“And you, my dear, are lovely. I can see why Spencer chose you,” my father added. The two of them had been engaged in a very spirited discussion about qubits earlier.
They left, and Grace and I continued to make sure we talked to everyone.
Evan came over to us. “Getting ready to go?”
“Yes.” Grace hugged him tight.
“You two have fun. See you at brunch.” Evan hugged her, then me. “Congrats, old friend. This was quite a party. Our wedding will be better though.”
“As it should be.” I laughed.
We looked around to see if we needed to talk to anyone else. Verity had already left to catch her flight.
“Sneaking out?” Hale stood there, grinning. “I’ve got you. Don’t worry about it.”
“Thanks, Hale. I’ll see everyone tomorrow at the adventure park for fireworks and dinner,” Grace reminded him.
He left with a wave.
She turned to me. “Should we make a run for it?”
“We should.” Though that really meant going back to the main building, so Grace could change and grab her bag. The pack would make sure the rest of our things and all the gifts got back to the house.
Suddenly, heart-shapedfireworkswent off over the lake.
“You planned for fireworks for our departure? How lovely,” I remarked, as we left the party.
“No…” Grace looked at her phone. “This is Hale’s distraction so that we can leave. He and Dare smuggled fireworks onto an airplane. It’s their gift to us. I wonder if that’s why they had issues with airport security.”
Of course it was them.
“Let’s just go, and we’ll worry about the club being angry tomorrow. There are other clubs if they kick us out,” I assured.
We went back to the room where I’d originally collected her, and I helped her change. We’d be taking my motorcycle to the hotel. Evan had already made sure our things were there.
I handed Grace her helmet and grabbed mine. “Ready.”
Eunice was waiting for us. “Where did the fireworks come from? It was a pretty display, but I’m unsure we have a permit.”
“My brothers.” Grace sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“We’ll pay a fine if we need to,” I apologized.
I led Grace out to my motorcycle. Our pack was waiting, along with Mercy.
“I didn’t let anyone attach anything to it or deface it, though your cousin tried,” Brennan told us. “Have fun, see you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Brennan.” I hugged him. It was probably Daphne who made the attempt.
“Don’t add to the population, subtract from the population, or end up in jail because I don’t have bail money.” Mercy hugged Grace.
“Same,” Riley added.
“See you tomorrow.” Wes kissed Grace, and Evan did the same.
I helped Grace onto my motorcycle and got in front of her, putting on my helmet. With a wave, we took off.
We drove to a luxury hotel that I had booked for the night.
