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When I caught a glimpse of Natalie smiling and the exhaustion in the lines around her eyes, I clasped Tyler’s shoulder. “I’ll see you around.”
Then I walked away without another word. I needed to see Natalie. I’d texted hergood luckthis morning, but it wasn’t enough.
Her gaze snagged on mine as I approached, and she turned her body to welcome me. I leaned over to kiss her cheek, lingering to whisper in her ear, “Congratulations, sweetheart.”
Her cheeks flushed from either the champagne in her glass or my proximity—I wasn’t sure which.
“Thank you. I was just socializing with everyone.” Her eyes were a little wild.
I maneuvered us down the hall to a quiet corner. “How are you holding up?”
“I only have a few more hours, right?” Her shoulders seemed to sag under the weight of that proclamation.
“You want me to stand guard and give you a few minutes’ peace?”
Natalie rolled her shoulders back, steeling her gaze. “This is what I signed up for. It’s great publicity. This is good for me and my business.”
“If you say so.” As much as I admired her resolve and perseverance, I was worried about her. “Where’s Delaney?”
“She’s watching TV in the suite.”
“By herself?” I asked, surprised.
“I’m checking in on her every twenty minutes or so.”
“I’ll hang out with her if you don’t need me here.”
Natalie’s expression softened. “That would be great. Thank you.”
I leaned over to kiss her softly, wishing I could tell her I loved her, but it wasn’t the time or place. “That’s what I’m here for.”
Maybe we’d get a chance to talk tonight.
I headed toward the owner’s suite, excited to see Delaney. I knocked on the door, announcing it was me, in case she’d been instructed not to answer it. She opened the door and hugged me tight.
“I missed you,” she said as she moved back so I could enter.
“I missed you too. What are you up to?”
“Watching TV and eating snacks.”
There was a cartoon playing on the TV, and goldfish were scattered on the coffee table and floor. I tidied up while she started the show again.
“Are you hungry?”
Delaney’s face scrunched. “Whoever Mom hired gave me a sandwich.”
“The caterers?” I asked, putting the dishes from the sink into the dishwasher and starting it. I could make Natalie’s life easier in some ways.
“When will it be over?” Delaney asked.
“Hopefully, in a couple of hours.” I loosened my tie as I sat next to her, toed off my shoes, and rested my heels on the table. “Let’s find a movie to watch.”
We scrolled for a while before finding something we were both interested in. Delaney snuggled into my side. My heart expanded, and warmth spread through my body. This was what I wanted. Quiet nights at home, cuddling on the couch while watching a movie.
I didn’t want to think about what would happen if Natalie didn’t want me. But the thought always hovered at the edges of my consciousness.
I should have carried Delaney to bed, but I must have fallen asleep before I could. I woke when the door opened. It was dark outside, and I rubbed my eyes. Delaney’s head rested on my shoulder.
