Carter laughed. Samantha had made a joke about his Hollywood good looks landing him a job on a movie set if he ever got tired of pursuing a career as a politician.
“Not yet. I’m still waiting, though.”
Blake’s arm tightened around her frame.
“Your mother suggested we move into the ballroom to start the dancing. Seems no one will begin until we spin around a couple of times.”
The thought of Samantha pressing close to him motivated his feet. “If you’ll excuse us.”
Carter nodded as they walked away.
“Have I told you how lovely you are tonight?” Blake whispered close to her ear.
“You did. You clean up well yourself.”
Enjoying her compliment, Blake smiled. He wore a tux, and why not? They didn’t have the opportunity to dress for their wedding, so this would have to do.
The entered the ballroom where a string quartet played in one corner. When they spotted the two of them, they ended the song they were playing and started another.
The moment the music began, he led Samantha to the center of the room and swung her into his arms. Her hands lifted to his shoulders as they swayed to the music. Samantha’s cheeks blossomed with color. “People are staring.”
Blake fanned his fingers along the edge of her dress to the small of her back and pressed her close. “That’s what they do for the bride and groom’s first dance.” And because he felt her stiffen, he teased her. “They want to see me trip.” Blake spun her around, their bodies close.
“They might be waiting for awhile, you seem to know what you’re doing out here.”
Blake removed one of her arms from his neck and led her into another swing before bringing her back. “I’ve danced a time or two.”
“Or three or four.”
She followed his lead, easing into his arms. By the time the dance ended, he was staring into her eyes. He lowered his lips to hers for a small taste.
Cameras flashed and several people clapped as the quartet picked up another song. This time the dance floor started to fill.
Samantha lifted her lips to his ear. “Was that kiss for the cameras?”
His lips lifted. “That kiss was for you. But this one…” He dipped her low, arching her back and taking her mouth to his again before bringing her back up. “Is for the cameras.”
Samantha chewed on her bottom lip as she smiled. “Jeeze, and I thought the English frowned on such public displays of affection.”
Blake tossed his head back with laughter. “And we both know how much I long to be English.”
Laughing, they spun around until Blake felt someone tap his shoulder. He twisted to see Carter grinning. “Mind if I cut in?”
Blake almost told him to bugger off. Instead, he tilted his head to his bride and let Carter dance with her.
His gaze followed them around the dance floor wondering what Carter was saying to make her laugh.
“Easy, big brother,” Gwen cooed beside him. “They’re just dancing.”
“What?” Blake blinked and looked down at his sister.
“Dancing, which I was hoping you’d do with me.” She tugged on his hand until he conceded.
“I really like her.”
Blake had to spin Gwen to see his wife. “She likes you, too.”
“She’s a lot nicer than any of the girls you’ve been dating. I can see why you married her. Not to mention she’s American, which dad would have hated.”
Blake forced his attention to his sister and her words. “I didn’t marry her to spite our dead father.” No, he’d married her because of his dead father.
“But it doesn’t hurt that he wouldn’t have approved.”
Was he so transparent that even his sister could see his demons? What if he was going through all this effort, all the lies, to tick off a dead man? What happened when Blake let go of all the animosity and pain from his past?
“Don’t frown, Blake. People will think we’re fighting.”
Blake turned his sister and forced a smile to his face. “What about you, Gwendolyn, had you ever thought of going against the man?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Mother needed me here. Can you imagine being left with him by yourself?”
Blake actually blinked with his sister’s words. “I can’t, but I don’t think our mother would want you to give up your life for her.”
Gwen patted his arm. “I know. We’ve talked about me traveling, seeing more of the world without her by my side. I suppose now that you’ve settled down, mother will focus more on you and your family.”
“It’s just Samantha and I.”
“Please, I have eyes. It won’t be long before there are more of you.”
The song was fading to an end, and luckily the finish of their dance. “We haven’t even cut the wedding cake, Gwen. Let’s not start talking about birthday cakes.”
But his mind was already there, had been ever since Mark polluted his plans and mind with another block.
He and Gwen parted and Blake turned to search Samantha out. Unfortunately, his aunt cornered him for a dance, and Samantha was already in the arms of one of his sly cousins.
The party went into the early morning hours. Out of town guests stayed in several guest rooms at the estate, while those that lived local went home.
Back in their room, Samantha removed her heels at the door and sank into the carpet with her toes. “Oh, that feels good.”