Page 86 of Tango

“I remember every part of your childhood, because as far as I was concerned, you were my little girl. My little lady with your blonde pigtails and big, happy eyes.”

“I was happy because I had you, too.” I moved closer and hugged him tightly. He let out a little sigh when I pulled away. “You okay?”

“I guess I just got to thinking.”

“Yikes,” I teased, and he swatted my arm.

“Times like these just make you reflect on the time that’s passed. Makes you wonder why you wait so damn long to do the right thing.”

“Time is only wasted when you realize that, so do something about it.” I fixed his tie, and he nodded as he grabbed his jacket.

“As always, you’re correct.” He reached for my hand and tucked it under his arm. “All right, enough of all this. Let’s go enjoy this memorable day.”

“Let’s. I just need my coat.” We walked together back to my room where he helped me with my long, cream-colored cloak. Then we left the hotel and made our way across to Zack’s restaurant. It had been closed for the day due to this special occasion.

“These are for you.” Savi immediately took control as we entered. She swept off my cloak and hung it on a hanger and handed me a bouquet of traditional white roses, dusty miller, and hypericum berries for a pop of color. It was seasonal and elegant. “Okay, Reagan and Easton, hold hands and don’t walk too fast,” Savannah directed as she propelled them out the door when the music started. Everyone stood and made a fuss over how adorable they looked as they walked together. Having the kids involved was just what they needed after everything that had happened. “Now, Tabby and Gabriella, here are your petals. Make it rain.” She grinned and sent them out next. We’d decided we weren’t going to go all out. Simple was the key, simple and light for this day.

“You missed your calling, Savannah.” I chuckled. It amazed me how at ease she was in organizing such an event so quickly.

“Missed?” She scoffed. “Please, this is what I live for. Wait until you get home and see what I’ve done with the house.”

“Should I be nervous?”

“Not unless you hate Christmas.” She laughed as she smiled at Olivia and Brandon, who were prepared to enter next. They looked stunning side by side. “Loving all of this.” She fussed with the white handkerchief in Brandon’s pocket. “And when do we use this?”

“When any of you saps decides to shed a tear.” He dripped with sarcasm.

“Pretty much, yeah.” She laughed and urged them forward. She looked back at me. “You ready?”

“I am.”

“Good, because it’s my turn.” She called out to the wives, and they all lined up and disappeared into the room. The music and murmurs from inside filled me with excitement. I turned to my uncle.

“How lucky am I?” He beamed.

“The luckiest.” I kissed his cheek, took his arm, and on cue, we walked down the aisle together. I looked toward the man who held my heart from the moment he saved me from that panic attack in the middle of the night. His gaze found mine, and he mouthed I love you as I took my spot next to the others.

The music turned, and we all looked down the aisle at the woman who’d won the heart of my dear uncle.

Abigail.

She wore a beautiful red dress, just a shade deeper than the rest of us wore, and a radiant clip held up one side of her hair. Her heels were to die for, patent leather and shiny. Thank you, Savannah, for bringing those babies into my world. But best of all, Abigail simply glowed with excitement as she held tight to Mark’s arm. I was so happy for her. Even Mark seemed to be at ease as he handed her off and took his spot next to Cole.

A moment before the ceremony started, Ty caught my gaze and gave me a wide smile. His eyes practically danced. It amazed me how much he’d changed. A lightness had found its way to his center. He’d finally shed the sadness and guilt he’d carried for his lost brother and was at peace. I knew part of his newfound happiness had to do with him letting his family back into his heart.

Best of all, I found myself falling in love with him all over again.

I blinked back my happy tears and focused on the words that would forever bind my uncle to the woman he had loved for years.

It was perfect.

After dinner, the tables and chairs were pushed aside, and the music started. The kids danced, and their laughter brought smiles to the adults around them. Even Brandon seemed to be happy, and I grinned as he grabbed his sister’s arms and danced her around the room. I caught Keith’s eye, and he pointed to his phone just as mine buzzed.

Keith: Thanks for getting us through this, Ivy.

I put a hand on my chest and patted it as I smiled back at him. He nodded then hopped up and grabbed Sue’s hand and tugged her to the dance floor.

“I always knew he’d make a great uncle.” Shelly pointed with her head over my shoulder toward Ty. He had her daughter in his arms and a silly grin on his face. Luna shrieked and clapped as she touched the balloons he pulled down close for her to reach. She bounced around in his hold, and he laughed as he held on to her for dear life. “It really means a lot that we were invited. I know he wants us to be a part of this new family he’s inherited. It’s hard to get my head around it, but Mom and Dad are thrilled to be included as well. We’re happy for him.”

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