Page 140 of Protecting You
She leaned in and whispered, “Just announce it to this table. We don’t need to make it a huge deal.”
His nod was brisk.
Most of the guests were still eating. Uncle Roger’s family was much larger than hers, especially with all the new brides and fiancées they’d collected in the past year. They, along with Gram and Pops, filled most of the three tables closest to them.
Every member of the Wright family was about to be lied to.
Her stomach twisted. How could she do this to the people she loved most in the whole world?
But the waiters and waitresses would overhear, along with the bartender she’d never seen before, who looked like he was ready for a fight. Robert, the club manager, was on the patio now. If Ghazi had men here, they’d know what was going on. And that was the point.
Callan cleared his throat. “We have an announcement to make.”
Mom and Alyssa’s sisters homed in on him instantly.
Dad’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits.
And somehow the other Wrights must’ve heard, because amid a chorus ofshhhsandquiets,they turned, some actually shifting their chairs to get a better view.
At the nearest table, Summer, Grant’s wife, watched with a combination of curiosity and concern. Michael had called Grant for a favor and had probably shared at least the short version of what was going on. No doubt, Grant had told Summer.
Grant had slipped Alyssa a package right after she’d introduced Callan to him, whispering in her ear, “We’re here if you need us.”
Fortunately, the package was small enough to fit into the tiny lavender purse Brooklynn had insisted she carry.
Callan stood and pulled Alyssa to her feet, though she’d have preferred to remain sitting. Or to escape to the bathroom.
“First, what I’m about to tell you is a secret. I haven’t told”—he faltered, swallowed—“Peri, which is a long story, but I’d like it to remain a secret from her, for now.”
A few nodded, some tilted their heads in curiosity.
Beyond the Wright family, others were cluing in on the fact that something was going on. People stood to get better views.
Kenzie, Cici, and Delaney leaned in.
Brooklynn took out her camera.
But Dad angled back and crossed his arms. “Go on.” The words sounded like a dare.
“I know it’s brand new,” Callan said, focusing on the women, “and I know you all probably think it’s too soon. But when you know, you know.”
Mom gasped, her gaze flicking between them.
Dad looked murderous.
Callan lifted their joined hands and kissed her knuckles. “I asked this beautiful, amazing woman to be my bride. And she said yes.”
The table exploded in shouts and exclamations.
Mom and all her sisters jumped from their seats, along with most of the Wrights.
Within seconds, Alyssa and Callan were surrounded.
He was receiving hugs and slaps on the back.
Alyssa was passed from family member to family member, their surprise and congratulations coming too fast for her to process.
Callan stayed close, proving much more capable of handling the mass of questions being hurled at them, answering with quickness and kindness.
