Lingering Kiss

Chapter 24

Fred knew she couldn't avoid him today of all days. Since he arrived two weeks ago to help Andre out with the wedding preparation and organizing the bachelor's party being his best man, Mia had avoided him. He hadn't seen her in almost two years after she fled. Now that they were both back in the place that they had fallen in love, she didn't want to look at him much less have a conversation with him.

He had seen her for the first time yesterday at the rehearsal but she had done everything to stay away from him including asking Josie to walk down the aisle with him instead of her as planned.

He was a patient man but Mia was pushing all his buttons and he was losing the last of his patience. He had to talk to her, no, needed to talk to her.

He sighed as he took his place behind Andre at the altar. He looked at the end of the aisle just in time to see Mia walking down with a bouquet in her hand and a smile on her face. She smiled at Andre and ignored him as she had been doing before joining Josie on the other side of the altar.

He couldn't get over how beautiful she looked. Every single time he laid eyes on her, she seemed to be beautiful than the last.

Everyone arose as the wedding song started. Fred dragged his gaze away from Mia and focused on the wedding, his best friend, his brother was getting married. It wasn't something he ever thought would happen but here he was. He would get Mia after the wedding. He'd drag her after the wedding if he had to.

The wedding went smoothly and confetti was thrown in the air as the happy couple made their way up the alter towards the spot that was perfectly groomed for the photo session. Pictures were taken for over half an hour before the couple had to leave to prepare for the reception. The hotel where the wedding and the reception were being held was completely booked. The wedding had been held in the open field at the back which had an incredible view. The reception was being held in the large hall in the hotel which was easy since most of the guests had rooms in the hotel. Izzy and Andre had gotten ready in separate rooms in the penthouse and they headed back to their rooms to get ready for the reception; well Izzy had to get ready, not Andre.

Andre and Izzy made their way into the elevator with Mia, Izzy and Fred.

"We did it." Izzy said in the elevator, her arms around Andre's neck and his around her waist drawing her close to him.

Andre would never get tired of seeing her smile and he smiled in return.
"We did." He said before he leaned down and kissed her.

Mia bit her lip as she tried to keep herself from blushing at the display of affection. Josie who was in between her and Fred groaned.

"Alright, we get it, you're married. Don't make it uncomfortable for the rest of us." She said as she looked behind them at the happily married couple.

Izzy giggled before she pulled away from Andre still in his arms.

"Why exactly are we going back to the rooms?" Fred asked.

"Izzy's got to change."

Fred raised his brow at that.
"Why? What's wrong with what she's wearing?"

Josie rolled her eyes and Mia smiled cause that's what she wanted to do but she wasn't going to react to any he said.
"That's such a typical guy thing to ask." The elevator dinged just then as it opened up at their floor. They all went to Izzy's suite and the girls went to the room to get Izzy into her second dress which was less heavy than what she had on and was easier to dance in.

Andre paced the living area as he checked his watch for the umpteenth time while Fred stood at the floor to ceiling window looking out with his hands stuck into his pocket. Andre looked at his friend and frowned.