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I snort. “No, but there will probably be a photographer from our local newspaper.”
Elle frowns. “I was hoping for paparazzi.”
“Keep dreaming,” I tell her.
I slip out of Bennett’s hold and pad across the room to the dresser. I put on my earrings and other jewelry before slipping my feet into my heels.
“Ready,” I chime.
Bennett crooks his elbow and extends it toward me like some dashing prince.
The three of us leave my room behind and head down the main grand staircase. As every pair of eyes in the foyer flicks up to us; I truly feel like a princess. Bennett smiles down at me and my heart does a happy dance behind my rib cage.
Ryland meets us in the foyer and he crooks his elbow, miming Bennett, and Elle takes it.
“The ballroom is that way.” I point.
Elle squeals and smiles up at Ryland. “There’s a ballroom.”
“I heard, babe.” He smiles broadly at her and kisses her.
I hear her mumble something about messing up her lipstick but as we venture closer to the ballroom it grows harder to hear each other so I can’t be exactly sure what she said.
The ballroom is packed with people. Even though it’s nearly the same crowd every year, I don’t know most of them. I’ve always stuck close to the group I grew up with. I spot Willow and Dean sitting at one of the large round tables and make a beeline for them. Bennett calls after Elle and Ryland to follow us.
Willow wears a beautiful, blue, floor-length dress that has intricate lace detailing and her blonde hair is worn down and wavy, with extensions for added length. Seeing Willow all dolled up is a nice change. Her normal style is about as casual as it comes.
“Hey, Willow, Dean.” I greet them each with a hug and take a seat. Bennett pulls out the chair beside me and Elle and Ryland take two other empty seats. “This is Elle, my roommate, and her boyfriend, Ryland. Elle and Ryland, this is my brother, Dean, and his girlfriend, Willow.”
With introductions made I let them get to know each other and turn to Bennett.
“Thank you for flying them out here. It means a lot.” I grab his hand beneath the table.
He leans over and brushes his lips over my cheek in a feather light caress. “Anything to make you happy.”
Elle gags from across the table. “Sick. You guys make me sick.”
Bennett chuckles and flashes her the finger before his hand vanishes under the table.
Ryland looks around, taking in the shiny marble floors, and crystal chandelier. “This place is … insane.” He shakes his head like he can’t quite believe it.
“It’s grand.” I shrug. “I guess my great-great-great … Well, however many great-grandpas it went back, really wanted to make a statement.”
“Well, he definitely did.” Ryland nods and tugs on the collar of his tux.
“So, what is there to do here at this party?” Elle asks, picking up a sparkling silver fork and looking it over before setting it back on the table.
“Dance,” I say.
“Eat,” Dean adds.
“Eat,” Willow echoes.
“There will be a live band,” I say and turn to Willow. “Is your dad’s band playing this year?”
Willow shrugs. “Don’t think so.”
“Wait …” Elle looks at Willow with wide eyes. “Are you Maddox Wade’s daughter?”
