While they would have been happy to have a simple dinner somewhere to celebrate, the dads of the groom insisted on a real wedding reception. “When else am I going to be able to plan something like this?” Thomas had asked. And so, Daniel and Sarah relented.
“Finally,” Daniel said when the upbeat tune faded into a slow, romantic song. “I’ve been waiting all night for this.” Rising to his feet, he offered her his hand. “May I dance with my wife, please?”
Sarah, looking absolutely radiant in her short white dress that made her bronzed skin glow and with her caramel hair down in waves past her shoulders, stood up and took his hand. “Of course.”
He led her to the middle of the dance floor, holding her close against his body, marveling at the way they fit each other so perfectly. But then again, everything about them fit perfectly. Brushing a kiss to her cheek, he inhaled her scent. Her arms wound around his neck, and those velvety brown eyes looked up at him with pure love that didn’t need to be said out loud, not when it hummed through the bond they shared.
Joy fluttered in his chest, and his grizzly, too, preened with happiness. The mate bond between them grew stronger each day, a fact that brought him and his animal much delight, as well as real contentment.
For most of the song, it was like they were the only two people on the dance floor. But once the song faded to its final notes, the DJ put on a classic jazzy song with a faster rhythm. Though she tried to let go, he only held her close. “One more, please?”
“We can have any many as you want.”
“I hope you’re ready.” He stepped back and took her hand in his, leading her through the steps of an old-fashioned swing dance. Pops had insisted he learned to dance when he was younger, as he thought it was an important skill. She laughed as he spun her around and dipped her low, and applause broke behind them.
“I didn’t know you could do that,” she said.
“The things you don’t know about me might still surprise you,” he said.
“Daniel, Sarah!” came an excited voice behind them. It was Darcey, Adam rolling up next to her in his new motorized wheelchair. “That was a great dance set. I didn’t even know you were going to do that.”
He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Hey, Darce. Are you having fun?”
She nodded, her waves of white blonde hair bobbing around her. “Everyone’s been great and … it’s weird being around so many people like me.”
“That’s great, Darce, and how’s the move?”
“One more trip back to Vegas in the morning and we’re done,” she said.
“Thank God,” Adam groaned. “I’m so glad to be out of that town.”
“Looking forward to the fall?” Daniel asked. Adam would be attending Lucas Lennox High when school started back, but for now, he was enjoying his summer. They’d all been going up for hikes in the Blackstone Mountains, and next weekend, Daniel would be taking him up on a boy’s only camping trip with his parents and a couple of his friends.
“Yeah, yeah,” the teen said. “Ugh, can I go back up to the suite now? This party’s so boring, and everyone’s so old.”
Sarah chuckled. “All right. Go on ahead.”
“Later,” he said and he drove away.
“Go straight to the room!” Sarah called. “And don’t even think about going through the mini bar!” But Adam only answered with a dismissive wave.
“Do you want to dance, Darcey?” Daniel asked.
“Um, maybe later?” She wrinkled her nose. “I think … I think I need to go somewhere …” Turning on her heel, she dashed off.
Sarah frowned, then shrugged. “She’s been acting weird all night.”
“I’m sure she’s just feeling excited and unnerved being surrounded by all these shifters.” Daniel had only met his sister-in-law twice before tonight, and she hadn’t told him yet what she was. However, he had detected feathers in her scent, so he suspected she was some kind of avian shifter.
“Congratulations, man.” Gabriel had come up behind them, tugging Temperance along. “And great party.”
“This place looks amazing,” Temperance said as she glanced at the decorations and table settings around them. “I can’t believe your dad only needed a couple days to get this all done. Our wedding is months away, and I still don’t feel like it’s enough time.”
“Well, you could get it over with and do what we did,” Daniel suggested with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
Temperance’s face brightened, “That sounds like a—”
“Nuh-huh,” Gabriel said vehemently. “No, we’re not going to Vegas. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but my sisters will kill me if we elope.”
Temperance pursed her lips. “Then maybe they can do all the planning. And find me a dress, too.”
Sarah reached over and patted her on the shoulder. “Still no luck? That local designer can’t fit you in?”
“No.” Her shoulders dropped as she frowned. “She won’t return my calls.”
Gabriel snorted. “She must think she’s hot shit now, just because she designed gowns for royalty.”
“Gabriel,” Temperance warned. “Don’t say that. I’m sure she’s just busy. I’ll find another gown, don’t worry.”
“Anyway,” Gabriel continued. “I’m gonna go talk to Damon. He’s probably out checking on who’s patrolling the perimeter.”
Damon had insisted on placing rangers on duty around the reception area just in case The Knights or any media decided to crash the reception.
“I told him extra security wasn’t necessary,” Daniel said. “Jason says their intelligence hasn’t picked up any sign The Knights are sniffing around, and the media’s already found their next big story with that celebrity couple and their messy breakup. Tell him and the rest of the guys to come in and join the party.”
“All right,” Gabriel said. “I think I saw him talking to Krieger out by the gardens.”
“And I’ll sit with Anna
