Cael pulled back and let out a slow breath. “When I first found out about you and Sloane, I admit, I was worried. The two of you were so different, and both of you were working through some pretty tough changes. It was bumpy at first, but I don’t need to tell you that.”
Dex sat and Cael looked over at Sloane, his expression softening.
“Sloane, the more I saw you with Dex, the more I saw that you two were meant to be. No one made my brother light up the way you did. He has this smile that’s just for you, and no one can mistake the look in his eyes. It’s there for everyone to see. He adores you. The reason I knew you were meant for him was because no one, and I mean no one, has ever gotten Dex to just be. My brother never stopped moving. He was always the constant blur of activity, a whirlwind of restless energy that needed to be unleashed. Then he fell in love with you, and with one touch, Dex slowed to a stop. I had never seen anyone have that effect on him. Which is why I believe that long before you were mates, you were already bonded. Welcome to the family, Sloane. I’m proud and honored to be your brother.”
Sloane stood, and Cael walked over to hug him. Everyone clapped and cheered, and Dex had never felt prouder. He was so blessed to have all these amazing people in his life. It was important he never take that for granted or lose sight of what was really important.
After Cael’s toast, they went back to eating their dinner, talking, and laughing. Then Sloane turned to Dex and held his hand out. Dex’s heart swelled in his chest as he took Sloane’s hand, and everyone clapped. The lights dimmed, and Sloane led Dex to the dance floor as Journey’s “Faithfully” started playing.
Sloane drew Dex in close, one hand to Dex’s lower back, the other holding Dex’s hand. With a soft sigh, Dex let his head rest against Sloane’s shoulder as they danced, his arm around Sloane’s waist.
“I remember the first time you sang this to me,” Sloane said, resting his cheek against Dex’s head. “I tried so hard to tell myself it didn’t mean anything, that the song didn’t strike something deep inside me. And then you looked at me while you sang, looking so damn beautiful up there. I thought you were the sexiest thing I’d ever seen. I was mesmerized.”
Dex pulled back enough to gaze up at him, his heart in his throat. “I picked that song because it’s what I wanted so badly. I wanted to be yours, always.”
Sloane cupped his cheek and leaned in for a kiss. It was sweet, gentle, and had Dex melting against Sloane. Everyone clapped, and the song ended. Another slow song started, and Dex called out across the room.
“Okay, I want all the parents up here to join us. Julia, Thomas, move your sweet little keisters. Ash, bring your mom up here. Darla, Armel, Dad, come on.” The parents all made their way to the dance floor, and Dex walked to Sparks and took her hand. She looked striking in the royal blue figure-hugging dress. Like a movie star from the forties.
“Dex, what are you doing?” Sparks asked through her teeth, her smile never leaving her face.
“Tony needs a dance partner.” Dex brought her to his dad and smiled brightly.
Tony narrowed his eyes at Dex.
“Sorry, Dad. My wedding, my rules.” He patted Tony’s shoulder, then rejoined Sloane on the dance floor.
“You really think that’s a good idea?” Sloane asked. “They look kind of uncomfortable.”
“I’m not the only one in my family who’s stubborn,” Dex said. “They need to talk, and can you think of two people less likely to share their feelings than those two?”
Sloane nodded his agreement. “I think your dad’s even worse than Ash. I didn’t think it was possible, but yeah.”
As the parents danced, Dex snuck a peek at his dad and cringed. Jesus, it was painful. “Babe, I’ll need you to run interference for me. Wait for my signal.”
“Um, okay,” Sloane said with a chuckle, his eyes filled with amusement. Dex kissed him, then walked over to Sparks and Tony.
“May I cut in?”
“Sure,” Tony said, taking a step back. He turned to go, and Dex took his father’s hand and pulled him into a dance. Tony rolled his eyes at him.
“Sweet baby Jesus.”
“What? You’re my parent, so tradition states I get to dance with you. Suck it up, buttercup.”
Dex pointed behind him, and Sloane headed toward Sparks to dance with her. Tony glared at him, and Dex’s grin widened.
“You’re not allowed to be mad at me. It’s my wedding.”
“I have not forgotten,” Tony muttered.
“Good, so when are you and Sonya going to talk?”
“What is there to talk about?”
“Dad, I’m not about to tell you what you should do, but I need you to know that I’m okay with her. Yes, what she did was wrong, but none of us can say we wouldn’t have done the same in her situation. She watched her husband get blown up, and lost her daughter. Should she have told you? Yes.”
“Dex,” Tony warned.