Saving Grace #Wattys2016

Chapter Twenty Seven

I was changed into my "gala" dress for the reception by time the sun's last light fell behind the horizon.

  "Why do I have a feeling you had something to do with it?" I glared at Mama who was helping me get changed.

  "Cause I did." Mama grinned. "He knew you wouldn't want something splashy or to wait too long so he wanted it before you guys came back. Olivia and I used every contact we had to pull this off."

  "Thank you, Mama; it was beautiful." I turned around to hug her and she pulled me to face to mirror.

  "Look at you, Grace. You're a strong and powerful woman who fought for what she wanted and won; don't you ever stop fighting."

  "Never." I kissed her cheek. "Now let's get going; I'm starved!" Mama laughed and shook her head. She seemed to have gotten brighter since she married Parker. She was explaining how New York life was treating her while we walked hand in hand to the ballroom where Hardy stood waiting for me.

  "Well hello, gorgeous." He slipped an arm around my waist and hugged me close. "Ready to go?"

  "Been ready." I smiled as the deejay announced us in.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce the new Mr. and Mrs. Hale, Hardison and Grace!" The crowd cheered like it was a football game as we walked in with a happy song on. We danced-well I danced, Hardy did some jumping around-to our table which was nested between our wedding parties own. During cocktail hour, I was introduced to the better half of Houston's wealthy population, family members from other states, and the Allen football team which also doubled as most of Hardy's friends.

  "Why, Hardison, she's absolutely perfect for you." One of his relatives drawled in a Georgian accent then to me, "I can't wait to see how much of a wonderful addition you will be to the family."

  "Leave it to Aunt Marcy to make you feel welcomed." The deejay announced the first dance for the newlyweds and Hardy pulled me onto the floor when the soft music trickled to us.

  "So, how do you like the party, Mrs. Hale?" Hardy's lips were hovering over mine, his eyes bright with excitement. It took a small part of my mind to realize this was exactly what I pictured on Ella's wedding day.

  "A bit boring but my husband is keeping me entertained." He laughed and I rested my head on his shoulder. "Thank you for this, all of this; it's exactly the way I would've wanted it."

  "Only the best for my darling wife." The music switched into a different kind as sometimes we danced like it was high school prom all over again, other times I was while I was whirled around the dance floor by, Parker, Jack, Danny or one of my new brothers-in-law. Three hours later, when the fun was over, we were running through rice outside the hotel to get into the car. Instead of going back into the hotel like I expected, the car drove past it and took a different road, stopping at what looked like a cabin near the sea.

  "Let me guess: the hotel room was just until the wedding." Hardy's smile answered my question as he swung me up into his arms.

  "Can't let you walk over the threshold, now can I?" He walked me to the door with ease before stopping. "Um, honey, could you open the door?" Laughing at his clumsy romance, I opened the door to our private getaway. It was small but cozy in an intimate way with an open floor plan which included split levels and lots of windows. We went up the stairs and into the bedroom where Hardy finally put me down. "You're probably ready to call it a day."

  "Am I ever!" I sighed while unzipping the dress. "Anna and I were in the-Hardy?" The way he looked at me was like no other, I looked down, realizing I was wearing to nude corset set I brought today. Within two seconds he was already on my scent, taking my hair out of its bun and pulling down to the bed. It was like he couldn't get to me fast enough. Something ripped and I mildly wondered if Hardy or I did it, probably Hardy since he was in some kind of frenzy. Before I knew it, he pushed the overdrive button of my body. "Hardison!" I screamed. "I can't, please-"