Page 34 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim

When we reach the edge of the dance floor, Jaxon spots us and leaps down from his DJ perch with that trademark swagger—tuxedo sharp, grin sharper. “There’s the power trio!” He claps Dorian on the shoulder. “Hell of a night, Vale. You know how to keep a secret.”

Dorian’s smile has a sharp edge.

Jaxon turns to me. “You did well, Mrs. Vale. Respect.”

I force a smile, my cheeks aching from the effort. “Thanks, Jaxon. You made it…memorable.”

He laughs. “As it should be.” After shaking Brennan’s hand, he heads back to his setup, already cueing the next song.

Dorian’s grip tightens, and he guides me toward Mrs. Henderson, who’s hovering near the double doors with her tablet and headset still in place.

“Mr. and Mrs. Vale.” She shows us her first real smile ofthe evening. Proof of how stressful our wedding has been? “Thank you for trusting me with your special day.”

“My wife and I are grateful for everything you did,” Dorian replies. “We couldn’t have managed without you.”

She nods. “My pleasure. I wish you many happy years ahead.”

Years? I won’t manage ten minutes.

“Thank you,” I tell her. Considering all the changes, she handled things like a true professional.

Evelyn hurries over, a flute of champagne in hand. “Isla!” She pulls me into a quick, fierce hug, careful not to spill. “You can’t put this off any longer?”

“I tried.” No matter how hard I try, I can’t smile. “Thanks for…everything. I’d have lost it without you.”

“Take care, okay?” She steps back, eyes soft but wary as they flick to Dorian and Brennan. “I’ll send you a message on social media and give you my phone number.”

“Thank you.” Since she’s Margaux’s friend, we have never exchanged contact information.

“If you need anything, even to get away from him, call me. I’ll be there for you.”

Her words catch me by surprise, and I appreciate them.

“Please, let me know how you are. Stay in touch. Okay?”

“I will.” Besides, I’m still curious to know what she was going to tell me earlier.

“Isla?” Dorian prompts.

Blinking away my sudden tears, I allow myself to be moved toward his groups of friends.

My parents are nowhere in sight.

I guess it’s not a surprise that they left without even pretending to say goodbye. Then again, appearances usually matter more to them than anything else.

“Let’s go,” Dorian says a full twenty minutes later.

Frantically I look around, hoping there’s someone we’ve missed.

“No one is coming to save you.” Once again, he seems to have read my mind.

I’m swept toward the exit, trapped between Dorian and Brennan. The sounds of music, laughter, and talking fade as we cross the foyer’s marble floor.

All too soon, the magnificent oak doors shut behind us, sealing off my hope of retreat.

A limo is waiting at the bottom of the steps.

The driver opens the door, and Dorian slides in, and Brennan offers his support as I lift my hem and make the transition in my too-large shoes.