TWENTY-SIX
“IF YOU’D RATHER NOT—”
“We are honored to join you,” Alice said. In the back of the car again, they’d just stopped outside the community center. “Our eyes are willing to be opened to every cause.”
Darroch’s hand slid down her thigh as he leaned in to kiss her ear and murmur, “You want me to get them out of here?”
She tipped her head to push her hair against his mouth. That physical support held up her inner self too.
The lights at the community center may not be as delicate as those outside the Breckenridge home, but they were just as welcoming.
Though when the four of them hit the sidewalk, butterflies danced in her belly. What was she scared of? That her guests would be unwelcome or that her cause would embarrass her guests?
Darroch locked his fingers tight between hers.
He squeezed and kissed her head. “Get your checkbooks ready.”
“After you,” Benedict said, sweeping an arm toward the door.
It most likely wasn’t normal for the Breckenridge patriarch to defer, yet he didn’t hesitate. He was a man confident in himself and his masculinity, and he’d taught his boys well.
A sign indicated they should proceed to the main hall at the other end of the corridor.
Thankfully, the hall, much like a high school auditorium, buzzed. Maybe not full to the rafters, but the kids running around and music brought the place to life. Wooden tables lined the room with games and knickknacks. Some of the art against the walls was interesting. Everything had a price tag.
“Savanna Mayden, you’ve gone down in the world.”
The familiar voice brought her around, smile wide on her face matched by his.
“Quade,” she said and accepted his kiss on her cheek before they hugged. “I brought along some friends.”
“I see that,” he said, and continued without introductions. “Darroch Breckenridge.”
“Quade.” The two shook hands. “Been a while.”
“You know each other?”
“Wonderful Quade,” Alice said, taking his hand and accepting a kiss. “It’s been too long. Why don’t you come and visit anymore?”
“I’m not in the neighborhood much anymore, Mrs. B.”
“We had no idea you were a part of this. What a wonderful venture!”
“It’s not something my mother likes to advertise.”
Absorbing the scene, Alice glittered. “It’s magnificent.”
Quade and Benedict shook hands too. “Your brother was in my boardroom last week.”
“You have my sympathies.”
“Oh, Quade,” Alice semi-chastised. “Your family love you. Your mother must miss you terribly.”
“She knows where I am.”
“Your sister dotes on you.”
“And I her,” Quade said, stepping back to her side. “Della’s the bright spot in all of our lives.”
“If it wasn’t for her, I dread to think how awful things might be. It’s such a tragedy how this has worked out. A tragedy.”
“Unfortunately, this is the only way it can be.”
“How do you know each other?” she asked, behind the curve.
“I went to school with the Breckenridge boys,” Quade said. “Alice and my mother are friends. Though they’re so different, I have no idea what they talk about.”
“She was at the high tea last week. She smiled, but this must tear her up. From a mother’s perspective, I can’t imagine any of mine being so distant. It will be breaking her heart every minute.”
“If that were true, she’d accept my choice, like you’d accept any of your sons’,” Quade said and smiled. “Enough about family. Would you like to see what we’ve built here?”
“We would love to! You should know we’ll fund whatever you need,” Alice said. “Are you too proud to ask for help? You spent most of your younger years at our house. Once you were just another of my boys.” Darroch got his mother’s attention. “You should keep in closer touch.”
“Yeah, especially if he’s thinking of moving in on my girl.”
“He had his chance.”
Quade laughed. “And I blew it, so I’d say you’re safe. Though, Savvy, I’ve got to say you could do so much better than Darroch Breckenridge.”
“You know you’re not the first man to tell me that tonight.”
“Better step up my game.” Darroch tucked her against him. “I’ve got to start screening who you’re talking to.”
The tease was taken in humor.
“The other man who said it was your brother.”
“So I can kick his ass without a police report? Excellent.”
“Darroch.” Alice tsked yet smiled. “Your brothers respect your choice and Savanna’s.”
Quade’s smile grew. “I don’t know, he’s doing something right, there’s a lot of choice at Breckenridge House. Tripp still single?” And that got a laugh from everyone. “The Breckenridge everyone wants and no one can have.”
“Someday the right woman will steal his heart,” Alice said.
“I just hope it’s before we hit retirement,” Benedict added and nodded. “Show us around.”