Page 117 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

"I say forget the glitz and glamor and focus on something more meaningful, like a family dinner. Keep the number super tight. No more than a dozen or so guests. Invite those who are closest to Thom and Amy. Make it something really special, something that speaks to their love of family and their shared southern roots. An amazing meal. Fabulous desserts. Plenty of good wine and champagne. Lots of candles. Maybe even a little three-piece jazz ensemble to score the evening. Dressy but not formal. Classy yet still comfortable."

"I love it. Everything you said sounds perfect."

"Well, I have to be honest. You asked me what type of engagement party I'd plan for myself, and this is exactly what I'd want. A quiet night to celebrate with those I love the most. I'm a big believer in simple elegance. But I understand if you'd rather cancel altogether."

"Ms. Powell, that business degree wasn't for naught. You're one hell of a saleswoman. I'll take one simple elegant evening at the same rooftop venue, same date, but let's make it a party of say … eight?"

"You got it." Natalie's smile widened.

"You’ll be there to make sure everything goes according to plan, right? I don't want to stumble through this party without you."

"Definitely, but you won't really know I'm there. I'll be bringing my assistant too—that is if you don't object."

"The well-dressed young man with the quick wit and gorgeous smile? Absolutely,” Miranda said.

Her tone bordered on lyrical, forcing Natalie to bite back a laugh. "I promise to make it a night to remember. If you can give me twenty-four hours, I'll have a new set of moodboards …"

Natalie’s voice trailed off as her focus shifted to her cell phone, and an incoming text message from Blaine Sheridan.

My God, could the timing be any more perfect?

Blaine: Got your email. Everything looks good. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Natalie balanced the desk phone between her ear and shoulder and typed a quick reply. A giddiness popped through her body like firecrackers.

“Sorry, I got interrupted there for a sec. I’ll have the moodboards⁠—”

“Don’t worry yourself with moodboards, honey. I'm sure whatever mood you set, it will be perfect."

Oh, it’s gonna be so much more than just a mood.

It’s time for the rabbit to catch the fox for a change.

CHAPTER THIRTY

DASH/NATALIE

Chicago

One Week Later

Dash checked his reflection and adjusted his tie for the umpteenth time. He'd put every ounce of faith in Miranda. He trusted no person more. But now, knowing he’d be locking eyes with Natalie soon, seeds of doubt began to take root in his brain.

You've done some wild shit in your life, but this is as wild as it gets. Don't think that because her family will be there that tonight will be a slam dunk. This could go south real fast.

Cecil snorted. "You know Miranda’s not gonna let you wear that tie. Hell, I wouldn't even wear that tie. It’s uglier than Aunt Bessie’s knickers."

"The tie is one hundred percent non-negotiable. Your wife's gonna have to trust me on it." Dash smoothed his hand over its gaudy, shiny surface.

"Sweetheart, will you zip me up?" Miranda asked, halting their exchange.

She entered the suite's living room and Cecil snapped to attention. He complied with her request, zipping her into a gorgeous new dress.

"Mrs. Everett, you are a vision. Ain't my bride a vision, Dash?" he asked, giving her a pinch on the backside.

"She's something alright," Dash agreed.

Miranda gave Dash the once over. "Christ almighty, what on earth is hanging around your neck?"