Page 153 of Thorns of Silence

He laughed and turned to face me, brushing his knuckles against my cheek. “Not yet. I have a surprise for you.”

Skye appeared at that moment and jumped excitedly, her light pink dress puffing out like a balloon.

A flirty smile pulled on my lips. “Tell me what it is.” My eyes darted to my daughter. “Please.”

She shook her head. “No spoilers.”

The crowd from the church made their way into the ballroom and it wasn’t long before everyone’s eyes were on us.

He smiled. “It’s time.”

I blinked in confusion but followed both his and Skye’s eyes to the band. I frowned, still not following.

Dante made a finger motion, as if he were a conductor instructing the band. The guitarist leaned over and turned the volume higher and higher. The floor vibrated. The chandelier shook and so did the windows. The notes rumbled through my feet, and I smiled as Dante took my hand, leading me and Skye to the dance floor.

And then I saw it. The sign language interpreter, signing the words to the song. My brows pulled together and I shot Dante a curious look, he grinned.

“It’s our song. ‘Dandelions’ by Ruth B.”

His gaze pinned mine with intensity and then he started mouthing the words. I looked over to the interpreter.

When you’re looking at me,

I’ve never felt so alive and free.

The lyrics had my heart trembling with unfiltered joy. My gaze returned to my husband and my heart stopped, remembering how we danced five years ago in the field of dandelions. My pulse drummed in my ears, staring at the man who stole my breath.

He lifted Skye up, her feet dangling in the air as we danced.

Amidst the heartache and pain, we’d found each other again. My eyes burned and a tear rolled down my cheek.

He brushed the tear away, smiling fondly. “I love you, Nix.”

“I love you too.”

Skye wrapped her hands around our necks and pecked both of our cheeks. “Best day ever.”

Dante bent his head, resting his forehead against mine. “I couldn’t agree more, princess.”

I got what I always wanted—a family of my own right here in my arms.

After the song ended, I danced with my father, then my brother-in-law, and it wasn’t long before my feet were killing me. Before anyone else could nab me, I made my way to the buffet, starving for some solid food, when I felt the presence of people behind me and lifted my head with a smile on my face, fully expecting Dante and his sidekick.

My smile froze when I spotted my grandma behind me, an exasperated Reina in tow. It didn’t take long for Skye to appear, wrapping her arms around Reina’s legs. My daughter loved her aunt.

“Grandma,” I greeted tightly. “I didn’t realize you were into crashing weddings.” I wouldn’t ruin my day, just as long as she kept her distance from me and my daughter.

Grandma shot me a tentative smile. “You look beautiful.”

“Reina designed the dress, so I would hope so,” I stated, ignoring her smiles.

“Grandma wants to talk to you,” Reina stated the obvious, her smile forced. This was the exact reason why I insisted Grandma not be invited. I just knew it would backfire, and sure enough, I was right.

As if sensing my thoughts, Grandma rushed to chime in. “Please, Phoenix. Let me explain.”

“There’s nothing to explain,” I snapped. “Nothing you say can possibly make it alright. Please don’t ruin today.”

“At least let me talk to Dante and—”