Possessed by Passion (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 9)
Page 79
Her mother-in-law brought her another glass of champagne. “It was a very sweet ceremony that Ethel performed for you, sweetheart, but I do wish all your friends could’ve been there with us. You know how big Destonians are on celebrations.”
“I do. Doris, your sons and I have already talked about having a renewal ceremony on our anniversary.”
“I have an idea.” Ethel grinned. “Why wait? Let’s plan a wedding for you at the Summer Solstice Celebration. Everyone will be there.”
“That’s sweet of you to suggest that, but Summer Solstice is this coming Saturday, Ethel.”
“Hold on. I have something to say about this.” Gretchen came back from clearing the plates from the table, and in her thick British accent said, “This Irish gal has finally come up with a good plan.”
Ethel laughed. “For the hundredth time, Gretchen, I’m not Irish. I’m just married to two of them.”
“Don’t go splitting hairs. But seriously, I think a wedding at the Solstice would be perfect.”
Betty Anderson, Kaylyn’s mother, nodded. “We can all take charge of one thing for the ceremony with your direction, Paris. Of course, I’ll do everyone’s makeup and hair.”
Gretchen added, “You know I make the best cakes.”
“First of all, what colors do you want, Paris?” Megan asked.
“I don’t want any of you to work so hard.”
Her mother-in-law put her arm around her. “It won’t be work for us, sweetheart. It will be a joy.”
“Listen to Doris, honey,” Ethel said. “Let us show you how much we love you, Doc, and Mick.”
“Thank you all so very much. I’ve always dreamed about lavender and pale blue.”
As the women gathered around taking notes for her wedding, she felt her eyes well up with tears of gratitude.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Mick and Dustin were being held hostage inside the food tent on the southeast corner of the park by the Blue Dragon statue. Dylan Strange stood guard. Outside the tent, Mick could hear the children playing the Summer Solstice games that he and Dustin had played when they were kids.
“Seriously, Dylan. This is ridiculous.” Mick turned to the man who was never without his sunglasses or his gun. “I really would like to see my wife.”
“Not a chance, buddy.” Dylan grinned. “I have my orders to keep you and Doc away from the bride until the ceremony.”
Dustin shook his head. “Orders from Easton?”
“No. Higher up than Black. Orders from the women of Destiny, including my wife.”
Mick laughed. “But we’re already married to Paris, Agent Strange.”
“Am I going to have to put you both in handcuffs and take you to Sheriff Wolfe’s jail?”
“No,” Dustin said. “But we would like to enjoy the celebration with the rest of town.”
Agent Joanne Brown, another member of Shannon’s Elite, came over Dylan’s communication device called a “ROC.” “The Swan is on the move to the hotel, over.”
“Ten-four,” Dylan answered. “The Wolves are secure in the food tent, though getting restless.”
“Roger that.”
Easton’s voice came through the speaker. “ETA until ceremony is one hour.”
“Tuxedos have arrived at the drop-off location at the courthouse for Wolves to dress,” Shane Blue’s tone was serious.
“Strange, hold Wolves until my go,” Joanne ordered.