Chapter 21 #2
I examine the lobby once more as various guests chat while trays of champagne and nibbles travel through the room.
My fingers wrap around my wrists to keep busy, causing the fabric of my long-sleeved black dress to move.
The lines of the dress follow my curves, and Holden fully approves, judging by the once-over I got earlier when everyone was placing the final touches here before guests arrived.
After discussing with the event planner, I asked that we have a few options that are a homage to the history and design of this place.
How she mixed pioneer with 1920’s flare, I’m not entirely sure, except I see champagne in classic goblets.
I’m too nauseous to eat, but the corn-inspired food looks delish.
The pride I feel for my work, I want to be validated.
The other day when the press did a walkthrough for photos and to ask questions, it seemed positive.
But now close family and friends, plus the Lake Spark mayor, are here.
They will kill me if I got it all wrong.
This is a place of history for the town.
It’s special to all for so many reasons.
The line of my lips moves from straight to curved when I see Lori and Harry next to the snack table. Of course, they go straight for the pecan squares. Lori even seems invested in the night, with a smile on her face.
“You did great,” my father mentions as he stands by my side with whiskey in hand. He quickly stopped by, even though the team needs to be in San Jose tomorrow. My mother already had a girls’ trip planned with friends in California.
My head turns to the side with elation from his comment. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. Also, that you managed to stop by, even if really quick.”
His lips snag up. “Sorry about that, but hockey season calls.”
I shrug my shoulders. “I know, it always does.” I think I’ve become accepting of that fact. When I was younger, I didn’t quite understand his absence due to his marriage to hockey, but it now makes sense.
“I wish I could stay for the toasts and grill your boyfriend a little, but that will be for another time.” He’s actually teasing me.
I chuckle at him. “More accepting now?”
“A higher percentage than last time.” His mundane tone represents truth yet skepticism all in one, and I throw him a pretend glare. “I said hello to him and congratulated him on the opening. Even shook his hand. We’re progressing.”
“Best present of the day,” I reply dryly.
My father leans in to kiss my cheek. “As long as he doesn’t break your heart, then we’ll be okay. Might even let him cut the turkey at future holiday dinners.” I give a side hug, pleased with his comment. “Congratulations, sweetheart. Sorry I have to run.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you soon.”
He squeezes my shoulder once in passing before he moves in the direction of the entrance.
My eyes scan the room yet again, but it doesn’t take long for someone else to say my name.
“Hey, Lexi,” Harlow’s voice breaks my daze.
My eyes sideline to her. “Hey, nice to see you here.”
Her welcoming face returns the sentiment. “Well, since my boyfriend has invested in this place and wants to do nothing with it, then I have to make an appearance.” She’s half sarcastic.
“Have to get his money’s worth, right?”
“Totally. I love everything about the design of this place.”
The compliment causes my face to brighten even more. “You had the whole tour of everything, including the bedrooms?”
“The master suite, oh my, gorgeous. I’m jealous of whoever books that,” she gushes.
“Thanks, Harlow. It’s nice to hear that. I mean, I’ve had a few new clients reach out even here for Lake Spark, but it’s even better to hear from friends and family or at least, you know, from Holden’s circle.”
She looks at me amused. “Yeah…” She sips from her wine glass.
“Heard that ship is sailing into calm seas. He also seems extremely happy. I’ve also noticed his eyes keep tracking you down.
Saw it when Stone and I briefly chatted with him, and well, right now, he seems to have a hard look that’s a cross between possessive and sentimental. And he’s walking over here. Ciao.”
My entire body thrums with excitement because it’s a type of bliss unknown to me when someone in your life appears blatantly happy and it’s your doing.
Plus, he is extremely hot when he’s wearing dark jeans with a white button-down and blue blazer.
I could melt purely from seeing his image.
Even though he strolls my way, it surprises me when he stands next to me to lean in to whisper in my ear.
Everyone in the room can see us, and we very much appear as a couple, especially when he places his palm on my lower back to keep me close.
“Everyone is raving,” he reminds me.
“I think so too. Oh hey, why is the principal of Lake Spark Academy here? Figured she would be last on your invite list.”
Holden chuckles low. “Because it’s strategy. First off, she’s on the list of the essential Lake Spark people who consider themselves crucial to the running of our small town. Plus, I need to schmooze her for my kids.”
I snicker a laugh. “Very smart.”
“Want to get some air before I give the toasts?” he suggests.
“Sure.”
He tips his head in the direction of the hall to the bar. It’s the closest room with a door to the back of the inn for a view of the lake and the patio. We step on the stones from the patio to the bench swing that gives us a little more privacy.
Facing one another, with the sound of the party distant in the background, my heart beats fast.
“Lexi…”
What kind of conversation is this going to be?
“I love you.” It just bursts out of my mouth without thought.
We both realize what words are now in the air, unable to be forgotten.
Maybe that’s why Holden stares at me, frozen.
Which only makes my body weaken from fear.