Page 56 of Hidden Dane
Emily traced his cheek as the clerk called them to come forward. “So you chose Uriel as your name?”
“Yeah.” He led her to the front desk. He signed for the room and took the key, handing her a plastic card that she slipped into her pocket. They glanced around the lobby, toward the restaurant. Emily pointed toward it and he nodded. It was time. He pressed his hand on her lower back and said, “We’re here. Let’s go see Michael.”
They took two steps but then she stopped and said, “Dane. One second.”
“What?” He stood beside her, waiting to find out what she wanted to say.
She held both of his hands to her heart. “If you want, I’ll call you Uriel, if that makes you feel better.”
Emily. Somehow she made everything smoother. Her eyes were bright and she’d always be his personal angel. He patted her hand and said, “I like hearing you call me Dane. You make being the old me, well, tolerable.”
She made a face like she didn’t like his answer and asked, “Tolerable?”
“Yes.” He leaned down, claiming her lips in a kiss.
Emily’s kiss was unlike any other woman’s—sweeter than champagne or any fruit he’d ever had. She had something inside her that burned into him and he hugged her, holding her tight, forgetting where they were.
However, she ended the kiss too fast and behind him he heard the distinctive cough of her sister, Sophie. Emily sighed and said, “I guess that’s okay. There is Michael at the door, waiting for us.”
His neck felt hot. Hopefully the past was now gone, but to ensure his sanity, he quickly whispered to Emily, “Stay next to me.”
“Always.”
He held her hand but then extended the other as he neared the dark-haired man that was technically his father. “Hi Michael, it’s good to see you again.”
Michael patted his shoulder and smiled at them as he said, “You too, son. Both of you come in. We’ve had dinner prepared.”
As they entered the dining room, Emily held her breath and then squealed. “Dane, my sisters are here too.”
The two younger sisters had clearly grown up. Isabelle must be in college now and Abigail was a full grown teenager. He remembered her when she was little. “Then it’s a reunion for all of us.”
For once in his life Dane saw them all together and wasn’t haunted from his long ago past. Emily made the future bright enough to simply be happy.
Chapter 19
The limo stopped before Buckingham Palace. Dane hadn’t even glanced out the window, once, the entire drive. Beside him, Emily bounced, clearly excited as she squeezed his hand.
Today he wanted to make Emily proud.
She wore the set he’d given her years ago to meet the queen.
He adjusted the back so it laid flat against her neck as the car stopped.
He peeked out and saw they were in the driveway. The tannish walls of the palace were so high he didn’t have a proper view.
Not that the location mattered. He checked the ornamental pieces. The jewels that had been missing for over a hundred years were now being returned. Soon, everyone would see the Irish Crown Jewels on display at the Tower of London.
Museums allowed the world to experience the past, and this journey was now done.
This time he was no longer alone. Emily was at his side and nothing could be better. Dane adjusted his blue tie to ensure it was straight. Emily patted his shoulder. They waited for the driver, dressed in black livery, to open the door for Emily and himself.
Emily’s light blonde bob shone and her pastel green gown only made her necklace glitter more. She adjusted her dress and shifted her weight back and forth, fiddling with the necklace he’d given her in high school.
In heaven he hoped his mother and grandmother smiled down and appreciated Emily. She took his hand and he whispered, “Emily, you look great.”
She shook her head as they walked up the steps as invited guests. “I’m terrified of going into the palace.”
Near the door, the guards opened them ceremonially and they were expected to know all the procedure. He swallowed, clutched her hand and offered a reminder. “We were told, walk to the throne, hand the jewels to the servant, bow and back up, never showing the Queen your back. You made me practice this morning. You will do great.”
