Page 137 of Unseen Danger

Rice started flying above the crowd, and Branson’s height enabled him to spot the dark head of Kent, Cora’s husband, before they reached the front.

The couple’s smiles beamed as they drew close, walking quickly through the shower of rice and well-wishes. They’d changed out of their wedding garb into slightly less formal wear, Cora in a pale blue suit jacket and skirt, and Kent in a blazer and jeans.

“Love you.” Cora kissed her hand and moved it outward toward her Phoenix K-9 co-workers with an especially large smile.

“Love you back!”

“Safe travels!”

“Congratulations!”

The Phoenix K-9 women shouted the wishes in return as they tossed the rice.

Kent put his arm around Cora’s waist and hurried her forward, probably afraid she’d stop and chat when he wanted her all to himself.

Branson grinned and tossed his handful of rice over the couple as they reached the doors.

A thick wall of fog crowded up against the glass, swallowing Kent and Cora as soon as they stepped outside. No wonder Cora’s dad had announced they were moving the sendoff indoors. The lights at the entrance slightly illuminated the fog there. But at nearly seven thirty, it was probably dark beyond the lights. Should make driving Nevaeh home a challenge.

Driving Nevaeh home. Wishful thinking again.

Nevaeh and Branson had driven separately since she’d had to arrive earlier for the wedding preparations. He didn’t get to escort her home. Didn’t get to do a lot of things he wanted to.

Including telling her he didn’t want to leave. That he didn’t have to leave.

But he did have to leave. Very soon.

“You were right, Sofia.” Bristol cringed as her shoe crunched the rice on the floor. “There’s probably a reason people usually do this outside. We should sweep this up, so the cleaning crew doesn’t have to.”

“Sure.” Sofia nodded. “I’ll grab a broom from the maintenance closet by the bathrooms.”

“I’ll get it.” Michael smiled at her. “You enjoy your friends.”

She returned the smile that seemed to carry some secret message between husband and wife.

“So sweet.” Bristol’s teasing tone matched the grin she gave Sofia.

“Isn’t he?”

“Sweet? Yeah, I really am.” The masculine voice seemed to surprise Bristol, and she turned toward her husband, Remington, with a beaming smile.

Jazz let out a quiet groan as she swung toward Nevaeh. “Save me from all the happy couples.”

Branson knew what she meant. Didn’t help a bit to see all that marital bliss at the moment.

“I’m going to stuff my face with cake. You want some?”

Nevaeh laughed. “Sure, grab me a slice. I’ll be right there.”

“You got it.” Jazz glanced past Nevaeh to Branson as if she knew something he didn’t. Was Nevaeh going to tell him something? Say something important?

He held his breath as she turned toward him and lifted those big brown eyes.

“Care to dance?”

His pulse stalled. What had he hoped she’d say? That she suddenly wanted to know more about Jesus? That she wanted to work for D-Chop and move to L.A.?

“Sorry. You’re probably not a dancer.” Her mouth dipped into a frown as she looked away.

---