Page 23 of Rescuing Mary

Everyone knew who and what she was talking about.

“You know we don’t,” Harley said softly. “The guys are really careful about not giving us information that would make us freak out if we saw anything on the news.”

“I know. I just…it feels different this time for some reason.” Emily rested her hand on her belly.

Mary didn’t know how it had felt for the others in the past because she’d always dealt with Truck leaving on her own. But she had to agree with Emily. It did feel different this time. More ominous for some reason.

She shook her head. She was being silly. This was what their men did. They went out, kicked ass, then came back and were their usual protective alpha selves. This time would be no different.

Standing, she said, “Who needs another round?”

Everyone’s hands went into the air.

Mary went to grab two bottles of wine and she topped off everyone’s glasses.

When everyone’s glass was full once more, she raised hers in an impromptu toast. “To our Deltas. May they kick some terrorist ass and get home sooner rather than later.”

“In one piece,” Harley added.

“Healthy and whole,” Rayne piped up.

“Amen to that,” Wendy agreed.

Everyone took a sip of their wine and fell silent, thinking about the men they loved more than life itself.

Finally, Casey cleared her throat and said, “So…Beatle and I have been talking weddings.”

Everyone screeched in delight, and Casey held up a hand to shut everyone up. “Okay, okay, pipe down.” She chuckled and turned to Wendy. “I wanted to know if you and Blade might be interested in a double ceremony?”

The question came out tentatively, but Wendy didn’t hesitate to reassure her. She bounced from the couch and leaped for her friend. Harley was laughing and trying to get out of the way, but because she was in the enormous beanbag with Casey, it was impossible. Wendy ended up in the beanbag with both Casey and Harley, and she hugged Casey hard.

“Yes, a thousand times yes. I’d love to!”

“Shouldn’t you ask Blade first?” Casey asked dryly.

“Nope. He’s been bugging me about getting married but I couldn’t begin to think about planning. It stresses me out. This way you can plan the whole thing and I’ll just show up and smile!”

The two women grinned at each other. “I’d be honored,” Casey said. “And then we’ll be sisters for real.”

“Oh, shit,” Wendy said with a sniff. “You’re gonna make me cry, bitch.”

Mary watched with a huge grin on her face. She knew she probably looked a little silly, but she didn’t care.

Wendy turned to stare at Rayne. “What about you, Rayne? You want in on this?”

Rayne looked startled for a second. “On what?”

“Wanna get married with us?”

Mary’s eyes widened in surprise, almost as big as Rayne’s were.

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. If we’re gonna party, might as well make it one big-ass celebration!” Casey said, beaming.

Rayne put her glass down on the little side table and said, “Okay. But…” Her voice trailed off.

“What?” Casey asked.