“They live up near Charleston.”
That would explain it.
Truth be told, he hadn’t recognized many of the adults here tonight—which wasn’t surprising, considering the hundred students enrolled at Harbor Pointe Studio came from a forty-plus-mile radius.
In fact, business was so good, Devyn not only had a waiting list, she was also adding a summer session.
Aftertheir honeymoon.
It was important to keep priorities straight.
“Maybe some of our romance will waft their way.” He motioned to the trio.
“It would be nice if she met someone new.” Devyn watched her sister chat with the man. “Love is a wonderful thing.”
“Yes, it is.” As Lauren exited with the man and girl, leaving them alone in the auditorium, he turned to Devyn. “And I’m counting the hours until we make ours official next week.”
“Me too. It’s going to be a beautiful wedding.”
“Are you sure what we have planned is enough, though?” It was a question that had nagged at him for months, despite her reassurances. “I still feel like maybe you’re shortchanging yourself. Don’t most women dream of a big wedding?”
She gave him the sweet smile that always tightened his throat. “I don’t know why you keep worrying about that. Like I’ve told you, I’m happy with a simple ceremony at church, followed by dinner and dancing with close friends and family at the lighthouse venue. Scout’s honor.”
“I just don’t want you to look back and be sorry you didn’t have a more elaborate wedding with a lot of fanfare.”
“Aaron.” She put her arms around his neck. “I’ve had plenty of fanfare in my life. I’ve danced on international stages in elaborate costumes. I’ve given media interviews. I’ve done photo shoots. All I need at this wedding is you. Everything else is a bonus. But if it makes you feel any better, I do have a drop-dead-gorgeous gown. From Paris, no less. Courtesy of Mom.”
That was news.
“How come I didn’t know about that?”
“A woman’s wedding dress is a well-guarded secret. No one’s seen it in person except my maid of honor—and Lauren was sworn to secrecy. Mom’s only seen a photo.”
“Are she and her husband still planning to come to the wedding?” That had been a question mark up until two weeks ago, when they’d finally committed. Sort of.
“She claims they are. Philippe had business in San Francisco anyway, which he timed to coincide with our big day. And they did book a suite for two nights at Seabird Inn.”
“With us leaving for Hawaii the morning after the wedding, you won’t have much time to visit with them if they do come.”
She snuggled closer. “To tell you the truth, I’m more interested in getting away with you than catching up with them. Two weeks in paradise will be glorious. Thank goodness Ben was willing to take on child-care duties while we’re gone.”
“Speaking of Ben ... after the rehearsal tonight, he told me about your chat.”
Her eyebrows rose. “I’m surprised. He asked me to keep it confidential.”
“So I heard. But he said he felt guilty about not letting me know.” He brushed his lips over hers. “I appreciate what you told him, as well as your willingness to move in with a ready-made family. I doubt most brides would be so understanding.”
“I know how much he means to you and Isabel. And what I said to him was true. The house wouldn’t be the same without him. Family is everything. However ... that doesnotmean I won’t enjoy an occasional getaway for two.”
“Count on it. Beginning with Hawaii, where I intend to totally disconnect and devote myself to my bride. No interruptions from home or work. A honeymoon is sacrosanct.”
She smiled. “I like a man who has his priorities straight. But are you certain Martin’s okay covering for you? I mean, you’re an equity partner now, and from what Diane’s told Lauren, he’sdiligent about dividing the duties with you and leaving the mill behind at the end of the day.”
“He’s on board with the plan—especially after I promised to reciprocate while he and Diane take a belated twenty-fifth anniversary cruise in the fall.”
“Seems like a fair exchange.” She resettled her dance bag on her shoulder. “After our meeting with Reverend Baker tonight, the only thing left for us to do before the big day is polish up our first dance. We need to work on the transition between the foxtrot for ‘Night and Day’ and the swing for ‘In the Mood.’”
He traced the contour of her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “Looking back, I think that was the night I realized you and I were meant to be together—even though it seemed like an impossible dream at the time.”
