Chapter 15
As the lastwell wishes faded, and the guests finally strolled off to where the reception would be held, Blaéz scrubbed a hand over his jaw. A few more hours and it would be over.
Echo and Kira had stolen his bride just moments ago, their soft laughter drifting to him as they carefully dusted the colorful leaf confetti from Darci’s hair and straightened her veil.
“That went off well,” Aethan said from beside him, pulling his attention away from her.
“Yup,” Týr agreed, before Blaéz could speak, sticking a finger into his collar. “Only because you saved the Celt from drooling all over Darci and looking like a blithering fool by giving him the ring.” He smirked.
Echo burst out laughing, and Darci bit her lip as if trying not to. Kira rolled her eyes.
Blaéz didn’t bother to respond. He was too fucking happy and didn’t give a rat’s furry arse at the Norse’s provocation.
“Yo, Celt…” He tugged at his tie knot as if to loosen the thing now. “Is it too soon to take this off?”
Blaéz shook his head in amusement at the twitchy warrior. “It’s barely been two hours. Lay off the candies, and I imagine you’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, that’s not gonna help. And another thing...” He stuck his hand into his coat pocket and pulled out his stash of M&M’s. “…I still don’t get the reason for another best man. I had nothing to do.”
“Hardly nothing,” Aethan said, his expression thoughtful. “You’ve showed your support quite well. Standing there, looking pretty. I’d consider that a helluva lot of work.”
“If that’s sarcasm, it ain’t working, you blue-haired, fuc…er son of a motherless bovine. Being motionless is a pain in the ass.” He selected several red candies and popped them into his mouth.
Aethan grinned, sliding his hands into his pants pocket. “Just facts, man.”
Blaéz snorted and glanced at the door. Hedori should be here soon to give them the go-ahead so they could make their way to the reception. But before they did, he wanted a little time with his mate—er, bride.
He stepped over the scattered heap of confetti and crossed to her. “Echo, Kira,” he murmured, “I need my mate for a minute.” He grasped Darci’s hand and drew her with him to the side.
Before he could speak, she dropped her bouquet on the chair there and hugged him tightly, her voice muffled in neck. “Thank you so much for this!” She pulled back, her gorgeous face flushed, her eyes radiant with happiness. “This place—everything is absolutely breathtaking.”
“No, you are,” he said quietly, caressing her cheek with his thumb. “Besides, I wanted you to have your dream wedding.”
Her smile trembled. “And you did. It’s beyond anything I ever envisioned…” She reached up and brushed his hair, releasing the confetti trapped there. “How long do we wait here?”
“Not much longer I imagine.” Hopefully, the guest would be settled and they could make their appearance.
As if hearing him, Hedori appeared in the doorway and nodded at them. With a smile, he withdrew.
“It’s time.” Blaéz picked up Darci’s bouquet from the chair near him and handed it to her.
“That means we head off first,” Aethan said. “Come on,me’morae.”
Echo grabbed her posy of roses from the chair. “Guys, five seconds between each couple, don’t forget,” she said, slipping her hand into the crook of Aethan’s arm, and they headed for the door. “This is the fun part…” her low voice drifted to Blaéz. He glanced at Týr.
The warrior waited, a brow arched at Kira.
She smoothed her gown, picked up her flowers from the chair and joined him, keeping a good, wide space between them.
“Yeah, that’s not going work.” He grasped her wrist, hauling her close, and hooked her fingers on his bent arm. “Don’t. Move. It.”
At his short order, she shot him an irritated glare, a glimmer of vibrant red sliding through the auburn strands. “You’re a pain in the—”
He laughed as they followed Aethan and Echo. “Admit it, you’re pissed because I didn’t mess-up any of the procedure despite missing rehearsal.”
At the warrior’s determination to rile her, Blaéz shook his head in resignation. It seemed as if he relished in her dislike.
“Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea pairing them?” Darci whispered.
