Page 73 of Something New

Ashlaughed, but leaned closer to Declan all the same. He closed his eyes as theirlips touched, keeping the kiss light and soft.

Butterfliesexploded in his stomach anyway, like they still did every time Declan touchedhim. He was starting to think that would never change.

Thatshouldn’t really have been a surprise. Declan was the love of his life.

Thecrowd burst into applause and wolf-whistles.

Well,one wolf-whistle, which Ash was fairly sure had come from Charlie’s generaldirection. He’d been championing their relationship since they moved here.

Itwas good to have friends. Not just Charlie, but everyone else who’d come heretoday.

Itwas good to be able to promise Declan his life and devotion in front of all ofthem, to make up for the wedding they never got to have.

“Oh,uh,” Ash said, turning to the crowd. “There’s also cake.”

Marcustook that as his cue to go get it, turning the crowd’s attention to themasterpiece he’d put together for them.

Ashlooked back to Declan, grinning up at him.

“Thatwas a better wedding,” Declan said. “Less paperwork, more friends, cake after.”

Ashchuckled, squeezing Declan’s hands one last time before tugging him to climbdown off the stage.

“Justwait until we get to the honeymoon.”