“Roger.”
“The band is finishing their dinner. I will escort them to the wedding stage.” Corey, Shane’s brother, another member of Shannon’s Elite and a US Marshal, was also in on the silliness.
“Mick, do you think the CIA is aware that Shannon’s Elite is running a wedding planning business here in Destiny?” Dustin asked him with smirk.
They both were enjoying the fun the town was throwing for their wife and them. “I doubt it, but I think a call to the director might be in order.”
“This is top security business, gentlemen.” Dylan patted his gun. “Don’t make me use this. Besides, you both and Paris got to enjoy the entire day’s activities of Summer Solstice because of Operation Hide The Bride.”
They all laughed.
“That’s true.” Mick pointed to his blue ribbon, which he’d won during the shooting contest. “This is my first one of these.”
Dylan smiled. “That’s saying something since everyone above the age of twelve competes in that one.”
“You both also got to enjoy the Pet Parade, which Sugar and Annie led.”
Mick, like everyone else, had seen a change in Dylan after he and his brother married Erica. The man was still tough as nails, but there was an ease and warmth that had never been there before.
“And we enjoyed the amazing pancake breakfast and barbeque lunch.” Dustin patted his belly. “I’m still stuffed.”
“That didn’t stop you from entering the pie-eating contest, bro.”
“I couldn’t beat those college boys. Did you see how many they put away?”
“I sure did. Ashton Powers took the blue ribbon and set a new record.”
“Six pies in five minutes.” Dylan rubbed his chin. “That’ll hold for a long time.”
“I bet you’re right, but Ben, his brother, got to five and a half. Who knows which one of them will win next year?” There were four Powers brothers and all were well thought of in Destiny.
“What year of college do the younger twin Powers start in the fall?” Dylan asked.
“It’s their last year, I believe.” Mick recalled that they were both majoring in farm and ranch management. “I’m glad they’re back for summer break.”
“It was good to see smiles on Blaine and Brock’s face again.” Dustin sighed.
“How long has it been since their wife’s disappearance?” Blaine and Brock were also twins but ten years older than the younger two, and were raising their two boys, ages six and seven, on their own.
“It was five years ago last month,” Dylan answered. “Likely she’s dead, but they won’t give up hope.”
Mick shook his head, hating to see his friends suffer with such a loss. “There’s no real closure for them, Dylan. Can you blame them?”
“No.” Dylan stated quietly. “Blaine told me he and Brock are really glad to have their brothers home for the summer. They not only help Blaine with the ranch and Brock with his job as warden, but they also help with the boys.”
Mick nodded. “Anyone can see how much Ashton and Ben love their nephews.”
“The Swan is safely hidden.” Joanne’s voice came through Dylan’s speaker. “Clear to move the Wolves to the next location, Agent Strange.”
“Roger that.” Dylan grinned. “Time to get you two suited up. Let’s move.” He opened the flap and they walked out of the tent, getting on his ROC. “Wolves on the move.”
* * * *
Dustin walked with Ethel and Mick out of the tent, followed by their groomsmen.
The crowd took their seats and became silent as Wolfe Mayhem played a soft instrumental melody. The entire town was present and had joined in on throwing them a blowout wedding. The park was always decked out during the Summer Solstice Celebration, but tonight as the sun began to set it looked like something magical, with hues of lavender and blue in every flower and fabric decorating the space. Even the four dragon statues, which by tradition had been decorated by the children of Destiny for Solstice, sported ribbons and balloons of Paris’s wedding colors.
As they took their positions on the stage, the bridesmaids began to walk down the aisle.