In Duffs We Trust

Chapter 24 Dancing

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-Peach❤️

Claire was holding Tom's hand as they entered the banquet hall. Tom's mom had went above and beyond to make it even more beautiful than Claire had imagined. The large room was strung with twinkling lights from end to end as round tables were littered around the room. The main center of the room had been cleared for dancing. Beautiful flowers graced each table center and candles surrounded the rooms as well. It was perfect. At the head of the room was a small table for two. Everyone was clapping and smiling as they moved to the center of the room. Tom swung Claire around and pulled her close as the music began to play. Claire smiled as she heard her favorite song play. She gasped as The song began.

I remember all of the things that I thought I wanted to be
So desperate to find a way out of my world and finally breathe
Right before my eyes I saw, my heart it came to life
This ain't easy, it's not meant to be
Every story has its scars

When the pain cuts you deep
When the night keeps you from sleeping
Just look and you will see
That I will be your remedy
When the world seems so cruel
And your heart makes you feel like a fool
I promise you will see
That I will be, I will be your remedy

No river is too wide or too deep for me to swim to you
Come whatever, I'll be the shelter that won't let the rain come through
Your love, it is my truth
And I will always love you
Love you

When the pain cuts you deep
When the night keeps you from sleeping
Just look and you will see
That I will be your remedy
When the world seems so cruel
And your heart makes you feel like a fool
I promise you will see
That I will be, I will be your remedy

When the pain cuts you deep
When the night keeps you from sleeping
Just look and you will see
I will be, I will be
When the world seems so cruel
And your heart makes you feel like a fool
I promise you will see
That I will be, I will be, I will be...
Your Remedy

After the song ended Tom kissed Claire and she couldn't help a small tear fall. She smiled up at him knowing that in that moment everything was exactly how it should have been.

"Ladies and Gents, it's now time for the father daughter dance."

Claire felt a stab of sadness at the idea her father had missed this moment but smiled when her brother appeared looking handsome in his tux.

"Are you ready?" He smiled at her.

"Yes" she laughed as she slipped her hand into her brother's making their way on to the dance floor.

The music began and Claire smiled as she took her brothers hand into hers.

"Bruno" Claire smiled.

"It fits, besides you can count on me, is our anthem" Her brother grinned.

"That it is" she grinned back as they danced across the floor.

Tom watched with his mother as his new wife danced with his brother in law. She was beautiful in every way possible. He knew it meant the world to her that her brother came. Truth was he admired her brother. He was a hardworking man with 3 children and he was as giving as they came. Tom suddenly took notice that Claire was wearing a pair of converse and laughed out loud. Leave it up to Claire to be a rebel. He couldn't hide the satisfaction on his face. As the song ended Tom took his seat and Claire joined him. It was time for toasts and he knew it was bound to be a riot.

"To the groom my mate Tom. You lucky bastard. How is it you managed to snag a beautiful, funny, and a challenging girl is beyond me. I hope she knows your horrible table manners..."

"To the beautiful Claire, you have managed to tie down the man, the myth, the legend. He is quite a challenge himself at times but if he ever needs a good arse kicking call me..."

"To Mr, and Mrs. Hiddleston" Ben smiled raising his glass.

Everyone laughed and joined in.

"To my beautiful baby sister. I am so proud of you. You deserve everything and then some. To my brother in law, I've got eyes everywhere" he brother laughed.

Tom laughed and nodded as well.

"Oh peachy, I'm so glad to be here! Oh I thought you would be a spinster all your life with 12 cats and work. I'm so glad to see you are happy and finally where you should be. David and I are thrilled. We love you" Curtis smiled.

Claire mouthed I love you back to Curtis and David.

The party continued well into the night as food and drinks filled the room. After midnight, everyone finally made an exit and Claire followed Tom to the waiting car.

"Let's walk" Claire smiled at him.

"It's nearly a mile love" he spoke.

"Happy wife, Happy life" she laughed.

Tom laughed and told the driver they could go. Claire slipped her hand into Tom's and they began their walk back to the cottage. 

The night air was crisp but not too cold. Claire looked out on the country side as they walked enjoying the clear night and stars. Suddenly a star shot across the sky.

"Make a wish" Claire urged Tom.

"You make a wish, I have all I could ever wish for love" Tom whispered to her.

Claire closed her eyes and made a simple wish. Tom took advantage and claimed her lips to his. Claire snaked her arms around his neck pulling his body flush with hers as his arms circled her waist pulling her even closer. After a moment they pulled away.

"Let's get back so I can ravage my wife" Tom laughed.

Claire nodded and they continued their walk. Once they arrived at the cottage Tom stopped outside the door.

"Something wrong?" Claire asked at his pause.

Tom smiled and picked Claire up into his arms.

"Never" he laughed and turned the handle holding Claire close as he stepped inside with his new bride in his arms.

Once inside Tom kicked his foot out shutting the door behind them and locking it in place. He carried Claire to the bedroom and sat her down on her feet as she took in the newly decorated room. Pillar candles covered every surface as soft pink roses were placed on the nightstand and on the white linens.

"Did you?" Claire asked softly as she turned to Tom.

"I did have some help" he smiled bad at her pulling her close.

"It's perfect" she whispered to him as she slipped her hands up to the collar of his jacket before slowly removing it.

Tom took note and they slowly undressed each other taking their time kissing every inch of each other's skin. This was going to perfect. This was the first time they would be making love as husband and wife and Tom wanted it nice and slow and that's exactly what they did. Every touch meant more than it had before, every kiss, every breathe, it was perfect. As Claire lay sedated in Tom's arms she drifted to sleep with a smile.