Page 44 of Loving Her Enemy

How the hell had he gotten so lucky? Not only was he able to find a wife in a short amount of time, but he had found someone who was ideal for him. Someone he never thought would play this role in his life, but he couldn’t have chosen better if he’d tried.

She’s perfect. She’s perfect for me.

“You better be good to her man,” Reece murmured when he placed Halayna’s hand in Sloane’s. His friend was a big joker most of the time, but Sloane knew for a fact that right now he was serious. Reece had adopted Halayna as his little sister and had threatened Sloane with bodily harm if he hurt her.

“I’ll take good care of her,” Sloane said to Reece but was looking at Halayna.

When his friend backed away to stand with everyone else, Sloane tugged Halayna closer, barely stopping himself from pulling her into his arms and kissing her enticing lips.

“You look absolutely exquisite.”

“Thank you. You look pretty amazing too.”

Her vibrant smile had him placing his free hand over his heart, afraid it would beat out of his chest. If he hadn’t already been falling in love with her, this moment would’ve sealed it for him. Now all he had to do was make sure he didn’t screw this up.

For the next fifteen minutes, Sloane tuned in and out of what the minister was saying, responding when told to respond. Slipping on the wedding band when told to do so, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Halayna. There’d been a few times in the last couple of weeks that he thought of her as an angel, but today she looked like one. It was distracting as hell.

When the minister cleared his throat and Halayna snickered, Sloane snapped to attention. What had he missed?

“I said you may kiss your bride,” the minister said, humor in his tone and clearly knowing Sloane hadn’t been paying attention.

“Finally.” The word slipped from Sloane before he could pull it back, but he didn’t care. All he wanted to do was kiss his wife.

She’s finally mine.

Mine.

The word blared through his mind as he took Halayna into his arms and kissed her thoroughly, needing her to feel just how much he cared for her. She was his, and not only was he going to provide and protect her, but he was also going to make sure he kept her happy.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce, Mr. And Mrs. Sloane Davidson,” the minister announced.

When applause and whistles met Sloane’s ears, he finally eased out of the kiss and smiled at Halayna.

“Hey, Mrs. Davidson,” he said on a laugh and linked his fingers with hers.

Her beautiful smile lit up her face as she squeezed his hand. “Hey yourself, Mr. Davidson. Or should I say, hey hubby?”

They both laughed and for the next few minutes, they were surrounded by their wedding guests wishing them well. They didn’t get a breather until Bristol directed everyone across the lawn to the area where the reception would be held.

“Halayna, let me help you take off that train,” Bristol said and began detaching the material. “Okay, once everyone is seated, we’ll start with your first dance. Then the servers will begin serving dinner.”

Sloane glanced at the line of servers dressed in black and white waiting near the lanai for further instructions. The two round tables, set for their guests, were elegantly decorated with white tablecloths, crystal and floral centerpieces, as well as candles. String lights hung over the area, including the dance floor, creating a romantic atmosphere now that the sun had set.

“Everything is absolutely incredible,” Halayna whispered, then cast Sloane another smile. “I love it.”

He brought her hand to his lips. “And that’s all that matters.”

The singer in the band announced the bride and groom would now have their first dance, and they began playing, “Spend My Life with You” by Eric Benet.

Sloane pulled Halayna onto the dance floor and gathered her into his arms, appreciating how perfectly she fit against him as they swayed to the beat of the music.

As they danced, Sloane held her even closer, marveling at how good she felt. They hadn’t ever danced together before, but like with everything between them, they moved seamlessly as if they’d been dancing together forever.

Nuzzling her ear, he inhaled deeply and realized she was wearing his favorite scent. The lavender, orange, and jasmine one that was potent, yet soothing.

She leaned her head back to look at him. “Thank you for today. You, Lindsay, and Bristol outdid yourselves with our wedding. It’s been an amazing day, and everything is so pretty and… perfect. Thank you for making me feel so special.”

He kissed her temple. “Sweetheart, you are special, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” And he meant it.