Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
Standing in the ballroom two days later, Essie scanned the decorations with a critical eye.
The twinkling lights above enchanted her.
The furnishings they’d found in the attic gleamed with polish, adding a formal touch to the traditional setting.
Essie could almost picture couples whirling around the dance floor as others stood along the edges, chatting and enjoying the social event.
In just a few hours everyone would arrive. Her nerves were at a fever pitch.
Zander and Ivan had pitched in to assist Essie with putting the final decorations in place.
Giving up control had challenged her. She wanted to do everything by herself but had to admit that they’d done as good or better work than she would have.
She made a mental note to allow others to help. Well, trusted others.
A warm hand pressed against the small of her back. She turned to smile up at the handsome man at her side. “The ballroom is gorgeous.”
He smirked down at her and softly said, “It’s not incredible, but I think others will be impressed.”
Essie’s cheeks heated at his use of incredible.
That word had taken on a secondary sexual connotation after their playtime in the nursery.
While she had panicked after waking up in her crib that day, Essie had to admit the release had wiped away the overwhelming pressure as she got ready for the ball.
Her Daddy had known exactly what she needed.
“Incredible is a tough level to reach,” she agreed, leaning against the strength of his hard frame.
Every day that had passed since they’d moved in together had brought Zander and Essie closer. She’d never imagined she could be this happy. The feel of his lips against her hair made her heart flip-flop.
“We’re out of time. Let’s go shower, Little girl, and get dressed. I can’t wait to see you in your fancy ballgown,” Zander said. “Plan on saving at least one dance for me.”
Essie crossed her fingers, hoping everything would go smoothly enough that she and Zander would have time to dance. His moves at other times hinted he would be, well, incredible. A soft laugh escaped her lips.
“What are you thinking about, Little girl?”
“Nothing, Daddy. I’m excited for this evening. Imagining what costumes this group will show up in has ricocheted in my mind since I took on this project. I’m picturing a room filled with fairy wings.”
“Are they going to have a costume contest?”
“Oh, no. The party hosts are very serious. This isn’t simply dress-up.
The ball is the chance for everyone in the group to show off their creativity.
From what I understand groups as diverse as the medieval society to a romantasy book club are attending.
Plus, library supporters and community leaders!
I’m betting we’ll see creatures brought to life for one special evening as well as elegant evening attire. ”
Zander put his hand over his heart. “I promise to greet each person with the appropriate solemnity befitting their chosen attire.”
“I would expect nothing less from you. Maybe for the next fancy dance I’ll rent an outfit for you.”
“I think I’ll stick with my tux,” Zander said with a laugh.
“Fine. Come on. I need a few minutes to put on my makeup.”
“After you, Essie,” Zander said, bowing elegantly as he swept a hand before him.
As the guests arrived, Essie hovered in the background.
Bustling around, Essie monitored everything from the coat check to the music.
When the party was in full swing and everyone seemed to have fun, she finally relaxed—slightly.
She smiled at the organizer who headed the local arts council as the flamboyantly dressed nymph approached.
“You look amazing, Amy,” she complimented her client.
“Essie! I can’t thank you enough for all your efforts to make this a night to remember. Everyone is raving about how epic this is. They’re all asking for this to become an annual event. Can I call you on Monday to get on your schedule for next year?”
“Of course, Amy. The fairy ball is the event. I can see how the guests are already calling for it to become an annual gala,” Essie said.
The amount of money involved in the ball had surpassed all the other events she’d organized.
Having this yearly would provide a boost to maintaining Ferguson's Folly.
“It is The Event!” Amy’s excited voice added the capital letters in Essie’s mind. “What a great way to refer to this fantastic evening! Can I use that?” Amy asked, delighted to have orchestrated such a spectacular gathering.
“Of course!” Essie said.
Immediately, the artsy organizer swept away to mingle with her guests. Essie overheard Amy announce the party designation to the closest group.
Essie scanned the crowd, monitoring the gathering.
She grinned when her gaze landed on a stunningly handsome man with the bluest eyes she’d ever seen.
Zander had emerged from the dressing room in a leather waistcoat and a flowing white shirt with billowing sleeves over a fitted pair of trousers that perfectly showcased his thickly muscled thighs.
