Page 52 of The Wedding Toast
They all laughed.
“It suits you,” said Willow.
“It does,” Hannah agreed.“I can’t believe that I’ve been right there on the estate with her the whole time and haven’t had enough of a conversation to earn myself a name yet.”
“I’m sure you will,” said Becca.She was relieved that Hannah was happy to keep an eye on Zia tomorrow and was hoping that she and Ava would get along well.
Chelsea turned to Willow.“I know that look on your face – did she give you a name?”
Becca raised her eyebrows, and Willow laughed.
“Okay, so she did.”
“What is it?”Hannah asked.“Do you hate it, is that why you’re not telling?”
Willow smiled through pursed lips.“I don’t hate it.I kind of love it, but …” she blew out an exaggerated sigh.“I mean it’s true, but …”
Chelsea slapped her arm.“Tell us already.”
She grinned.“I am Warrior Princess – the dragon tamer.”
Becca tried to hold in her laughter but didn’t manage it.“Oh my goodness, that’s perfect.”
Willow shrugged happily.“It kind of is, isn’t it?”
“And here comes your dragon now.”Mary Ellen pointed to the top of the steps where Slade and Xander had just appeared.
They spotted them and came over.“Jacob’s right behind us,” Slade told her.
Xander grinned.“But Bentley’s driving him, and he’s more sensible than I am.They’ll be here soon.”He surprised Becca when he leaned in to kiss her cheek and murmured, “Thanks for making him so happy.”
She could only nod as he left them and went straight to Tori’s side.Becca loved the look they exchanged when he reached her.Xander might be more of a tough guy, while Tori seemed more delicate than the others, but there was no missing just how much they loved each other.
~ ~ ~
When they arrived at Muse, Jacob was surprised to see Smoke standing on the steps outside waiting for him.
Bentley smiled at them.“I’ll leave you guys to talk while I get the drinks in.”
“Thanks.”
Smoke grinned.“Don’t look so wary.”
Jacob had to laugh.“I’m not wary – just hoping everything’s all right.”
“Everything’s great,” said Smoke.“But I didn’t manage to get near you for a chat while we were at Bentley’s place, and I doubt I will when we go inside, so I wanted to pull you aside for a minute.”He looked down at his phone.“Laura will be out in a few.She brought everything with her.”He frowned.“I wasn’t happy about it.”
Jacob smiled.“Normally I wouldn’t be either.I’d hate for them to get lost or worse, but I can’t wait to see them.”
“I thought she sent you photos?”
“Oh, she did, but it’s not the same as seeing them in person.”
Smoke laughed.“I never thought I’d hear you talk like that.I mean, with Antonio I’d expect it, but you …?”
Jacob shrugged happily.“I wouldn’t have believed it of myself before I met Becca, but …”
“Yeah, I know.I love it for you.And …” he chuckled.“I know exactly what you mean.I’ve gone a bit soft myself.”
