Chapter Eighteen – Dean

“You did it.” Dean passed her a glass of champagne. “How do you feel?”

“Like a balloon about to deflate.” The wedding ceremony had drained her emotionally. Elizabeth had felt her strength revive after the wedding breakfast, but that strength had slowly seeped away as the afternoon turned to evening, and twilight descended.

Dean chuckled. “We could make a break for it as soon as Suzie and Kit leave.”

“Do you think anyone will mind?” Elizabeth asked hopefully. Suzie and Kit were leaving for the airport at nine o’clock. She would love to slip away at the same time and sink into her bed and sleep for a week. Or at least until tomorrow. She’d promised to come and help Karen tidy up.

“No, it’s been a long day. Even Karen looks as if her smile can’t last much longer.” Dean took Elizabeth’s hand. “Want to dance?”

“I don’t really…” She met his eyes, and he saw the fear there drop away. “I’d love to dance.”

Dean kissed her lips, and then whispered in her ear, “I’m incredibly proud of you, Elizabeth.”

She blushed and ducked her head. “Thank you.”

Dean drank the rest of his champagne, and Elizabeth did the same, wrinkling her nose as the bubbles fizzed in her throat. Taking the glass from her, he placed it on a table, and then turned back to her with a slight bow.

“May I have this dance?” He held out his hand and she slipped hers into it, her fingers closing around his. Leaning forward, he kissed the back of her hand, and then stood up straight. “I have waited for this moment for a long time. My mate.”

“How much have you had to drink?” Elizabeth asked, hiding her smile behind her hand.

“Not a lot. I plan to take you home, and make sure you’re safely tucked up in bed. So I stayed sober.” He waved his hand over himself. “This is me drunk on love.”

Elizabeth’s eyes darkened, her smile disappearing, as a solemnity fell over her. “I love you too.”

Dean’s expression clouded, and a hunger for his mate was all-consuming as he stared at her. Despite all the people in the wedding tent, he only had eyes for Elizabeth. It was as if the world had slipped away, even with the music gone, replaced by the steady thrum of the blood pumping in his veins. It was the beat of life.

Taking a step toward her, he placed his hand on the small of her back and pulled her close. “Those are the sweetest words I’ve ever heard.”

“I mean them.” She nodded, her eyes misted with tears. “I truly love you.”

Dean kissed her lips, lightly at first, but then his passion took over and he kissed her with a hunger he could barely control. But he did control it, suddenly becoming aware of where they were. He broke their kiss, and pulled back, leaving Elizabeth breathless, her face flushed.

“Sorry, I got a little carried away.”

Elizabeth put her fingers to her lips. “Don’t apologize.” She ducked her head. “Will you stay…tonight?”

The breath left his body as if he had been punched in the gut. “If you’re sure.”

“I am.” She met his eyes. “And no, I have not had too much to drink either.”

“Shall we dance?” They walked to the dance floor, and he pulled her into his arms. The music was slow, and he held her close, swaying to the music. As they twirled around, he saw the happy faces of his friends. Friends who he thought of as family.

Louise and Zak came their way, Storm held in their arms, between them. “Hey, there.”

“Hi, Dean. You look beautiful, Elizabeth,” Louise said sincerely.

“Thanks. But not as adorable as Storm. She was so good through the ceremony.” Elizabeth took hold of Storm’s hand. “You loved your bouquet of flowers, didn’t you?”

Storm grinned. She had two front teeth breaking through her gums, which made her look cuter than cute. “She sure did. And Storm gets to do it all over again in a couple of months’ time.” Zak grinned. “We’ve set a date. Karen said we can use the garden. If you’ll help work your magic again, Elizabeth.”

“I would love to.” Elizabeth’s face broke out into a smile to rival all the blooms in the garden. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks.” Louise kissed Zak’s cheek. “I can’t wait to make this man mine. He’s not allowed to go back to Australia without a ring on his finger. Not with all his adoring fans. Isn’t that right, Storm?”

Zak laughed. “Lady, you know these lips and this body belong to one woman only.”

Louise sighed. “You are so sweet.”

“You two have fun. Don’t wait up,” Dean said as they moved away across the dance floor.

“Another wedding.” Elizabeth looked across to where Suzie and Kit were talking to their guests.

“Another wedding,” Dean repeated. He wanted to drop down on one knee and propose right here, right now, but he didn’t want to take the attention away from Suzie and Kit. “I’d like to help with the garden. For their wedding. I promise to do as I’m told.”

“I’d like that too.” Elizabeth wrapped her arms around him tighter. “Do you still want me to move in with you?”

“I do.”

“After Zak and Louise move out. Is that OK?” Elizabeth quickly added, “Not that I don’t want to live with them, but life is going to get hectic and they don’t need me in the way.”

“You won’t ever be in the way.” The song ended and they walked off the dance floor. “Shall we go and speak to Suzie and Kit before they leave?”

“Yes, I haven't had a chance to speak to Suzie all day. I’m going to miss her so much while she’s on her honeymoon. This will be the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other.” Elizabeth held onto his arm and he guided them toward Suzie and Kit. She seemed so relaxed; not once during the day had he seen her lift her hand to cover her face. Not once had he seen her turn away and attempt to hide.

“Elizabeth.” Fiona’s voice from across the room halted their attempt to reach Suzie.

“Is everything OK?” Dean asked.

“I want you to meet my good friend Carter Eden.” Fiona beckoned them toward where she was standing with Harlan, talking to a man he vaguely recognized, but couldn’t quite place.

“He’s a movie star,” Elizabeth said, her voice tinged with awe.

“A movie star? Oh, now I remember.” Dean glanced at the tall, broad-chested young man standing next to Fiona. He was not going to let himself feel threatened, he was not going to be an overprotecting boar of a bear.

