Alien in the House

Chapter 98



THE RECEPTION WENT more slowly than the wedding had, but it was fun and comfortable, and Chuckie looked incredibly happy and more relaxed than I’d seen him in at least a year. Naomi looked like her old self, only with more confidence and a happy glow I’d never seen before.

The joy of seeing them both so happy and right together made all the horror from the past few days move into “the past.” I still wanted to find and stop all the evil bad guy plans, but that’s what tomorrow was for. Today was, as Nathalie had requested, happy.

Kyle and I were back in charge of the music, so “Beyond Beautiful” by Aerosmith was playing. Most of the guests were dancing, Jamie included. Cliff was her current partner and she was having a blast. Had a feeling she was going to expect a wedding and reception as her birthday cap-off every year.

Vance and Gadoire had joined us. Gadoire had a clean bill of health, and was confirmed as human. Reader was dancing with Nathalie, and she seemed okay. Not deliriously happy, but better than she’d been. She was tough, and we’d help her. She and Jeff could be the bonded newbies in the House and have each other’s backs. It was more than a lot of people got.

Senators McMillan and Armstrong and their wives had joined us as well. They were sitting with Lillian Culver while she made phone calls. Abner was going to pull through, and our medical team and a team from Dulce were watching him. Tito was still with him, but Nurse Carter was up and dancing with White.

The music switched to “You and Me” by Lifehouse. Jeff and I took a break from the dance floor and sat down, me in his lap. “Think they liked it?” he asked me.

“I think you just proved to Chuckie, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you’re really his good, true friend, which is the best present he could ever get. Yes, he loved it and Naomi needed it. You’re really the biggest romantic softie in the world, you know that, right?”

“As long as you like that, I’m good with it.”

“I don’t like it, Jeff. I love it, and everything else about you.”

He hugged me. “Good to know.” He was about to kiss me when the music stopped.

“Attention, please,” Raj said. The room stopped and turned toward his voice. Made a mental note to ensure Raj always used his power for good. “We have an important announcement.”

The guests moved to the sides of the room. Michael was standing next to Raj. He looked incredibly nervous. “The road to Chuck and Naomi’s wedding was really long, and for a while I wasn’t sure this day would ever come. The events of the past few days have pointed out to me that nothing in life is certain, including tomorrow.”

He cleared his throat. “So, I’ve asked permission of the man who’s very much like a father to you,” he said as he walked over to Caroline and took her hand. Caroline looked like she didn’t know whether this was a joke or not. “Senator McMillan told me that a real man is bold and takes chances for the important things.”

Michael went down on one knee. Caroline’s expression changed to shock. He pulled a ring box out of his pocket. “Caroline Chase, I’d like to know if you’d be willing to make an honest man out of me and marry me.”

“Yes,” Caroline managed, right before she burst into tears. Michael stood up and kissed her, among cheers and congratulations. “Everybody Loves a Happy Ending” by Tears for Fears came on our Embassy Airwaves.

Jeff sighed happily. “Nice to see them both settle down.”

“Did you know this was coming?”

“Amazingly, yes, because neither one of them is sporting an emotional blocker or overlay. Had to tell Michael to hold off until the reception—he was revved up and ready to propose at Jamie’s party.”

“This was better.”

Jeff hugged me. “I agree. This is the best, though.” Then he kissed me. And, as with so many things, he was right.