"Alright now, it's time for all the single ladies to come to the center of the gym." The DJ's voice boomed through the speakers around the pool. "Paige is ready to throw the bouquet."
CHAPTER 12
Grace wasn't interested in catching the bouquet or anything else that required her to leave Damon's arms, but Riley and Daniel had different plans.
"Paige will never forgive me if you aren't in the lineup to catch the bouquet," Riley said with a firm hand on Grace's back as she guided her inside. "Make sure you're front and center."
"What? Why?"
Riley was already walking away.
Before Grace had a chance to walk off the dance floor, Paige threw the bouquet right at her. She had to catch it to avoid being hit in the face.
Cheers filled the gym, and Grace turned to see Damon grinning and applauding. Daniel elbowed him and clapped a hand on his shoulder. She garnered so much attention from Damon's family that she returned to her mother's side. No need to make a spectacle by rushing back to Damon's arms.
"Well, if that isn't an omen, I don't know what is." Mom's grin was almost as big as Damon's.
Grace rolled her eyes.
"Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we're going to have some more dancing while the happy couple change their clothes and get ready for the big send off."
"I'd better go help Paige with her dress." Grace started to stand, but her mom grabbed her arm.
"She has a husband who can help her with that now." Mom gave her a wink and a sly grin. "Which means you can dance with Damon some more."
"I guess you're right." Grace's gaze sought out Damon in the crowd.
He was already on his way toward her. When he reached them, he crouched in front of her mom. "Can I get you anything before I steal Grace away again?"
"Aren't you sweet, Mijo?" Mom patted his cheek. "I'm fine, thank you."
The air rushed from Grace's lungs. Her mother called himmy son. She'd given Damon more than her stamp of approval. She'd accepted him as her own. Knowing her mom wouldn't likely live long enough to see her married, the expression brought tears to Grace's eyes. It also scared her a little.
She loved the idea of marrying Damon, but until she found the courage to tell him about her past—and he was able to accept what she'd done—she couldn't dream about that kind of future with him.
When Damon held his hand out to her, she took it again and let him pull her into his arms, her heart still racing.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." She blinked away her tears and gave him her biggest smile.
"I've heard your mom call Gabe Mijo." Damon bought his mouth close to her ear again. "What does it mean?"
Grace lifted her eyes to meet his. "My son."
Damon gave a soft smile as he tucked his chin and repeatedly blinked his eyes.
"I appreciate you visiting her so often while I work." Emotion deepened her voice. "She really likes you. She's going to miss you when you leave."
"I'm going to miss her." Damon's Adam's apple bobbed as he repeatedly blinked. "I enjoyed my visits with her."
"I'mgoing to miss you." Her throat was so tight she could hardly get the words out, but he must have heard them because he pulled her closer.
"Shhh...Let's not think about that yet."
Nodding, she tucked her head against his shoulder.
All too soon, they were ushered to the entrance of the rec center where everyone was lined up with sparklers that Grace was supposed to help distribute. Daniel and Riley must have recruited help while she danced with Damon.
