Dex dropped my hand as the music came to a halt. Wickham was already striding toward us, microphone in hand, smile broad enough to blind. “Lucy here has made this entire evening possible. She’s the real reason we’re all standing in this beautiful space."
The guests clapped, and I smiled because I felt like it was expected of me even though I didn’t appreciate being put inthe limelight without warning. Wickham slung an arm lightly across my shoulders as Lydia videoed the moment. “Let’s hear it for Lucy Bennet!”
The applause grew louder. I wanted to step away, but that would have caused a scene. He finally released me, bowing slightly.
“Thank you,” I said flatly and escaped toward the kitchen. Everything appeared to be running smoothly, and Jane gave me a reassuring nod.
My cheeks were on fire so I slipped out through the back door. The cold night air hit like a shock. Snow reflected the string lights, making everything look softer. I breathed once, twice, and let my shoulders drop. The sound of music filtered faintly through the door.
Dex found me there five minutes later, silently offering me his coat. His breath was visible in the cold.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, taking his coat and slipping it on. We both stood there, looking at the clear night sky for a while. My toes were getting cold in my dancing shoes but I didn’t want to go inside just yet.
He leaned against the railing. “You handled the crowd well.”
“I didn’t handle anything. I just stood there while Wickham turned it into a show,” I dryly pointed out.
“He likes attention,” Dex observed.
“I would rather he had my mom or dad stand with him. They are the ones who started this adventure. Mom would have appreciated the gesture,” I mentioned.
For a long second we just stood there, watching the stars.
Finally Dex turned towards me. “Come back inside. You’re freezing.”
He opened the door and waited for me to step through first. The warmth hit my face, and the sound of laughter followed. We entered through the kitchen and went back out to theparty. Lydia was on the dance floor again, spinning under the garlands while Wickham twirled her with theatrical precision. Mom clapped along to the rhythm while Dad and Kitty had a dance together. Braxton stood near Jane, offering her punch, and she tried not to smile when she took it.
I stayed near the edge of the room, taking it all in. Everything looked perfect. The room glowed. The people were happy. For the first time in a long while, I didn’t think I had anything that was pressing for me to do.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Carly walk in. My stomach dropped.
She looked perfect. Her red hair was professionally blown out. She wore a cream sweater dress that stopped midthigh, paired with red high heels that she wore with athletic grace.
Here I was, my hair not touched up, flour on the sleeve of my plaid dress, wearing Dex’s too large overcoat, and in comfortable flats.
I felt instantly out of place.
She spotted Dex instantly and crossed the room.
“Dex,” she said, all warmth and familiarity, and kissed him on the cheek. “You didn’t tell me you were back in town.”
He looked surprised, then polite. “Carly. I didn’t realize you were coming to the party.”
“I came to check Braxton. He spends so much time here at this cozy little inn, I want to know what the attraction is." Carly managed to make the wordscozy little innsound like an insult. She looked over to see Jane in Braxton’s arms as they gently danced together. “Oh, how adorable. He’s dancing with the cook.”
I gritted my teeth together.
Dex said something low, but Carly laughed in that practiced way that made other people feel smaller. He didn’t look comfortable, but he didn’t move either.
I turned away and busied myself with grabbing an empty punch bowl and marching to the kitchen. Meri came up beside me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” I asked offhandedly, hoping she would drop the subject. I grabbed ingredients, dumping them in approximate portions into the punch bowl.
Merie grabbed a bottle, helping me. “We both know you have feelings for him.”
I had hoped it wasn’t that obvious. I took a deep breath. “I’m not sure that matters.”
Meri hesitated. “I think it does. You should probably talk to him.”
