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He had me on that one. “I’d say you win”—because I knew how much he liked to—“but we’re about to touch down, so we’re sort of at a stalemate.”
“Hmm.” His lips pressed softly to my temple. “For now.”
I brimmed with excitement and lust but tried to keep myself composed as we all exited the plane and took SUVs—one driven by Amano, the other by his new protégé, Kyle—to the famed El Tovar Hotel, which sat a mere twenty feet from the rim of the canyon. The vistas were astounding. So breathtaking, we all absorbed the wonderment in awed silence. Twilight provided enough of a glow to accent the sedimentary layers of the canyon walls and sprinkle golden light over the mesas.
I hadn’t been here since I was a kid. My sixth-grade class had hiked a portion of the canyon and we’d learned all about the wildlife and plants. I appreciated the grandeur much more as an adult.
Dane guided us to a private deck that was set for our dinner of nine. Lanterns and candles added to the gorgeous ambience. Music flowed from hidden speakers. Appetizer stations were set up, as well as a wine bar, with scotch and brandy in decanters. Dane played host, and I realized that was his way of keeping his appearance to a minimum—he didn’t want even the servers at El Tovar to get a glimpse of him.
Everyone in our group seemed to grasp this, even my dad, though he was still stunned. I joined him at one point and said, “Again, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Warn you. Whatever.”
His gaze slid from Dane to me. “When did you find out he was alive?”
“A couple of months ago. We have to keep it quiet, Dad.”
“Does this have anything to do with last night’s car wreck in Flag? With the FBI involved?”
“Yes. Vale Hilliard was responsible for the bomb at the Lux. Though it was likely just his directive. Someone else did the dirty deed, we suspect.”
“Jesus.”
“It’s really bad, Dad. Dane’s helping to sort it out. The bottom line is that few people know he survived the explosion and it has to stay that way.”
“So, I’m guessing the all-expenses-paid vacay to Augusta wasn’t just luck of the draw?”
“You catch on quick.” I kissed his cheek. Then I told him, “I swear I’ll explain it all to you as soon as everything’s settled.”
“I don’t know, sweets. This doesn’t sound healthy for you or the baby.”
“Dad.” I understood his concern. But I didn’t want anything—reality included—raining on my parade tonight.
He fretted a bit, then asked, “Are you doing okay?”
“So much better,” I said with conviction. “Kyle’s aunt and her specialists worked wonders. And then I found out Dane didn’t die at the Lux, and everything with the baby is going great. I feel fantastic, I promise.”
“Well, you sure look fantastic.” Finally, he grinned. “Tamera is right. You’re radiant.” He studied me a few seconds more, adding, “You know, your mom never glowed, but sweets, you positively shine.”
“I am married to an amazing man and having his child. So, literally, I could swing from the chandeliers.”
My father was wonderful enough not to mention the time Dane and I spent apart, the way I’d freaked because I’d thought he was dead, and so on. My guess was, his sole focus remained on the fact that Dane was here, we were together, and I had a baby on the way.
We had a sensational dinner under the stars with the moonlight streaking over majestic Grand Canyon. The food was incredible, the company even better. And what pleased me more was that no one was in a hurry to end the evening. We lingered over dessert and cocktails. Kept the conversations flowing with no need to hastily wrap it all up.
Midnight came and went. Dane finally said, “We should get you all home.”
No one jumped on the offer. We continued on. I was basically curled against Dane on a comfy patio sofa when Eleanor eventually said, “Ari, you’re exhausted.”
“Oh, keep enjoying yourselves,” I told them. “Don’t let the pregnant chick spoil your fun.”
Everyone laughed.
Dane said, “You should rest. Let’s not overdo it.”
I hated to end such a wonderful evening. These types of get-togethers were much too few and far between. And would continue to be until this was all over.
But I couldn’t deny I was wiped out. I crashed against Dane’s shoulder again on the flight to Sedona. I was barely cognizant as I said good-bye to everyone at the hangar and we made our way home.
Before I drifted off on the drive to the fortress, I whispered in Dane’s ear, “Thanks for tonight.”
