Sarah gushed, "We went to the most amazing Spa. I feel like we are positively glowing." That seemed to appease her and calmed Connor somewhat. "Why don't we grab your bags and I'll show you to your rooms while Connor and Jackson make drinks."
As the family climbed the stairs with Sarah, Jackson said, "I can take care of this, perhaps you should see to a drink of a different kind for yourself."
"Oh, right." Connor stumbled off to the pantry.
Dinner passed with a good share of awkwardness. Jackson kept filling Connor's wine glass, yet he still appeared shaken. Mrs. Poe registered a few quizzical glances, but didn't ask any more questions. Deborah spent most of dinner staring blatantly at Jackson, vying for his attention whenever possible. He had grown accustomed to women acting this way, yet today, in this atmosphere, it made him uncomfortable. Elisabeth seemed amused by the whole scene.
Connor had decided not to tell his parents about their marriage. It was just too much for him to deal with all at once. He would tell them on the phone in a few weeks. Sarah had pouted for a bit about not being able to wear her rings, but recovered quickly.
After dinner, Jackson and Elisabeth insisted they clear and make coffee while Connor and Sarah visited with his family.
In the kitchen Elisabeth teased, "Seems you have an admirer out there."
Jackson grumbled, "More like a stalker."
"Want me to rough her up for you?"
"Would you please?"
She pinched his cheek, "It must be such a burden to be so gorgeous."
"You know better than I."
***
Jackson and Elisabeth left the party for a walk to Coronet Park. Jackson squeezed her hand and broached the subject they had been avoiding. "The full moon is in six days."
"I'm aware."
"Can we talk about it?"
"There is nothing to talk about." She wouldn't face him.
"Come on, Legs. That's not fair. Can't we at least discuss it?"
She finally turned to him, and by the set of her jaw he knew he was fighting a losing battle. "What isn't fair, is you expecting me to risk your life because you think it is fun to hang out with a werewolf."
He sighed and closed his eyes. "It's more than that. I feel a different connection with you as a wolf. There's something pure and special about it. Being together just felt right and I'm sure you felt it, too… the thought of being away from you pains me."
"I am not willing to risk the consequences if you're wrong. Just because things went well last month doesn't guarantee they will this month."