Chapter 11
"I... I don't know what to say." Hudson couldn't believe it. He had faith Dex would come through for him, but he'd never expected anything like this.
Dekatria's expansive, yet cozy, roof garden had been transformed into something out of a fairy tale. Twinkling fairy lights and strings of tiny white flowers were wrapped around the awning's pillars, with more lights decorating every potted tree and shrub. White gossamer curtains draped from the rectangular steel frame erected around the roof. White lanterns hung from its steel rods, alternating with more fairy lights. The floor was covered in white flower petals, and bouquets of white roses in white vases on white plinths created an aisle running to the end of the roof, where a small white gazebo stood, along with a priest who smiled warmly at Hudson.
To his left, an intricately decorated cake in white, blue, and gold sat in the center of a table sporting a white tablecloth. Gleaming gold dishes held tantalizing appetizers on one end and champagne flutes, bottles of champagne, and a gold bucket with ice on the other. A young Therian in a tuxedo stood in the corner playing a beautiful melody on his violin.
"You... did all this?"
Dex smiled. He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and shrugged. "I had help."
"But how?" Hudson brushed his fingers over one of the bouquets of white roses.
"Are you kidding? I called Lou, explained it was for you and Seb. The dude let out a war cry, and his army of perky party people laid siege to this place in less than an hour. Scared the shit out of Bradley. I don't think he'd ever seen Lou in crazy Terminator mode. Like he was sent from the future to put on the perfect last-minute weddi
ng. Austen used his superspy voodoo to get you guys the rings you wanted, Father McByrne, and the marriage license. Cal and Hobbs picked up Julia, Thomas, and Darla. The gang's all here. Everything's ready."
Hudson's eyes brimmed with unshed tears, and he brought Dex into a big hug. "Thank you, Dex. You don't know how much this means to me."
"Yeah, I kinda do." Dex wrapped his arms around Hudson, his voice soft. "You deserve it, buddy. You both do."
"Nina's going to be my maid of honor. Would you... would you be my best man?"
Dex went quiet, and for a moment, Hudson worried he might have said something wrong. He pulled back, chuckling at the big sappy grin on Dex's face. "Did I break you?"
"Shut up." Dex sniffed and wiped a tear from his eye. "I'm not crying. You're crying." He grabbed Hudson in a hug that stole the breath from his lungs.
Hudson laughed as Dex released him. "Is that a yes?"
"Yes, dork. Of course it's a yes." Dex stepped away and took hold of Hudson's elbow. "Come on. Seb's going to be up here with the Hobbs brood any minute now."
Hudson paused, turning to Dex. "Could you bring Thomas downstairs? I need to ask him something."
"You got it."
With one last hug, Hudson hurried downstairs to the second floor, which was being used as a sort of prep room. He tried not to pace, but it was impossible. They were actually going to do this. He was about to become Hudson Hobbs. A small part of him was saddened at the thought of his absent family. He wished they could be here to witness the happiest moment of his life. His heart quickly reminded him that his family was here. The Hobbs family, Destructive Delta, and their friends were his family, his pack. Hudson smiled.
The sound of Thomas's electric wheelchair caught his attention, and he beamed brightly at Thomas.
"My, but you look dashing," Hudson said, coming to kneel beside Thomas. He looked very handsome in his black tuxedo, a white rosebud pinned to his lapel.
"Not as good as you," Thomas replied, patting Hudson's arm. "That blue suit is stunning. It really brings out your eyes. I can't wait to see Seb's face when he sees you."
Hudson couldn't help his blush. "Thank you, Thomas." He cleared his throat. "I asked you here in the hopes you might... escort me down the aisle."
Thomas's eyes got glassy, his smile wide. "I would be honored, son."
"Thank you. Do you think we're rushing things?"
"How long have you been in love with Sebastian?" Thomas asked gently.
"Forever, it seems." Hudson couldn't help his smile as he looked down at his fingers. "I think I loved him from the moment I saw him."
Thomas sweetly patted his cheek. "Then I think you're good."
The music coming through the speakers faded into silence. That was his cue. He stood and accompanied Thomas to the lift. Inside, Hudson took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Thomas chuckled and gave Hudson's hand a squeeze.
"You're doing much better than Seb." Thomas shook his head and laughed. "You should have seen him. He didn't know what to do with himself. Kept saying he should check up on you to make sure you were okay. He was pacing a hole in the floor. Rafe and Ethan were about ready to tie him to a chair."