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CHAPTER NINETY-ONE

Ellery

Standing behind Ryker, Ianto shifted as he pulled at the lapels of his black coat. He looked a little uncomfortable in the more refined clothing, but he wore it well, and I was glad to see him there.

Ryker and the giant liked to irritate each other, but they’d also become good friends. It didn’t surprise me when Ryker asked Ianto to stand with him at the ceremony, especially since Tucker was the one performing it.

What did surprise me was the small head that popped out from behind the giant. “Mouse!” I blurted.

I’d been so focused on Ryker while walking down the aisle that I hadn’t noticed the small boy standing behind him. Mouse grinned at me as he stepped proudly out from behind Ianto.

The boy pulled on his coat as he threw his shoulders back. For the first time in longer than I could remember, he was scrubbed clean and wearing clothes that didn’t require patching. He’d brushed his hair back from his too-thin face, and his smile brightened my day more than the sun.

“He agreed to be one of my best men and has been helping to prepare everything.” Ryker leaned closer. “We wanted to surprise you.”

I’d promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but I couldn’t stop some tears from falling. Ryker released one of my hands to wipe the tears away with his thumb.

“You look very handsome,” I whispered to Mouse; the lump in my throat prevented me from speaking louder. “And I’m so glad you’re here.”

Mouse’s chin went up. I’d always seen him as a little, lost boy, but standing here, I noticed how tall he’d gotten. He wasn’t quite as lost as he had been and was quickly becoming a man.

I had no doubt he’d run into the woods and return to his wild ways before tomorrow, but he was trusting others more and more. Maybe one day I’d hear his voice again.

Tucker cleared his throat once more to draw our attention to him. He smiled at us. “Are you ready to start?”

“I was ready months ago,” Ryker replied.

“So were the rest of us,” Ianto muttered, and Ryker shot him a look.