At La Danza, Reese smoothed her emerald green dress and checked her watch. Roan should have arrived an hour ago. All of the guests had arrived, many exclaiming over the abrupt change in weather. Where was he? Had he gotten stuck in the sudden storm?
She turned slowly, taking in the beautiful decorations. Twinkling lights strung across the ceiling, a giant Christmas tree decorated in silver and gold near the entrance, and a large red bow wrapped around mistletoe, just waiting for a couple to step in its path. Upstairs, the silent auction was already drawing crowds, with Jason’s grand prize generating the most buzz. In the main dining room, the tables had been pushed back to create space for dancing later. The stage at the far end was set up with a microphone for speeches and announcements. The kids had all jumped in to help, checking coats and giving people auction instructions and drink tickets.
“Have you seen Roan?” Reese asked Emma, who had come to stand next to her.
“No. Should we be worried?” Emma asked.
Mauve made her way over, stunning in a deep purple dress. “You look gorgeous. Where’s Roan?”
“Not here yet.”
“He’s probably just running late,” Mauve said. “You know how guys are.”
But Reese’s stomach was starting to knot. Roan was never late. Since his return, he always did what he said he would.
She pulled out her phone. No texts. No missed calls. She sent him a message.
Reese
Where are you? Everything ok?
The message showed as delivered but not read.
She called next, but it went right to voicemail.
“I’m sure he’s fine,” Mauve said. “Maybe he hit traffic.”
“There’s no traffic in Sugarville Grove.” Reese’s mouth had lost all moisture. Ice water flooded her veins, leaving her shivering in her sleeveless dress.
“Then maybe his phone died. Or he stopped to help someone.” Mauve gestured toward the windows. “And it’s started snowing pretty hard. Maybe he’s just taking it slow.”
Reese nodded, trying to calm the rising panic in her chest. But her mind kept flashing back. To prom. To waiting in her dress. To calling and calling with no answer. No, this was different. He wouldn’t do that again. Would he?
She checked her phone again. Still nothing.
Julia approached, looking worried. “Reese? Roan still isn’t here. I’m starting to freak out.”
“I’m sure he’s fine. Just running a little late.” Reese kept her voice steady, not wanting to alarm the kids.
“Do you think the roads are bad?” Julia asked. “What if something happened to him?”
“Nothing happened,” Reese said, but her voice sounded hollow even to her own ears.
Dinner service began. People took their seats. Reese stood near the door, watching, waiting. Grace appeared at her elbow. “Honey, you should sit. Eat something.”
“I can’t. Not until he’s here.”
“He’s probably just running late.” But Grace’s face showed concern too. This wasn’t like Roan. Everyone knew it.
Marcus and Cody approached, both looking scared.
“Something’s wrong,” Cody said bluntly. “He wouldn’t miss this. There’s no way.”
“Maybe his SUV broke down,” Marcus said.
“It’s brand new though,” Cody said. “Why would it break down?”
“Yeah, I don’t know,” Marcus said under his breath.
