The Honeymoon That Wasn't

The guy didn’t have to ask him twice. Tony sidled up beside her, their arms and hips touching, and inhaled her mysterious scent. Maybe he’d sniffed a little too enthusiastically because she gave him an annoyed look. Or maybe it was the touching part she didn’t like.

“Dallas looks beautiful,” he whispered while the photographer got everyone else into place.

Dakota immediately softened. “And happy.”

“Is it gonna seem weird that she’s married?”

“Not really.” She shrugged, her arm rubbing his. “Nothing will change.”

Tempted to ask about tonight’s plan, he kept his mouth shut while the photographer finished positioning everyone. Tom stood too close to risk him hearing of the counterattack.

“Everyone ready?” The photographer clicked off two shots.

For the next twenty minutes, they were separated, pushed back together, coupled, shuffled from one stained-glass window to the next, the entire time the photographer muttering how difficult this was with everyone chatting and laughing.

Mrs. Shea stood back, commiserating, shaking her head and sliding her husband long-suffering looks. The honorable Judge Shea didn’t seem to give a crap. Good for him.

Once the photographer was satisfied, or maybe because Dallas had whispered something to him, they disbanded and got into the waiting limos. The guests followed in their separate cars and everyone headed for the reception at the Shea’s country club.

Tony was lucky enough to share a limo with Dakota. Too bad Nancy, Trudie and Wendy climbed in behind them. Could’ve been worse. He could’ve gotten stuck with Mr. and Mrs. Shea, and Cody and his snotty society date.

“Hey, how do you like being surrounded by all these women?” Wendy asked, while trying to get her long legs into a suitable position. She was a dancer, an extra on Broadway if he remembered correctly.

He stretched an arm out along the back of the seat and got comfortable, then gave her a cocky grin. “I can handle it.”

“I bet you can.” She gave him an inviting smile he wished Dakota had given him.

But she sat across from him with her face turned toward the window and didn’t even react to what was going on.

Until Wendy said, “Hey, Dakota, I guess you’re next.”

“Next?”

“To bite the dust.” Wendy grinned at Dakota’s wide-eyed expression. “Tie the knot. Whatever they say these days.”

“Why me? You’re older.”

“Ouch.”

Dakota grinned. “Shouldn’t you be the one getting antsy? Watching that biological clock.”

“Ruthless, aren’t you?”

Trudie laughed. “That’s what makes her a good lawyer.”

Dakota’s grin tapered off.

No one seemed to notice but Tony. They all kept teasing each other back and forth while Dakota shrank back against the seat. Good to know she was touchy about the lawyer thing. Not that he was stupid enough to repeat the jokes he’d heard. Okay, so maybe he would’ve let a couple slip, but now he knew.

“So is like everybody gonna stay dressed like this, or can we change?” Wendy asked as they turned off the street and onto the lush country club grounds.

“I don’t know, but I was hoping somebody would ask.” Nancy looked to the others, and then focused on Dakota.

“I doubt Dallas cares one way or the other,” she said, “but we’d better wait until after dinner so the photographer can get the rest of the pictures.”

“Yeah, we don’t want your mom freaking out.” Wendy tugged at her dress. “The same moron who invented high heels must have come up with this gem.”

“Fair is fair.” Tony couldn’t resist. Not that he was particularly fond of ties. In fact, he hardly ever wore them—only when he absolutely had to.

Wendy smiled at him. “You are so damn cute. I can’t believe Dallas kept you from us all these years.”

Heat crawled up Tony’s neck. Thankfully he knew he wouldn’t turn red. He didn’t embarrass easily but Wendy was something else.

“Now that Dallas has ditched me, I’m looking for a roommate if you’re interested.” Wendy gave him an impish grin, shifting so that their legs touched.

“Hey, he’s already taken,” Nancy said, rubbing a familiar shoulder against his.

He gave her a sharp look. So did Dakota.

Nancy laughed. “My six-year-old thinks he’s it. She lights up like the Fourth of July every time she sees him.”

Tony reared his head back. “Megan’s six already?”

“Yep, she had a birthday two months ago.”

“Man, then I haven’t seen her in almost a year.”

“You should come by sometime.” Nancy smiled. “It would make her day.”

“Yeah, maybe next weekend. I owe her a teddy bear for her birthday.”

Wendy spoke up. “Nanc, I didn’t know you were married. I thought you were one of us.” When she frowned, Wendy added, “You know, single.”

“I’m divorced,” Nancy replied. “Does that count?”

“Oh, yeah. Definitely.” Wendy peered out the window at the impeccably manicured greens and small man-made lakes, stretching on for acres. “Wow, this place is awesome.” She looked at Dakota. “Do you know if any Broadway people were invited?”

Dakota shrugged. “I don’t think so.”

“Just the boring legal types, huh?”

Trudie groaned and darted a look at Dakota. “Wendy, would you shut up?”

Dakota just laughed. “I know what you mean.” She faked a yawn. “Bunch of long-winded, pontificating blowhards.”

Everyone got quiet and stared at her.

Tilting her head to the side and smiling, Dakota added, “With a few exceptions, of course.”