He finished one conversation then led us away, this timeinstead of his hand at the small of my back, his arm was across my back and his hand grasped my waist. I assumed he was making his rounds, but he started to guide me back to the main house.
“Is everything alright?” I asked.
“You look tired,” he answered, taking my flute and placing it on a table on our route.
Looking back, I said, “But there’s still guests. And Klara.”
“I’ll have her meet us inside,” he said as he pulled out his phone and sent a text, still guiding me towards the house.
“But–”
He grabbed my hand that was pointing toward the tent. “I don’t care,” he nearly growled. “You’re tired, I’m over it. You’re my wife now, so don’t worry about them.”
Just as we were making it to the French doors that led inside, the click-clack of quick moving heels caught up to us.
Looking over my shoulder, I put my hand to his chest. “Can I have a moment with her?” I asked.
He let me go and pulled out a cigarette. “I’ll be in once I’m done with this,” he said before he lit it and stepped away from the door.
I reached out for Klara’s hand then we snuck inside.
She looked around then hissed, “What are you doing? Are we making a run for it?”
“What?” I laughed. “You know that would never work.”
“I mean, for you, I was willing to listen to the plan.”
I cupped her cheek. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
She put her hand over mine and her eyes glistened. “We will talk all the time. And we’ll visit as much as we can. You’ll come home, surely.” She looked over and once she was satisfied we were alone she whispered, “But I must say, well done.”
Giggling, I said, “Shh. But yes. Very easy on the eyes.”
“He’s huge. I bet all of him is,” Klara said with a wink.
“Well, it’s not like I’m the most experienced woman.”
“You’ll get used to him, I’m sure. So do you have the thing?”
Nodding, I said, “Yes. Thank you. Papa brought it up during our dance.” I rolled my eyes.
She cringed. “Eww.”
“I know. He’s probably going to be done soon.” I grabbed her, pulling her closer and squeezing hard. “I love you, my friend.” My chin trembled and I swallowed hard.
“Hey, none of that. You call me when you get there. Video call, though. I want to see everything,” she said, her words watery.
We both shook as we fought back tears. Then the door clicked so I squeezed her harder for a beat before pulling away. She swiped the tears from my cheeks.
“Love you.” She looked towards Hawk then leaned in to kiss my cheek and whispered, “Have fun and be prepared to tell me everything.” She smiled over at Hawk. “Lovely to meet you, but I think I’m going to head home. I don’t even want to knowwhat shape the restaurant will be in tomorrow. Good night andpozdravlyayu tebya.”
He looked at me with pinched brows.
“She congratulates us,” I told him.
“Thank you, Klara. Do you need an escort home?” he asked.
She waved him off. “Oh no. I drove myself here this morning. But thank you.”
