When she asked about them, Roan said, “I think they’re doing their nails and hair. We decided to leave them to it.”
Adam leaned over and whispered, “He’s young. The women are doing shots of tequila and reading naughty books. They banished us. We can’t live up to their fantasies.”
Hallie was still laughing at the image when Jilly came downstairs. “I think I’ll go to Kingsley House. My brothers set up a private screen for Kit and me and a few other quiet-loving people. You can go with me, if you want.”
“No, I’ll stay,” Hallie said.
Jilly looked at her hard. “If it’s Jamie you want, my guess is he won’t show up. There’s too much noise and too many people for him. You could go to where he’s staying, but you’d miss the wedding.”
“I’d like to see it.”
“Aunt Jilly!” Ian said, then picked her up and whirled her around. “Are you going to dance with me at your wedding?”
“And me?” Adam said as soon as Ian set her down. He began to dance her around the room. He led her through the big pantry and into the tea room.
Hallie followed behind them and was pleased to see that someone had cleaned up from last night’s dinner. The tables were pushed back against the wall.
Raine took Hallie in his arms and began to dance her round and round. For someone so big, he was certainly light on his feet. Music came from somewhere and Hallie was passed from one man to another. She was laughing and enjoying every second of it!
“The wedding’s about to start,” someone called and they all went to the living room—except for Jilly, who escaped out the side doors.
Hallie was escorted to the sofa directly in front of the big-screen TV. Adam was about to sit on one side of her and Raine on the other, but the kids made a flying leap and took their places.
“Brats!” Adam murmured. “Isn’t it your bedtime?”
“It’s morning and I can outride you,” Cory said.
“And I can outswim you,” Adam said as he sat down beside her. He kissed the top of her head—then wiped his mouth. “You have sand in your hair.”
“Keeps the boys away,” Cory said.
“I’ll have to remember that trick,” Hallie said.
“Wouldn’t work for you,” Raine said softly, his eyes on the TV.
“Roan!” Adam bellowed over the back of the couch. “Popcorn.” He looked at Hallie. “Only thing kids like him are good for.”
“I can’t think of any other use for him,” she said.
“Look! It’s Graydon,” Cory yelled, pointing.
On the screen was a photo of two extraordinarily good-looking people. Graydon was tall and dark, while his bride, Toby, was tall and blonde.
“They’re beautiful,” Hallie said.
“He’s a Montgomery,” Ian said with pride.
He got popcorn thrown at him.
They spent nearly an hour watching guests arrive at the huge Lanconian cathedral where the wedding was being held. The announcer told the names of diplomats and ambassadors as they arrived. When there were personal guests, everyone made comments and explanations.
“That’s Dr. Huntley!” Hallie said, then her eyes widened. “Who is the woman with him?!”
“That’s his wife, Victoria,” Adam said in a low voice, and the room suddenly went silent.
Victoria Huntley was a striking woman. She had on a green suit that hugged the fabulous curves of her body. A perfect little hat perched on top of her magnificent red hair.
“She’s a knockout,” Hallie said. When no one commented, she looked around her. Every male in the room—including Max—was staring at the woman in wide-eyed, open-mouthed appreciation.