“If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years with Lilly,” Dex added, “it’s that if she wants something, she won’t give up till she gets her way.”
Both Callon and Dex chuckled.
“Champagne?” a petite woman asked. She carried a tray holding several glasses.
Callon took two and handed one to me. I stare out after the waitress and Dex till she disappeared and Dex stopped at Lilly’s side.
“She’s a Campbell,” Callon said confirming my unspoken question. “All the help is,” he added.
I lifted the fluted glass, the bubbles tickling my nose. I took a small sip and then crinkled my nose. It wasn’t sweet like I was expecting. It was actually a bit tart.
“It’s your first taste of champagne?” Callon asked.
I nodded. “Not what I was expecting.”
He smirked. “Never is.” He placed his hand on my bare back again and instantly heat tingled down my spine. He gestured to a table.
He pulled out a chair and we sat, Daniel and Bree joining us, and I couldn’t help but notice one extra seat not yet taken.
Just as I was about to ask, Koda appeared. He smiled, taking the empty seat. My mouth went dry, and without warning tears pushed their way forward. I blinked them back, and a shiver escaped me.
Callon leaned closer. “Are you cold?”
I shook my head, unable to remove my eyes from Koda’s face. Lilly’s haircut had shortened Koda’s blond locks, enough to make him identical to Colt.
Callon reached under the table and squeezed my hand. He was staring at me like I was staring at Koda.
Koda wore a black tux like the rest, with a white shirt and black vest, but his tie was the same blue of my dress. He adjusted himself in his seat and looked up. Sympathy instantly rippled across his face, and his lips parted to speak, but nothing came out. I looked away.
There was nothing he could say. It wasn’t his fault that he and Colt looked so much alike. It also wasn’t his fault that Lilly forced him to get a haircut and wear the blue tie. It was just like always…circumstances that put us here in this situation.
A dinner plate filled to the brim was placed before me. It should have appealed to me, should have been delicious, but without Colt here with us, everything was bland. I poked around the plate and managed to take a few bites. Koda, Callon, Daniel and Bree tried to carry on a light conversation, but I had no words for the moment.
Dessert came and went, and I fought to put on a happy face like the rest. I wasn’t the only one who noticed Koda. We all did. I’d even caught the expression of sorrow on Lilly’s face. She hadn’t realized what she’d done till now.
Music had continued to play in the background throughout dinner, but now it changed. The tempo was different, and then I began to realize the song playing was a waltz.
Callon stood, extending his hand towards me.
“May I have the first dance?” he asked.
I placed my hand in his, and we moved to the dance floor alone. Ever so slowly he drew me closer, our palms locking together. My free hand moved to his arm, while his free hand stretched out across the flesh on my back. Waves of heat ignited, and I looked up into hazel eyes that hid nothing from me.
There was sympathy at first. Sympathy that I’d once again been reminded that Colt wasn’t here with us. But then sympathy quickly faded into graciousness. He’d worked hard. We’d both fought to get us to this point, and we both understood the sacrifices made. Graciousness ebbed into love and commitment.
He loved me, loved me with his whole heart, and had fought long and hard to earn it. He didn’t prize it, but revered it. He knew, like me, that things could change in an instant, and our love was to be cherished for as long as we were together.
We didn’t speak. We just absorbed the moment. After tomorrow, everything would change again, but it would be a renewal, a deepening and understanding of each other on a different level. One that would have far-reaching effects.
The music slowed, and we came to a stop. He drew me closer so I was pressed against his chest. His eyes had softened even more when he leaned down, his lids lowering, and warm lips brushed mine.
“Save the last dance for me,” he murmured over my lips and left me with a soft kiss.
He drew back, amused, knowing what an effect he had on me.
I narrowed my eyes playfully.
“Your time will come, Callon,” I said.
“I’m sure it will.” He looked up and twirled me around. “But right now you have a line waiting to dance with you.”
Skylar stepped up, brushing past Daniel.