Essie had wiped her chin, sure she had to be drooling. So much better than an ordinary tux.
She hadn’t been too far gone to miss his reaction to her lavender ballgown.
Halting in his tracks, Zander had clapped a hand over his heart.
The heat in his gaze almost set her on fire as he slowly scanned her from her hair piled high on her head to the velvet slippers she wore.
She’d had to hold Zander away to keep him from ruining her lipstick when he’d tried to kiss her.
Only the promise of lavishing a hundred smooches on him had convinced him to wait.
As he came toward her, Essie plotted how to take off his clothes when she had him alone. If that shirt and vest disappeared, she could ogle his powerful chest with those tight pants. Maybe untie his tie and leave it around his neck. Yeah, that would be sexy.
“You’re undressing me with your eyes, Little girl,” he whispered in her ear as he bent close to kiss her cheek. “You’ll have to cut it out or everyone will know with one glance at these pants exactly what I want to do to you.”
Automatically, Essie glanced down at his crotch.
“That’s not helping, Essie,” he growled.
“Oh! Sorry.” She tore her eyes away from his body. Her fantasies about the after-ball activities had already dampened her panties. Seeing him hot and bothered wasn’t helping her either.
“You will be. Teasing Daddy has consequences,” he whispered into her ear.
When Zander straightened, he winked at her.
He stepped to her side and wrapped an arm around her waist as if staking his claim on her.
No other man she’d dated had ever gotten jealous if someone else flirted with her.
Zander practically bared his teeth at anyone who stared too long at her.
She loved every minute of his possessiveness.
Changing the subject to distract him, Essie asked, “What do you think of the ball?”
“I’d say this is an outstanding success, Essie. I haven’t heard anyone saying anything other than raving compliments.”
“They are having a blast. The organizer has decided this will be an annual event.”
“Congratulations, Essie. All your work has definitely impressed the entire town. You’re going to have your choice of which events to host now.”
“Look, Zander!” Essie pointed at a couple she spotted walking into the ballroom.
Tiffanie leaned on Ivan’s arm as they paused in the doorway. Her flowy dress concealed her frail figure as fabric swirled around her. A silver crown sat on her tightly pulled back hair. A princess brought to life by the twinkling lights, Tiffanie swayed to the music, enjoying herself.
Dressed in a long green tunic and tights, Ivan resembled a huntsman from a fairytale. His thick biceps attested to his ability to launch an arrow for miles. Essie wondered if he had ever actually shot a bow. She could see Ivan living several centuries ago.
“Let’s go greet them,” she said.
Zander led her through the crowd toward the brother and sister standing on the edge of the crowd. When they spotted her, Essie waved happily at them. Her enthusiasm to see them lessened when she saw how pale Tiffanie was.
“Hey, your outfits are wonderful!” Essie said to greet them.
“Sorry we’re late. These costumes took a while to figure out how to get everything on. How did people wear all these layers?” Tiffanie asked.
“And breathe in the corsets? That’s probably why smelling salts were so popular years ago,” Essie said.
“Ivan is ready to attack that dead tree in the back lawn,” Zander teased. “Seriously, though, could you put those guns away? You’re making the rest of us look bad.”
“We should start an arm-wrestling contest. That would be a fun competition,” Tiffanie suggested. Her hand tightened on Ivan’s arm as if she’d lost her balance or had gotten dizzy.
“Tiffanie, let’s grab that cluster of chairs, and we can people-watch,” Essie suggested. “The guys could grab some snacks and drinks for us.”
“That’s a great idea,” Ivan agreed immediately. His gaze met Essie’s over Tiffanie’s head, silently thanking her with a small nod.
When they had settled, the men headed for the appetizers and dessert displays.
Tiffanie glanced at Essie and waved a hand toward the party.
“I had a good feeling that this room would look so special when you finished decorating. I had no idea the ballroom could take on this fantasy theme so beautifully.”
“The room is amazing, isn’t it? I had my doubts leading up to today. Then, all the decisions we made came together, and the final results are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your ideas. Those twinkling lights overhead set the decorations off and created a magical mood in here.”
“I’m so glad. I’m sorry we weren’t here to see everyone’s reaction as they entered. Today’s a tough day for me,” Tiffanie confessed.