She flushed but shivered in delight at the images his words invoked. She too couldn’t wait for them to be alone.
But at the same time, this was her day and she was going to enjoy every single moment of it. She smiled as she was swarmed by her friends. She was surrounded by countless cousins, her uncles and aunts, her parents, her brother, distant relatives, friends.
It was truly the happiest day of her life.
Devon collected a glass of wine while Ashley’s brother took his turn on the dance floor with her. Devon should probably be dancing with one of her family members but she had so many female relatives that he couldn’t keep track.
Cam immediately found him and Devon whistled appreciatively to mock the formal tuxedo his friend wore.
“Only for you would I wear this getup,” Cam said darkly. “I didn’t wear this for Rafe’s wedding and Ryan married Kelly so fast we were lucky to get a phone call saying the deed was done.”
“You weren’t required to wear one for Rafe’s wedding,” Devon pointed out.
Cam shrugged. “True, but then I wasn’t required to wear one for yours, either. I didn’t want to disappoint Ash. She thinks I look hot.”
Devon shook his head. “I can’t believe you’ve stuck around this long. Not like you to be out of your cave for such an extended period of time.”
Cam made a rude noise. “I’m supposed to convey my congratulations or commiserations, whichever you need or prefer, from Rafe and Ryan. They were both sorry they couldn’t make it but with wives about to drop the package at any moment, they understandably remained at home by their sides.”
“You have to cut it out,” Devon said. “My getting married isn’t the end of the world. You didn’t give Rafe and Ryan this much grief.”
“Oh I did,” Cam said with a grin. “I totally did. But they deserved it. They were both total douche bags.”
“Like you’re a shining example of chivalry, Mr. I-hate-everyone-and-women-in-particular.”
Cam sobered. “Don’t hate women at all. I like them too much if anything. Kind of sucks if you ask me. Besides, it’s fun to give you hell. I think Ashley is perfect for a stuffy stick-in-the-mud like yourself.”
“I didn’t mean that, man,” Devon said wearily. “I’m just on edge. I’ll be glad when this is all over with. Too much stress. I’ve worried on a daily basis that she’d find out the truth and tell me to go to hell. The sooner we can get the hell out of here and on the plane to St. Angelo, the better I’ll feel.”
“For what it’s worth, I wish you well,” Cam said. “I think you made a huge mistake marrying someone over a business deal, but she’s a sweet girl and you could certainly do worse. It’s not you I worry about anyway. It’s her.”
“Gee, thanks,” Devon said dryly. “Glad you’ve got my back on this one.”
Cam’s gaze found Ashley on the dance floor as her brother spun her around. She laughed and her smile lit up the entire room. It was clear she was having the time of her life.
“At least you won’t suffer a broken heart,” Cam said in a low voice. “Can you say the same for Ashley?”
“I’m not going to break her heart, damn it. Can we drop this? The last thing I need is for someone to overhear us.”