Page 104 of Small Town Swoo
I smiled too, but the room was blurry.
“If I could have everyone’s attention for a moment, I’d like to say a few words.” Dashiel stood at his brother’s side, his drink in one hand, the other on Devlin’s shoulder.
The dining room at Skadi, the restaurant at Snowberry Lodge that had been closed to the public for the occasion, grew silent.
“This is a pretty small group, but for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Devlin’s brother Dashiel, and I have the honor of toasting the happy couple tonight.” He paused before going on. “I think I speak for everyone in the Buckley family when I say what a shock it was to hear the news that Devlin had gotten married,” he began, and many in the room laughed. “Of the five Buckley siblings, Devlin was the least likely to get hitched first. He’d never once expressed any interest in tying the knot, and while he was serious about many things growing up—his stellar grades, his insanely fast one-mile run time, his Verlander rookie card that I definitely did not take to school to impress friends without his knowledge—dating wasn’t one of them.”
“Good,” said Lexi with a satisfied smile as everyone around the table chuckled.
Dash waited for the laughter to fade, then went on. “A couple weeks ago, when I got into town, I even said to our brother Austin, ‘I can’t believe he got married so fast.’ And Austin said something like, ‘When you meet Lexi, you’ll get it.’” He looked down at his sister-in-law. “And he was right. I do.”
Lexi touched her heart and smiled up at him.
“Sometimes one moment changes everything,” he said, sending a little shiver up my spine. “You place the right bet. Take the right chance. Meet someone who makes you a better version of yourself. And if you’re smart, you realize that no matter what path you’re on or goals you’ve set ordreams you’re chasing, none of it matters as much as being with that person.” He looked at Devlin. “And my brother has always been the smartest guy I know. There’s no doubt in my mind their dreams are better together.”
Devlin tapped Dash’s hand on his shoulder.
“The Buckleys have always been close. We’ve been there for each other through good times and bad”—his voice caught slightly, and I sucked in my breath—“and we were raised to believe there is nothing more important than family. So now, please raise a glass and help me welcome Lexi to the bunch, even though the girls did not need another player on their Pictionary team.” He lifted his drink. “To Devlin and Lexi, the not-quite-newlyweds, may you enjoy a lifetime of health, happiness, and family game nights. Cheers!”
The wedding guests all raised their glasses and some shouted “Hear, hear!” After taking a sip of my sparkling wine, I caught Dash’s eye as he walked back to his chair and sat down again, right next to me.
“Well?” he asked over the din of forks clanking on glasses. “How did I do?”
I smiled. “You were brilliant. Very heartfelt. I was all choked up, and then you made me laugh.”
“Good.” He mocked wiping sweat off his forehead. “I’m glad that’s done.”
I rubbed his shoulder. “You dug deep.”
“I tried.”
“Your heart energy came through loud and clear. Delphine would be so proud of you.”
He laughed. “Thanks.” Then he shocked me by putting his arm along the back of my chair, leaning over, and planting a kiss on my temple. “But it was you I wanted to impress.”
My heart was galloping wildly. “We are not being very discreet right now.”
“Do you care?”
I shook my head. “Do you?”
“Nope. Have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress?”
“A few times,” I said, laughing as I tucked my hair behind my ear. “But you can say it as much as you want.”
“You look beautiful in that dress.” He put his lips at my ear. “Please tell me I’ll get to take it off you later.”
“Your chances are good,” I murmured, running a hand along his thigh.
“Is it too early to leave?”
I burst out laughing. “We haven’t eaten yet, Dash.”
“The only meal I care about is under that red dress.”
My skin burned with desire. “Be patient. We’ve got all night.”
But I was just as anxious as he was to be alone.
