Page 87 of Bear Creek Valentine
The driver took off with the luggage while Dash scooted his mate out onto the porch and locked the door. For the life of him, Aiden couldn’t figure out what Dash was up to. He thought they were having lunch, but this seemed to indicate something else entirely. The limo door was held open for them and they climbed in to find fine leather bench seats, plush carpet, a television, a mini-bar, and soothing jazz music playing from concealed speakers.
This was a new experience for Aiden, and he openly gawked at the opulent surroundings. Dash pulled him close as they got underway, nibbling on an earlobe while reaching into a concealed cabinet.
“Nice, isn’t it? Only the best for my mate.”
Aiden opened his eyes to find Dash holding a single lavender rose and a sealed white envelope.
“What is this? If you keep spoiling me, I’ll never be able to return to normal life.”
A deep rumbling growl vibrated the seat they shared.
“Oh, I’m just getting warmed up.”
Aiden wasn’t sure if he should be worried or pleased. He chose not to worry for the moment, wondering what else Dash might have up his sleeve. The rose was beautiful, and if he remembered correctly, it had a particular meaning.
“Lavender stands for love at first sight, doesn’t it? I remember the day we met. You were so nervous you could barely even talk to me!”
Inside the envelope, Aiden found a piece of heavy card stock with a picture of a beautiful wedding cake, topped with two groom figurines. Below, Dash had written the words,‘You and me?’Aiden’s jaw dropped as Dash fell to one knee beside the seat.
“I know we’re already mates, but would you marry me?”
Tears fell as Aiden tried to muster a response. They’d never openly discussed this possibility before. He didn’t know what put the idea into Dash’s head, but there was no debate, no inner conflict, no reservations.
“Yes! Of course I’ll marry you!”
Dash purred with happiness and rejoined Aiden on the seat, only to be peppered with enthusiastic kisses. Soon they felt the limo slowing to make a turn and spotted the resort through the tinted windows. Aiden grabbed a tissue from the dispenser to wipe his face while they rearranged clothing and put their coats on. If the drive had been any longer, Aiden might have stripped his mate and buried the bone right there in the limo. Now, he’d have to wait until they reached their room.
The driver pulled up to the front entrance, stopped the vehicle, retrieved their luggage, and opened the door for them.
“It’s been a pleasure, gentlemen. Enjoy your stay.”
Dash slipped him a hundred-dollar bill and escorted his mate inside. The staff must have been expecting them because they had the key cards ready and waiting by the time they reached the check-in counter. The friendly clerk flashed them a wide smile.
“Good morning Mister Hawthorn, Mister Romero. Here are the keycards for suite three-seventeen. Everything has been prepared as ordered, and we hope you enjoy your stay.”
As they turned to go, Dash gave her a thumbs-up. The woman winked and immediately picked up the phone and dialed. Aiden didn’t see a thing, which is exactly what Dash wanted, and they made their way to the elevator. Most of the suites and specialty rooms were on the third floor, though theirs was the largest and most well-appointed of them all. Aiden had never seen it, and he gasped when they walked through the door.
“Wow! This is incredible.”
Fine furnishings, beautiful artwork, and lavish touches turned the space into a destination of its own, rather than just a comfortable place to sleep. Dash led Aiden towards the private alcove which served as the bedroom. There, they found an enormous round bed, covered with silk crimson sheets and scattered with white rose petals. The mirrored ceiling above jolted Aiden’s ardor even further and Dash could smell the pheromones pouring off his mate.
Unfortunately, they’d have to put off the horizontal mambo until later, as a roomful of people were waiting for them downstairs. He calmly explained it to Aiden, and the man couldn’t believe it.
“Wait... what? We’re getting married? Now? But, but... I thought you meant in the future, as in down the road after we made plans and... oh, I see. When you said earlier that you were just getting warmed up, you meant it literally, didn’t you?”
Dash blushed, unsure if Aiden was upset with him or just overwhelmed.
“Um, surprise? You don’t need to worry about a thing, love. Our tuxes are in the closet and everything has been arranged. All we have to do is show up.”
Aiden started laughing and hugged Dash.
“You sweet, romantic bear! Remind me not to underestimate you again. If people are waiting, we don’t want to disappoint them.”
Dash briefed Aiden on the logistics of the ceremony and how it was supposed to go as they cleaned up and changed. Each wore a white tux, adorned with a red cummerbund and bow tie. Fifteen minutes later, Dash made a quick call to notify the crew that they were on their way down.
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“... yes, Dash, I’ll alert everyone to take their places.”
