Page 37 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

Tyler turned backward and tugged on Owen’s hand. “One dance first.”

The corner of Owen’s mouth twitched, and he sighed heavily. “It’s never going to be just one.”

And he was right. Tyler insisted on sharing a slow dance before they left, but then they got swept into a dance-off. They only stopped swaying and slaying long enough to eat cake before returning to the dance floor.

“Sure wish we had the kissing booth back,” Owen whispered in Tyler’s ear as they slowly swayed to the music.

“Pretty sure it was a photo booth.”

Owen rubbed his nose along Tyler’s neck. “That was just a bonus. Bet our pics were G-rated compared to the other couples.”

“There was a lot of bumping and thumping coming from that little booth.” Tyler recalled the life-changing conversation he’d had with Hope when he needed a break from the lovefest. A rush of gratitude washed over him, and he scanned the room for her. Hope stood by herself at the refreshment table, and Tyler knew he wouldn’t get a better moment to thank her. He stopped dancing, kissed Owen, and said, “I’ll be right back.”

Hope turned and smiled as he approached. “I’m so glad I get a moment to chat with you.”

The words “thank you” hovered on his lips, but Tyler wrapped Hope in a big hug instead. He didn’t pick her up and swing her around, but the thought crossed his mind.

“That’s about three Mississippis too long, pal,” Gary said.

Tyler pulled away and looked over his shoulder to catch the sappy grin on her husband’s face as he walked by.

“I came over here to thank you but got carried away,” Tyler said.

“You’re welcome, honey, but I didn’t really do anything.”

Tyler shook his head. “You opened my eyes. I don’t know what made you follow me outside, but I’m grateful you did.”

She cocked her head and said, “You know, I think it was just a mama’s intuition. I’m so happy for you and Owen.”

Tyler looked back over his shoulder, and his gaze snagged on those midnight eyes he loved so much. Owen’s lips curved into a beautiful smile that probably had the same effect as a siren’s song to a sailor, only without the shipwrecks and death.

Hope squeezed his biceps. “Go dance with your man. We can talk another time.”

Tyler hugged her once more before making his way back to Owen.

“I see you’re much smarter than I am,” Nick said.

Tyler had been so intent on getting back to Owen that he hadn’t noticed the newlywed in his periphery. Like with Hope, Tyler stopped and hugged Nick. The embrace was brief, but Nick got the message. Just in case, Tyler said, “Thank you.”

Nick laughed and patted Tyler on the back. “You’re welcome.”

Tyler made a beeline for Owen, who opened his arms so they could resume dancing. He put his mouth to Owen’s ear and said, “I want you tonight. Nothing between us. Just you and me.”

Owen’s fingers tightened on Tyler’s hips. “God, yes.”

Tyler massaged the back of Owen’s neck and slid his fingers into silky blond hair. “If I were Cash and Nick, I would want us all to get the hell out.”

“Me too.”

After a quick glance around the room, Tyler noticed the newlyweds were already gone. “Or I’d just sneak off while everyone is distracted.”

Owen lifted his head from Tyler’s shoulder and scanned the room. “I think we should follow their lead.”

Just like two weeks ago, they left the gathering without saying goodbye and didn’t pause to put on their outerwear.

“So much has changed since Cash’s birthday,” Tyler said.

“It still feels like a dream.”