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Dani stood and smiled. “Hello.”
His mother’s eyes widened, her mouth dropping open. No doubt she, too, noted the similarities between Dani and Emmanuel.
She recovered quickly with a smile. “You are just as beautiful as your mother. So nice to meet you, sweetheart. You can call me Yaya, and Samuel here, Papa, if you like.”
Dani cast a quick glance at her mother before she nodded. “Okay.”
“Well, we better get to our table. The speeches will start soon,” Aaron announced.
His parents said their goodbyes and went to their table as Aaron slipped his hand in Brynn’s and led her past the dance floor and up onto the small stage to their table, which sat below a banner that read, Just married. Mr. and Mrs. Ridley.
“Speeches?” Brynn asked as she settled into the seat next to him. She didn’t pull her hand away, and that brought a spiral of happiness through him.
“I know we didn’t really have anyone else in the wedding party, but since it’s tradition, I asked a few people to say a little something.” He gave her a wink and motioned to her champagne flute. “Drink?”
She shook her head. “I don’t drink.”
“Oh.” He waved to Nova from the corner who for all intents and purposes was as close to a wedding planner as he’d gotten.
She came over, brushing her dark hair from her face, and gave them a warm smile. “How is it going?”
“Great. Everything is beautiful. Is there a chance we could get a bottle of sparkling cider brought over, and another glass for Brynn?”
“Sure thing.” Nova disappeared through the crowd, coming back a moment later with what he’d requested.
“Thank you.”
“No problem. Let me know if you need anything else.” She gave them another smile, then left them alone as he poured Brynn’s drink.
“You didn’t have to go to all that trouble,” Brynn said, taking a sip of the cider. Her nose wrinkled, as if she wasn’t expecting the bubbles, and it was the cutest thing he’d seen.
He chuckled.
“What?” she questioned, putting the drink down.
“You’re cute when you do that.”
Her eyes widened before she swallowed and looked towards Mikel who’d gotten a microphone and moved to the dance floor.
“Testing one, two. Can everyone hear me?”
“Yes,” the guests answered unanimously.
Mikel stood sideways, looking between Aaron and the tables full of people. “I don’t like to give speeches, so it figures this asshole would ask me.”
The crowd laughed, and Aaron smiled.
“But who better to speak to the character of Aaron than the man who once wanted to hate him?”
Everyone drew quiet.
“Even though I really tried to dislike him, because he was dating the love of my life at the time—the woman that is now my wife—I couldn’t.” Mikel turned to Aaron. “Because Aaron Ridley is one of the best men I’ve come to know. And, Brynn—” Mikel turned to her. “—you’re one lucky woman to have captured this guy’s heart. He’s the kind of person that will give you the shirt off his back. And fight by your side for a just cause.”
Aaron shifted in his seat. This is uncomfortable. I just do what any decent human does. I don’t deserve this level of gratitude.
Mikel lifted his glass of sparkling cider and winked at them. “To Aaron and Brynn. May your marriage be filled will laughter, joy, friendship, and lots of passion.”
Aaron laughed as his body warmed with joy. He sipped his champagne in cheers.
