Page 44 of War Games

Come hell or high water, I was going to marry that man in one year.

17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Pictures went quickly, Landon and Dirk demanding that we take a huge variety of them—all together, in different groups, even some solos. For two guys who had been so private about their relationship for a long time, I was touched by how they wanted every single memory they could get today, including with the rest of us.

“Okay, now you four go to the reception. We’ll do our couple pictures and do an entrance,” Landon said, waving us along. “Right, Pa?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they’re all at Kick Shot for you two to make the grand entrance,” Heath said, grabbing my hand. I waved at Dirk, who was laughing as Landon reached for him. I didn’t fight as Heath gently pulled me down the drive.

“I should have grabbed a different pair of shoes,” Carey said, groaning as she reached down to rub her ankle. “Heels in the grass aren’t easy.”

“You picked them out,” Heath reminded her.

She only groaned louder.

I knocked on the back door of Kick Shot, and Oliver swung the door open.

“Come in! How long do we have until the grooms arrive?”

“About thirty minutes. They are on the last leg of their photos, just the two of them,” Heath answered, letting me go in first as he spoke to Oliver.

“Perfect. We have everything ready. The rest of your werewolves are in the main room.”

I went that direction and gasped as I saw how they had changed the entire floor plan for today and decorated it to feel like it matched the wedding arch.

“Oh, this is wonderful,” I said, putting my hands over my mouth as I took it in. There was ivy on the wooden tables and chairs, and a large space was cleared for dancing. One table with only two seats was ready for the grooms and was the centerpiece with the most decorations. Another table with four seats had Heath’s bottle of bourbon. Heath grabbed my arm and led me to it.

“We have to be ready for them to come in,” he said, almost rushed. He made me take my seat, but he stayed on his feet. Carey found her spot at our table, and Niko joined us. I waved at Ranger and Shamus. Shamus was sitting with his kids, who weren’t kids anymore, but they were still his kids the way Landon would always be Heath’s. Ranger was moving around, but he claimed the last spot at that table, waving back.

“Thank you all for helping today,” I said to them, making sure to look around the room. Smiles were all I saw returned. Everyone in the pack was happy for Landon and Dirk today.

“Landon and Dirk have asked for no extra speeches. They’re going to come in, I’m going to say a few words, then it’s time to celebrate.” Heath pointed at the only other werecat in the room. “That includes you.”

“I’m not a public speaker,” Niko said, unbothered by the way he was told that he couldn’t speak up during the reception.

“Also, werewolves, no fights in the building. If you need to deal with something, take it outside. Better yet, don’t find any reason to fight.”

“Yes, Alpha,” they said in unison.

“Thank you. Now we wait. Oliver, you’re keeping watch?”

“I’ve got this,” Oliver called back, running to see the room and give a thumbs up to Heath.

It was another thirty minutes of light chatter before Oliver came in and made a gesture, to which Heath whistled. Carey and I had been talking about how to touch up my makeup when every conversation died; we went silent as well. Kick Shot’s back door opened, something everyone could hear.

“Welcome, Dirk and Landon,” Oliver said. “My wedding gift to you both is the reception. For being a good friend and roommate, Dirk. For being an amazing person, Landon.”

“Thank you, Oliver.” Dirk’s words were already choked.

When they came into view, everyone clapped and cheered, standing up to welcome the grooms to their reception. They found their table and stood at their chairs, both grinning from ear to ear, though the expression looked a touch strange on Landon. He wasn’t one to smile so much for so long in a single day.

It only made the day better.

“Thank you all for coming,” Landon said, the first to speak. “I never thought I would say this, but I’m glad to be a part of this pack. I’m glad you all came.” He lifted his glass, and everyone lifted theirs in turn.

Then Dirk picked up his glass and took a deep breath because he had to say a few words, too.

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