Chapter Thirty-Six
Jaxon pulled his wife into his arms just as the music started and slow danced with her, twirling her to the slow romantic Elvis's song, "Can't help falling in love with you." The dance ended and everyone applauded for their amazing performance. "I love you, Mrs. Craddock," he whispered in her ears.
"I love you too, Mr. Craddock," said Carmella.
Later on, they sat down at the huge dining tables which could seat 40 guests together. It was time for the toasts and River was already up on her feet even before Gilbert could realize what was happening. "I'll go first," she said with a wink.
"I've known Carmel all my life and she's the perfect best friend a girl can have. Although I had been a pain in the ass for her many times, she has never failed me. We parted in the middle yet we remained best friends and this bond between us deepens every day. I couldn't have been happier for Carmel. The way Jaxon loves her and cherishes her, I'm sure that he would keep her very happy. Now I'm waiting to hear another good news. To Jaxon and Carmella," she said raising a toast and everyone followed suit.
Gilbert stood up and cleared his throat, "Being childhood best friends, we have known each other all our lives. When Jaxon went through a very patch in his life, I tried to support him as much as I could although we were mere 10-year-olds at that time. Jaxon deserved a woman who would calm him and give him true love and take care of him and Carmella is just that. I've seen their relationship blossom as well pass the tests of time and I'm glad that they've finally united as one. Wish you both all the happiness in the world. To Jaxon and Carmella, " he raised a toast and everyone followed suit.
Jaxon stood up to thank everyone, "I'm grateful to all of you who are gathered here to be a part of this special day. Thank you, Gilbert and Ralph for being there in my life. I couldn't be what I am without the two of you. Mom and dad, a big thank you for welcoming me into the family. I couldn't have asked for a better family from the Lord Almighty. And to my precious treasure, my wife, my Carmella, I love you, and I'll try to make you the happiest woman on earth," he said, as he dipped and kissed his wife. Everyone gasped out their "awww" at the heartwarming speech.
Carmella stood up with tears in her eyes at Jaxon's words, "From the day I spilled coffee on Jaxon's expensive suit to this day, it's been a rollercoaster ride for me. I never knew that when I applied for a job at his fashion house that one day I'd marry him. When I harbored a crush on him, I never imagined that I would be able to marry him. We have gone through many ups and downs in our relationship and I am glad that Jaxon has pursued me and showed me what true love really is. He is my life, my home, my everything and I'm thankful to God that I have him in my life. I love you," she said to him and kissed him.
Ethan Parker then thanked everyone for attending the wedding and then they enjoyed the delicious food waiting for them. The cake was also cut and served to everyone.
After a sumptuous dinner, the dance floor was cleared and the performances started as everyone cheered the groups. River performed a solo number while the boys, Liam, Lucas, Tyler, Ralph, and Gilbert performed a group dance with wolf whistles from all the women.
Carmella's parents, her uncle Eric and aunt Eugene and her aunt Greta with her husband performed a group dance too. Serenity sang a song followed by Jaxon who stole the show with a soulful, romantic song dedicated to her. It was truly the most memorable day of her life.
Jaxon picked her up in his arms and carried her to their waiting car. It was their wedding night and Jaxon couldn't wait to make love to his bride.
Parking his car, he picked up his bride and carried her over the threshold and into his apartment. "Welcome to my world as my wife," he said, pecking her mouth. Carmella's arms were around his neck and she lay her head on his shoulder. She was home and didn't want anything more than to be in the sanctity of his arms. He strode into their bedroom and put her down.
Turning her around, he slowly unzipped her dress and let it fall into a heap on the floor. His fingers caressed her creamy skin as he picked her up and lay her on his bed, his eyes dark with pure desire, his breath erratic. He stripped off his clothes without removing his gaze from hers. Climbing over her, he kissed her gently yet passionately, taking his time, savoring the taste of her.
"I missed you so much yesterday, baby," he whispered when he broke the kiss and sucked her neck, marking her.
"I missed you too," she whispered back.
They made love the normal way till both were too exhausted and dozed off to sleep. The morning flight back to New York and they needed the rest.
The next day they flew back to New York along with Ralph and Raven, Gilbert and Jacqueline on Jaxon's private jet. It was 4 o'clock in the afternoon when they reached Jaxon's house. Carmella saw both her cars parked at his garage. She had completely forgotten about the Honda CR-V that she had bought the last time she was here.
"You brought it and kept my car here?" She asked him curiously.
"Yes, a few hours after you had left I had gone to meet you at the apartment. Margaret was there cleaning up and she told me everything. I locked up the apartment and brought your car home with me," he informed her.
Carmella nodded at the news. So it was Margaret who informed him. Gilbert was true to his words.
The next few days were too hectic for them. Jaxon had to cope with a month-long backlog and he was neck-deep in work. Carmella unpacked and settled down into her permanent home. She also received her graduate degree and enrolled in a master's program, online.
She searched for a good place to set up her production space as well as a retail space for herself. Finally, after a month's hunt, she settled down to a luxurious building in an upscale neighborhood. She converted it into a showroom as well as a production house for her kidswear range. Her office was also located adjacent to the showroom. Happy with her purchase, the next whole month she was busy decorating the place, hiring staff, arranging for machinery at the production house, and showcasing her designs.
Jaxon appreciated her and guided her as and when he had the time. Even Gilbert and Jacqueline helped her out. She was thankful to all her friends. Finally, her business was inaugurated and she started her journey as a designer. Her assistant, Harper Hill was a first-year college student, and very dedicated to her job.
"I'm proud of what you've achieved, baby," said Jaxon, appreciatively looking around the place.
"Thank you. It's the love and support you give me. It keeps me going," she said with a smile.
"This is all because of your own hard work and determination darling, " he said with pride in his tone. Carmella grinned, "Thanks," she said.
Phil walked in with a box of necessities from Jaxon's office. He collided with a busy Harper and both their stuff fell to the floor and intermingled with each other much to their dismay.
"Do you have eyes at the back of your head, mister?" Glared Harper while Phil stared at her with awe.
"I could say the same for you too," he said, glaring back at the beautiful creature in front of him.
Carmella and Jaxon left them to their bickering, taking a tour of the entire building, seeing the work in progress. It was a dream come true for Carmella and she couldn't believe that she actually achieved what she had always wanted to.
After two hours when they came back to the showroom they could still see the tension in the air between their right hands, Phil and Harper. Carmella sighed eyeing Jaxon who just grinned at their constant fighting.
"God, why can't they just avoid any interaction?" Asked a frustrated Carmella.
"Maybe they have chemistry together? Be prepared, these two will go a long way," said Jaxon with a wink. He left for his work and Phil followed him out, purposely bumping into Harper on his way out. She muttered at him angrily and Carmella chuckled. It seemed that Jaxon was right after all.
