Chapter 77
“Can I have some of that?” Donal asked.
“Are you allowed?” Kane asked. “Has the doctor taken you off of plain water yet?”
“I had milk last night, but I don’t know if I can have soda.”
“He said for only a week and it’s been a week, but I’ll find him and ask.” Donal went out in search of Dr. Artis.
Donal crossed the room and ran into Alexei speaking to Etienne. Alexei grabbed his hand. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”
“I’m looking for Dr. Artis to see if I can have a can of regular Coke. I had milk and sherry, but no soda yet.”
“I believe I saw him over by the buffet talking to Angelique about a housekeeper, but sugared soda isn’t good for you. It’s basically colored sugar water, but ask him anyway.” Alexei pulled him into his arms for a kiss. “Now off with you. Enjoy yourself this weekend because when we get home, you’re going to be hitting the books hard to get into Juilliard this year.”
Donal gave Alexei a quick kiss on the cheek and walked quickly over to the buffet table before Dr. Artis disappeared again.
* * * *
Colorado, main house
Wednesday evening
“Everything was absolutely perfect, Angelique. You made your Alpha and his Mate proud of both you and the pack. We’ll get to the rest of the cottages and homes before school lets out. Construction on the playground and the pool will begin as soon as the ground thaws. I’m hoping to have both ready for the pups when they get out of school.” Alexei seemed mellow and expansive sitting in the living room of the main house after having his brandy.
Donal chimed in, “Don’t forget the enclosure and the heater.”
“Oh yes. Donal said we should have the pool enclosed so that the roof could be open during the summer but closed during the winter. We’ll heat the room and the water so the pups can play all year round.”
Angelique looked relaxed and happy. “Thank you, Alpha. We appreciate your many kindnesses. The packs seem settled now. There were no complaints about helping prepare the feast, and everyone adores the Alpha Mate. I have several wolves to interview for the position with Dr. Artis. He’s over at the lodge talking to them now.”
“Is everything set for the wedding tomorrow?” Alexei asked.
“I’ve arranged everything as you requested. I’m crossing my fingers that everything goes smoothly. The caterers are in the banquet hall preparing the sit down dinner and decorating the rooms. We hired a band. Our pack has a really good dance band. But the processional shall be as you requested.” Angelique looked at Alexei with one eyebrow arched.
“For us, the music has special meaning.” Alexei pulled Donal on his lap. “The Alpha Mate plays the piano beautifully. There was some lung damage from repeated pneumonia, but the infusion should take care of that, and he’ll be able to use his beautiful tenor voice again. I have to take the second piano out of storage and have it shipped to be put in the main salon.”
“I’ll have it placed as soon as it arrives.” Angelique stood smoothing her skirt. “I’m going to check on the caterers. I suggest you and the Alpha Mate get some sleep. You have a long day tomorrow and then you have a long flight.”
“That’s true, Angelique. Thank you so much for all of your hard work. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than you.”
“Thank you, Alpha and Alpha Mate.”
“Goodnight, Angelique.” Donal got up and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, again.”
* * * *
Lodge
Wedding, Thursday
Even though he was still rather thin, Donal looked good in his tuxedo. The others may have thought it strange, but Donal and the Mates walked down the aisle to a rendition of “A Little Night Music” by the London Symphony Orchestra. At the end of the aisle lay all of Donal’s dreams come true. Alexei awaited him with the other four Alphas behind him just as the Mates preceded Donal. The music stopped, and the justice of the peace cleared his throat. Donal turned, gazing into Alexei’s navy blue eyes. Alexei smiled and everything was finally right in Donal’s world.
Denis Albert, the pack’s justice of the peace, began the ceremony. “It is your duty, Alexei, to be to Donal a considerate, tender, faithful, and loving husband. To support, guide, and cherish him in prosperity and trouble, to behave thoughtfully and enlarge carefully the place he holds in your life. To constantly show to him tokens of your affection, to shelter him from danger, and to love him as your mate in unalterable love for eternity. Do you do as I say?”
“I do.” Alexei touched Donal’s cheek.