air as they walked inside the hotel lobby and made their way upstairs in the elevators.
“Fancy,” Aaron said as the doors opened and they were directed to the penthouse ballroom.
Hannah gasped as they walked inside to see the floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the ocean.
“Wow. This is amazing.”
People were already starting to arrive, and drinks and hors d’oeuvres were being served.
“Let’s get a drink and some food,” Callie said.
“I’ll get the drinks,” Aaron said. “What would you like?”
Callie looked to her. “Glass of white wine for me. Hannah?”
“Same,” Hannah said.
“Got it,” he said, then looked over at Callie. “Grab me some food, would you, babe?”
After Aaron walked away, Callie slipped her arm in Hannah’s. “Let’s go find the food.”
Hannah grinned. “Yes, let’s. Apparently weddings make me hungry.”
“Me, too.”
The table where the snacks were located was swarming with other hungry people, so they had to wait their turn, which was fine, because Hannah had an opportunity to scope out this amazing ballroom. The tables were beautiful, with turquoise and bronze décor to match the wedding colors. It was absolutely gorgeous, and all the fresh flowers adorning the table smelled incredible.
So did the food, and when they got their plates, Hannah piled hers high with some tasty snacks, before she and Cassie spotted Aaron over at a table by the window and joined him.
“I hope some of that is for me,” Aaron said, eyeing the plates.
Cassie laughed. “Don’t worry. It is.”
“Good. Because otherwise I wasn’t going to share the booze.” He slid the glasses of wine over to them, and they were joined at the table by several firefighters from Rafe’s station. She met Ethan Pressman and his wife, Penny, along with Adrienne Smith and Miguel Acosta. All of them were super friendly and included her in conversation.
Ethan and Penny had a kid as well, and Adrienne and Miguel were EMTs who had just gotten engaged, so there was a lot to talk about.
Hannah chatted with them, noshed on the food and sipped the wine, which was smooth and delicious, just like the appetizers. Tables started to fill with people, and the ballroom quickly became populated. Soft music was playing, the lights were low as they watched the sun disappear and the water take on a silver hue.
Then the deejay came on to announce the arrival of the wedding party. She looked toward the door to see the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk in arm in arm, her pulse spiking as she saw Kal come in with a beautiful redhead who looked to be about midway through a pregnancy. Kal had his hand firmly wrapped around hers as they shimmied into the ballroom while wild music played and the lights shone on them.
And then Rafe and Carmen came in, everyone applauded and the wedding party took their seats at the main table. The best men and the matron of honor gave toasts to the bride and groom, everyone applauded and then there was a break.
“Rafe looks damn happy,” Miguel said.
“Doesn’t he?” Adrienne nodded.
Hannah felt a touch on her shoulder and turned to find Kal smiling down at her. “How’s it going over here?”
“Just fine.”
“Hey, we’re taking good care of your woman,” Aaron said.
Hannah’s entire body warmed at Aaron’s comment. She most certainly was not Kal’s woman, but she appreciated that they thought she was.
“Thanks. Got a second, Hannah?”
She nodded and took Kal’s hand as she stood. He walked her past the tables and outside the ballroom.
“I’m sorry to leave you for so long. I had no idea all that picture taking and the rest of this stuff would take so much time.”
She laid her hand on his forearm. “Don’t worry about it. Your friends are great, and we’re having fun.”
“You sure? I have to sit at the main table for dinner, and then once we do the official wedding party first dance thing, I’ll be free and I can come sit with you.”
She loved that he was thinking of her comfort. “I’m fine. Really. You do what you need to do for your brother.”
“Okay. But I want you to know I really want to spend time with you tonight.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it, but really—don’t worry about me. I’m having a great time.”
He escorted her back inside, and Hannah saw that they were serving dinner, so Kal walked her back to her table. He leaned in and kissed her, briefly, then headed to the main table. She couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh.
“Hmm,” Adrienne said, offering up a smile. “He really