SWNOVELS Chapter 259
"Stop please," Melvin pleaded with a grin, "or shall we tell them we're grabbing a burger with friends tonight and we'll head back tomorrow?"
It was something everyone already suspected, but coming from Melvin's typically straight-laced demeanor, there was no way for Calvin and Daisy to argue.
Jocelyn spent the rest of the day sprawled out on the bed, hardly eating a thing.
Melvin warmed up a glass of milk for her, but the sight of it seemed to turn her stomach. She refused it firmly.
With that annoying smirk of his, Melvin placed an order for clam chowder instead and brought it over to her. "Try to eat a little," he coaxed.
Jocelyn glared at him. "If it weren't for you, would I be like this?"
Her voice was making a bit of a comeback after resting most of the day, but it was still not quite there.
"It's my fault. But you know, things can get a bit intense for new couples," Melvin admitted as he sat on the edge of the bed, spooning chowder into her mouth, his apology coming too quickly and without a shred of sincerity.
Jocelyn snorted dismissively. "Like it's your first rodeo."
Melvin chuckled, biting his lip. "It's different now."
"Stop making excuses," she muttered, too stubborn to even lean forward, knowing Melvin would bring the spoon all the way to her.
"Before, you were my girlfriend. Last night, you became my wife. How can that be the same?"
Jocelyn wasn't about to listen to his rationalizations. "You sure kept your tricks hidden well before."
"Hidden or not, last night I pulled out all the stops, didn't I?" Melvin teased, noticing her blush, "So, is Mrs. Martinez satisfied?"
Jocelyn wished she could seal his lips shut. Why did he have to be so infuriating?
Melvin decided not to tease her further, worried she might lose her appetite and stop eating.
After finishing the chowder, Jocelyn lay back down.
Melvin set the bowl down gently and whispered, "Zephyr and other friends know we tied the knot. They want us to join them for a celebration dinner. Shall we?"
Jocelyn just pointed at her throat, her glare saying it all, "How am I supposed to go like this?"
"You're much better now," Melvin insisted. "You don't have to talk, just sit there and look beautiful. They'll definitely bring gifts, and you know how hard it is to get them to open their wallets." Jocelyn wasn't buying that it was for the gifts.
"My legs are jelly."
"I'll carry you."
He was determined to have her join.
Jocelyn didn't quite get his angle.
"You don't care about me at all," she complained as she changed clothes.
Melvin scooped her up and carried her to the car, securing her seat belt. "I just want to show you off."
Jocelyn frowned, not understanding what there was to brag about.
"They all said I'd end up alone," Melvin said with a touch of melancholy in his voice.
Jocelyn's heart sank a little.
The old Melvin, alone? It seemed likely.
"Well, they're blind. Anyone who wouldn't want you must be out of their mind," Jocelyn urged him, "Let's go, let them choke on their envy today."
Melvin's eyes softened as he closed the car door and got into the driver's seat.
They didn't go to some fancy club or hotel. Instead, the car cruised along the riverbank, eventually pulling up to the dock.
A yacht twinkled with lights at the dock, oddly void of tourists.
"Can you walk?" Melvin asked as he helped Jocelyn out of the car.
She wasn't that fragile. It was just that last night had been a bit too exhausting.
"Yeah."
Melvin stopped after a few steps along the dock.
"What's up?" Jocelyn asked.
Melvin crouched in front of her. "Hop on."
Jocelyn smiled, her lips pursed. Now that they were officially husband and wife, she could enjoy his attentions and care openly.
She climbed onto his back, and Melvin stood up, carrying her step by step toward the yacht.
"Wow, Melvin's carrying in the bride," Zephyr hollered, followed by a chorus of cheers from inside.
Jocelyn blushed hearing all the voices.
"Let me down," she urged, embarrassed.
Melvin turned to her and said, "They're just jealous. Stand tall and ignore them."
But Jocelyn wasn't feeling quite so bold.
There were many faces, some familiar, others new.
"Melvin pulled a fast one on us, tying the knot before any of us!" Zephyr announced. "Folks, consider this a warning: Melvin's off the market, no more wild nights for him." Melvin set Jocelyn on a couch and handed her his jacket, then rolled up his sleeves and motioned for Zephyr to come over. "Feeling a bit tense, buddy? Need me to loosen you up?" Zephyr hid behind Yannick, smugly declaring, "Just kidding, man. You and your lady are a match made in heaven. Perfect."
Zephyr was the life of the party, always instigating but also the first to duck out of trouble.
Joking aside, everyone raised their glasses to Jocelyn and Melvin. "To the newlyweds! Happiness, and a houseful of kids to come!"
Jocelyn couldn't help but laugh.
Melvin wrapped an arm around her and raised his glass. "This is my last drink. Don't call me for a night out anymore. I've got your blessings to fulfill."
"He's talking about conserving energy," Zephyr quipped, sending everyone into laughter.
Jocelyn's cheeks flushed, and she pinched Melvin's side gently.
Melvin knew exactly what was making her blush. Pointing at Zephyr, he chuckled and said, "I'm in a good mood today, so I'll let you get away with it just this once." "Sure thing," Zephyr nodded, a cheeky grin on his face.
Thankfully, everyone had enough sense to know where to draw the line.
After the jokes subsided, the room turned its attention to giving Jocelyn gifts.
Initially, Jocelyn wasn't sure how to react, but Melvin encouraged her, "Go on, just take them with grace."
Caught off guard, the table before Jocelyn was filled with well-wrapped gifts in an instant.
Before long, someone went outside and brought back two cardboard boxes that once held wine bottles. They set them beside the table for Jocelyn to fill with her gifts.
The two boxes were soon brimming with gifts, slightly wild but definitely joyous.
Who doesn't like receiving gifts?
With Melvin's encouragement, Jocelyn accepted them, feeling completely justified.
The yacht was steadily moving forward, reaching the heart of the river. The scenery from both banks was a feast for the eyes: the brilliance of the lights, the joy of music and dance, a nation at peace and its people secure.
Sitting on the deck, Jocelyn enjoyed the cool evening breeze, the twinkling lights from countless homes, and the calmness of the river. She felt nothing could be better than this moment.
"Aren't you cold?" Melvin draped his jacket over her shoulders and gently wrapped his arms around her from behind.
She shook her head, "I'm fine."
Turning to look at him, she asked, "Aren't you going to join the others?"
"They're playing kiddie games. I'm over it," Melvin said with a look of distaste.
Jocelyn raised an eyebrow teasingly, "Really? And what sophisticated games are you into now?"
Melvin hugged her tighter, his chin resting on the top of her head, "You'll see in a bit."