We engaged our parents in a discussion about our excitement over our honeymoon.
Dinner plates were cleared.
Still no sign of either man.
I requested mousse for Cooper while Taryn asked for apple crumble for Lachlan.
Still no guys.
I leaned in toward Taryn. “What are the odds they return bloodied and bruised?”
She rolled her eyes upward as if in deep contemplation. “Well, I don’t think they’d purposely do anything to ruin our wedding. Oh, thank you.” She offered a smile to the server. “Looks delicious.”
“I’m certain it is.” The young man put Lachlan’s plate down and headed back to the cart to grab plates for our parents.
By the time we’d finished our desserts, a vague feeling of disconcertion washed over me.
I caught Noel’s gaze and beckoned him over with my chin.
He nodded, whispered something in his husband, Aaron’s, ear, and rose. He strode to me and crouched so his ear was near my lips.
“Could you find out what the fuck Cooper and Lachlan are up to? It’s just about speeches time. Now, Cooper’s going to embarrass—”
“He said he wouldn’t.” His blue eyes darkened. “He swore—”
I laughed. “Noel, I’ve known him my entire life.”
He arched an eyebrow. “As his boss, I can make his life a living hell.”
“Tempting…but I’d rather you just track him down and make certain he and Lachlan aren’t—”
“Oh, he’s here now.”
I followed Noel’s gaze to the back of the hall.
Cooper and Lachlan were, in fact, coming back in.
Lachlan was straightening his wig, while Cooper was brushing something off his bodice.
“So all’s good?” Noel gestured with his chin. “I don’t see any blood. At least I assume that was your concern. Their antagonism is legendary.”
“Yes, I suppose it is. Thank you.” I pressed my hand to his biceps.
“No worries. Thank you for inviting us. Aaron’s having a lovely time.”
“We’re glad you could make it.” In the time Cooper had been working for Noel, I’d come to know the man quite well. He and Aaron made a charming couple, and inviting them felt natural.
Cooper nodded to Noel as he slipped into his seat. “Oh, mousse.”
I rolled my eyes.
Noel squeezed my shoulder, then made his way back to his table.
“Where were you?” Even as I asked the question, Taryn was similarly quizzing Lachlan.
“Oh, time for speeches.” He glanced over me and caught Lachlan’s gaze. “Speeches,” he repeated.
“Coop—”
