Page 88 of Ancient Obsession

As Carter left the gardens, Alice and Greg Bower entered, moving aside to make room for the big man.

“Was that the grumpy detective who showed up at the bar?” Greg asked. “What does he want now?”

“Nothing, Dad,” Cody said. “He was just checking in. Let me show you and Mom to your seats before I make sure Dave knows how to dress himself.”

“Come on,” Demetrius said close to Oliver’s ear. “Let’s get you ready.”

A couple of small offices at the other end of the gardens had been reserved for the grooms to get ready. Demetrius opened the door for Oliver and followed him inside. Oliver hung his garment bag on a hook on the back of the door.

“How are you holding up?” Demetrius gave him a firm look. “And no just saying you’re fine or okay.”

Oliver blew out a breath. “I’m actually doing well, how’s that?”

“Better. How do you feel about Detective Carter hanging around?”

“Not bad, actually. Also not surprised at all. Is that weird?”

“I don’t think so. He suspects you, and we know he’s keeping an eye on you, but you’re also innocent, so if anything happens, he’ll be forced to confront it.”

Demetrius smiled as Oliver stared in shock. “How did you do that? It’s like you plucked what I was feeling—and feeling conflicted about feeling, by the way—right out of my head.”

“Hey, I’ve been accused on more than one occasion of being either a murderer or an accessory to murder.” He shrugged. “I get it. And it’s perfectly normal. I just hope that mummy doesn’t crash your wedding.”

“After everything we’ve had to work through to get here, I hope not, too.”

“Okay, I’ve got my tux.” He held up his own bag. “Mind if I dress in here with you?”

Oliver smirked. “Sure. It’s not like we haven’t seen each other naked.”

“True.” Demetrius laid the bag across a chair and unzipped it. “It feels like the versions of us who dated all those years ago were two completely different people.”

“Absolutely. Back when I had to prove to you and Cody I wasn’t a werewolf.”

“Oh my God. You will never let us live that down, will you?”

Oliver grinned as he opened his own bag. “Probably not.”

Oliver could hear the rise and fall of their guests’ conversations along with the classical music playing through the Bluetooth speaker on the other side of the tall plants shielding him and Demetrius from view. Even though he tried to find something to focus on, his mind kept bouncing around. He shifted his weight, again, and tried to figure out what to do with his hands.

“Nervous?” Demetrius looked handsome in his tux.

“It’s not nerves, more fidgety energy.”

Demetrius gripped his shoulder. “You’re going to do great. And in a little while, it’ll just be like having a big party with all your friends.” He smirked. “And Dave’s family.”

They both laughed.

The classical music faded out and something new took its place. The opening bars of “Holding Out for a Hero” drifted through the space, stripped back and instrumental. It had been a request from Demetrius to surprise Cody.

“Here we go,” Demetrius whispered. “See you down there.”

Oliver could only nod. He watched Demetrius walk out from behind the plants and away from him. Leaning forward a bit, Oliver was able to see Cody’s surprised and happy expression as he emerged from the greenery on the opposite path. The guests were all smiles, turned in their seats to watch the two make their way to a meeting point in the middle of the tables. Cody whispered something that made Demetrius laugh, and then they walked hand in hand to the platform.

Alice and Amelia were both wiping tears from their eyes and quietly laughing at each other.

Clarabell stood between Cody and Demetrius, dressed in a white pantsuit.

The instrumental music faded out, and the opening notes of “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes began to play. Oliver and Dave had listened to so many romantic songs in the last few months, but this one had struck a chord for both of them with its simplicity and lyrics. Hearing the opening notes now, his vision blurred, and the back of his throat burned.