Thirty six

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Isobel P.O.V.

The festivities raged on, as the clock ticked away. I participated in multiple photo shoots with everyone from my mom, the bridal party, Tobias, Nessa and even Kade. We took plenty of snaps in the photo booth, sticking a couple of funny ones in the memory book with a small note. I watched on as Sophie and Oliver played some wedding games, with the help of some guests and Sophie dance with her father. These were moments I wasn't going to ever forget witnessing. I even shed another tear, as Oliver toasted to his bride. The pure love they had could be felt so profoundly.

"And now ladies and gentleman, please welcome the couple for their first dance." The M.C announced.

Oliver grinned, escorting Sophie to the dance floor, as a soft, gentle acoustic song played over the speakers.

Hold me close
And hold me fast
This magic spell you cast
This is La Vie En Rose

Her billowing gown swished gracefully as she was twirled and dipped numerous times underneath the sparkling lights.

When you kiss me heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes
I see La Vie En Rose

Sophie leaned into Oliver as they tenderly held each other and swayed to the music.

When you press me to your heart
I'm in a world apart
A world where roses bloom
And when you speak Angels sing from above
Everyday words seem
To turn into love songs

Wisps of smoke poured out onto the dance floor, creating a magical hazy atmosphere as if they were dancing on a cloud in the sky.

Give your heart and soul to me
And life will always be
La Vie En Rose

I felt like not a dry eye could be seen nor an unmoved expression on the guests faces around the room. We watched on as Oliver and Sophie gazed at each other with the purest of smiles.

And when you speak
Angels sing from above
Everyday words seem
To turn into love songs

The couple's movements were so incredibly elegant, floating across the room. He lifted her up in the air, before bringing her down slowly to give her a kiss, ending the routine.

Give your heart and soul to me
And life will always be
La Vie En Rose

"Now I'd like to please invite you all to join the bride and groom on the dance floor."

"Tobias," I whispered lowly, giving him a nudge to the side as I glanced at Casey who was smiling at her sister and brother-in-law whilst they slow-danced.

He chuckled at my excited face. I wiggled my eyebrows in return, egging him on to ask Casey to dance. He took off his jacket and hung it on the seat rest before tapping her on the shoulder. Her eyes lit up as she nodded eagerly and they made their way to the dance floor. The ship has left the dock people, I repeat. The ship has left the dock!

"So how about that dance now?" Kade murmured, holding his hand out.

As I gazed at his tall stature highlighted by the black tux and bow tie, I wondered if this was what it would felt like having a valiant knight bow before you.

I smiled, placing my hand on top of his inviting palm. Inevitably, our touch seemed to set alight a buzz between us. He lead me out to the middle of the dance floor and positioned us in his careful hold. He moved lithely and with grace, twirling us around in some form of ballroom-style dance.

"Where'd you learn how to dance?" I whispered as Kade slowly stepped side to side and back and forth in some sort of pattern. His hand was placed gently on my lower back, whilst the other was stretched out to the side holding my hand. Our bodies were close, softly swaying to the music- Ed Sheeran of course.

"I had a few lessons. It's great for schmoozing clients," he said slyly.

"Oh of course," I chuckled.

He spun me out quickly to the side before swinging me back in, his front pressed to my back as we slowly moved to the rhythm. I sucked in a breath at the abruptly thrilling movements. With another expert twist, he turned me around so we were face to face.

There was just something about how incredibly gentlemanly he was right in this moment, that made me weak at the knees. Even if dancing may not always seem like a very manly trait- Kade's control and lead in the movements was undoubtedly masculine. I found myself enraptured within everything that made up this gorgeous man before me. From his gentle but firm touch, to his fresh musky scent and his strong persona. I knew that he was more than just his looks and cheekiness though, he was fiercely loyal and supportive of his friends and family. He was indeed a loving person who loved life and lived it to the fullest. I admired that.

Kade moved our joint hands and laid mine on his shoulder. I clasped both hands around his neck, as he laid his on my lower back.

"Tell me something Bels," he murmured softly.

"Mm?" I absentmindedly say, resting my head in the crook of his neck. He pulled my body closer, flush against him as he continued to sway us. I felt the familiar warmth and comfort his touch brought me.

"Did you ever think of me, all these years?"

I stilled for a moment to think. "I, well I um sometimes... a memory or thought here and there, before they were quickly pushed aside."

He nodded, chewing on his lip. "Yeah, me too. But even after so long, they never fully went away."

I looked up, searching for what he meant by that. I guess I felt the same way. It's like I had mentally blocked him from my mind, but no matter what, thoughts of him would pop up at random times and places. They were gone temporarily- weeks, months, years, but they never disappeared. "Yeah..."

He smiled softly, hands on my body as he guided us across the dance floor. "I missed you."

He lowered me gently, one hand on my hip and the one behind my back as he dipped me low, his face inches away from mine.

"I missed you too, Whitley." I murmured, my heart violently thudding against my chest. I could see the thoughts churning inside his mind, his eyes piercing into mine. All too soon, he raised me back up as the song came to an end. Oh how badly I wanted his lips on mine again.

I even had a friendly dance with Remi shortly as promised, much to Kade's distaste. Sometimes he was such a little baby.

"Alright ladies and gentleman! Let's cut some cake!"

Loud cheers erupted as we gathered around to see Oliver and Soph cut their wedding cake. With both hands holding onto the knife, they grinned ecstatically as the metal pierced through the frosting and sponge, cementing another first moment of celebration together for the married couple. They even did the whole feeding each other thing, with arms looped together. I didn't even care how totally sickeningly adorable it was.

