“How do you feel about the draft?” I had insider info that he was on the short list. I couldn’t be prouder.
“I’m not getting my hopes up this year like I did last time. But we’ll see.”
“What if we’re on the same team?”
He lifted his eyebrows. “Then I quit.”
We both laughed and Mother motioned for me. “Time for appearances.” My groan sounded more like a growl.
“Just be warned. This isn’t the party you think it is.”
“And you didn’t warn me sooner?”
Steven shrugged. “Father swore me to secrecy under the threat of disowning me. And I need the money.”
“Yeah, you do given the way you go through it.” I was laughing as I walked away, crowding Lily’s space so she wouldn’t feel like I’d left her to the neighborhood vultures.
“Mary, David. You remember Saint and this is his fiancée, Lily Weathers.”
“Oh, Saint. Great game last night, man,” David said as he immediately stuck out his hand for a shake.
“Thanks. I feel good about it.” I accepted the handshake as I quickly glanced at the crowd. My father had gone all out. Therewere several coolers filled with beer, and three grills going, although he had no intention of doing the grilling. He’d hired a caterer to handle the food. The pool was open and heated just in case anyone enjoyed the thought of jumping into the water on a warm June day.
There was a bar set up and a band currently playing jazz music.
None of that bothered me. What did was the table filled with presents off to the side. I didn’t need keen vision to notice the wrappings were in gold and silver, wedding bells and flowers. Oh, shit. My mother had turned this into an engagement party.
“Lily. So good to meet you,” Mary cooed. “Charlotte has gone on and on about how much the two of you are in love. I’m so thrilled for you both.”
“Thank you. Saint is a handful, but I’ve got him controlled.” Lily grinned in her mischievous way before following my gaze. When she lifted her sunglasses, she offered a death glare.
Shrugging, I gave my father a quick glance, his sheepish expression stating he had nothing to do with turning this into a fiasco.
“All men need to be controlled,” Mary said, laughing.
“Some more than others,” Lily said in response through tightly gritted teeth.
Mother was flitting around, exciting the guests as to our arrival. Within seconds, we were surrounded by well-wishers.
I would hear about this for weeks.
As if reading my mind, Lily punched me in the ribs with her elbow, but she was otherwise doing a very good job of accepting all the attention.
The next thirty minutes were a blur, both of us paraded around as the happy couple. By the time I was able to whisk her away for a moment alone, her smile fell and she grabbed my arm, yanking me around the side of the pool house.
“You are so in trouble,” she huffed.
“What? I had nothing to do with this.”
“Right. Why don’t I believe you? There must be fifty or more gifts on that table.”
“We’ll send them back.”
“And break your mother’s heart? Not a chance.”
I crowded her space, pressing one hand against the building. As I lowered my head, she lifted hers. “Then what are you suggesting?”
She pressed her hand against my chest, her breathing rapid. “Maybe we set a date.”
