Page 56 of Where the River Meets the Skye

River blushed and pulled away, smiling when they heard an audible “Aww,” from the doorway.

“Are you guys going to be that adorable all night?” Chloe asked, strolling into the room on Jaden’s arm.

“Hello to you too, Chloe,” Skye said with a wide grin. “I’m really glad you guys made it. Especially on such short notice.”

“Of course,” Jaden said. “This is a really sweet thing your students are doing for you. And since we didn’t get to be at the wedding, which I am not bitter about at all by the way.” He slapped his brother on the shoulder.

“Ow,” Skye said, rubbing the spot.

River grimaced. “Sorry about that. That was my fault. We had to do things fast with everything we had going on and…”

“River, I’m teasing,” Jaden said, giving him a smile. “I understand. Skye’s kept us up to date on all of your health issues and it sounds pretty rough, what you’ve been going through. We’re just happy you are doing better. Honestly.” He pulled River into a tight hug. “Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you,” River said, once he could breathe again.

Skye laughed, and Chloe joined him.

“Hey, can I get in on this?” Skye turned to see Grace coming across the floor, and they embraced her in a group hug before she gave Skye a hug and then River, tears in her eyes as she did.

“You have made my son the happiest man in the world,” she told River, hands resting on his shoulders once she’d pulled away. “He is so blessed to have you, River. And he needs you just as much as you need him. Remember that, okay?”

River looked a bit overwhelmed, and just nodded as Skye pressed a kiss to his temple, drinking in that watermelon and coconut scent. “She’s right, you know,” he murmured in his husband’s ear, then kissed him again.

More guests started to fill the room in the minutes that followed, including Nick and Jenna. Skye introduced his co-workers to his family and friends, as did River, and Skye introduced each of his students to River as well. Some of River’s church acquaintances were also there.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” River said to Gwen as he shook her hand. “It was really sweet of you guys to do this for us.”

Gwen blushed. “Not much trouble, really,” she deflected. “The decorations were already here from the seventh grade dance. Just asked them to leave them up and told them we’d do the clean up. We did take care of the refreshments, though, and the awesome music.”

River smiled. “Well, we appreciate it,” he said.

“So, you guys gonna dance, or what?” Gwen asked.

“Are we supposed to?” Skye asked.

“It’s a party, isn’t it?”

Skye looked around. “No one else is dancing.”

“Then you can start them off. You’re the guests of honor after all.”

Skye smirked at her. “Fair enough.” He held his hand out to River, who blushed and handed Gwen his drink before following Skye out to the center of the room.

Skye slid his arms around River’s waist, and River wrapped his arms around Skye’s shoulders and they danced to the music, slowly, smiling and gazing into each other’s eyes.

For a while it was just them. River pressed his cheek to Skye’s as they swayed softly, and when the song ended he moved his face and pressed his lips to Skye’s, causing clapping and loud cheers to erupt around them. Skye blushed and smiled and so did River. Then more couples were coming to join them on the dance floor.

Skye watched as Jenna and Nick held each other and moved to the music, smiling and sharing subtle kisses.

“Think they’ll be tying the knot, soon?” River said, gazing in the direction of the smitten couple as well.

“Definitely,” Skye said, and smiled when Nick glanced their way and winked at him.

When Skye looked back at his husband, River had a tear sliding down his cheek. “Hey, angel, what’s wrong?” he asked.

River wiped it away and gave a sad smile. “Just thinking about my Aunt Jodi and wishing she could be here to celebrate with us. God, I miss her so much.”

Skye pressed a kiss to River’s forehead. “Me, too,” he said.

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