Page 84 of Deserving Ryleigh
“We’ll go to Hawaii. I know some SEALs there. We’ll get them to show us all the best places to visit on the islands. Where all the best malasadas are. We’ll watch surfing competitions on the North Shore and make love every night, all night long. I can’t wait to see you in a bikini.”
Ry snorted. “Not happening, Tiny. Sorry, but no. Justno.”
“Why not?”
Ry rolled her eyes. He might find her irresistible, but she wasn’t comfortable in a bikini.
“Champagne for a toast!”
Turning, Ry saw Luna standing next to them with a tray filled with glasses. They were plastic, as The Refuge had no need to own champagne flutes, but it didn’t seem to faze anyone around them, who were all eagerly waiting for a chance to toast the new couple.
Ry took one and smelled the drink, then wrinkled her nose.
Tiny laughed. “Never had champagne before?”
“No. I’m thinking it’s not going to be for me.”
“It’s an acquired taste. But if you don’t want to drink it, don’t. No one is gonna care. Especially not Alaska or Brick.”
Ry knew that. It was one more reason to love being here.
“To Brick and Alaska!” Stone said, holding up his plastic flute.
“To cross-stitch!”
“To meddling mamas!”
“To friendship!”
“To babies!”
Everyone kept calling out toasts, and everyone took sips of champagne between each one. But after her first swallow, Ry only pretended to drink. Champagnedefinitelywasn’t for her. It was bitter and it made her eyes water.
Eventually, Brick held up his hand and stopped the multitude of toasts. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m ready to eat something. I know Robert and Luna made an amazing spread for us, and as much as I like being toasted as if I’m king of the world, my feet hurt.”
Everyone laughed.
“But, I think we can do one last toast,” he added. “To friends!”
The cheer that rose in the room was almost deafening, but Ry found herself yelling her agreement along with everyone else.
Brick and Alaska were immediately surrounded by everyone congratulating them. Ry held back, watching with a smile on her face.
“You’re happy,” Tiny said.
“No,” Ry said with a shake of her head.
“No?”
“Nope. I’m ecstatic. Overwhelmed at how lucky I feel to be here. To be a part of this.”
“You and me both,” Tiny told her, wrapping an arm around her waist once more and pulling her back against him.
Ry rested against his chest and watched as the people she loved most in the world, people she never would’ve guessed would become herentireworld, celebrated the joining of Brick and Alaska. She still felt the need to pinch herself now and then to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. That she still wasn’t in some dingy apartment trying to hide from her father.
“Come on, Ry! Come try the punch Robert made. It’s delish!” Jasna exclaimed, grabbing Ry’s hand and trying to drag her toward the table against the wall that held huge bowls of red liquid.
“Go,” Tiny urged. “Have fun. I’ll catch up with you later.”
