Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

Chapter 37

Liam always treats me like a princess, so I wasn't surprised when the horse drawn carriage arrived to take us to the reception.

"It's beautiful, Liam. Thank you, my Prince Charming."

He takes my hand, kissing it gently before enclosing it in his own. "Anything for my Princess."

Everyone at the reception area pauses to watch as we arrive. I can literally hear the sighs as Liam effortlessly lifts me down from the carriage, giving me a kiss once my feet are firmly on the ground. Or perhaps that's my own sigh I hear.

As we approach I hear Louis announcing us. "Ladies and Gentleman, Mr. and Mrs. Liam Payne! Or as I like to call them, Mr. and Mrs. Payno."

Liam and I make our way around the room greeting as many people as we can. When we finally sit down to eat, I'm relieved. Whispering in Liam's ear, "I'm starving."

He smirks. "Usually when you tell me that you don't mean food, Love."

I giggle. "True." Then I put my hand on Liam's thigh under the table. "Actually..." I'm kissing him just as I hear Louis clearing his throat.

"Can you two nymphos hold off long enough for some toasts?"

Liam and I laugh loudly. "We will try our best, Louis."

He smirks then taps his knife on his champagne flute. "One of my jobs as the best man is to toast this extraordinary couple." Pausing to smile at us, he continues. "They make it quite easy. They are two of the kindest people I've ever met. I'm glad to have been along to watch their relationship grow. Although I'm still a little skeptical about how it started...but I won't go there." He adds a wink then continues. "I think it's obvious to anyone who spends mere seconds in their presence, that they share an incredibly special bond. A once in a lifetime love, that we all hope for. Here's to a long life full of health and happiness." Louis gives me a kiss on the cheek before giving Liam a big hug.

Next up is Caroline.

"I was so thrilled when Liz asked me to be her Maid of Honor. We've become such close friends. She and Liam mean the world to me. Like Louis, I too have been around to watch their relationship grow. It's an extraordinary thing to watch as soul mates discover each other." I try to hold back my tears as I watch Caroline pull out a beautiful hand carved wooden box. "I found this box here in Italy, and I came up with the perfect use for it. Liz, Liam...I am going to pass this box around the room. Everyone has brought either wishes for you, or sentimental reminders of your relationship, which they will put in the box. Then maybe later tonight...scratch that I'm sure you'll be too busy." She smirks. "Maybe you can take it on your honeymoon...ok maybe when you get back from your honeymoon..." Laughing she finishes. "Nevermind, someday you can look through it."

Liam and I grin.

"I myself have placed two items in the box that remind me of your relationship, and how far it's come. A pair of earplugs, and some buttons."

Liam and I look at each other and laugh. Remembering the time Caroline let me know that she had the hotel room next to mine, and the time Liam ripped my blouse open causing buttons to fly all over Caroline's work room.

She winks at us before continuing. "I love you both. I don't know of two people more deserving of such a marvelous relationship. My wish for you is that the magic between you always continues to grow and grow."

Liam and I give Caroline big hugs before addressing our guests. I begin. "We want to thank you all so much for joining us on our special day, in our special place." I feel Liam's arm tighten around my waist. He knows I'm not a big fan of speaking in front of crowds. "Liam and I talk often about how sometimes it's hard to find words big enough to express the love that you feel." I look up into his eyes, finding the love and support I need. "So if I lack the proper words today, I hope you all can feel how much you mean to us, and how much we love you."