“Michael said he’d bring some over,” Vivia added as she came up alongside him, Diego’s hand in hers.
Justine turned to greet the group as the rest of the family filed in. They were talking about Thanksgiving, Burke knew that much, but it was hard to focus on their conversation as whispers picked up among the crowd.
Some darted quick gazes, others stared in outright shock as the Benton family crowded around them with laughter and smiles.
At least, Burke decided, it took some of the focus off him and Justine.
“I want Zander,” Lilly said, breaking free from Claudia’s hand and racing over to him.
Zander lifted the little one up and onto his hip.
Justine tipped her head back in laughter as the women joked about a botched gravy experience.
“Call me anytime,” Camila told Justine. “I have all sorts of fix-it tips.”
It seemed as if she’d managed to shed her concern over the conspiring cluster. Burke’s anxiety had only gotten worse.
“If I give you my hot chocolate,” Duke mumbled under his breath, “will you let me wear the crown?”
That earned a chuckle from Burke despite the nerves.
“I just want to see what it feels like,” Duke continued.
“I’m sorry,” came a woman from behind.
Burke spun around.Please don’t say anything about us being engaged.
Justine spun around as well. “Oh, hi there, Debbie. Is everything alright?”
“What do youmeanis everything alright?” the woman bellowed. “This is the famous Benton family you’re with. How do they…” She stopped there and gave Burke a scrutinizing look. “You’re related,” she guessed.
Burke shot a look to the group, not exactly sure what his answer should be. Claudia clenched her teeth shut. Sawyer looked at Betzy.
Just as Burke considered shaking his head to deny it, Zander stepped up, little Lilly at his hip, wife Kat at his side.
“Yes. He’s our half-brother, actually,” he said. “Nice to meet you. I’m Zander.”
The woman fanned her face. “Yes, you are,” she cooed, offering her hand to him. Her other hand went to her cheek. “Oh, my. And there’s Sawyer and Betzy, oh and Camila and James…” She waved and grinned.
“Can I get everyone’s attention?” someone said over the mic. But it wasn’t Tom’s voice.
Burke looked toward the podium to see both Brittany and Trevor standing there. Brittany’s lips hovered over the microphone.
Crud. Let’s hurry and get it over with. Whateveritwas.
A quick look at Justine’s wide eyes said she wasn’t thrilled either. “I think I’m going to throw up,” she mumbled.
“As last year’s pie prince and princess,” Brittany started, “it’s our honor to countdown for the lighting of the tree.”
“Thank heavens,” Justine breathed.
Burke tried to take comfort in the intro as well. Once tonight’s event was through, he’d get Justine alone and tell her about the property. That’s what mattered most. Then he’d need to tell his family about the fake engagement thing, in case they caught wind of it somehow.
Trevor leaned into the mic next. “As many of you know, a few of our finest weren’t able to attend tonight’s event, our very own mayor included,” he said.
Brittany took over. “Which is why, for the first time in Piney Falls history, tonight’s event is being streamed live on our social media page for the folks at home to enjoy.”
“Look at us getting all twenty-first century here,” Trevor said with a laugh. “So I’ve just got one question for you, Piney Falls…” He threw his hands up theatrically, chest puffing as he continued. “Are you ready to countdown with us?”
