“Now, for my brother.Not only is he raising my perfect little niece.”Maggie giggled and nodded, her body swaying as she swung her feet.“But he manages my entire estate, with grace and compassion.He embodies integrity and empathy, and I believe that will make him a kind, protective, and faithful husband.I am grateful to have him in my life.”He raised his glass.“To my brother, Trent.”
An echoing cheer rounded the table, and as nervousness fluttered in his stomach, Samantha whispered, “I’m here with you, too.”
It was Trent’s turn.He got to his feet and let out a sigh.“The truth is, I don’t quite know what to say.The level of my gratitude is difficult to put into words.There aren’t many men who would provide so generously for their illegitimate brother.”
“Uh-uh,” Ash interrupted.“If you really need a word to go in front of brother, there are plenty to choose from.Little brother, kid brother, slightly less handsome brother.”Laughter broke out around the table.
“Ash has only known me for a short time, but he’s never wavered in his loyalty and his confidence.He welcomed me, not only as his brother, but into this incredible family.All of you accepted me, even when I thought I was undeserving.”He urged her to stand beside him.“As for being a protective and faithful husband, I’d better be.If I’m not, there will be men lined up to kill me if Allister doesn’t finish the job.”
“Oh, I’ll finish the job,” Allister said.
There was a smattering of laughter, but everyone knew he wasn’t joking.
“Fortunately for me, it won’t be hard to avoid that fate.I love this woman, with all my heart.But I am grateful that she will always have the protection and affection of everyone here.”He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his side.“To the family I never imagined I could have.”
“To family!”the rest of them cheered around the table.
Allister stood and raised his glass.“To the bride and groom.May they find a lifetime of happiness!”
“To the bride and groom!”
Trent leaned down and kissed her, and cheers and clapping filled the room.
Soon, came the thing he was most dreading.Their first dance.Samantha had given him a few more lessons, at least, but now they’d have an audience.
“You’ll be fine,” Samantha said as he settled his hands into place.“How was it you described the color of my eyes to Ash?”
“I don’t remember my exact words, but to me, they are the color of stormy skies, especially in summer, just before they unleash a deluge of rain.”
She giggled.“I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”
“It is.It’s beautiful, but also powerful, just like you.”
She moved with him, graceful and confident, trusting him not to step on her feet.When they finished, she had the next dance with Michael.Ash was dancing with Maggie.She stood on top of his feet, giggling the entire time as they moved over the floor.
Men lined up to shake his hand and congratulate him, Brennan among them.“I don’t know how I'm going to get by without you.”
“You’ll do fine.Just remember, don’t neglect the things that truly matter.And if you need more help, hire it, or ask for it.”
He nodded.“I appreciate all you’ve done for me, and your advice.”
“Congratulations, kid.”He clapped Trent on the shoulder and went to stand by the front door.After working with him doing everything but, it was hard to remember that his job was security.
Giles appeared in front of him.“Congratulations, old chap.Although, you’re younger than me, so does that still work?”He shrugged and shook Trent’s hand.“I hope you won’t mind if I duck out early.Lady Hempsted is hosting a masquerade on the more fashionable side of London tonight, and I’d like to see if I can meet a widow who’s looking for some company.”He winked.
“I don’t mind a bit.Enjoy your evening,old chap.”Trent winked back, and Giles laughed jovially.
After Michael finished dancing with Samantha, he shook Trent’s hand.Samantha took to the floor with Fitz, and seemed to be enjoying herself.It was good to see her laughing and smiling, especially in the presence of other men.She’d come such a long way.
“I recognize that look,” Michael said.“Which is why I’ve brought you this.”He held up a key.“Patrick sends his congratulations, but Rosie will be giving birth any day now, and he won’t be leaving her side until after the baby is born.”He handed the key to Trent.“His flat will be empty, so the two of you can have some privacy.”
“I appreciate that, but my sister is here, too.”
Michael gestured toward Ash, who was at the refreshments table with Maggie.“You don’t need to worry about her.She’ll be taken care of.It’s your wedding night, Trent.Don’t disappoint your bride.”
Michael was right, of course.Ash would see that Maggie was safe and cared for.He didn’t even need to ask him.“Thank you.”
They hadn’t shared a bed since coming down here.They had shared a room, but Maggie had been with them, and it was furnished with two small beds.
