Alien in the Family

“Your Body is a Wonderland” by John Mayer, but the only thing I was aware of was Martini’s kiss.
    We finally had to break apart to do the bouquet and garter stuff. Kimmie ran a new bouquet to me, a little safer for throwing over my head, while I discussed things with the photographer, also known as Mister Joel Oliver. It was the first time I’d actually seen him, but he insisted he’d caught pretty much everything.
    “Pictures are going to be amazing,” he said cheerfully. “The video should be particularly good.”
    “I don’t think I want to know. But glad you’re enjoying yourself.”
    He grinned. “Scoop of the year, at least this half of it. Royalty, huh?”
    “That’s the rumor.”
    “I’ll take it. It flies better than the truth.”
    “It is the truth.”
    Oliver winked at me. “Sure it is. Now, let’s keep the events moving.”
    The single gals were all behind me, so I decided to get back to having fun. Pierre played Madonna’s “Material Girl” while we got ready, and I did a couple of fake tosses for Oliver and also because hearing the shrieking behind me never got old. Did a mighty fling back there and spun around to see who would come up with it. Tim’s girlfriend, Alicia, was the lucky winner. She blushed bright red, and he grinned, while the other guys did the ribbing thing.
    Next it was garter time. Back in a chair on the dance floor, Pierre spinning the stripper music. Martini went down on one knee and slowly slid my dress up to a ton of hooting, cheering, and catcalls. He gave me a wicked grin, then ran his tongue up my leg and pulled the garter off with his teeth. I managed not to have a screaming orgasm from this, but it required more self-control than I was normally able to exert. He knew it, too, and looked extremely pleased with himself.
    Martini’s turn to do the fake tossing a few times, then for real. Since the guy who caught the garter would put it on the bouquet winner’s leg, Tim was doing his best to catch it. However, going into outer space apparently gave you the edge, and being an A-C meant he could really jump, and Michael Gower came down with the garter in hand.
    He enjoyed putting it on Alicia, but then he had the whole “you’re getting married next” thing explained to him. Offered to do the toss over again. Entire crowd said no in unison. Tim explained that Michael wasn’t marrying his girl, and much more hilarity that’s only funny when you’re there ensued.
    More dancing, mostly slow songs, and Martini and I made out through most of them. It truly was the best reception ever.

CHAPTER 74

    SOMEWHERE ALONG IN THE NIGHT the dance floor got crowded enough that no one was paying attention to us any more, and Martini took my hand and led me off to the side.
    Reader joined us, carrying my veil. “I have the gate scheduled for noon tomorrow.”
    Martini nodded. “Sounds good.”
    “Girlfriend, unless you want to take it with you, I’ll get your bouquet preserved.”
    “Anything you’re not taking care of for me?”
    He grinned. “Only the wedding night and honeymoon. You two are on your own for those.”
    “I think we can handle it.” Martini hugged Reader. “Thanks, James. For everything.” They patted each other’s backs in that man way, then Martini put his arm around my waist.
    “James . . .” I moved away from Martini and hugged Reader tightly. “I don’t have any gift for you.” That wasn’t everything I wanted to say to him, but all the things I wanted to say I didn’t want to share with anyone else, not even Martini.
    He hugged me back. “It’s okay. This working out is the best present.” He kissed the side of my head and whispered in my ear, “Now Paul and I can get married, too, you know. I do have some skin in this game.”
    “You’d have done it if you hadn’t.”
    “Sure, but I’m not completely altruistic. Bring me back something nice from Cabo. It’ll give you two a reason to get out of the bedroom—shop for your wedding party while you’re on your honeymoon.”
    I laughed. “Will do.” I kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear. “I love you, James. Thank you for always being there for me.”
    We finally broke apart, Martini put his arm back around my waist, and Reader hustled us off in the middle of a particularly popular song, “Pennsylvania 6-5000” by Glenn Miller. Why this song had brought all the guests to their feet I couldn’t say, but they all, young and old, seemed to be loving it.
    We