Page 72 of Finding Carly
Carly could only stand there and smile. She was almost overcome with happiness for her friends.
“I wanted to wait, but Stuart wasn’t having it,” Monica explained, glancing over at her soon-to-be-husband with a shy smile. “The plan was to wait a few months, get married,thentry for a baby. But as you all know, the pregnancy thing just kinda happened. I still wouldn’t have minded waiting, but Stuart insisted now was the right time to get married.”
“I’m thrilled for you,” Lexie said.
“Best tourever!” Ashlyn exclaimed.
Everyone laughed.
“Is everyone here?” a man asked. He’d been standing next to the railing and was obviously going to marry the couple.
“Yes. Let’s get this done,” Pid said impatiently.
There were no chairs on the platform, but no one seemed to mind. Carly leaned her back against Jag’s front as they watched their friends get married. Her gaze wandered past the happy couple exchanging their vows, to the absolutely gorgeous backdrop of the mountains directly behind them and the ocean off to the left. It was hard to believe she was standing right where movie stars had stood, attending a wedding.
And she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Jag. If he hadn’t helped her get back to living again. She squeezed his hands, which were clasped against her belly. He leaned in and rested his chin on her shoulder, holding her tighter.
The ceremony didn’t last long, it was short and very romantic. Pid looked so happy he could burst. After the officiant said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” everyone cheered and clapped as the newly married couple kissed.
The guys all went up and clapped their teammate on the back, congratulating him, while the girls hugged Monica. The guides both took what seemed like a million pictures, and then it was time to continue the tour.
One of the employees came and picked up Monica and Pid in a four-wheel vehicle to take them back to the ranch. They were leaving immediately to spend a few days at Tiki Moon Villas. They were located just north of the ranch, the bungalows right on the water.
“You good?” Jag asked quietly as they were getting ready to get back on the ATVs. He’d just placed her helmet back on her head and was buckling it up when he said, “You’ve been quiet.”
“I’m just so happy for them,” Carly said. “And very thankful I was here today. I would’ve been devastated to miss this. Even though I just met Monica recently, I feel as if we’ve been friends forever.”
Jag nodded. “You want to get married?”
Carly’s heart just about stopped beating. “Um, like ever? Or right this second?”
Jag chuckled. “Someday.”
Carly shrugged. Glancing at the others, she knew they didn’t have much time. She wasn’t sure this was the right moment to be talking about this, even if itdidmake her heart speed up to know that Jag wanted her thoughts on the topic.
He put a finger under her chin and turned her head back so she had no choice but to look at him.
“Honestly?” she said. “I haven’t thought about it much. I mean, if you’re asking if I want to settle down with someone and live happily ever after, then the answer is yes. Absolutely. But I’ve never felt a bone-deep need to be married. As long as I’m with someone who loves me as much as I love him, I’ll be happy.”
Jag stared at her so long, Carly got a little worried. Was her answer not what he wanted to hear?
“We’re perfect for each other,” he finally said softly. “I have nothing against marriage, but I’ve seen my fair share of disastrous unions.”
Carly smiled. “Is it horrible that we’re talking about not wanting to get married at our friends’ wedding ceremony?” she asked, only half kidding.
“No,” Jag said firmly. “It’s a part of getting to know each other. Of learning what makes each other tick.”
“Like making love.”
The words just kind of popped out, and she cringed the second she said them. But it was too late to erase them now.
“Yeah. Like making love,” Jag agreed. Then he leaned down and kissed her. It wasn’t a chaste or short kiss either. It was almost desperate. By the time he pulled back, they were both out of breath—and their friends were all clapping and whistling.
“Get a room!” Mustang joked.
“If you guys are done making out, can we get on with the tour?” Aleck teased.
“Fuck off,” Jag told his friends.
