The Hero (Thunder Point #3)(33)

A lot of people had the same idea—the marina parking lot was full. After they parked, he looped his arm with hers to walk her across the beach. “We’re going to have some fun tonight. I don’t want to see you picking up Mercy before morning—just enjoy yourself. You look very pretty tonight, Devon.”

She flushed slightly. “And so do you, Dr. Grant.”

Even though it wasn’t dark yet, the sparkling lights twinkled in the dusk, casting a glow over a wide area of the beach. There were no chairs set up, but there was a runner that led from the bottom of the steps to the arch and a box on the side of the bay where the preacher would stand. The band was set up and they were playing some soft, classic tunes—“I’ll Be Seeing You,” “Deep Purple,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” People were milling around with plastic cups, visiting, laughing and generally getting into the party mood. The sky had never been more beautiful, the bay was calm and dark, the air warm and there was only a slight breeze.

Scott Grant pressed a cup into her hand. “Lots of people here I’ve never met before,” he said.

She grinned at him. “It turns out I know a lot of them. I’ve already met Cooper’s family.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him around the gathering at the beach, introducing him to those people he didn’t know. They eventually found Rawley behind one of the long serving tables, wearing a shirt identical to Mac’s and Cooper’s, as if he were a part of the wedding party. Even Austin had a matching shirt. Austin was running around the beach with a kid about the same age, kicking up sand at the water’s edge.

Gina wore a powder-blue strapless summer dress and held a lovely bouquet; Mac stayed close to her near the bridal arch, chatting with a man who must be either the minister or justice of the peace. He wore a Hawaiian shirt and sported a long ponytail.

The sun lowered. The lights twinkled. The band played and the sky was clear and deep, speckled with stars.

Devon’s happiness at being included was almost too much to bear. People thought of her as a regular girl, worthy of their company. She pulled her yellow wrap, her borrowed wrap, around her shoulders. It was all so beautiful and happy....

* * *

In the small apartment above the bar, Sarah turned in front of a full-length mirror mounted on the closet door. Her dress was identical to Gina’s except that it was pink. The contrast with her tanned skin and dark hair was perfect. She had a delicious bouquet of roses, calla lilies, baby’s breath and periwinkles—all white, yellow and blue.

Cooper leaned against the wall, appreciating the vision she created and she grinned at him. “Will this do?” she asked him.

He took a couple of lazy steps toward her. “I’ve never seen you more beautiful. You ready to do it? It’s a long contract. Ninety-nine years.”

She put her hands on his shoulders. “Just ninety-nine?”

“My little commitment-phobe has gone, I think. I have something for you.”

She laughed and shook her head. “You can’t possibly give me one more thing, Cooper. You’re giving me your life, your beachfront property...you’re taking on my brother and supporting us both....”

“It’s just something for you to wear to bed on our wedding night....”

“Aw, that’s very sweet...”

He pulled a small box out of his pocket. He popped it open to display a pair of diamond stud earrings. She sighed and touched one. “Not a nightgown?” she asked.

“We have absolutely no need for a nightgown. Just these.”

She pulled her earrings out of her ears and began inserting the diamond studs. “There are a bunch of Coast Guard down there as well as more townies than I can count. It might be very late before you get to fully appreciate these earrings.”

“No, it won’t,” he said. “I don’t care how much they eat, drink and dance—we’re going to escape and lock the door. Spencer and Landon have charge of Austin. Carrie, Gina, Mac and Rawley have charge of the party. They’re under orders—shut it down before dawn.”

“Dawn?” she asked with a laugh.

He lifted her chin and put a soft kiss on her lips. “I want everyone to remember this night as much as I will.” He put out a crooked arm. “Come on, Mrs. Cooper. Let’s tie the knot. And start our new lives.”

She slipped her arm through his and went downstairs. Before exiting the bar, Cooper stopped and flipped the lights on the deck on and off a few times. Then when they stepped outside, the music changed abruptly and the band began to play “The Way You Look Tonight.” As they descended the stairs to the beach, their guests applauded. There were a few whistles and catcalls as well, making them all laugh.

And then they stood in front of the floral arch, facing the preacher in the Hawaiian shirt and ponytail. The young man said a few words about commitment and partnership, the standard vows were exchanged, promises made, and then, per Sarah’s request, a Native American blessing.

And then Cooper was invited to kiss his wife and the beach came alive with cheers. Mac, the best man, was handed a glass as were Cooper and Sarah. There was no elaborate toast, just a brief salute to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cooper and followed by many a “Hear! Hear!” And then the funky little band made up of middle-aged men broke into “I’m in the Mood for Love,” punctuated by the popping of champagne corks.