Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel (41 page)

He lifted my hand, placing a kiss on my knuckles
, and I nearly lost my breath. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

“There are no words to say what I’m feeling right now, Cheyenne,” Callon’s low voice rumbled
. Goosebumps raced up my arms. “To tell you how simply exquisite you are.” He reached into his tuxedo’s pocket. “So I brought you a wedding gift to express my love and gratitude even with my loss of words.”

He lifted a long black velvet box and turned my hand over.

“Open it,” he said and I did.

My breath caught. It was a necklace, but not any necklace; it was made of a blue oval
gem that resembled a diamond, and it exactly matched the color of my dress. My finger outlined the large gem and then followed the platinum chains attached to it. They contained smaller gems of the same icy blue color. A pair of blue oval shaped gem earrings lay in the box as well.

“
They’re Blue diamonds,” Callon added knowing I wasn’t sure. “Very rare.” He eyed me as I stared at them. “Here, let me help you.”

Callon took the box from my hands and stood behind me. Ever so slowly he lifted the
necklace and placed it around my neck. His fingers lingered on my back while an involuntary shiver rippled through me.

I stared at him through the mirror, as he reached around and adjusted the
diamond so it sat perfect around my neck, resting on my chest. His fingers traced the oval, and I found myself leaning back up against him as they too followed the smaller diamond down the trail of the chain.

Butterflies erupted in my stomach as he stopped just at the neckline of my dress and a warm kiss touched my shoulder. I closed my eyes, afraid of, and yet thrilled at what might come next.

“Stunning,” he whispered near my ear as he kissed my earlobe.

He placed an earring in each ear before another sultry kiss touched my neck. He stepped away, his warmth leaving me, but not before his hand ran down my bare back and stopped
at the plunge.

“Shall we?” He leaned in closer and kissed the corner of my mouth.

My eyes fluttered open to see the warm satisfaction in his. I wanted to speak, but his kisses were still too warm on my skin. I nodded instead; afraid my quivering voice wouldn’t answer.

“Tomorrow,” he whispered once again near my ear as his hand on my bare back pushed me forward. “Tomorrow
we’ll be together, forever.”

Chapter 22

With one hand around my waist, Callon and I headed down the darkened hall. We paused at the top of the stairs. The warm glow of candles lit the entry and gave everything a soft glow.

Lilly had adorned the rails with wildflower garland
s; the scent of daisies and cosmos lingered in the air. I stood still for a moment, admiring their simple beauty, before Callon nudged me forward.

I lifted the corner of my dress while Callon maintained his hold, and we descended the stairs. Soft music reached my ears
, along with the low murmuring of voices. We rounded the corner into the sitting room, and the last rays of the evening sun streamed through the terrace doors.

Regardless of the fact that this was just family, my stomach was still doing s
omersaults. I’d never been to a formal dinner with dancing, let alone a whole event planned out in honor of Callon and me. I gripped his hand tighter as we stepped onto the terrace and blinked, completely amazed.

We
passed through an arbor overflowing with bleeding hearts that draped down in a mixture of deep pinks and ferny green leaves. A sweet scent swirled around us as the flowers kissed my shoulders.

The music continued in the background, soothing and elegant. We took the terrace steps slowly
, ensuring I didn’t trip, and I was in awe of the canvas tent in front of us, holding a dance floor and seating for our dinner. I smiled and looked up as we passed through the tulle covered entrance. Hundreds if not thousands of small twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, creating a dazzling glow that created the most beautiful pallet of colors.

Lilly had
again taken the wildflowers and created garlands that adorned the pillars, along with small simple arrangements on the tables. She had outdone herself. I inhaled the sweet scent and looked up at Callon. He smiled.

“Lilly did this for you, Cheyenne,” he said quietly. “She knew, just as I did, that you loved wildflowers.”

Tears swam near the surface; they’d done this for me.

Andre and Maes stepped closer
, and I had to blink twice to take in Andre’s shimmering lavender gown. Her skin glowed with color, and her black hair had never looked more beautiful with it pulled up in ringlets. Her blue eyes danced with warmth and radiance.

But
Maes
was an even bigger surprise. His jade-rimmed eyes, normally harsh and warrior-like, had softened into something I’d never seen before, something that appeared to be affection and love for the woman whose hand was resting on his arm.
Andre
.

