“You bought her sunflowers,” Gabriel pointed out. “You, who once called them ‘chaotic and impractical.’”
“She likes them.”
“Exactly.” Gabriel’s expression was unreadable. “You’ve changed.”
The words struck deeper than intended. He’d spent months trying to prove he was different from the man who’d proposed a fake engagement—trying to show Devney through actions rather than words that his feelings were genuine.
“The Beauchamps will be here at six,” he said, deflecting. “I should check on the catering.”
“Running away from feelings?” Knox called after him. “That’s the old Ronan. I thought we’d evolved past that.”
He didn’t respond, stepping out onto the porch where the workers were putting finishing touches on the tent. The heaters glowed with warmth, the fire pits were arranged in a perfect semicircle, and the bar gleamed with bottles and glassware.
His phone buzzed.
DEVNEY: Looking forward to tonight. The Beauchamps are bringing me with them. They said they want my opinion on something. See you there!
He smiled despite himself and typed back.
RONAN: Perfect. Dress warmly. It will be cold.
DEVNEY: Always so practical. See you soon. Love you.
RONAN: Love you too.
He pocketed the phone and returned inside, where Knox and Gabriel were arguing about the optimal placement of heat lamps.
“You’re overthinking it,” Knox said.
“I’m thinking about it the correct amount,” Gabriel countered. “Unlike some people who just throw money at problems and hope they resolve themselves.”
“That’s rich coming from you?—”
“The heat lamps are fine,” Ronan interrupted. “Focus on making sure the sound system works. I don’t want anyone freezing in silence.”
The afternoon progressed with increasing speed. The catering staff arrived and began setting up the bar and food stations. At five-thirty, the charter bus from Oath Capital pulled up, and employees began filing out, their faces bright with anticipation.
He greeted them from the porch, accepting thanks and congratulations on the Beauchamp deal.
Within minutes, the party was in full swing. Laughter and conversation filled the heated tent, fire pits crackled invitingly, and the November sky deepened to twilight.
He positioned himself near the entrance, checking his watch. 5:55.
Lucy arrived, making her way to the dessert display she’d provided. She caught his eye and smiled.
Just before six, headlights appeared at the top of the driveway.
His heart rate increased. Devney was here.
The car doors opened. Eleanor emerged first, elegant in a long coat. Then Andrew, offering his hand to Devney in the backseat.
And then she stepped out.
She wore a deep blue dress with a cream-colored cardigan, a cashmere scarf wrapped loosely around her neck. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, her hair tumbling around her shoulders in soft waves.
She looked toward the tent, confusion crossing her face as she took in the crowd, the lights, the celebration.
Then her eyes found his.
