That brought calls of agreement from those around the tables, including Shaun and Ginny, who waved them over. On the way, they stopped to greet Ellie, and meet her handsome contractor husband Tyler, who had provided Swain with the cover job on Junior’s crew. She got a hug from Melody, and shook hands with her handsome husband, Josh, who served as Fire Chief. Fellow Bluelick PD officer West Donovan was there with Roxy, who was all decked out to perform later, looking respectably hot in her own unique and colorful way.
Lou Ann jumped up to hug her when the made it to the far end of the table. “Oh my God. I couldn’t believe when I heard you two were really cops under deep cover. You had us fooled.”
“I’m sorry we couldn’t be honest with you,” she said, and included Junior in the reply.
“Hey, no worries. I get it,” Junior said, and clapped Swain on the shoulder with enough friendly vigor she heard him grunt under his breath. “It was like, top secret. You could tell us, but then you’d have to kill us, right buddy?” He winked and gave Swain’s shoulder another hearty clap. “Anyhow, I can’t believe we were part of an undercover deal.”
“A really important part,” Eden assured him. “You and Lou Ann had a hand in bringing down a whole drug ring.”
“Hey, Buchanan, you hear that?” Junior called down the table. “Next time you need an undercover couple, you just deputize Lou Ann and me, and we’ll get the job done.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” her boss replied, before mouthing the word never.
Someone tapped her shoulder. She turned to find Kenny and Dobie standing there, combed and clean-shaven and looking, well, hot and respectable. “Hey, Eden, Swain,” Dobie held out a hand. “Thanks for coming out tonight to celebrate us cleaning up our acts.” Swain ignored the handshake and pulled the slighter man in for a bro hug, then reached over and did the same to Kenny. “You guys clean up well. Who would have guessed?”
“Nobody. Not even us.” Kenny laughed, and accepted Eden’s hug.
“It’s kind of a big deal,” Dobie added, and went into her arms. “I haven’t graduated from anything since high school, but now I’ve got that certificate from the rehab place. I feel so legit.”
“You are legit,” Eden said. “I’m proud of you both.” When she drew back, Dobie grabbed her left hand. “Hey, you’re engaged for real. To who?”
“Fuck you, Dobs,” Swain laughed.
Dobie held up his hands. “I’m kidding. I swear. I heard you two worked things out, and I’m glad. Sincerely. Congratulations.”
Swain took her hand, gazed down at her. “Us, too.”
“Congratula
tions,” Kenny added, then paused and gave them a slow smile. “Wow. All that bullshit wedding planning you guys did will actually pay off.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Eden demurred and looked at Swain. “We haven’t really planned things yet…”
“The hell we haven’t,” he interrupted, narrowing his eyes as if to dare her to contradict him. “I’ve got my heart set on the Platinum Package from the Riverview Inn, followed by a honeymoon in Jamaica.”
“Right on, man,” Kenny said, and fist-bumped him. “My mom will take care of you. I’ll be your DJ. All you have to do is name a date.”
“I’ll get back to you,” Swain said, and tugged her over toward the dance floor where Roxy was now strumming the early chords of her original song, “Wet and Reckless.” “Let’s consult.”
When he pulled her close, she linked her hands behind his neck and draped her arms over his shoulders. This time, when they danced together, nothing was for show. “So, the Riverview Inn? Really?”
He grinned, shrugged. “If you don’t mind. I think we should do it local.” He glanced around the room and his grin turned to a full-fledged smile. Seems like we have everything we need right here in Bluelick. The venue, the DJ, some friends to raise a toast.”
She looked around as well, then back at him, and a thrill of joy bubbled through her. “I think you’re right.”
“It’s home.”
The thrill evened out to a steady warmth. She pulled him close for a quick embrace, and whispered, “It is home.”
He kissed her. Slow, sweet, and oh, so thoroughly that little shivers raced up and down her spine by the time he raised his head. Damn, the man was good. “Also,” he added, and cocked a brow, “I’m kinda partial to that Honeymoon Suite.”
“You’re not going to steal the towels this time, are you?”
“Nah, choux.” He laughed, and then pressed his forehead to hers. “Trust me.”