Page 52 of Eye of Her Storm

“Welcome home, love,” Seth said, putting her on her feet.

“Oh my gosh!” she cried out as her family rushed to embrace her, followed by their many friends. Love flowed around them, and she was passed from person to person, hugs and kisses abounding while everyone chattered.

“You look so good!” Paisley gushed, holding her at arm’s length and examining her. “I could just throttle you!”

River opened her eyes wide then laughed. “Because I look good. Gee, thanks, sis.”

“That you went off like that by yourself.” She gave River a little shake then gasped. “Sorry. Are you okay? I shouldn’t have done that.”

River leaned in and hugged her tight. “I’m fine. All healed up.”

“Good! Now, what were you thinking?”

“Not now,” Moon said, cutting in. She looped her arm around River’s waist and scooped her away. “We have other things to see to. We’ll save the lectures for later.”

“Thanks,” River said, tilting her head against her twin’s.

“You’re welcome. My God, her pregnancy hormones this time around. Yikes!”

“I’m just glad I’ll be here for them.”

“Me, too. You have no idea. By the way…” she whispered. “Paisley’s not the only one making you an aunt.”

“What! Oh my gosh, Moon!”

“Shh! I haven’t told everyone yet. We’re keeping it secret for a couple more months, but I wanted to tell you.”

“I’m so happy. This is turning out to be a fantastic day.”

“It’s about to get better,” Moon sing-songed as she stopped near the tree. Robert Daly stood on a small platform there.

“You’re attention please,” he called, getting everyone’s attention. “As descendant of the original Daly family and as your mayor, it’s my pleasure to welcome River home, and,” Seth and Tai came to stand on either side of her, their arms holding her tight between them, “perform a long overdue ceremony.”

River stared at Robert, her lips slightly parted. What?

“Surprise,” Seth whispered.

“But my dress—” She glanced down at the simple, cream-colored dress Tai had brought with him when he’d met up with her and Seth to bring her home. She’d thought he’d brought it because it fit better than her old clothes.

The guys had traveled in white-button down shirts with nice jeans and shiny boots. She realized now, they’d donned string ties and suit jackets—they actually looked pretty fancy.

“You’re perfect just as you are,” Tai interrupted. “It’s time for you to be ours.”

“I have been. For so long.”

“He means officially. On the books, love. Rings on our fingers. Okay?”

“Yes. Yes, of course, okay.”

“Ready?” Robert asked.

She nodded, her smile wide. “Definitely ready.”

He nodded in return, and Paisley handed her a bouquet of roses—white circled by a row of red, not a bit of pink to be seen.

“Dearly beloved…” Robert began, mirroring the traditional wedding ceremony but with Daly changes. It was simple and sweet. Perfect. And fifteen minutes later, when Seth and Tai pushed her ring on her finger, River felt her world lock into place. No more running and dodging. Finally, she was exactly where she belonged, with her men, just as she should be.

* * * *

---