“This is Elizabeth and Dean.” Fiona smiled broadly. “And this is Carter and Caroline.”

“Hi,” Dean said. “Good to meet you.”

“You too.” Carter held out his hand and Dean shook it, before he offered it to Elizabeth.

“Hello. My daughter loved your movies. Space Monkeys was one of her favorites.” Elizabeth looked uneasy.

“Thanks,” Carter said. “They were fun to make.”

“Suzie liked Space Monkeys?” Fiona asked incredulously. That woman was never afraid to sound rude.

“Don’t sound so shocked, Fiona. A lot of people actually like Carter’s movies.” Caroline rolled her eyes affectionately. “Fiona has been telling us how you transformed the garden ready for the wedding.”

“I did, with help,” Elizabeth admitted. “I enjoyed it. I like watching things grow.”

“We own Bear Creek Honey Beer,” Carter began.

Dean glanced at this young movie star and wondered if he was trying to impress everyone. It didn’t seem like it. “I like your beer.”

“Thanks. So do I.” Carter received a dig in the ribs from Caroline.

“Get to the point,” Caroline told him.

“We are looking for a gardener for the estate. You don’t have to have any experience of growing hops. We’re looking for someone with a wide range of skills.” Carter smiled, as if he’d made the point clear.

“Elizabeth,” Fiona butted in. “What Carter is so eloquently not saying, is would you consider working for him when you move to Bear Creek?”

Elizabeth opened and closed her mouth, not knowing what to say. “I haven’t thought about it. I mean I haven’t thought about leaving my job. Or setting a date when I’m actually going to move in with Dean.”

“It would save you a long commute,” Dean said, not believing he was throwing his woman into the path of another man, a handsome movie star at that.

“I’m not sure.” Elizabeth flushed red, and he saw her hand twitch as she grasped her dress between her finger and thumb.

“We are one big family. Walt has been maintaining the gardens for years, but he’s getting old. Not that he can’t manage, but he’s a proud man, and we’d like to help him before he needs help.” Carter gave Elizabeth his perfect movie-star smile, with perfect movie-star teeth.

Idiot, his bear told him bluntly.

He is, isn’t he? Dean replied.

I meant you. This is where you are supposed to support Elizabeth. She’s your mate, remember, and this is a perfect job for her, and all you are doing is thinking of yourself.

His bear was right. “I think it’s a great opportunity, Elizabeth. A new start.”

Elizabeth looked terrified, but forced a smile onto her face. “Could I come and look around? Before I decide.”

“Sure, whenever it suits you. We’re usually there.” Carter grinned. To him it was a done deal.

“Carter will find some way to twist your arm,” Caroline said apologetically. “He likes getting what he wants, so make sure you drive a hard bargain. If you want to tear up the alpine garden and replace it with a Mediterranean garden, this is your chance to get it in writing.”

“I thought you were on my side,” Carter told his wife.

“I am. But you would be impossible if everyone thought they had to do as you ask because you were in a movie or two.” Caroline certainly was a no-nonsense woman.

Carter slipped his arm around his wife. “You know me so well.”

“I do.” She leaned back against him. “We would love to have you on our team, Elizabeth.”

“Thanks.” Elizabeth turned to look across to Suzie and Kit. “I just want to see them before they leave.”

“They look so happy,” Fiona said. “Do you remember our wedding day, Harlan?”

“I will never forget it.” Harlan kissed Fiona’s lips. “I waited an eternity for you.”

“We are all becoming old married bores,” Caroline commented.

“Which is why we are going to go and dance.” Carter took his wife’s hand and led her to the dance floor. “We’ll see you soon. You’re welcome too, Dean. We can share a beer or two. In fact, why don’t you come for dinner? Next Friday.”

“Sure.” Dean lifted his hand and waved, before Carter and Caroline were lost in among the crowd.

“Hey, Mom.” Suzie’s face lit up when she saw them coming. “Everything OK?”

“I’ve just been asked to go work for Carter Eden,” Elizabeth told her daughter.

“No! Really, that is so exciting.” Suzie hugged her mom. “Did you say yes?”

“I said I’d think about it.” Elizabeth looked tired. “It’s all a bit much. I need to think things through.”

“Take your time, and don’t rush into anything,” Suzie soothed. “Whatever you decide, make sure it’s right for you.”

“I will.” Elizabeth gathered the last of her energy to put a smile on her face for her daughter. Dean couldn’t wait to whisk her out of there and take her home. “Have you had a great day?”

“It’s been amazing. More than amazing,” Suzie enthused.

“Thanks for everything, Mom,” Kit said with a cheeky grin.

“You are welcome, son,” Elizabeth replied. “You take care of my daughter.”

“I will. Forever, and more.” Kit looked adoringly at Suzie.

“Be happy,” Dean added.

“We will.” Suzie hugged Dean.

“Have a fabulous vacation,” Elizabeth said. “Call me. When you get to your hotel.”

“We will. And the house is yours while we’re away if you want some privacy,” Kit said, pointing his finger at them. Elizabeth blushed at the insinuation.

“Kit,” Suzie dug him in the ribs.

“What? I want your mom and Dean to know they’re welcome at our house.” Kit looked up at the sound of their names being called out. “Time to leave.”

“I love you both.” Suzie kissed and hugged them both before kissing them again.

“Love you too.” Elizabeth hugged Suzie one last time. “Take care of her, Kit.”

“You don’t have to tell me.” Kit looked at Suzie with an expression that told Elizabeth everything she needed to know. Suzie was the most important thing in his world and he would protect her with his life.

Just as Dean would protect Elizabeth with his life. Because without her, life held no meaning.