44. Eloise
44
ELOISE
Beau’s family is boisterous and welcoming, the conversation flowing easily around the table. I find myself caught up in it, laughing at Hazel’s stories about her boys as kids, swapping baking ideas with Cora, and listening raptly as Lucas regales us with tales of his own youthful misadventures.
Under the table, Beau’s hand remains linked with mine, his thumb tracing soothing circles on my skin. Every so often, I catch him watching me, his blue eyes soft with an emotion I want to believe is real.
But there’s a good chance I’m projecting right now, so I don’t let myself get swept up by it. I take a breath, steadying myself against the warmth of this place. It’s chaotic and unfamiliar, but there’s something undeniably sweet about being here. It’s loud but loving—a family in every sense of the word.
My phone vibrates against my leg in the pocket of my sundress. As discreetly as possible, I pull it out and look at the screen under the table. I don’t want to be rude, but I want to make sure Margot is okay. I think I’ll be fifty years old and still worried about Margot.
Unknown Number: Congratulations, you’re advancing to the next round.
Unknown Number: 42.2165, 89.0587. 4PM tomorrow. Don’t be late.
Relief crashes through me, a tidal wave of emotion that threatens to pull me under. I swallow hard, trying to keep my expression neutral even as my heart races in my chest.
I made it. I’m advancing to the next round of the Gauntlet.
For the past week, I’ve been on pins and needles, waiting for this message. Every time my phone buzzed, my stomach would swoop with a dizzying mix of anticipation and dread. As the days ticked by with no word, doubt started to creep in, its icy fingers wrapping around my lungs and squeezing. Every day without a text chipped away at the dream I had started hoping for.
But now, with those two simple sentences glowing on my screen, the weight lifts from my shoulders. I’ve taken one more step toward my goal, toward the money that will change everything for my sisters and me.
I quickly lock my phone and slip it back into my pocket, hoping no one noticed my momentary distraction. When I glance up, Beau is watching me, a small furrow between his brows. He leans in close, his breath warm against my ear.
“Everything okay?” he murmurs, his voice low.
I nod, hesitating for a moment. “I advanced to the next round.”
The corners of his mouth curl into a proud smile as he leans in. “Of course you did. You’re amazing, Peach.”
His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, but I can’t shake the niggling sense of unease in my stomach. I turn to him, searching his face. “Did you get a text?”
He arches an eyebrow at me, a smirk playing on his lips as he fishes his phone out. “Speak of the devil,” he murmurs, turning the screen toward me so I can see the message before he even looks at it himself.
Unknown Number: Congratulations, you’re advancing to the next round.
Unknown Number: 42.2165, 89.0587. 4PM tomorrow. Don’t be late.
The same message that just lit up my own screen moments ago.
I grin at him. “You’re in.”
He only smirks at me. “I wasn’t worried, Peach.”
Amusement bounces between my ribs. He really rides the line between confident and cocky. “I actually believe you,” I say around a laugh.
“Good, baby, because I’ll never lie to you.”
My breath hitches at his sincerity. Goddamn, I do believe him.
Cora pushes back her chair, the loud scrape pulling my attention from Beau’s handsome face. She stands, smoothing her hands over her lacy white sundress. “I’m going to grab dessert,” she announces with a smile.
Vivie’s head pops up from across the table, her eyes bright with curiosity. “Can I help?” she asks eagerly, already halfway out of her seat.
Cora’s smile widens, her blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “Of course. I’d love the help.”
Vivie beams, rounding the table to join Cora. As they disappear into the hallway, Graham leans toward Beau.
“Hey, I need that favor now,” he says, voice low and even.
Beau’s head snaps toward his brother, his brows knitting together. “What? Now ?”
Graham shakes his head, his jaw tight. “Yeah. I need you to back me up.”
Beau hesitates before dipping his chin in a severe nod. “Alright. What do you need?”
Cora and Vivie return, both carrying trays laden with an assortment of mouthwatering desserts. The sweet, buttery scent of freshly baked pie wafts through the air.
Vivie carefully sets her tray down, revealing personal-sized lattice-topped pies.
“We have mini pies tonight,” Cora says, beaming. “Cherry, lingonberry and lime, apple and cheddar.”
The golden crusts glisten under the warm glow of candlelight. Steam curls invitingly from the slits in the top, hinting at the bubbling, syrupy filling within.
“Wow,” I mutter. “Those look delicious, Cora.”
Her cheeks flush, and her grin grows wide. “Thanks. I hope you like it.”
Graham stands up, his chair scraping against the hardwood floor. He clears his throat and rolls his shoulders back. “Before we get into pie, I need everyone’s attention for a moment.”
Hazel dabs her mouth with her napkin, looking at her oldest son. “What’s going on, Graham?”
“Is everyone free three months from now? Saturday?” Graham asks.
Beau glances at his brother, an eyebrow raised in question. But he catches on quickly, a slow grin spreading across his face.
“We’re free. Aren’t we, Peach?” Beau says, leaning back in his chair.
“W-what?” I cut him a look. I don’t understand what’s going on, but one glance around the table, and I know we’re all in the same boat.
“Ma? Dad?” Graham asks.
Lucas sets his pie selection on his plate. “Is this one of your non-surprise surprise parties again? Because I told you, son, you don’t need to do that for us. We’re happy to just spend time with our family.”
“No, it’s nothing like that. But I’d appreciate it if you could clear your schedule that day,” Graham says.
“Sure thing, son. Whatever it is, if it’s important to you, then we’ll be there,” Lucas reassures him.
Graham exhales and nods. “Raincheck on the pie, Cora. Looks delicious though.” He pushes his chair in and rounds the table, dropping a kiss on Hazel’s head. “Thanks for dinner, Ma. I gotta run.”
“Are you kidding me? You’re not going to even tell us what’s going on?” Cora says, her brows arched toward her hairline.
Graham pauses in the doorway. “I’m getting married.”
A beat of stunned silence follows his announcement. Then the room erupts into a flurry of questions.