Everyone laughed, and Dex took a sip of his drink. A lot might be changing, but this right here would never change. He'd give his life for any of these saps because they were his family.
During the ride, Dex would occasionally go quiet and end up observing everyone. Ash teased Letty, and Dex noted how Ash brought Captain Kirk into his circle of trust. It was easy to tell when that happened, because Ash wasn't an asshole to the guy. He was still Ash, but since James meant something to Letty, he meant something to Ash. God help the poor bastard if he hurt Letty, though Dex felt for Captain Kirk. With Letty came an entire tactical team of fierce Humans and Therians.
Hudson seemed enthralled in a conversation about antiques with Milena while Seb and Rosa chatted about sandwiches with Ethan clearly disagreeing with his brother. Those two were adorable. Calvin just threw in the occasional comment to set a fire under Seb's or Ethan's tails. Calvin had a wicked streak, and Dex loved it.
Zach and Austen sat side by side, but hadn't said a word to each other. Dex had a feeling those two were going to be his greatest challenge. Austen was having an animated conversation with Nina about pizza while Rafe looked on in obvious amusement. Zach listened as Taylor and Angel argued over baseball. Dom's laugh could be heard through the limo, and it made Dex chuckle. He seemed to enjoy teasing West. You know.... Dex shook his head. He really had to stop trying to set everyone up.
Soon they'd arrived, and Dex was the last to disembark. When he got out on the sidewalk, he turned to Cael, his jaw dropping. "Peitho?" Holy crap. "How...?"
"You're not the only one with connections," Cael said with a wink.
Hudson took in the huge classy building. The line wrapped around the corner behind the velvet rope. "Looks posh."
"You have no idea," Dex said, following Cael as he headed over to one of the bouncers standing at the door. "Peitho is guest-list only, and it gets booked months in advance."
The bouncer nodded, and Cael motioned for them to follow. They were allowed in ahead of the waiting throng. Inside, they headed to the left and around a corner to a sectioned-off area of the club. The huge purple neon sign above the bar said, "Congratulations, Dex!"
Dex wiped a tear from his eye. "Wow."
"You like it?" Cael asked, as if Dex wouldn't have loved anything his little brother put together for him.
"Chirpy, it's amazing." Dex hugged his brother and squeezed him tight. "Thank you."
The place was incredible--a swanky, high-end nightclub with lavish decor in hues of purple and blue. Dazzling chandeliers sparkled above their heads. It boasted high ceilings, an impressive laser light display, and plenty of banquette seating. It had an elegant '80s vibe to it. The DJ played a combination of classic rock and electro pop, and the tables on "their side" of the club contained purple glass bowls filled with gummy bears. Their friends were already at the cocktail bar, ordering drinks. Those who didn't have a drink in their hand were on the dance floor rocking out.
"I can't believe you're getting married," Cael said, his boyish grin wide and his eyes glassy.
"I know, right?" Dex threw an arm around his shoulders. "Thanks for this. It's perfect."
Cael shrugged.
Not wanting to delve any deeper into the sappiness, Dex nudged Cael and motioned to the bar. "Simba's looking for you."
Cael rolled his eyes, but his smile never left his face. He punched Dex's shoulder playfully before heading for the bar, crossing paths with Mr. Tall, Bright, and Cheerful.
"Hey, Captain Kirk."
James chuckled. "I guess it's better than Dimples."
"Glad you could make it." The guy's schedule was so erratic, Dex hardly saw him. Though lately he seemed to be around a little more, and Dex was sure a certain feisty gal had something to do with it.
"Are you kidding? Letty's been bouncing off the walls about this for months." James's expression softened. "You mean a lot to her."
Dex did his best not to get all emotional. "And she means a lot to me." It was too soon for getting all choked up. As if sensing his thoughts, James gave his shoulder a pat before heading off toward the bar, where Letty was talking to Ash and now Cael.
God, Dex was going to be such a mess when the big day finally arrived. Suddenly it all seemed so real despite all the preparations they'd been making for months now. They even had binders, which slightly terrified Sloane. They'd worked out their budget, picked their wedding party, created the guest list; then the real work started. As of a couple of months ago, the color scheme had been chosen and the venue booked, along with rooms for them and their guests. The photographer, videographer, and entertainment were booked. They'd met with the caterers and approved the menu. Dex, Sloane, and the rest of the guys in their wedding party were fitted for suits, dresses for the girls, though a suit option had been available for them as well. They set up their gift registry, sent out invites, and received an RSVP reply from all of them. All transportation was arranged, documents submitted, and the honeymoon was currently being planned.
His and Sloane's schedules for next month were filled with cake orders, rehearsal dinners, hair appointments, and then they'd have to start looking at their schedule for the following two months, which included everything from choosing the reception playlist, finalizing everything they'd done up to that point, buying their wedding rings, practicing their vows--since Sloane wanted to go traditional--plus dealing with the hundreds of other details needing their attention. Oh, and they were on duty until the month before the wedding.
"Dex?"
Dex blinked. Hudson stood in front of him, his eyes filled with concern.
"Are you all right? You look a wee bit... pale."
"Uh, yeah. Sorry. I started thinking about all the stuff we still have to do before the big day. Remind me why I thought a big wedding would be a good idea?" With each call from Lou, the urge to grab Sloane, disappear, and elope somewhere was more and more tempting.
Hudson chuckled. "Because you're Dexter J. Daley, and you don't do anything without leaving your mark."