Sarah continued her story, turning to Jackson, "The only thing missing… you weren't there to give me away."
He tipped his glass. "Sorry."
She narrowed her brow at him. "You knew, didn't you?"
Jackson looked apologetically at Connor who rolled his eyes, and said, "Yes Sarah, he knew. I asked his permission, and he helped me pick out the rings."
"That's so sweet. What would you have done if he said no?"
Jackson broke in, "What makes you think I didn't?"
Elisabeth slapped his arm. "Stop it."
As Connor poured more champagne, he said, "So, tell us about your night. How did the wolf thing go?"
Jackson shifted uncomfortably. "Well, I had a great time, but Elisabeth isn't too happy with the outcome."
"Oh?"
Elisabeth sighed, "Jackson behaved very irresponsibly and he is lucky to be sitting here today." Everyone remained quiet, not sure how to treat the situation.
"How about we go out dining and dancing tonight to celebrate?" Jackson asked in an effort to break the tension.
Sarah blew out a breath. "Oh, I'm pooped. I thought we could order Chinese."
"That'll work."
During dinner, they talked mostly about the wedding and tomorrow's party. Everyone seemed happy to ignore the discussion about the full moon. Connor and Sarah turned in early.
The remaining two sat in front of the fire drinking port. Elisabeth asked, "Do you think Connor will sell his townhouse and move in here full time?"
"Yes, I already spoke with him about it. Sarah's shoes wouldn't even fit in his place, and there is no point in them buying something else. We will have to leave in ten years or so anyway." He touched noses with her. "Besides, I rather like our little family unit, and the house certainly is big enough for us all."
"How do you think he will deal with the age thing?"
"I think he's hoping Sarah will turn him someday."
"Will she?"
"Hard to say. The last time she turned a guy he dumped her."
"That's awful, Connor would never do that."
"I don't think so either, but you never know what vampirism will do to a person. The power and bloodlust can change you."
"Did it change you?"
He looked pensive for a moment. "That's a good question. It was so long ago, I'm not sure. He pursed his lips and tsked, "Nah, I think I was pretty much a pompous ass as a human too."
Elisabeth pinched his cheeks. "But you're my pompous ass, and I like you that way."
"Lucky for me."
"We have yet another upside to our relationship. We don't have to worry about one of us aging."