Reverend Thomas began explaining the duties of marriage as if the couple had never heard them before. The duty of two people, their duty to god, blah, blah, blah. Sean had heard this junk a million times. He was happy for his friends but this was dragging on forever.

He shot a surreptitious look in Alex's direction and she hid her giggle with a cough and a smirk. She thought she'd be caught up in the glamour of the wedding and the pastor's lovely words but even she found herself anxious for it to end.

"Please join hands and have your matron and best man present the rings" Reverend Thomas told the couple while giving Alex and Sean dirty looks.

With no stumbling, stuttering, or regrets Nikita and Michael breezed through the vows. Reverend Thomas pronounced them man and wife happily. Applause broke out some genuine, some jealous and fake then it was over.

Sean, catching sight of Nathan skillfully ushered Alex toward the door. To his dismay they were surrounded by Alex's best friends.

"Sonya and Jaden, always a pleasure" he poured on the charm.

"Alex you look stunning" Sonya told Alex but was staring directly at Sean.

Ah this must be a test he thought. "I told her that myself this morning. I think I may have even thrown out a swear word or two. Hopefully the lord will forgive me" he joked charmingly.

He must have passed because both women giggled delightedly.

Alex always enjoyed seeing her friends but now she had caught sight of Nathan. "If you'll excuse us ladies. Mr. Pierce owes me a dance." She took his arm and, with some difficulty, led him away.

The wedding reception was to be held at The Division Hotel across the street from the church. After the meal there of course would be dancing. The room where they were to have supper was unlike anything Sean had ever seen before. He was sure it was unique but he never liked to go to many events unless Alex forced him.

The pair had found a table, surrounded by all their friends, but Alex was quickly ushered away by Nikita to help her change. Sean found himself watching her nervously and waiting to pounce if Nathan said anything rude or tried to confront her.

Having seen Nathan at the church he was sure he was in attendance. He wondered if Nathan would cause a scene. Certainly he would have Alex's back and protect her from a ruined reputation.

The celebrating died down some as the couple cut the cake. The band then struck up a waltz and Nikita and Michael were quick to pull Sean and Alex to the dance floor.

Sean and Alex had danced with each other for years and it came naturally to them. Surprisingly, she let out a gasp as his hand touched hers and electricity sparked. This feeling intensified as his left hand grabbed her small waist. Sean noticed but chose to ignore it as he scoped the room like a trained spy.

"Have you seen him?" Sean asked her getting a little too close than was considered acceptable.

"Perhaps he saw us and we scared him away" Alex guessed.

The couple continued to laugh and enjoy themselves for quite a while. The euphoria did not last though as Sean felt a tap on his shoulder.

"May I cut in?" an all too familiar voice asked.

"I must insist that you don't Nathaniel" Sean said through his teeth trying to remain somewhat polite.

"I believe that would be up to the lady" he replied resentfully.

"Well the lady prefers her current partner. You always did have two left feet Nathaniel" Alex said rudely causing Sean to chuckle.

Nathan stomped away in a huff and the couple went back to enjoy their cake.

"Mmm" Sean practically moaned upon tasting the sweet cake.

"It is perfectly sweet" Alex agreed.

"A man who likes sweets? Perhaps we should perfect your baking skills Alex" Sonya joked.

Birkhoff interrupted being the blunt man all knew him to be. "So let's not beat around the bush. You two have gone from business partners and best friends to lovers now?"

Sean saw Alex turn beat red so he decided to explain. "Miss Alex has decided to be nice enough to indulge me. I have fancied her for years and her recent split from Nathaniel gave me an opening that I capitalized on. You as our friends should be happy for us."

Birkhoff was very happy upon hearing this. "A toast then to the new couple… Pardon my language ladies, but it is about damn time!"

After a few more hours it had gotten late and the couple said their goodbyes to start on the journey home.

When they arrived at her door he removed his cap. "I had a lovely time tonight Alex. I'm sorry Nathaniel had to ruin it."

"Me too and I'm glad you charmed our friends. He didn't ruin it, everything is going smoothly."

"Well goodnight" he said turning around but then caught sight of Nathan.

"Wait Alex there's something I forgot."

She barely had time to react as he grabbed her and kissed her passionately leaving a very jealous Nathan fuming.