by Tawny Weber
“Pippi’s waiting for us back at the inn. Why don’t we go tell her the good news?” Danita said in a husky whisper that sent shivers of desire down his spine. “Then, maybe you can finish this talking about emotions thing while we’re both naked.”
“I do love you,” he exclaimed, laughing. Grabbing her hand, he headed back into the reception hall at a near run. “Let’s go.”
They made their way through the crowd and across the room. Just as they reached the door, though, his father called out, “Toast.”
Gabriel grimaced.
“So close,” he muttered, making Danita laugh in delight. “Just the toast, then we’re out of here.”
She nodded, her big blue eyes glowing and those full lips, glossy and sweet, curved with joy. This, he realized, was the best game in town. He wasn’t going to miss anything else as long as he had Danita by his side.
He accepted two glasses of champagne from the roving waiter, handing one to Danita before wrapping his arm around her again as they turned to watch Tobias raise his glass.
“Welcome and thank you all for joining us today as we celebrate the love and commitment between my son Caleb and his beautiful bride, Pandora.”
Ever the statesman, Tobias paused for applause, letting it ring through the room then slowly die down before he continued.
“I’m proud and delighted to welcome Pandora to our family. And I have faith that she and Caleb will carry on the tradition of love and devotion. My only regret is that my lovely Celia couldn’t be here to see the culmination of the dreams she had for our children. That they find love. That they embrace happiness. And that they have the strength and devotion to accept commitment and all the work and joy that entails.”
Gabriel glanced at his brother with pride. Caleb had done all of that, just like their parents had. Talk about a stellar example.
“To Caleb and Pandora,” Tobias continued, “I wish you the depths of love and the breadth of happiness that I had with Celia. May you have years of joy together. Cheers.”
A little choked up, Gabriel had to take a few drinks of the bubbly to try and find his voice again.
“Well,” he finally said looking at Danita, “there ya go.”
He was touched to see the tears glistening on her lashes.
“He really believes, doesn’t he?” she whispered, meeting his gaze. “In love. In the power of it?”
“Yeah. He does. And so do I.” He set his glass down, then took hers and set it aside, as well, so he could hold both of her hands. Nerves were gone now. He’d never been a man to believe in sure things. But he believed in them now. “I believe in it enough to want to give us a chance at forever.”
He watched the nerves fade from her gaze, then a smile spread a glow over her face. “Well, I guess we’re both good at taking chances.”
“Babe, we’re damned good.”
BETWEEN JOY AND overwhelming satisfaction, Tobias was sure this was one of the best days of his life. Applause for his toast still ringing in his ears, he stepped from the dais.
“You did it.”
He turned to face Rick Hunter, sharing a smile with his old nemesis. Retired from the FBI, Rick had handed down his love for the game to his son.
“We did it, actually,” Tobias corrected meticulously, tilting his champagne glass so it rang out against his guest’s. “I couldn’t have brought them home without your help.”
“No regrets about the drama surrounding their homecomings? I mean, you had your neck in a noose there for a while.”
Tobias’s gaze scanned the crowd.
Caleb was dancing with Pandora, his arms curled tight around her as he smiled down into her sweet face. She cuddled close, her cheek resting on his shoulder.
Off in a corner, Maya sat on Simon’s lap, her long black curls draped over the hands he’d wrapped around her waist. The look on his face was pure adoration. He was definitely a man worthy of Tobias’s little girl. They talked quietly, both intent upon each other. Planning their future, dreaming of their own wedding.
And Gabriel?
As usual, Gabriel was harder to find. Finally, Tobias’s eyes landed on his youngest son. Gabriel had Danita backed up against the door, his intentions clear in the wicked smile he wore. She was shaking her head, but the look on her face was pure love. There was a woman strong enough to handle his wild boy. And good enough to bring out his best side. Just exactly what Gabriel needed.
“No regrets,” Tobias told Rick. “My kids are back in my life, and they are all settling into happiness. A man can’t ask for a stronger legacy than that.”
* * * * *
ISBN: 9781459220485
Copyright © 2012 by Tawny Weber
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