I quickly changed into my party clothes and sat at the small table in the corner of our room to scroll through email and text messages. I glanced at the upper-left corner of my phone to see we had five minutes before we were late.
Dash was still in the bathroom. “Love, we need to get going. We have about seven minutes before we appear to be rude. We’re not trying to be fashionably late, are we?”
When the bathroom door opened, my Dash didn’t walk out. Scotty did.
“I can’t do this. I can’t mislead you. We’ve been through a lot since we met, and I owe you honesty. I also know how much you love your husband, and I’m certain you’ll try to get into my pants when we get back to the room after this brunch, and you know it would be weird for both of us. I didn’t agree with this play, but Jay said it was necessary.”
I was speechless. “Did Dash have a say in this?”
Scotty scowled. “I’m afraid not. The underworld likes the element of surprise.” Scotty exhaled, sitting across from me.
“Do you know what they’re doing?” My heart immediately climbed into my throat at the idea Dash might be in danger.
Scotty sat forward and touched my hand. “They’re trying to prepare him for his role in the war. I’m sorry they didn’t tell you what’s going on, and I won’t go along with it if you object. You are my brother, Keir. I’ll do as you wish.”
I put my phone on the table and stared at my friend. “No. If Dash needs the training to be prepared, then I’ll do my share. Can you be Dash? I don’t want to fuck up Trent’s wedding, so if you go with me, we can pull this off, I’m sure.”
Scotty grinned. “I can guarantee it. What did you bring for Dash to wear?”
I went to the closet, pulled out the clothes Dash had brought for the brunch and presented them to Scotty, who was larger than my husband.
“That’s nice. I’ll have to shrink a bit, but it’s doable.”
Scotty took the clothes and went to the bathroom to change. When he returned to the room, he was the perfect impression of my gorgeous Dashiell. “You’re tempting, Scotty. Keep reminding me you’re not my husband.”
Both of us laughed as I knocked on Vale’s door. He opened it, looking incredible in a black velvet sport coat and black wool slacks. The bright-red shirt was a stunning addition.
“Wow! You look amazing. Is Jonas here?” I asked as I stepped into his room, seeing it was empty.
“He’s on his way. His clothes are in the closet. Are you and Dash ready to go?”
I wasn’t about to explain to Vale that Dash was elsewhere. The less Vale knew, the better he could play along and not alert Amelie that trouble was on the horizon. I didn’t want her wedding weekend tainted by forces out of her control.
“We are. You wanna wait or go with us?”
Vale’s face flashed a bit of anger before he smoothed his lapels and stepped into our room. “I’m ready.”
“Gentlemen, shall we?”
I took Scotty’s hand and led him to the door. Vale followed, and the three of us walked to the elevator. I glanced at Scotty, seeing my husband’s face, but Scotty’s eyes. I was sure nobody would notice, but in my heart, I knew who was walking with me. If it couldn’t be Dash, then I was grateful it was my dear friend, Scotty.
I prayed Dash was okay. We had a life ahead of us, and I had to believe he’d be there with me. Without him, I couldn’t imagine going forward.
“Hi, guys,” Amelie greeted as she and Trent made the rounds at the private solarium they’d reserved for the brunch.
Scotty—as Dash—stood next to me, both of us hugging her and then Trent. What I didn’t expect was for Trent to hold us close and not release the two of us.
“Scotty, it’s good to have you here. Will Dash come?” Trent whispered between us.
“I know he doesn’t want to miss it, but there are some other tasks he needs to attend to. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. He’s here in spirit, I swear.” We hugged, and the couple moved on.
I met the crazy aunt, Virginia St. George, much to my delight. The woman was straight out of an English melodrama, and yes, she was more than a bit eccentric. She carried a vintage Gucci tote with a small red-and-white Pomeranian encased inside. It had a nasty snarl when Virginia stepped close to any man.
I watched the bitch growl and snarl when Ginny approached Amelie’s parents, and I elbowed Scotty in the ribs. He leaned into me and I whispered, “Watch this. There’s going to be some drama.” I could be just as catty as the next girl.
“Hello, Ginny,” Amelie’s mother greeted her, seeming to be pissed at the sight of the woman.
According to Trent, the aunt had tried to take over the wedding, but she’d failed and was planning to rub her presence in her sister’s face.
