I caught glimpses of the other Bronish brothers and their mates as we danced. Greel led Jessi onto the floor, one hand hovering near the small of her back in a protective way. Her pregnancy had just begun to show. His eyes never left her face, as if she might need something only he could provide at any moment.
“They look happy,” I told Dungar as we came together again.
“Greel’s been reading every pregnancy book he can find,” he said. “I suggested he create a daily nutrition plan with optimal vitamins for each trimester, but he didn’t sound too excited about the idea.”
His sparkling eyes made me laugh.
As the dance continued, I spotted Ruugar swinging Beth in wide circles. Their daughter Noma toddled at theedge of the dance floor, clapping as she watched her parents. Each time she wobbled, Ruugar’s eyes darted to her, though he never missed a step of the dance.
“Allemande left with the corner girl,” the caller sang out, and I was passed to Sel, whose gentle hands guided me through the turn.
“How’s Max enjoying school?” I asked as we circled each other.
Sel’s face lit up at the mention of his stepson. “He’s doing great.”
I glanced toward the buffet where Holly stood beside Max, both wearing matching aprons as they arranged desserts on platters.
“Do-si-do your partner,” came the call, and I returned to Dungar, moving back-to-back around him before facing him again.
“Having fun?” he asked, his hands spanning my waist as he lifted me during the next move.
“So much.”
The music changed tempo, becoming more energetic. Across the room, Hail and Allie swayed together. They’d recently expanded their classes to include offerings to a local nursing home. Alzheimer’s patients came once a week to make pottery, and the program was a huge success already.
Becken sat with Carla near the refreshment table, Carla cradling their newborn son in her arms. Their two-week-old slept peacefully despite the noise. Becken stroked his son’s dark hair, his expression full of wonder and fierce protection.
“Big circle, ladies in the middle,” the caller directed, and we formed a new pattern, the women circling inward while the males moved outward.
I found myself between Aunt Inla and Rosey. She and Ostor had opened a jewelry shop specializing in pieces that incorporated traditional orc designs with surface world stones. All designed with fymsom, naturally. I’d been stunned when Dungar gave me a nugget.
“Your necklace is beautiful,” I told Rosey, admiring the luminescent stones set in fymsom hanging at her throat.
“Ostor mined and cut the gems himself.” She stroked the pendant. “He says they remind him of my eyes.”
The dance moved on, partners changing and reforming in new combinations. Tark occasionally called out his own poetic interpretations of the dance moves, and our laughter rang out. At the edge of the room, a table displayed stacks of his newly published poetry book, “Surface Reflections,” each autographed. We’d take one when we left.
As the song ended, Lavon stepped onto the dance floor, wearing a formal suit that seemed to surprise everyone, including Aunt Inla. The music quieted, and he made his way to where she stood, a hush falling over the crowd.
“Inla Bronish,” he said, his voice carrying across the suddenly silent room. “You have brought light and laughter to my life in ways I never expected.”
A collective intake of breath rippled through thegathering as he lowered himself to one knee, producing a small box from his pocket.
“Would you do me the honor of becoming my mate?” He opened the box, revealing a ring set with a stone that caught the light, throwing rainbow patterns across Aunt Inla’s surprised face.
Her hands flew to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. For a moment, the talkative Aunt Inla seemed speechless. Then she nodded, extending a trembling hand. “Yes. Yes, of course.”
Cheers rang out as Lavon slipped the ring onto her finger and rose to lift her off her feet, swinging her around while they kissed. We all cheered.
Dungar’s arm tightened around my waist, and I leaned into him, sharing in their happiness.
“Dance with me?” he asked as the music started again, this time a slower melody that invited couples to hold each other close.
I stepped into his embrace without hesitation. “Always.”
The night aircooled my flushed cheeks as Dungar and I stepped onto the wide porch spanning the back of the function hall. After hours of dancing, the quiet felt welcome. Stars scattered across the sky, brighter and more numerous than I’d ever seen in the city I grew up in.
“Happy?” Dungar asked, his arm a warm weight across my shoulders.