Maes wore a tux just like Callon
’s with a crisp shirt, and black tie, but his vest was the same lavender silk of Andre’s dress. His black hair was pulled back neatly into a ponytail. He smiled and it reached his eyes.

“Mon espoir
.” His accent thickened. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so beautiful.”

I was stunned into silence as he bowed slightly before us.

I looked at Callon, who had his own twinkle in his eyes.

“You should probably say thank you,” Callon chuckled.

“Don’t worry, Cheyenne, I had the same reaction when I saw him too,” Andre giggled. “I was wondering where he’d found such a good poodle salon.”

“
It’s amazing how much the Irish love their pets.” Maes winked. “I can’t say I was too disappointed with my date, either.”

I smiled, still unsure what to think of the new Maes when the rest of the family began to gather around
us.

Layla swished forward in her pale yellow silk gown, which brought out more of the gold tones in her bluish green eyes. Her black locks were pulled up on the side and pinned with pearl-coated combs that
were probably a family heirloom. Brogan followed close behind her, he too wearing a tux and a vest matching Layla’s dress.

“You look lovely, Cheyenne,” Layla said, the warmth showing in her eyes.

“As do you, Layla,” I replied, finally able to speak again.

Brogan nodded, but said nothing as he gently pulled Layla back
, allowing others to greet us.

Clayton and Skylar escorted Nakari
, whose green silk dress hugged her body, accentuating her already perfect curves. Her long auburn hair drifted down her back in long cascades. Skylar and Clayton’s tuxedo vests matched her dress as well.

“Cheyenne,” Nakari said
, bowing her head slightly.

I nodded, but didn’t reply, uncertain how I felt about the glance Callon had given her. He approved obviously, or the smile wouldn’t have emerged for me to catch out of the corner of my eye. He made no other gesture, but that was enough to bring back
my insecurities.

Skylar stepped forward, his blue eyes holding a tad
bit of mischief.

“Don’t forget,” Skylar said winking, “you owe your instructor a dance tonight.”

“Of course,” I replied.

“I may not have been your instructor, but I get one too,” Clayton added and squeezed my hand. “It will be a fun
-filled evening indeed.”

They stepped back with Nakari, but not before she gave Callon a second glance.

Daniel jumped himself and Bree before us next. Bree wore a stunning burnt orange gown that looked like the deepest, richest sunset I’d ever seen. The golden hues shimmered in her eyes, and I couldn’t help but see the spark she held for Daniel.

Daniel leaned forward and kissed my cheek.

“In another day you’ll officially be my sister, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me,” he said.

I squeezed his hand, his warmth and peace spreading through me.

“I couldn’t be happier myself,” I replied. I looked towards Bree. “And I look forward to having you as a sister-in-law one day too.”

Bree’s eyes grew wide
, and she glanced at Daniel. His face flushed, and quickly they disappeared further into the tent. Whether Daniel wanted to believe it or not, I’d seen the way he looked at Bree when she didn’t notice. He had strong feelings for her, but didn’t know how to express them yet. It was cute.

I caught sight of Lilly as she began directing waiters to the tables. She was in party planning mode
, and nothing was going to distract her at the moment. Her gray flowing gown swished as she moved back and forth with purpose, her fingers brushed back the stray black hair that fallen down already from her up-do. Her blue eyes caught mine for just a moment and she smiled, before returning to her task.

“She won’t stop till later, Cheyenne,” Dex’s voice said behind us.

We turned. Dex too was in a tux with a silver vest matching Lilly’s dress. His brown hair was combed back.

“She wants to make this perfect for the two of you, especially since we couldn’t invite other clan members.” He stepped closer and drew me into a hug. “Your parents would have been proud of the woman you’ve become. I’m proud of the woman you’ve become.” He pressed a fatherly kiss to my cheek and pulled back slightly. “I wish I was the one walking you down the
aisle, but I know Daniel will do a grand job.”

“Thank you, Dex,” I said, feeling a bit of his sadness. “I wanted it to be you as well, but you can’t be in two places at once. You’re the holder of the Braid and that
’s more important.”

He nodded and Callon squeezed my waist. They’d explained that Dex had to hold the Braid in secret until right before the ceremony. Daniel had offered
to escort me in his place, and I accepted.

I searched the tent
. Someone was missing.

“Where’s Koda?” I asked.

