“It’s not like the weddings on TV,” she said.
Denver shook his head. “All that stuff doesn’t matter.”
“Don’t tell her that,” I scolded. “Maizy, someday you’ll find a prince who will sweep you off your feet and give you the dreamiest wedding you’ve ever imagined. Your mama will be so proud, and you can make your big sister your bridesmaid!”
“I think you can only be one of those when you’re single,” Lexi pointed out, setting a casserole dish on the table.
I reached over and pinched off a piece of the cheese, taking a nibble. “Rules were always meant to be broken.”
“Well, I don’t want one of those,” Maizy declared, nodding her head toward Wheeler’s tattoo. She put her knees on the bench and leaned forward on the table, peering at the large bowl of biscuits.
“Yeah, well, what do you want?” Denver asked.
“I want my true love to read to me. And a ring.”
“A ring?” he said in an exaggerated voice. “What would you do with a ring?” Denver buttered a biscuit and put it on her plate.
“I don’t know.”
“Maybe it’s because a ring isn’t so important. Don’t you want a good mate to take care of you?”
Lynn set a jar of strawberry preserves in front of him. “My daughter is going to marry, not mate. Isn’t that right, honey?”
Maizy smiled and sat down, smelling the biscuit. “Maybe I won’t get married. Maybe I’ll move to a faraway country and be an explorer.”
“There’s nothing left to discover, Peanut. It’s all been found.”
Lexi came up behind Maizy and hugged her tight. “You can be whatever you want to be, Maze. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’re going to do.”
This was too emotional! I turned and wrapped my arms around Wheeler’s neck, standing on my tiptoes. We held each other for a moment while everyone settled in their places and began talking about the next party.
“Don’t ever do that again,” Reno said to Austin.
“What?”
“Put Lexi in charge of costumes.”
Trevor barked out a laugh. “Reno looked like a neutered stray.”
“Say, what if we rotate?” William suggested.
“Then I’m next,” Reno quickly said. “How ’bout that?”
Lexi sat down and scooped a helping of casserole onto her plate. “Scrap that idea. I have no desire to see what kind of biker gear Reno would dress me in.”
“On the contrary, I might like that idea.” Austin winked at her and stole a quick kiss.
“Naya, you’re going to help me again for our next party,” Lexi said decidedly.
I ran my fingers through the loose, silky curls on my head and grinned. “I think I’m going to retire my dancing shoes and try something new for a change.”
Wheeler walked around the table and sat down in his seat. Ben’s absence was strangely felt as Wheeler glanced at the empty spot where he normally sat. But it wouldn’t be empty for long. I decided my mate would always know someone would be at his side. He quickly turned away and smiled up at me.
“Darling, would you like some coffee?” I offered.
A few people turned their heads and looked between one another.
He pushed his empty cup forward and chuckled, shaking his head. “Love some, kitty cat.”