Page 28 of The Engagement
“Of course I don’t mind,” he says. “In fact, I’ll go out on a limb and say I think Elly will be thrilled to have the company.”
* * *
“It’s time for your first dance as a married couple,” Beth says as she draws us to the center of the room. All of our guestsare spread out in a circle around us. “May I present Mr. Mack Donovan and Mrs. Erin O’Connor-Donovan.”
Beth signals to Jake, who’s operating the sound system, and a moment later, the first notes ofOrdinaryby Alex Warren fill the air. Mack offers me his hand, and when I take it, he sweeps me into his arms and moves us gracefully along the floor.
When the first song ends, the next one begins—Bad Dreamsby Teddy Swims. Mack tightens his hold on me because he knows the significance of this song. He’s my safe place, my refuge from the bad dreams.
He’s my hero.
He literally saved my life. If he hadn’t found me in that godawful hotel room when he did, there’s no telling whether or not I would have survived the aftermath of the assault.
As tears roll down my cheeks, he smiles down at me and cups my face so he can brush them away. “I’ll always be here to chase your bad dreams away. Always, Erin.”
As the second song ends, I realize there’s a line of guys waiting behind Mack—first and foremost is his father, Rob. The resemblance between Mack and his father is uncanny. They could pass for brothers if it weren’t for the fact that Rob’s hair and trim beard are fully gray.
Rob Donovan taps Mack on the shoulder. “My turn, son. I want to dance with my beautiful daughter-in-law.” When Mack releases me, his father offers me his arm. “May I have the honor of the next dance, young lady?”
As the next song begins, Rob whisks me away. “You look absolutely beautiful, Erin. My son is a lucky man.”
“I think I’m the lucky one,” I say. “You and Hillary raised a fine son.”
Rob grins. “Well, yes, his mother and I would agree with you on that, but admittedly we are biased.”
I glance across the room at Mack, who is dancing with his mom. The petite woman with short strawberry blonde hair is smiling up at her son.
My family has officially grown today.
My next dance is with Shane. “You are a vision, Erin,” he says. He leans down to give me a chaste kiss on the cheek. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes. I’m so happy right now I could explode.”
My dance card is full tonight. I think even Jane Austen would be impressed. After I dance with Shane, then it’s Cooper, and then Sam, and Jason, Philip, Liam, and finally Mack again. Then Jake and Jamie and Dominic and Calum.
I’m practically breathless by the time I find myself back in Mack’s arms.
“Are you having fun?” he asks me, his eyes filled with laughter.
“Yes! Best day ever!”
Mack bends me over his arm, kisses me, and then whispers, “Mrs. O’Connor-Donovan, I cannot wait to get you into bed.”
Epilogue
Erin
When the party starts to wind down around eight, Mack and I head home to pack what we’ll need during our stay at Shane’s Kenilworth estate. I’m giddy with excitement on the drive back to The Gold Coast.
“Are you sure you don’t mind us staying close to home for our honeymoon?” It’s the third time I’ve asked him.
“I don’t mind, honey.” The man with infinite patience reaches over to squeeze my hand. “Not one bit.”
“Because if you do, I’d understand. It’s probably not too late to stick to the original plan and go to Hawaii.”
He brings my hand to his mouth to kiss. “I promise you it’s fine. Now, please stop worrying.”
“All right. If you’re sure.”
