Finally, he saw her. She paused in the doorway, her eyes roaming the group, searching. God, he hoped it was for him. And then he remembered. She had yet to face all these people who, for him, were like so many bleating sheep. No way would he let her run the gauntlet of curious stares alone.
He moved quickly and quietly along the perimeter of the room, his discomfort at being bumped and jostled by other bodies forgotten. He wasn’t sentimental. He’d never understood other guys in his unit getting all moony-eyed over face time with their girls or wives. But the sight of Jori standing proud but uncertain got to him. This wasn’t about him. This was about keeping her strong, and watching her back.
Jori felt all eyes on her as she stepped into the Crystal Ballroom. Even looking directly ahead, she could see some of the guests elbow others to draw their attention her way.
“This sucks.”
Jori glanced sideways at Law, who had stepped up behind her. He placed a hand on the small of her back and urged her forward. “Let’s get this over with.”
She knew he didn’t like being on display, either. “I’m sorry.”
“You should be.” He slanted a glance down at her as they moved into the throng of guests and toward the champagne fountain. “I know I look good in this tux but I didn’t think I’d cause a scene.”
Jori choked on her laughter and misstepped. But Law was there, a strong arm around her waist. “How about some champagne?”
Jori nodded. She could use a little liquid courage at the moment.
Erin must have been waiting for her. As soon as she and Law had snagged glasses of champagne, Erin floated up to them in a bridesmaid dress a little shorter and a little better-fitted than any of the other attendants’. Her hair was cut in long layers in shades of blond from champagne to butter, gold, and honey. A marathoner, she was toned, lithe, and tan.
In purely female fashion, Erin gave Jori a down–up glance, assessing her critically. “Wow, Jori. That is you. You’re the last person I expected to see today. How are you?”
“Peachy, Erin. And you know what they say about bad pennies.”
Erin frowned, as if not familiar with the cliché. “I almost didn’t recognize you.” She touched one of Jori’s curls. “You were blond last time I saw you.”
“But you’re still the same.” Jori let her puzzle on that for a second. She might have known, Erin’s attention didn’t stay on her. She was now looking up at Law with a flirtatious smile.
“I’m Erin Tice, Luke Tice’s wife.” She held out a slender hand that barely seemed capable of managing the chunk of diamond that was her engagement ring.
“Lauray Battise.” Law engulfed her hand in his much larger one. She practically purred.
“And what do you do, Lauray Battise?”
“State trooper, ma’am.”
Jori saw Erin wince at his use of ma’am but she recovered quickly. She turned to Jori. “I didn’t know you still required an official escort to functions these days.”
“She doesn’t.” Law waited until Erin glanced back at him. “I’m screwing her three ways from Sunday. And, yes, she’s that good in bed. So I’d do just about anything for more. Including coming here.”
Erin’s mouth fell open. So did Jori’s.
“Well, hello.” Luke Tice had appeared out of the crowd and put an arm around the waist of his wife. With his commonplace handsomeness and a politician’s assuredness that he would be a welcome addition, he offered Law a big grin. “Hey there.”
Erin, who had been staring at Law like he was a cross between Chris Hemsworth and Darth Vader, cleared her throat as she glanced her husband’s way. “Luke, I’d like you to meet—”
“No introductions necessary, Erin.” Luke grinned like a big kid. “I know who this is. Trooper Battise, right? Saw your picture in the Democrat-Gazette the other day.” He offered his hand. “You have my heartfelt gratitude for your service and sacrifice to our country.”
A floating photographer began taking pictures as the two men shook hands. It was the cue for Luke to continue. “This man’s a bona fide hero, Erin, a decorated veteran. Lost a leg in Afghanistan. But that hasn’t stopped him, no sir. This past Thursday, Erin, he stopped a robbery in progress in Springdale and then outran the fleeing robber. On one good leg. The video of it is amazing.” Luke reached up to pat Law’s shoulder. “This is a real American hero.” He spoke loud enough that all nearby could hear. “What brings you to Eureka Springs, Trooper Battise? In need of a little R and R?”
“I’m here with Jori Garrison.”
Law reached out to snag Jori by the waist, just as Luke had done his wife. “She’s asked me to look into the events surrounding her incarceration.” He felt Jori stiffen beside him but ignored it. “I might have a few questions for you at some later date, Mr. Tice. We are, after all, celebrating tonight.”