We danced and drank merrily, thoroughly enjoying every aspect of this blessed union and celebrating life and happiness to the -nth degree. My cheeks hurt from how much I had laughed and smiled today.

"Ladies, ladies, ladies of all ages, all shapes and sizes, big or small, short or tall gather around! There's only one rule to this game we are about to play- and that is- you must be a lady!!! Sophie's got her gorgeous bridal bouquet she is going to throw, and you know the deal- you catch it and you might just be next in line down the aisle! Don't worry fellas- we'll be throwing the garter belt next after Oliver retrieves it off his wife!" The M.C winked mischievously.

Jenny quickly grabbed my arm much to my reluctance as we stood in the centre, gathered before Sophie.

"Not that I want to get married- but I do fancy myself some flowers!" Jenny grinned, rubbing her palms together in preparation to catch the bouquet. I laughed as I playfully stretched my arms, causing her to do some star jumps as a warm up. We burst into giggles at our ridiculous antics.

"Okay, you ready?"

Sophie gave the M.C a thumbs up before she turned her back to us.

"Still got your cheerleader jumps in you?" I nudged Jenny.

"You know it girl," she winked, hyping herself up to catch.

"Alright! Good luck! Here we gooooo! 3, 2, 1!!"

Sophie tossed the bouquet over her head, sending it flying through the air. The surrounding noise of clapping, cheering and girls squealing came to a quiet, slow murmur around me. The colourful arrangement of flowers headed directly for my way, zoning in as if it were in slow motion. I froze with eyes wide as it closed in- I didn't actually want to catch it! I'm just participating to be a good sport. It was like a missile I couldn't dodge. Fuck! I raised my hands up as it briefly touched my grasp, and whacked it over to Jenny's direction in a split second. She leaped and caught it. The guests burst into cheers around her as she raised it with a fist pump in the air. I laughed, giving her a cheeky wink and congratulations.

"You know, I just realised I already had my bridesmaid bouquet," she chuckled as we made our way back to our table. "Oh well... upgrades. You can have my other one Is."

I shook my head, raising a curious brow at my slightly drunk friend. "You know I have the exact same one too?"

"Ohhh righttt." She nodded slowly, admiring Soph's bouquet. "Well now you have double the flowers!!!"

"Wow thankyou so much!" I said jokingly.

"You're welcome boo." She blew a kiss. I giggled, taking a seat. Can't blame her, we were all getting very tipsy.

Kade watched me in amusement as I seated myself. He leaned over to speak over the noise. "You know, the whole purpose of that was to try and catch the bouquet."

"I know," I smirked. "But I thought I'd give that luck to someone else. I'm an independent woman after-all."

"You sure are. A crazy-ass one." He added, his lips curving into one of his handsome grins.

"Oh no you didn't just say that Whitley!" I cried, mock-offended at his little comment. I'm stable enough with myself to know I am fine.

He chuckled loudly, his chest shaking as the white dress shirt stretched across it. God he was handsome. "Well I mean, that's why you're single right?"

This time I actually dropped my jaw and scoffed. Now, that insinuation was borderline rude. "Whitley you don't just say that to a woman! God you're so mean."

He laughed even harder, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"Well you're single too." I continued, attempting to shut his laughing figure up. "That means you must be totally crazy. Actually I know for a fact you are." I retorted, huffing loudly.

"I didn't say crazy was bad," he said tongue-in-cheek, shooting me a wink. "Especially between the sheets."

Of course he'd say something like that. I snorted, grabbing the two bridesmaid bouquets as I stood up from the table.

"Aw Bels, come back!"

I threw him the finger over my shoulder as I strutted away in search of Nessa and Alicia. I wasn't truly upset but I liked to keep him on his toes. I peeked a glance behind me to see him rise from his seat too and smiled smugly to myself.

Eventually he caught up to me, throwing an arm over my shoulder. "Sorry, you know I didn't mean it like that." He nuzzled the top of my head.

"Ah you're going to ruin my hair," I angled myself away from him. "And yeah yeah... sure." I rolled my eyes.

"Either way you'd still look beautiful."

"Trying to get back in my good books now huh?" I chuckled, questioning the compliment. Spotting the two little girls playing by the photobooth, I made my way over as Kade trailed beside me.

"Always," he chuckled mischievously.

"Hey Nessa. This is for you." I smiled handing over my bouquet. "And this is for you Alicia." I handed her Jenny's extra bouquet. They giggled, admiring the flowers.

"Wow thanks Bel," Nessa smiled, clutching it in her hands. "We can keep it?"

I nodded. "All yours!"

"Thankyou," she grinned.

Alicia smiled giving me a hug before running off to showcase her new little gift.

"Good manners," Kade noted, patting his sister on the head.

"Ugh Kade!!!" She groaned moving his hand away. "Mom hairsprayed it down. I don't want it go all frizzy!"

I covered my mouth and giggled. Poor guy doesn't know done-up hair is pretty sacred to most girls. Even little ones.

"Geez alright," he raised his palms up. "No touching."

"Yup!" She punched him in the stomach lightly. 

"Hey hey hey, we're at a civilised function here you little cracker," he pushed her away, hoping to prevent another wrestling match. I chuckled at the sibling's banter.

The party carried on in celebration as we sipped on drinks, danced, chatted and laughed the night away. There was so much joy and love to be spread.

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