pening to him so soon after we just got him back.”
Dex was relieved. His father was stubborn, but when it came to the safety of those he cared about, he put his pride aside. “How are things between him and Sparks?”
Cael’s expression turned sympathetic. “Dad said they’re taking some time apart. I don’t think he’ll ever be able to forgive her for what she allowed to happen to you.”
“She did it for her daughter,” Dex said gently.
“Yeah, and I get that. I guess that’s why I’m conflicted. Either way, how can they have trust between them after that?”
“You’re right,” Dex said with a sigh. Whatever happened, he just hoped his dad would be happy.
Dex was quiet as he walked, hand in hand with Sloane, surrounded by his team. Men, women, Therians, all of whom he loved and considered his family. It struck him then how none of them were related to him by blood, not even his dad and brother, and yet the bond they all shared could never be broken. They’d been through it all together. Laughed, cried, bled, mourned, and loved. Whatever the future held, they were the one constant in his life. His home.
CHAPTER 14
DEEP BREATH.
Fifteen minutes.
Fifteen minutes and the wedding processional music would start, and the wedding party would begin their march toward the altar until it was Dex and Sloane’s turn. Dex let out a shaky breath.
“Okay, it’s happening. This is happening.” He paced in front of the door he’d walk out of before he’d head for the sitting room where Sloane would be waiting to walk him down the aisle, the start of their new journey. Dex swallowed hard when something big blocked his path. He looked up, and Hobbs grabbed his shoulders.
With a big dopey smile and watery eyes, Hobbs leaned in and whispered in Dex’s ear, “You got this.”
Dex’s eyes welled up, and he quickly blinked away his tears. He nodded, afraid if he said anything, he’d lose it.
“You look amazing,” Letty said, kissing his cheek.
“You look beautiful.” Dex beamed at her, loving how she looked in the strapless black gown, the long tangerine-colored sash tied around her waist giving it a perfect pop of color along with the bouquet of tangerine roses. He turned to the rest of his wedding party. “Look at you guys.”
Cael, Hobbs, and Hudson were all dashing in their black suits with tangerine ties and little tangerine rosebuds pinned to their lapels, matching the one pinned to Dex’s tuxedo lapel. Sloane’s wedding party would have Ash, Calvin, and Seb in black suits with turquoise ties and a turquoise rosebud pinned to their lapels, which would match the one Sloane would have pinned to his. Rosa, much like Letty, would be in a strapless black gown with a turquoise sash, and holding a bouquet of turquoise roses. Everyone was stunning.
Hobbs waggled his eyebrows and lifted the legs of his black trousers, revealing tangerine and turquoise socks. Hudson and Cael followed his lead, revealing their matching socks, and Dex laughed. He tugged at his trouser legs, showing off his all tangerine socks. Sloane’s would be all turquoise. It had been Sloane’s idea. The reason behind the suggestion being the need to have “a little bit of that Daley charm.”
Hudson stepped up to Dex and smiled brightly. Tears welled up in his eyes, and Dex wiped at his own eyes.
“Stop it. You’re going to fog up your glasses.”
Hudson laughed and hugged him tight. Bracing himself, Dex wiped his sweaty hands on his pants as Cael stepped up to him. His bottom lip trembled, and Dex shook his head.
“Come on, Chirpy. Don’t make me smear my makeup.”
Cael laughed and grabbed him, pulling him into a tight hug. “I love you so much, Dex.”
Closing his eyes, Dex hugged his little brother fiercely, his voice cracking when he replied, “I love you too, Chirpy.” With a sniff, he pulled away. “You got the ring?”
Cael nodded and patted his front breast pocket. A knock on the door was followed by Lou poking his head in. He opened his mouth to speak, looked Dex over, and flew into the room to throw his arms around Dex. He pulled back and kissed Dex’s cheeks, his eyes glassy.
“Sloane’s a very lucky man,” Lou said softly. “Make sure he never forgets that.” Wiping under his eyes, he motioned to the door. “It’s time for me to take Cael and the others to the sitting room. I’ll be back for you. All the guests are in their seats, Tony’s in position, and the photographers are in place.”
“And Sloane?”
Lou smiled brightly. “Looking handsome as ever. He’s in the sitting room with Ash and the others.”
“Is he okay?” Dex asked. It was almost time. In less than an hour, he’d be married. Was Sloane as nervous as he was? Was he freaking out? Now that they were here, was he having second thoughts? Cold feet?
“Dex.” Lou put a hand to his cheek. “It’s your wedding day. Stop worrying and enjoy this moment.”