Callon grinned. “He was fighting Lilly until the last minute about getting a haircut. She didn’t hold him down, but came close to it.”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years with Lilly,” Dex added, “
it’s that if she wants something, she won’t give up till she gets her way.”

Both Callon and Dex chuckled.

“Champagne?” a petite woman asked. She carried a tray holding several glasses.

Callon took two and handed one to me.
I stare out after the waitress and Dex till she disappeared and Dex stopped at Lilly’s side.

“She’s a Campbell,” Callon said confirming
my unspoken question. “All the help is,” he added.

I lifted the fluted glass, the bubbles tick
ling my nose. I took a small sip and then crinkled my nose. It wasn’t sweet like I was expecting. It was actually a bit tart.

“It’s your first taste of champagne?” Callon asked.

I nodded. “Not what I was expecting.”

He smirked. “Never is.” He placed his hand on my bare back again and instantly heat tingled
down my spine. He gestured to a table.

He pulled out a chair and we sat, Daniel and Bree joining us
, and I couldn’t help but notice one extra seat not yet taken.

Just as I was about to ask, Koda
appeared. He smiled, taking the empty seat. My mouth went dry, and without warning tears pushed their way forward. I blinked them back, and a shiver escaped me.

Callon leaned closer. “Are you cold?”

I shook my head, unable to remove my eyes from Koda’s face. Lilly’s haircut had shortened Koda’s blond locks, enough to make him identical to Colt.

Callon reached under the table and squeezed my hand. He was staring at me like I was staring at Koda.

Koda wore a black tux like the rest, with a white shirt and black vest, but his tie was the same blue of my dress. He adjusted himself in his seat and looked up. Sympathy instantly rippled across his face, and his lips parted to speak, but nothing came out. I looked away.

There was nothing he could say. It wasn’t his fault that he and Colt looked so much alike. It also wasn’t his fault that Lilly forced him to get a haircut and wear the blue tie. It was just like always…circumstances that put us here in this situation.

A dinner plate filled to the brim was placed before me. It should have appealed to me, should have been delicious, but without Colt here with us, everything was bland. I poked around the plate and managed to take a few bites. Koda, Callon, Daniel and Bree tried to carry on a light conversation, but I had no words for the moment.

Des
sert came and went, and I fought to put on a happy face like the rest. I wasn’t the only one who noticed Koda. We all did. I’d even caught the expression of sorrow on Lilly’s face. She hadn’t realized what she’d done till now.

Music had continued to play in the background throughout dinner, but now it changed. The tempo was different
, and then I began to realize the song playing was a waltz.

Callon stood, extending his hand towards me.

“May I have the first dance?” he asked.

I placed my hand in his
, and we moved to the dance floor alone. Ever so slowly he drew me closer, our palms locking together. My free hand moved to his arm, while his free hand stretched out across the flesh on my back. Waves of heat ignited, and I looked up into hazel eyes that hid nothing from me.

There was sympathy at first. Sympathy that I’d once again been reminded that Colt wasn’t here with us. But then sympathy quickly faded into graciousness. He’d worked hard
. We’d both fought to get us to this point, and we both understood the sacrifices made. Graciousness ebbed into love and commitment.

He loved me, loved me with his whole heart
, and had fought long and hard to earn it. He didn’t prize it, but revered it. He knew, like me, that things could change in an instant, and our love was to be cherished for as long as we were together.

We didn’t speak
. We just absorbed the moment. After tomorrow, everything would change again, but it would be a renewal, a deepening and understanding of each other on a different level. One that would have far-reaching effects.

The music slowed
, and we came to a stop. He drew me closer so I was pressed against his chest. His eyes had softened even more when he leaned down, his lids lowering, and warm lips brushed mine.

“Save the last dance for me,” he murmured over my lips and left me with a soft kiss.

He drew back, amused, knowing what an effect he had on me.

I narrowed my eyes playfully.

“Your time will come, Callon,” I said.

“I’m sure it will.” He looked up and twirled me around. “But right now you have a line waiting to dance with you.”

Skylar stepped up, brushing past Daniel.

“Hey!” Daniel said in protest.

Skylar put his hand up. “I instructed, therefore I get to have her second dance.”

With a wink and a grin, Skylar whisked me across the dance floor like I was dancing on air. Others joined us now
, and the whole atmosphere changed. Laughter and smiles adorned faces, and I was happy to see my family celebrating.