Standing up, I offered her my hand. “Will I do? For now?” This was last time you’d see me anyway.
Aunt Judy zeroed in on my body jewellery and nodded. “Yes.”
Somehow, both Rowan and I ended up dancing with various family members for half an hour. Between aunts, uncles, and little cousins, I’ve heard several cute and embarrassing stories about Rowan, been asked questions, and been threatened not to break Rowan’s heart. The latter came from the youngest members of his family.
“Can I be next?” said a tall woman with shoulder-length fiery hair and features like Rowan’s. I’d finished a dance with an older gentleman who’d told me about his husband and wife and how neither of them enjoyed dancing.
“Sure.” I nodded at Mr. Felix and took the woman’s hand.
“So you’re the mysterious barista from Wendigo Hills.” She wore a black pantsuit that exposed her muscled arms covered in short, ginger hair.
“And you must be the other sister. Riley?” The one who always bickered with Rowan and sent him basketball memes.
“Yup. Everything he told you about me is a lie.”
“Ah, so you’re not a famous basketball player who chased her dreams and succeeded? Got it.”
Shock took over her expression. “Is that what he said?”
“He implied it.” I shrugged.
She snorted. “He’s never brought anyone home. Not since high school. So you can see why everyone is fascinated.”
“Even you?”
“Of course not. But I need to look in the face of the man who convinced Rowan that having someone close is good for him. He’s always been adamant about doing everything by himself and not following the path all the older siblings have paved for him, including a possible career in basketball. Obviously, he never listened to relationship advice either. Well, from others. I have none to give. Not for men, and he’s never been into women of any species much.”
“I’m learning a lot about him today. And you’re the third person who told me he was good at ball. You’re a fun bunch.”
“Don’t get spooked. The family is big and packed with individuals, but we’re harmless.” She winked. “Mostly.”
“Oh no, Riley, what did you do?” Rowan approached us and narrowed his eyes.
“Nothing.” She stepped away from me, making space for Rowan. “He’s all yours.” Riley chuckled all the way to her table.
“Was she mean to you?” Rowan rubbed my shoulders, then slid his hands down to mine.
“No. Everyone here is welcoming, including your sister. I danced with your dad too, and he asked very touristy questions about Wendigo Hills.”
“Him and Mom would want to see every corner of the world, if they could, even the cosy towns a short drive away.”
The band played a slower song, and I fell into the comfort of Rowan’s embrace.
“Sorry you got roped into this.” Rowan pushed a strand of my hair off my forehead.
“Are you kidding? This is amazing. I don’t have a big family, and most of my school friends moved far, and we lost contact. So I’m not invited to weddings.” I didn’t need to mention that afterI’d lost my parents, I’d cut myself off from everyone besides my aunts. I couldn’t stand the questions and the pity.
“It didn’t occur to me that it could make you feel worse that you don’t get to do this.”
I rubbed his arm. “I see what I’m missing, and that’s why I’m happy to be here. Thank you for bringing me.”
A clink of cutlery against a flute sounded, and the music stopped.
“Cake time!” Raina rubbed her hands and kissed Troy on the cheek.
Troy was not a man or a werewolf. He was heart-eyes incarnate. He stood next to his wife in his dark blue suit cut to perfection and with hair tousled by the wind but holding on to the product for dear life.
The staff wheeled in a three-tiered cake to cheering guests, and absolutely no murmurs or comments about the huge thing being black with purple marzipan flowers on top.
