat and Aaron's sister stopped hugging. His sister looked at me and ran her eyes over me. "Well, it looks like you rebounded quickly. And between you and me, I think you made out much better," Aaron's sister said with a giggle. I chuckled and looped my arm around Cat's waist. "She definitely did." Cat's cheeks turned red, and I steered her away from Aaron's sister. We turned around, and Cat went rigid. We were face to face with Aaron. He swallowed several times, his eyes running up and down Cat. I tightened my arm on her waist. I couldn't blame the guy for thinking she was gorgeous because she was. He had no right to look at her like that. Not after what he did and not after he married my sister. "Cat… you… you l-look…" he trailed off, shrugging helplessly. "It is your wedding day, Aaron. Try to look happy," Cat said, offering a real, genuine smile. "All your guests are." "I am happy," Aaron insisted, nodding. He wasn't fooling anyone. "Did you want something?" Cat asked, arching an eyebrow. "Well… I… I just… thanks for coming," he finished lamely. Cat raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm not here for you." "Then why are you here?" Aaron asked, crossing his arms. "She's my plus one," I said, stopping the conversation before it really started. A vibrant dance song came on and I smirked. "And as my plus one, she's due on the dancefloor." I scooped Cat into my arms and pulled her onto the dancefloor where other couples were twirling around. Cat laughed and wrapped her arms around me. I led her in a waltz to start. While we danced, I noticed Fiona on the edge of the dancefloor next to Aaron. Fiona was glaring at us, and when Aaron reached for her, she slapped him away. "I know you didn't want to cause drama, but it looks like your presence has had an interesting effect on the newlyweds," I whispered to her as I dipped her over my arm. Cat laughed, glancing to the edge of the dancefloor and getting a look for herself. Her smile widened even more. I twirled Cat back across the dancefloor. When the song was done, I left Cat on the dancefloor for a moment. I requested that the DJ play something we could tango to. Pulling Cat close again, the dance floor partially cleared, and people gathered around us. "Ever tango before?" I asked softly. Cat blushed adorably. "I've seen the steps." She bit her lower lip as we started to dance. I led her in the beautiful steps of the tango. It was an elegant yet upbeat dance, and of course, sensual. I pulled Cat close and whispered as people in the crowd clapped and more guests started watching us dance. "They say the tango is one of the most erotic dances. If two partners can pull it off, they are undeniably compatible," I whispered to her. Cat giggled nervously near my ear. "Do you think we're pulling it off?" I nodded to everyone watching us and stepped back as I did another low, low dip with Cat. I kissed her neck before pulling her back up. "We are definitely pulling it off," I assured. I caught another glimpse of Fiona. She had her fists clenched and was fuming. Aaron was next to her and they were having some kind of argument. Their voices were hushed, but I caught a few words and it sounded like Fiona was furious because Cat and I were stealing all her attention. When we finished our tango, Cat stepped back and fanned herself with her hand. "Can I get you a drink?" I asked. With another change in music, more guests got on the dancefloor again. Cat and I went to the edge, away from Fiona and Aaron. "Please," she said, nodding. I grabbed us glasses of water from the bar and brought one to Cat. She took a sip and then dipped her fingers in, dabbing it on her brow and the back of her neck. "I didn't know you could dance like that," she teased. "Oh, that was all you. You made me look good," I told her. I clinked my water glass to hers. "What the h*ll is going on!?" a sharp, irritated voice shouted from behind me. I closed my eyes and groaned. Victoria was the last person I wanted to deal with right now. I'd called her, which she ignored, and sent her several texts letting her know that we didn't have to pretend anymore. I'd hoped it would keep her from making a scene at the wedding. "I'm dancing with my plus one," I said, turning around to face her. "I can't believe it! What do you think you're doing!?" she snapped, pointing at Cat. I grabbed Victoria's hand and pushed it away. People were starting to stare, and I didn't want Victoria to try and discredit Cat. Not just when she was getting her confidence back. "Not here, not now!" I hissed. "I already told you, we don't have to pretend to be together anymore." "But I…" "No!" I insisted. "If you have anything else you want to say to me, do it after the reception." Victoria snarled and glared at Cat. "Whatever." She took a step forward. Then, she threw her arm out and tossed her wine at Cat. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I tripped," Victoria said, smirking viciously. "Oh, shoot!" Cat said, grabbing a napkin from a nearby waiter and dabbing at the dress. "Victoria, that's enough. Anymore stunts like that, and I'll ban you from the resort. You'll get a one-way trip back to the States," I threatened. Victoria glared at me, but she walked off. Rather, she stomped off, her stiletto heels clicking on the dancefloor. People parted quickly to get out of her way. "Cat, are you alright?" I asked, grabbing another napkin and dabbing her dress. "I'm fine. The good thing about black is that no one can see when it is drenched in red wine," she said, giving me a brave smile. "I swear I told Victoria we weren't pretending anymore," I assured. I didn't want her to get mad at me again for hiding things. "Oh. I'm sure you did," Cat said dismissively. "Do you want me to get you a new dress? The seamstress should still be in her boutique," I offered, gently caressing her forearm. Cat looked down, her cheeks warming. "I'll be fine. I should just go to the bathroom and clean this up." Cat left me standing at the edge of the dance floor. It warmed my heart to see her so strong and resilient. I'd always known she had it in her. Now, she'd faced off with her ex's family, Aaron, and Victoria. She was going to be completely fine.