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“Or we could just revel in the secret of our marriage. Spend all day in bed.”
“How decadent of you.” She turned toward him and wound up in his arms just as Danny’s mother approached.
Colleen Murphy was a tall, elegant woman to whom Stephanie felt an immediate kinship since she’d facilitated Stephanie’s chance to see Danny again at the Norfolk naval station. Mrs. Murphy wore a floor-length champagne-colored gown as the mother of the groom, her blond bob tucked behind her ears in a way that showed off simple diamond earrings.
“The reception is beautiful,” Stephanie gushed, eager to make a good impression after the way she and Danny had taken off alone at the end of his homecoming party the week before. “Jack and Alicia couldn’t have asked for a better place to have the party.”
Colleen held her arms out to both of them in an unexpected hug. Only when she was tucked between them did she speak.
“I hear more congratulations are in order,” she said softly before straightening.
“You told?” Stephanie turned to Danny, surprised.
“Admit nothing,” Danny advised, never taking his eyes off his mom. “She’s bluffing.”
Colleen’s mouth twitched, clearly amused.
“Daniel Murphy, I know you too well. I had lunch with the company pilot’s wife yesterday and she mentioned the jet went to Nevada a few days ago. I didn’t say a word to anyone else either way, but I know my sons aren’t much for gambling.”
Stephanie smiled at the standoff between them, waiting to see if Danny would cave.
“Maybe Stephanie loves roulette,” Danny offered.
Colleen simply enveloped her in a hug. “Welcome to the family, sweetheart. I hope to hear official news soon and please know that if you need anything at all while Danny’s gone, we will do whatever we can to be there for you.”
“Thank you.” She nodded, a lump in her throat. “I love your son so much.”
With another squeeze of her hand, Colleen stepped away, joining Danny’s father by the dance floor.
“Nothing gets past my mom,” Danny muttered, although he watched his mom and dad with just a hint of mist in his eyes.
“You’re lucky to have such an amazing family.”
“I’m even luckier to have an amazing wife.” He bent to give her a lingering kiss that left them both breathless. “We’d better go cut a rug on the dance floor and show them all how it’s done before I have to haul you back to the gatehouse and make you my own.”
Her heart sped up as she took the arm of her sexy navy lieutenant in his tuxedo.
“I already am yours,” she reminded herself as much as him, the knowledge of their love still so special.
Under the glow of white lights, Danny guided her across the floor and spun her into his arms.
“This has been the best homecoming ever,” he whispered in her ear, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.
“They’ll only get better with time,” she promised, thinking how much she could improve on the reception she’d given him back at the pier.
“Do you think so?” His gaze heated as he looked into her eyes. “Then I’d better debunk the myth that the first thing guys want to do when they step off the ship is eat.”
“Did I say that?” She warmed all over at the feel of his hands on the small of her back.
“Yes.” His steps slowed as one hand cupped her cheek. “But when I come home next time, my priority will be getting you alone as fast as possible.”
“I’ll make sure I keep that in mind.” Stephanie twined her arms around his neck, unable to keep track of the steps when all she wanted to do was take him home.
Thankfully, as the slow song ended the wedding guests began to clink their silverware against the cut-crystal champagne glasses in a time-honored tradition.
“Sounds like they want the bride and groom to kiss,” she observed.
Danny never took his eyes off her.
“Then I wouldn’t dream of disappointing them.” He lowered his mouth to hers, igniting a flame inside her as they celebrated their own promise of forever.
