Page 89 of Bear Creek Valentine
Next, they chatted with the table including Judge Becker and his wife Cindy, along with the Tillmans, McCoys, Shaws, and even Ryder’s parents, who’d driven up for the event. Apparently, they had come to know Dash well over the years through their son, and Aiden enjoyed meeting the friendly, talkative couple. Despite his busy schedule, Judge Becker considered it a privilege to have now officiated at two Bear Creek weddings and teased that he’d make it his second career after retiring from the bench in a few years.
Aiden’s employees formed the next and rowdiest group. They were excited to experience the nuptials but relieved that the secret was out and they could finally relax around the boss. Serena seemed to have struggled with it the most, and she pointed at Dash.
“If it wasn’t for Blanche and Toby, I’d have given it away for sure. Next time you want to surprise Aiden, don’t tell me anything until the last minute!”
Skip was having a great time teasing Leo about being paired with the dark and mysterious Ryder Sinclair. Leo didn’t mind at all and encouraged Dash to give the sexy man his number. Blanche fussed over the couple as if they were her own, so proud and happy for them on their special day. Even though Dash had specifically requested no gifts, Ginger was chosen to present them with a small gift basket they’d all chipped in to buy. It contained something old, new, borrowed, and blue, discreetly covered with red tissue paper.
Saving the Romero table for last, they found Ashton and Mandy, along with Aiden’s mother and her husband, Peter. Aiden went directly to his mom and swept the surprised woman into his arms.
“Don’t cry, momma. I’m so glad you came.”
Still weeping, she tried to apologize for their estrangement, but Aiden gently shushed her.
“No more tears today, all right? I’ll come for a visit soon, and we can talk about it then if you want. Why don’t you come meet my husband?”
They rejoined the group, and Mandy handed his mother a tissue.
“Mom, this is my mate, Dash Hawthorn. He owns the resort, and the large group over there is his family. Dash, this is my mother, Caroline, and her husband, Peter Van Horst.”
Having been warned by Ashton that the couple was unfamiliar with shifters, Dash smiled and shook their hands instead of scenting them.
“Thank you for coming to our wedding. Let us know if the two of you would like to stay at the resort sometime. I’m sure we can arrange something affordable.”
Caroline thanked him for the offer and then asked Dash why he wore the wedding ring around his neck. He gladly explained.
“We don’t wear jewelry, Ma’am. If I forgot to take it off my finger and then shifted to bear form, I could be injured or it might fall off and be lost. Plus, this way it’s closer to my heart.”
The poor woman was embarrassed.
“Oh my! I guess I have a lot to learn about my new son-in-law.”
Soon enough, the kitchen wheeled in the wedding cake—a ginormous confection of three stacked hearts, decorated with white icing and hundreds of red rosettes. On the top, nestled under a white trellis, they found a tuxedoed man and a black bear side by side. Once they’d demolished the cake, the newlyweds posed for a number of photographs before making their way to the center of the dancefloor at the DJ’s signal.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you Dash and Aiden in their first dance together as newlyweds, accompanied by Michael Bublé, singingUnforgettable.
Dash confidently took Aiden in hand, surprising him with fluid, graceful movements.
“Have you been practicing, love?”
Dash purred.
“I took some private lessons to keep me from breaking your toes. I like dancing with my husband.”
“Mmm... I do, too. You thought of everything, and I’ve had such a wonderful day. I love you.”
Dash kissed his forehead.
“And I love you. Can’t wait for the honeymoon part, though. As good as you look in that tux, I like you better naked.”
Aiden blushed furiously when several nearby couples snickered at Dash’s remarks.
“Ooo... you’re going to pay for that, mister. Just wait and see.”
Unrepentant, Dash laughed at his mate.
“There’s a mirror above the bed—we’llbothsee.”
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