Page 51 of Not Part of the Plan
Rainbow and Gordon Berkowicz had their heads together with Bruce Oakleigh and Bobby from Peace of Pizza. They all looked rather pleased with themselves.
“Well, that should give everyone something to talk about,” Emma said, feeling the flush creep over her cheeks. “I’m going to go track down my martini.”
“Want to dance with us, Niko?” Aurora asked sweetly.
“Uh, sure?”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The party lasted until almost midnight with the guests reluctant to leave the fun.
“Come on, guys. Let’s let the newlyweds go do what newlyweds do,” Joey yawned. She didn’t see the color drain out of Beckett and Jax’s faces, but Niko did, and it made him laugh. “I want to get out of this dress,” she complained to Jax.
“I’m happy to help you, Mrs. Pierce,” Jax teased.
Emma organized the cleanup and helped Cheryl pack up the portable bar.
Niko took a moment to flip through some of the pictures on his camera display. His pulse quickened. They were good. Really good. And there were more of them than he’d expected. Phoebe might just be getting herself a wedding portfolio after all.
It was all there. The laughter, the tears, the love, and the land. He breathed a sigh of relief and turned the camera off, repacking the flash and extra batteries in his bag.
“How do they look?” Emma asked.
“Uh-uh. Brides gets dibs on these,” he told her.
Emma pouted. “Are you sure the friend who strong-armed you into this doesn’t trump the bride?”
He ran his thumb over her lower lip and wished they were alone. “Pretty sure. But maybe you could try convincing me.” He watched her eyes go dark and wanted more than anything to move in and sample her.
“You guys ready to head out? Reva’s bringing the wagon back around to pick us up,” Joey said, jerking her chin toward the sound of hooves and the creak of the hay wagon.
“Yeah, let me just grab something quick,” Emma said, backing away from Niko.
She dashed over to the caterer and returned with two big bags.
Reva pulled the team up in front of them and climbed down. Wordlessly, she nodded at everyone and bundled her brother into his jacket. “Get up on the wagon, Cale,” she ordered.
“I’m tired, Ree,” the little boy yawned.
“I know, buddy. We’re going home now.”
“Reva, we’re divvying up leftovers. These are for you guys. Does your mom like chicken?” Emma asked, handing Reva the bags.
“Mom’s on vacation,” Caleb said sadly. “I miss her, but Reva doesn’t.”
“Okay, time to go,” Reva said quickly, shoving Caleb toward the wagon. Niko saw Emma and Donovan share a glance.
“Horses do okay for you?” Joey asked Reva, changing the subject.
“No problems,” the girl answered solemnly as she carefully packed the bags up on the seat next to her.
Niko took pleasure in lifting Emma onto the wagon. He climbed on behind her and pulled her into his side when they sat.
“Everybody on?” Reva called from the front.
“All clear,” Jax reported.
The wagon lurched forward, and Niko wondered if life could possibly get any better than this moment. A beautiful woman curled into his side, the night sky filled with stars, and a day of fun behind them.
