“What are you going to do?” Naya asked from behind her.
Annika took down her hair and brushed it out with her fingers, allowing the curls to do as they pleased.
“About Daniel...?” Naya prompted.
She caught her cousin’s eye in the mirror. “I don’t exactly know—whatever feels right, I guess.”
Naya hugged her.
“Come on, let’s get this party started.” Annika grabbed Naya’s hand and they went to rejoin the wedding.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
DANIEL
DANIELLOOSENEDTHEbow tie of his tux just a bit. Tuxedos were just not his style. He followed Ravi down to just outside the reception hall. He did an automatic scan for Annika, but she was not standing with Naya.
The bride looked at him. “Caught you looking for her,” Naya smirked.
Daniel inhaled. “Yeah. Well. She’s been busy.” He leaned in to give Naya a hug. “Congratulations. Ravi’s a lucky man.”
Naya smiled, and Daniel could have sworn he saw stars in her eyes. “Thanks.”
Daniel nodded and turned to continue his search for Annika. He really needed to talk to her. Naya grabbed his hand and tugged.
A tuxedoed waiter approached them just then, a tray of champagne in his hands. He paused as Naya took a glass. Daniel shook his head, and the waiter left.
“What? No celebratory drink?” Naya seemed surprised.
“Not anymore.” Daniel looked her in the eye. “It’s for the best.”
Naya nodded.
“What’s up?” He glanced at her hand still on his arm, keeping him there. Apprehension made him a bit cautious.
She leaned close to him and reached up to whisper in his ear. “You know, I’m really glad it was you who was with her that night in the hospital.” She sighed and turned to look him in the eyes. “Don’t let anyone, me included, tell you that you don’t deserve her. You do. She’s a lucky girl.”
Daniel pulled back to see Naya’s eyes glisten with tears, a small smirk on her face.
“What?” She sniffled. “Occasionally, I’m wrong. It happens. However rarely.” She released his hand and gave him a nudge. “Better find her before someone else does.”
Daniel leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Thanks.”
She pushed him away with a smile. “Go now. I want a minute with my new husband.”
“I’ll see you inside,” he murmured to Ravi, and left the newlyweds to await their big introduction.
Once inside the dimly lit reception hall, he scanned the room for Annika. Naya’s words sat lightly on his heart. If all went well, she’d be family soon. He felt for the ring in his pocket and relaxed at the solidity of it.
He and Annika really hadn’t had any time together today, and maybe someone else’s wedding wasn’t the best place to propose, but he’d waited long enough. Tonight, after all the wedding hoopla, he’d ask her to marry him.
He scanned the crowd again but saw no sign of her.
“Hey, there.” A gentle slap on his shoulder, and Daniel turned to face Nilay and Anil-uncle.
Warmth flooded over Daniel as he caught Nilay in a hug. “Hey, yourself. Do you really still need those crutches?”
Nilay grinned. “There are some advantages.” Daniel followed his gaze to a group of teenage girls clustered together on the dance floor.
