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“Tell me you love me,” said Jake, smirking at the men.
“Jake, you’re a nice guy, and I love you like a brother, but that grin is making me nervous.”
“Cool your jets, big man. I love my wife, and I damn sure don’t wanna see you naked. I’ve learned a few things from Matthew and Irene. If y’all will make your way to the library in the big house, I’ve got several of our favorite vendors waiting for you.
“We got the jeweler here, some of Ela’s paintings, Gwen’s latest designs, a travel agent,” he said, staring at them. “Don’t give me any shit. Y’all need to take them girls on a vacation.”
“Jake, you’re the best, man,” smirked Ian. “I do love you, brother.”
“I know,” he nodded. “Now, go. The women are in the tent prepping for the wedding.”
As they all disappeared, Claudette walked over and kissed his cheek.
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I know, woman. I love you, too. They’ll be fine. They just got busy saving the world and forgot about their own families.”
The wedding was stunning. JB and Dana asked that Gail and Tobias be their witnesses. Wanting a formal feel that would transfer to the Christmas Eve ball, they asked everyone to dress in black tie.
Gail wore a beautiful black column dress with long sleeves and a high neck covered in black fur. Tobias and JB were both in traditional black tuxedoes, while Dana was wearing a white satin gown with a black sash and white fur shawl.
They looked stunning.
Beneath the lights of the tent, they danced, ate, laughed, and danced some more. When it was nearly midnight, Gail watched as Tailor, Gaspar, Nine, Miller, and a dozen other men slipped out of the tent.
“Now, where in the hell are they going?” frowned Alexandra.
“They’ve been sneaking around here for weeks now,” said Kat. “I’m at my wits end with them. This isn’t funny anymore. What are they doing?”
“Maybe it’s time we did a little recon of our own,” said Erin.
“Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary,” said Gail.
A dozen pairs of eyes stared at her as she squirmed in her seat. Tobias looked at her, and she shrugged her shoulders.
“Gail, if you know something, please tell us,” said Sara.
“Maybe I should show you,” she said. “We’re gonna need a boat. A big one.”
Tobias brought around the largest barge that Belle Fleur owned, loading it with dozens of people to make the slow, steady drive.
“It’s on Halo Island,” she said, looking at Tobias. He stared at her, shaking his head.
“How in the hell do you know about Halo Island?”
“Your grandfathers. And a few others,” she smiled. “I hope they won’t be angry with me for telling you.”
“What exactly are you telling us?” said Lena.
“That,” smiled Gail.
She pointed up ahead to the island. There were dozens of Christmas trees lit up, shining brightly in the darkness. Cleared paths lined with gravel wound through the island, guiding all to a covered pavilion where the men were all standing. In the distance at the shore were small shacks all lit up with holiday lights.
“What on earth?” whispered Lauren. “What are they doing?”
“You know,” said Gail, “sometimes, we don’t need to know. Sometimes, we just have to trust. It will all come to light tomorrow. Trust me.”
Tobias looked at Gail, shaking his head. Laughing, he hugged her tightly.
