“Enjoy yourself,” he tells me. “And I hope you don’t mind dancing, because you will get pulled into it.”
I flush because I do not want to dance. But I resign myself to the fact that it’s going to happen and make the best of it. When I look over and see Charlie already in the middle of the living room with the rest of Carlos’ family, his hips swaying to the music and his arms in the air, I have to smile. He’s so happy it makes my chest ache with fondness for him.
He catches my eye and smiles at me, then gestures for me to join him. I shake my head and motion to my plate full of food. He moves towards me as he continues to dance and I laugh. He takes my hand in one of his and my plate in the other and sets it down.
“Dance with me, Papa Bear,” he says. God, I can’t resist him. I go, and he drapes his arms over my shoulders, swaying his hips.
“I don’t dance,” I whisper, my body stiff as a board. My cheeks are heating and my heart rate is spiking. I feel so out of my element.
“You’re doing fine,” he tells me, giving me a warm smile. I relax a little. But I notice we’re not exactly moving the way everyone else is.
“You’re doing great,” he tells me again, noticing how my gaze is lingering on the rest of the group. “This is enough. Baby steps.”
I nod. We dance for a little bit longer with his arms draped over me before he steps back and sways his hips, his arms jutting out to the sides. I smile as I watch him, then reach out and take his hand. He spins and I pull him into me, then find my own hips moving. The music is quite catchy. He grins.
“There you go,” he cheers. A second later, a young girl is grabbing my hand. I think she’s Carlos’ niece. She has long dark hair and brown eyes and a sweet smile. I think she must be eight or so.
“Like this,” she says, and starts to do a few simple steps that I follow. I smile and find myself relaxing to the rhythm. Charlie takes my other hand and all three of us do it together. Then suddenly, there’s a circle forming and almost a dozen people are holding hands and dancing together. It's the most fun I’ve had in a long time, even if I don’t know what I’m doing, because these people don’t care, they just love that I’m here and that I’m trying. And they are the kindest people on the planet. I’ve never felt more welcomed.
When it’s time for us to go several hours later, I find Charlie in Diego’s room. He’s showing him his book collection and his video games.
“You should come over some time so we can play,” Diego tells him as Charlie fawns over the Nintendo Switch.
“I’d be horrible at it. I’ve never even touched one,” Charlie tells him sheepishly.
“That’s okay. I’ll teach you.”
Charlie smiles. “I’d like that.”
“You ready?” I ask him.
He nods. “See you later,” he tells Diego, and we head home. It was an amazing day, but we’re both exhausted and it doesn’t take long for us to fall asleep once we’re in each other’s arms.
CHARLIE
One week later
“Do I look okay?” Rachel is standing in front of the mirror in her dressing room at the church. I’ve never seen a bride more radiant. Her dress is absolutely stunning. It’s form fitting and hugs her curves, but flares out at the bottom in a mermaid style. It’s covered in lace and has thick straps but a deep v-cut that shows off her cleavage tastefully. Her hair is in a partial updo and the rest falls in waves over her shoulders. I finished doing her make-up a while ago, and she was so grateful she almost started crying. Thankfully the mascara is waterproof.
“I’ve never been to a wedding before, so you’re the first bride I’ve seen, but I can honestly say you are perfect,” I tell her. “Colin is very lucky.”
She smiles at me. “Oh, it’s me that’s lucky. But thank you.” She squeezes my hand. “You know, I never thought I’d find love again after Paul, and honestly I was a bit of a mess, but Colin saw past all that and loved me in spite of it. He’s really quite incredible.”
I smile. “I’m happy for you.”
“You know, Paul is lucky, too,” she tells me. “You guys are good together, Charlie. I can tell. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
I flush. “Thank you. I’ll leave now. Would you like me to get Colin?”
“Yes, please.” She gives me a wide smile. “Charlie?” she says as I reach the door. I turn to face her. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
I nod. “Me, too.”
After finding the groom, I make my way to the men’s room to get into my own clothes. I didn’t want to be helping Rachel with her makeup and risk getting my dress dirty, so I waited. It’s a gorgeous one-shoulder maxi dress, black on the top and multi-colored on the bottom, in white, pink, purple and gold. I pair it with pointy gold heels and then stand in front of the mirror to apply my own makeup.
I hear a breathless “Wow,” a moment later and turn to see Paul standing in the doorway. He’s absolutely breathtaking in his tux and I can’t take my eyes away from him. The light pink bowtie and the lily corsage make his attire even more appealing. I’ve never seen him in a suit or tux before. Jesus, my mouth is going dry. We have to attend formal events more often.
“Oh, Charlie,” he whispers as he takes a few long strides towards me. Then he’s gripping my bare arms and his gaze is raking over me. “Sweetheart, you’re stunning,” he says, and it’s so heartfelt and sincere I almost melt.