“Hey!” Daniel said in protest.
Skylar put his hand up. “I instructed, therefore I get to have her second dance.”
With a wink and a grin, Skylar whisked me across the dance floor like I was dancing on air. Others joined us now, and the whole atmosphere changed. Laughter and smiles adorned faces, and I was happy to see my family celebrating.
Our danced ended, and Koda immediate took Skylar’s place. I didn’t even have time to protest before we were moving around the floor. I stared at his shoulder, unable to look into his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” Koda said.
“It’s fine,” I replied and focused on moving with the air.
“It’s not fine, Cheyenne.” He squeezed my hand. “I fought Lilly hard about not getting a haircut just for this reason, but she wouldn’t give up.”
“Well, she knows now.” I’d seen her sorrow, knew she meant no harm in it.
“It’s why I was so late. I didn’t want to upset you and was trying to figure out any way around this.”
“I told you, it’s fine.” We waltzed past Daniel, his worried gaze meeting mine.
“Then look at me.” He stopped us in our dance, but the others continued on.
Slowly I lifted my head. Icy blue eyes that held sorrow met mine.
“We all miss him.”
“I know,” I whispered, tears once again rising to the surface.
He pulled me into the dance again for which I was grateful. I didn’t need to be crying, not on the eve of my wedding. I needed to focus on the here and now—focus on Callon.
I glanced around the tent. He and Nakari were talking quietly at one of the tables. He was leaning in towards her, and a jealous tinge ran over my skin. Why was he talking so privately with her? They’d had plenty of time to air things out in the past few months.
We suddenly stopped again, but this time Maes had tapped Koda on the shoulder.
“My turn,” Maes said as he eyed me.
No smile crossed his lips as he turned me out onto the dance floor, moving us further away from Callon and Nakari.
Let it go, Maes’s voice rattled in my head, and I looked up. “There’s nothing for you to be jealous over. Let it go,” he said aloud.
There were plenty of things to be jealous for…Callon had been engaged to Nakari for one thing, showing there had been an attraction at one time. Second, regardless of me trying to push the past behind us, she’d kissed him not that long ago.
You’ve made mistakes too, need I remind you? Maes said and I sighed.
It really was getting annoying have this dog read my thoughts so easily.
Glad I can still annoy you, mon espoir.
I rolled my eyes.
Daniel wriggled his way in next, spinning me across the floor with ease, bringing laughter to my heart. Somehow he always had a special way, a way to lighten and brighten my mood just when I needed it.
“My turn,” Brogan’s rough voice startled me. He’d come up from behind, and I hadn’t seen him.
I stared blankly at him for a moment. He held out his hands.
“I’ve seen you dance with everyone else, so I know you can do it, princess.”
I awkwardly placed my hand in his and the other on his arm. I kept my eyes just off to the left like Skylar had taught me. I didn’t need to mess up now. Brogan would be quick to jump all over it.
“You surp
rise me, princess,” Brogan said, but there was no sarcasm laced in his words.
“I have that effect on people,” I replied, not sure where this conversation was leading.
“I didn’t think much of you when we arrived.”
I didn’t answer, but knew quite assuredly that he thought I was no more than a speck of dirt on his shoes.
“They say eyes are the window to one’s soul,” he continued. “And when I looked into your eyes, I didn’t see the strong leader of Qaysean. I saw the weakling Sahara, who ran from her destiny.”
I looked up, my body stiffening. If he was trying to pay me a compliment, he sure was missing the mark.
“Well, Sahara changed her destiny!” I snapped, my eyes narrowing. “Don’t ever call my mother weak.”
He lifted a hand and a small smirk rose. “Easy now, princess. Let me finish.”
My jaw tightened, but I kept dancing.
“I admit I misjudged you. I didn’t like the fact that Callon and the rest were pinning their hopes on someone so young.” We paused in our dance. “You are both your father and mother’s daughter, and you combine their strengths and abilities far beyond anything we could have ever hoped for.”
