“Hurry,” she said, grabbing William’s hand. “Let’s get back.”
With Charlotte following behind them, they raced to the ballroom. A murmur went up as they entered, arm-in-arm. The crowd parted, seemingly funneling them toward the dance floor, even though the musicians were taking a break. No doubt it was the respite from dancing that had caused people to wonder where the betrothed couple was.
Still, it seemed as if they were wanted in the center of the room. So Rose let William lead her there. She saw so many familiar faces — her mother beaming, William’s parents standing close with benign smiles, Claire, Robert, and Franklin. Riley and Sophie. Elise and Michael. And all of Rose’s many friends.
Then Charlotte approached and handed them each a fluted crystal glass. Rose realized most people had a drink in hand already.
Ah, it was time for a toast.
Charlotte’s green eyes sparkled as she took her drink from Reed. Then she faced the couple and pulled a piece of paper out of her sleeve. She flipped it open with her free hand, but then she frowned and crumpled it up before beginning to speak.
“Rose, I have been blessed to have your friendship since I entered this family. You and your sisters have been the sisters I never had. However, you are special, with your spark of liveliness, which some might call impetuousness.”
A few people in the crowd laughed good naturedly.
“Add to that spark, your humor, your sweet disposition, and your quick mind, and Rose, in total, you are a delight. I’ve also known you to be very thoughtful over the past few years, even melancholy. Before Mr. Woodsom enlivened your life, exactly as your dear brother did mine.” She glanced at Reed, who nodded. Then Charlotte looked at William.
“As Rose welcomed me in, I am welcoming you, William. You’re a valued addition to this family.”
She stepped closer and kissed Rose’s cheek and then William’s, who nodded gratefully.
It was Reed’s turn, Rose realized, as he looked fondly at her.
“To my youngest sister,” he began, then turned his eyes heavenward for a moment. “You have caused us all a great deal of worry.” Everyone within earshot laughed. “More than the rest of the Malloys put together. Am I correct, Mother?”
Evelyn nodded, though she also blew Rose a kiss, and mouthed the words, “I love you.”
Rose blew a kiss back, sipped her drink, and let her brother get on with his ribbing.
“Before I had children of my own, I think you started to give me my first gray hairs. However, every single one was worth it, especially to see you so happy tonight.”
Reed turned to William.
“You may not know this. Our father said to our mother on the day Rose was born, this baby is a wild one, like the beach roses. And Mother said, then we’ll name her such.”
Everyone clapped, and Rose wiped the tears from her eyes, wishing her father were there.
“We’re happy to deliver our Rose into William Woodsom’s care. We wish him much luck with her, and patience,” he added.
The guests laughed and raised their glasses toasting the couple, and then everyone drank. William shook Reed’s hand before clasping Rose tightly to his side.
“My wild Rose,” he murmured into her hair.
Rose felt her heart expand and could barely breathe. Her pulse was racing. She took another sip of the drink Charlotte had handed her and began a slow turn to survey the room as the music started again. So much love. So many friendly faces, some belonged to people she’d known all her life, some—
Finn.
In an instant, everything changed. The breath left her lungs in a whoosh that left her lightheaded, and she gasped out loud. Or did she scream? She wasn’t sure.
Her blood was pounding in her ears, drowning out other sounds. She blinked to end the illusion. Yet impossibly, Finn still stood there. One moment, he was staring at her with his dark, anguished eyes, and the next, he was pushing his way between two guests and disappearing from her view.
The glass slipped from her hand, though the sound was barely audible in the crowded room.
“Rose?” she heard William’s voice.
Her head was spinning. Lights — brighter than the mirror-reflected candles or even than the electric lamps overhead — filled her vision from all sides. Her stomach contracted and a wave of nausea rolled up from inside her.
Good God, she thought. She was going to be sick. But she would not.Blast it. She tamped it down, even as she felt a clammy coolness break out over her entire body. She closed her eyes as her legs gave way, confident that William would catch her.
