Free Down the Aisle by Christine Bell

his arms, and she let out a squeal.
    “You’re not supposed to carry me yet!”
    “I’m your husband now. I can carry you if I want to.”
    She was pretty sure that hadn’t been part of their vows, but she wasn’t about to argue. He cut through the crowd, who wolf-whistled and only encouraged him, and carried her into the center tent, to set her on the dance floor.
    The beginning of their wedding song began to play, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. They danced, bodies swaying together in perfect rhythm, and everything felt so easy. It wouldn’t always be that way, but for tonight, it was enough.
    After dinner and a lovely champagne toast delivered by Shane, everyone got a little loose. She and Galen were grinding on the dance floor when the DJ called her over to a chair in the center.
    “Mrs. Thomas, I think you know what time it is.”
    She was a little buzzed and made to look at her watch. With a sad sigh, she realized that it was almost over.
    “Time for the bouquet and for that garter belt to come off!”
    She’d forgotten all about that. The DJ called for all the single ladies to come on stage, and Cat and Courtney wound up in front. Lacey eyed them and estimated the angle she’d have to throw the bouquet to get it straight to Cat, and then she spun around. The crowd cheered, and she let it rip. She turned around just in time to see Cat slip on a napkin and Courtney reach up a hand instinctively to avoid taking a bouquet straight to the face.
    Cat righted herself and busted out laughing at the horror on Courtney’s face.
    “Aw, honey, it’s just an old wives tale. You’ll be fine.”
    Courtney nodded, looking dazed.
    Next it was up to Galen to get the garter. He led Lacey to the chair of honor. She peered down at her husband, who looked extremely pleased to be kneeling between her legs, and grinned. “I put it up high, handsome, so you might be there for a while.”
    His smile in return was ripe with promise, and a little shiver went through her. “Man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.”
    And boy, did he. He slid his hands slowly, excruciatingly over her ankles and then higher to trace the muscles of her calves.
    “You know there’s only one, right?” she asked breathlessly.
    “How would I know that unless I checked?”
    Their guests started hooting and screaming and by the time he’d retrieved his prize, Lacey had broken out in a fine sweat. He bent low and pressed a kiss to the inside of her knee. “I think we need more of these,” he murmured, and then stood, twirling the blue garter on his finger.
    “Single guys, front and center,” he called. The men lined up, and when he tossed it over his shoulder, it was headed straight for Shane. Then, a hand shot out and snagged it from mid-air. Lacey gasped as Rafe held his prize aloft. She shot a glance at Courtney, who looked like she’d been gut-punched. She wet her lips nervously and seemed to be considering whether to back out or not when Rafe turned toward her with a mocking smile.
    “Ready for me, Court?” he asked. He didn’t wait for an answer and instead walked toward her. Walked? Hell, he stalked, like a lion approaching his prey. Even Galen was impressed.
    “Damn, is he going to put the garter on her or eat her?”
    Lacey shrugged. “Maybe both, if she’s lucky,” she whispered. Her husband chuckled and pulled her closer to settle in and enjoy the show.
    By the end of the night, Lacey’s face hurt from smiling. They’d waved goodbye to their friends and family and climbed into their limo. In less than two hours, they’d be on their way to Puerto Rico. Five days of sun. Five days of fun.
    Five days of breaking away from the reality that they were still no closer to having a baby than they’d been almost a year ago.

Chapter Five
    Lacey opened her eyes as the cool breeze tickled her cheeks. God, she loved it here. They’d been in San Juan for four days now, and she’d never been happier. The first time they’d