I stood silently, staring up into sincere brown eyes. Eyes that no longer showed distrust or anger, eyes that told me he, Brogan, believed in me.
“You are a rare gem, princess. One worth protecting. And I am proud to call you our leader.”
“May I cut in?” Dex asked, his hazel eyes unsure.
Brogan nodded and stepped away, leaving me stunned.
The music changed, and Dex pulled me into the dance. At least dancing with Dex didn’t give me a neck ache from looking up.
“Brogan doesn’t pay compliments easily,” Dex said quietly. “You have earned a great gift, Cheyenne. You’ve proven yourself to him.”
“I can see that.” I stared off after Brogan.
“He’s right,” Dex said, drawing my attention to his warm smile. “You are a rare gem.”
“Thank you,” I replied.
Dex didn’t need to say another word, none of them did. Brogan’s words alone told me how everyone felt…and I couldn’t help but feel the love and warmth of my family around me.
Family was what helped me through this, family who stayed loyal. Family was all I needed to make it through everything.
Our danced ended, and Dex hugged me.
“I love you, Cheyenne, like the daughter I never had.” He placed a kiss on my cheek and slowly walked away.
My skin vibrated with electricity the moment Callon’s fingers touched my back. He moved in closer, his fingers tracing my spine.
“It’s time for our slow dance, love,” he whispered near my ear.
Goosebumps once again rolled over my skin, and I allowed him to turn me into his arms. His eyes danced with delight, and I soaked up every moment of it.
We moved around the floor as if we were floating on a cloud. My eyes never left his. Gone were the thoughts of Colt and jealously over Nakari. Only the man before me now was the center of my attention, the center of my universe.
He drew me closer, his fingers sprawling across my bare skin until I could scarcely breathe. I rested my head on his shoulder as his hot breath ruffled my hair. I sighed. What this man’s touch could do to me just wasn’t fair, and he hadn’t used the rings once since we’d arrived in Ireland.
The music slowed, and the evening had waned into night. We stood still for a few more moments, taking in each other’s presence. Tomorrow would be different, tomorrow I’d be married.
A shiver escaped me, and I smiled.
“Let me take you inside,” he murmured. “You’re cold and need your rest. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for all of us.”
He pulled back and kissed my forehead. Taking my hand, he led us through the maze of tables, but not before I caught the glance between him and Nakari once more. This time, I didn’t acknowledge the jealousy. I couldn’t change the past; I could only work for my future.
We entered the sitting room, and I hadn’t realized how cool my skin was until the warmth from the room wrapped around me. It had been a magnificent evening, everything had gone to plan and I’d spent such a lovely time with everyone…yet something wasn’t quite right. I couldn’t put my finger on it.
We took the stairs slowly, Callon holding my arm while I lifted my dress, ensuring I didn’t trip. We made it down the dimly lit hallway and paused outside my bedroom door.
My stomach began to churn nervously and the questioning in Callon’s eyes came into view. I’d been quiet, too quiet for him, and he knew something was bothering me. He stepped closer, his hand coming to rest on my neck, playing with the loose locks of hair.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
I could lie and say nothing, or I could tell him what was on my heart. I went with my heart.
“Are you sure you want to marry me?” My voice shook with the unknown.
A gentleness I’d never seen before washed over his face, and he leaned in closer. His eyes lowered and he focused in on my lips. I couldn’t help but lick them.
“I think you know the answer, love,” his voice was low and sultry.
My heart stuttered in its beat, and I couldn’t help but focus on his lips too.
“It—it’s just that I—I want you to be sure,” I stuttered.
“Oh?” His lips brushed mine and my knees felt weak. “Well then,” he murmured over them. “Let me show you.”
My lids fell shut the moment the fullness of his lips covered mine. His fingers firmed around my neck and drew me closer so he could spread his molten hand across my back again. My skin caught fire with his touch, and I pressed into him more as his tongue caressed my lower lips. I parted my lips with a sigh, and he surged forward.
