“About time you noticed,” Maggie teased.
It was difficult not to when she could feel his heated glance across the room, when it conveyed everything he was feeling, promised a lifetime of happiness. He was standing between her aunts, occasionally nodding, but then his gaze would land on her and she’d feel the warmth of it as though he was nestled up against her. “I wonder what they’re telling him.”
Maggie looked over her shoulder, smiled. “Knowing my mother, they’re probably dispensing words of wisdom regarding the little things he can do to let you know he appreciates you.”
“He doesn’t need any advice in that area.”
The orchestra began playing “My Loree,” a tune Uncle Austin had composed for his wife that reflected so many emotions, so much love that Faith teared up whenever she heard it. Catching her attention, Rawley tipped his head to the side.
Faith handed her champagne flute to her cousin. “Thanks, Maggie, thanks for being his friend and mine.”
Then she strolled to the center of the dance floor where her husband waited. As soon as she reached him, with a warm smile and a flourish, he swept her over the polished wood in a waltz. People clapped, a couple of men whistled, but the man who had never wanted to be in the center of things didn’t seem to mind that he had everyone’s attention.
“If I’d known all I had to do was marry you to get you to willingly dance with me, I’d have done it long ago,” she teased.
His laughter rang out deep and true. “You’re going to be an easy wife to please.”
“Were you dreading this moment?” she asked, because they’d known they’d start the first dance alone.
“How could I when it meant I’d finally have you back in my arms?”
Dear God, but she loved him.
People began wandering onto the dance floor. It was impossible to resist the lure of Uncle Austin’s violin.
“What did the aunts tell you?” she asked.
“They thought I should take you to the Grand Hotel, so the night will be special.”
“The night will be special because I’ll be with you. Did you explain that we wanted to spend our wedding night in the cabin where we both became free?”
“I didn’t think it was any of their business. I politely nodded and told them they were probably right.”
She laughed lightly. “I doubt they were surprised by your brief answer. You have a reputation for not talking much, Rawley Cooper. Although they might be surprised by how much you talk to me.”
“That’s because you’re my heart, Faith Cooper. And my soul. When we get to that cabin, I’m going to give you my body, too.”
Based on the heat warming her cheeks, she was fairly certain she was blushing. They hadn’t been intimate since their encounter with Cole because they’d been staying with her parents. She’d needed some time to let the memories of what had transpired within the shadows of the cabin to fade. But it was where she wanted them to begin their life together tonight.
When the music drifted into silence, they separated but waited for her parents to join them. Then she waltzed with her father while Rawley circled the area with her mother.
“You look happy,” her father said.
“I am. So happy.”
“He’s a good man.”
“I think he had a good example.”
He shook his head. “I’m a harder man than he is. War did that do me. Rawley had a harsh start in life but managed to hold on to his decency. With him looking out for you, I’ll never have to worry about you or Callie. Or your mother. He’ll take care of her, too.”
Tears stung her eyes. “I love you, Pa. Please don’t go any time soon.”
“I’m not planning on it, sweetheart.”
“Good. Because we intend to send a few more grandchildren your way.”
His boisterous laughter filled the room. “I’m looking forward to that.”
