Secrets And Sins Part 3: Happy ever after

Chapter 79

***I'm so sorry for the delay guys, I had a work catastrophe a couple of weeks ago and it sucked up all my time and energy to get it sorted...***

~Mary~

Mary was doing her best not to openly fidget.

Waiting had never been a talent of her's, not as a child, and not now. But she could do it, perhaps with gritted teeth and a swear word or two, unless that waiting involved Lilith. Who could blame her after everything they'd been through. If it was up to Mary, Lilith would be in touching distance at all times.

She sighed, reminding herself for the umpteenth time that for once there was no imminent life or death danger; they were safe.

At least there was plenty to look at while she sat here.

The sun had set hours ago, yet the party really was just beginning, Mary didn't think she'd ever seen the Cradle's main hall this packed. So far, the reception had consisted of a delicious dinner, perfectly embarrassing speeches, one of which Mary had given herself despite the groans of the red-faced couple. Then there was the cutting of the rather impressive wedding cake, which was followed by a minor food fight when Ava had basically attacked Bea with a handful of frosting. But now the food had been packed away, and the dance floor was slowly filling up.

She watched over the festivities from her assigned seat, between Lilith and Camila, at the head table, which was uncomfortably set up on a slight platform. The raised position gave them a rather commanding view, but also meant they were all kind of on show the entire night. Not that Mary could have been anything but on her best behavior, Camila was within elbowing distance after all.

Mary swirled the dregs of whisky in the bottom of her glass just a touch impatiently and stole a glance to her right. About halfway back to their table, their three fresh drinks balanced between her hands, Lilith had been caught by Bael and the Sinclair's and was now trapped in a conversation with them. She considered idly whether she should get up and wander over, maybe try to rescue Lilith from the odd trio, but that would risk getting caught up herself...

At that moment Lilith turned enough that Mary could see the look on her face, the irritated scowl she was trying to flatten, and decided to wait. Lilith's patience was obviously wearing thin; it wouldn't be much longer before she excused herself one way or another.

Mary's eyes continued to move across the throng of people and blinked when she saw Gabriel sitting at a table not far from her. She was surprised he was still here, but not as surprised as she was to see his companions. Gabriel was in deep conversation with Mother Superior and... holy shit... Rebecca. Mary wondered if Rebecca had any idea just who she was talking to, she doubted it, but damn would that be entertaining if she found out.

Her gaze found Ava and Bea next, the newly married couple dancing together in the middle of the makeshift dance floor and barely keeping it appropriate for the rather public space. She watched as Bea twirled Ava into a deep dip which Ava beamed at and immediately tried to emulate, only to trip over her dress and nearly send both of the tumbling into what was left of the cake.

"Ava seems to have a death wish when it comes to that cake..." Mary said to Camila with a chuckle.

There was no reply. She glanced over to see Camila curled up in her chair with her eyes closed, snoring softly. Mary smiled; she must be exhausted.

"Finally crashed, huh?" A voice said from behind her as arms encircled her neck, glasses clinking as they were set down on the table in front of her.

Mary tipped her head back, her smile widening as she looked up at Lilith. "Yep, I was wondering how long it would take her, she hasn't slept in like two days."