Page 10 of Rite of Unity

Dad put a hand on his hip and coughed.

I lurched forward, releasing Ruth’s arm.“Dad.”I slid my arm through his.“Are you okay?”

He leaned into me, thinner than he should have been, and straightened.“Just a little winded.It’s been some time since I had to walk so long.”

Ruth appeared on his other side, and together we marched up the long drive toward a home that only seemed to expand the closer we got.By the time we reached the door, Dad was pressed into my side, his hands trembling slightly against my arm.

The door swung open, and a woman in dark colors stepped back to allow us entry.We moved to a sofa in the entry.“Sit here, Dad.I’ll get you something to drink.”

He collapsed onto the seat and waved a hand.“Don’t worry about me.Go.Mingle.I’ll be here when it’s time to leave.”

I slid my gloved fingers over one another, but the smoothness of the texture gave me no relief.I dropped my hands, glancing between Ruth and my father.

“Go, Angel.”He smiled, and I searched his face.His eyes were clear.I exhaled a small breath and turned, letting Ruth tug me through a grand foyer into a room filled to bursting with candles.

Soft music tugged at my toes, and scented wax lingered in the air, lulling my senses in moments.All around, ladies wore dresses in all shapes and sizes.Each seemed to be competing with the other in a bid to prove their purity.Some whites were so bright my eyes burned, while others were wrapped so tightly it must have been difficult to breathe.

All giggled and smiled and covered their mouths when they spoke.Among them, interspersed like thorns nestled between blooms on a rosebush, men dotted the opulent landscape.

Near the fireplace, our host raised his glass, and the room stilled without being asked.Every head turned.

“Under Covenant.One purpose.”

The response came in unison, practiced and hollow.“For the sons we carry forward.”

Then the music began.

At the center of the room, couples spun in a tight circle, careful to keep a proper distance under the watchful eye of their chaperones.Knowing mine was out of sight was both exhilarating and terrifying at once.It only took one man’s misplaced hand to ruin a woman.

I scanned the crowd, and my breath caught as my gaze landed on the broad shoulders of the tallest man in the room.He turned, his wide smile on full display, and I leaned into Ruth.

Her head jerked in the direction of my gaze.“Oh my gosh.It’s Elias Hale.”Ruth’s elbow sank into my side.“Oh my gosh.Oh my gosh.Oh my gosh.I might faint.”

I swallowed and patted her arm.“Don’t seem too eager.He probably won’t even notice us.”

Ruth’s hand tightened into a death grip on mine, and I winced.

“Maryn.He’s looking at us.”

I blinked, prying her fingers loose.“He’s looking at the dancers.”

“Ladies.”

I spun toward the voice, staring up at a man with sandy brown curls falling over a face that I would have called boyishly handsome.Together, Ruth and I dipped into a curtsey.

“Josh,” Ruth said, surprising me, but I held my grin in place.Did Ruth already know the host?I knew her father did, but I’d never expected them to be introduced outside a social ball.

“Can I get you a drink?”

“Josh.You didn’t tell me Elias Hale would be here,” she cut him off.

His grin faltered for only a moment before he ran a hand through his curls, and the smile was back.“Yeah.We went to college together.We graduated in spring.Didn’t your dad tell you?”

I peered between the pair.I was certain Ruth had never mentioned this man in our friendship.It was true we’d only been friends since becoming eligible together, but three years was a long time to keep a secret from your best friend.

“Come on.I’ll introduce you.”Josh held out a hand, and Ruth stared at it like it might have poison in it.

“No way.”