Elaine turned to Gioia, gobsmacked. “What do they feed him at that school?”
“I know.” Gioia grabbed him around his middle. “He’s still my baby.”
“Mom.” Although Gunnar wore a suit, he also wore black Converse sneakers. He dug the toe of them into the carpet. “I’m not a baby.”
“You’ll always be my baby.” Gioia turned to Elaine. “We weren’t sure he could make it here for the party, but he’s been doing so well in school he was able to take a bit of time away.” Due to his musical prowess, encouraged in no small way by percussionist Soren, Gunnar now studied at a prestigious music school in Toronto. He boarded there most of the time. On some weekends, he visited Gemini Island, and on others, Gioia and Soren visited him. He also made regular trips back to Calgary to spend time with his dad.
“I heard Andy and Layla are here,” said Gunnar. “Can I go find them?”
“Go right ahead,” said Elaine. “They’ll be thrilled to see you, although they might not recognize you.”
The teen blushed and sauntered into the reception room.
Elaine grabbed Gioia’s hand. “You guys have done such a good job with him. He’s become quite the young man.”
Soren kissed his wife. “That’s because Gioia is an awesome mom.”
It wasn’t all that long ago Gunnar had been a struggling boy, dealing with the supposed death of his father. To see him flourishing and happy gave Elaine hope for her kids.
Gioia shrugged off the compliments, a tear in her eye. “Hey, you look amazing in the dress.”
Soren smiled. “You really do, Elaine. Is Connor in there?”
Funny how everyone associated them. “He’ll be in shortly. I was just headed there myself.”
Soren put his arms around the two of them. “Let’s go, pretty ladies. I’m grateful for such gorgeous arm candy. You’ll make me look good.”
Elaine had to laugh. He didn’t need her to make him look good. A blond rock god, Soren looked amazing to most people. Tonight was no exception. Attired in a dark suit, like the other men, he’d added a rock-star touch by wearing a black hoodie under the jacket instead of a dress shirt. With his longish hair clubbed back, he was enough to make most women forget their own names.
However, the famed percussionist had eyes for only his mate, Gioia. The brunette outshone even her gorgeous husband this evening. Dressed in a royal blue, wraparound dress, spiky black heels, and diamond earrings, Gioia beamed. Elaine didn’t think she’d ever seen them happier and was so relieved she hadn’t lost them after they’d sustained serious injuries during the battle with the Alpha Brethren.
The ballroom was ablaze with light and color. Huge silver centerpieces, laden with candles and flowers, decorated each table. Silver streamers had been strung across the massive room, crisscrossing at intervals, making it appear as if moonlight’s soft glow had permeated the space. Several large buffet tables had been set up so guests could mingle and try out different edible treats. Despite this casual approach, servers moved among the guests, carrying platters of hors d’oeuvres.
There were many guests, at least two hundred. Most of them were families who’d visited the Ursa in the past. Their children had struggled with the challenges of being teen shifters, and in taking part in the programs at the resort, they’d become part of the extended family. Elaine recognized many faces and was glad to see them all.
While Gunnar and a couple of the other teens took turns giving Layla and Andy piggyback rides, Elaine circulated with the adults. Soren found drinks for her and for Gioia, beautiful cocktails that were just as pretty as the decorations. Elaine took a sip, savoring the sweet taste of pineapple and rum. Josh had cautioned her about drinking, but she didn’t imagine one cocktail would be an issue.
“Ryland and Lia have really outdone themselves,” said Elaine. “The place looks amazing.”
Gioia smiled. “I’m so glad you’re here and able to see it.”
Ry and Lia stood at the front of the room, greeting guests as they wandered in. He looked handsome in his black suit. Never completely comfortable in fancy clothing, Ry tugged at his tie a couple of times. He was far happier in his customary plaid flannel shirts. However, in a cheeky nod to his own fashion sense, he’d found a bowtie that was red plaid.
As for Lia, the expectant mom looked beautiful. She’d pinned up her long hair, and Ryland seemed to like it because his hand lingered at the back of her neck. Lia wore a silky chocolate-colored dress with lace edging, one that hugged her bump. No heels for her this evening, but her ballet flats were embellished in gold. Elaine eyed the flats and wished she could trade shoes with her friend.
Lia looked over, saw Elaine, and her face fell.
Elaine recognized guilt when she saw it. She knew her friend felt badly about discouraging her feelings for Connor, even though they hadn’t spoken about it again. She didn’t blame Lia, even though Lia clearly blamed herself.
Elaine waved, hoping it would make her feel better. Lia waved back, and the smile returned to her face.
Their friendship wouldn’t be hampered by some difficult truths, no matter how hard it was to face them.
Elaine returned her attention to Soren and Gioia. They chatted and danced and had fun catching up with a number of former guests. Quite a few people offered condolences for Lloyd, and she appreciated it. Whenever the conversations struck home, Soren or Gioia would jump in and change the subject, coming to her rescue.
It made Elaine so thankful for her friends.
No matter how much fun she was having with everyone, Elaine couldn’t stop looking at Connor. He was stationed in the ballroom, right near the stage. Ryland and Lia held court there, with Connor acting as their sentry.