I was hungry, desperate for his touch to fill me again. It made me feel alive and wanted. His fingers moved lower down my spine, and my heart slammed against my ribs fiercely. He tilted my head to the side and deepened the kiss.
His tongue dueled with mine, slashing and breaking down all the defenses I’d erected to protect myself. Callon was the one, the one who loved me as a woman, not like the child I had been. He’d torn down all my walls and helped me rebuild them with his love and affection, his adoration and strength. He’d been the one to bring me back from the pits of utter destruction. Callon…
His fingers began to trace my neck, his thumb brushing my cheek, and my pulse thundered in my ears. I fought to catch my breath as his hand slipped lower still, moving just inside the seam of my dress to grasp my hip.
I pushed my fingers through his hair, willing him to kiss me more, to deepen it further. Tomorrow wasn’t soon enough. I wanted his touch now.
Voices echoed in the hall, and his kiss slowed. He drew back slowly, his mouth lingering over mine.
“Does that answer your question?” he whispered and pressed his forehead to mine, still trying to catch his own breath. His fingers caressed my cheek, and he sighed, standing straighter.
I wanted to answer, but the words had been removed from my mouth. My chest heaved, sucking in the precious oxygen.
He leaned in placing a soft kiss on my lips once more.
“I love you, Cheyenne. I always will.”
He opened my bedroom door and I entered, turning back to catch one last glimpse. “Tomorrow,” I whispered, repeating his words from earlier. “Tomorrow we’ll be together, forever.”
Chapter 23
My hands were trembling, and no matter what I tried, I couldn’t shake this nagging feeling in my gut. I leaned over the toilet for the third time, emptying the contents of last night’s dinner. All night I’d been tossing and turning, unable to calm myself to sleep, and now the nausea had become too much. What was wrong with me?
“You’re just a ball of nerves,” Lilly said sympathetically. She stroked my head pulling my hair back. “It’s going to be okay, sweetheart. We all get nervous about walking down the aisle.”
&nbs
p; I wasn’t afraid of walking down the aisle. I was fearful for what might happen to Callon and me afterwards. We’d lose our powers, be defenseless, but that wasn’t the only thing. Something else was very, very wrong, and I didn’t know how to explain it. Callon’s words the previous night should have taken away any of my final doubts, yet this feeling still troubled me. I didn’t dare share it with Lilly or the others. It was pointless really; they’d only keep reassuring me it would all be okay. What had bothered me the most was that it hadn’t been this bad earlier in the week, but now that the day was here, the worry had grown worse.
“Any better?” Andre poked her head into the bathroom. “Want me to get you something, Cheyenne?”
I shook my head and lay it back down over the rim of the toilet. Maybe it was all in my head…maybe it was just nerves.
“Do you want me to get Callon?” Lilly asked hesitantly.
“No,” I moaned. “I can’t see the groom before I walk down the aisle. It’s bad luck.”
“Well it’s going to be bad luck if we can’t get you down the aisle without puking,” Andre added, then put her hands on her hips. “When was the last time you slept?”
I turned away, allowing my hair to fall over my eyes. I’d been doing a great job hiding the dark circles till now. They’d all been too busy with the wedding to notice. It had been at least a week, maybe longer. I couldn’t even remember anymore. My mind just didn’t want to shut down long enough to allow me rest, which was probably why I was this worked up.
Mon espoir? Maes called out.
My head shot up, and I narrowed my eyes. “You called Maes?!”
Andre slithered away from the bathroom door, and a tall dark figured appeared. It was bad enough having Andre read my moods, but now she had to send in the mind reader too? How had I been so blessed?
Lilly stood, touching my head one last time. “We’ll be back in a few hours to help you dress.” She exited the bathroom leaving me alone with him.
You are blessed. His lips curled slightly. You’re not well? He kneeled down beside me.
“Is it that obvious?” I said sarcastically. “What gave you the first clue?”
Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel Page 34
