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She was glad for the distraction of the speeches and the mother-son dance. After that, the party began in earnest.
The playlist was a nice mix of current tunes and classic, pop, country, and universal appeal. Gage asked her to dance to Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind,” and Genevieve allowed herself three minutes to do nothing more than enjoy the sensation of once again being in an attractive man’s arms.
Her sister’s words from earlier drifted through her mind. Did she want a “yet” with Gage Throckmorton? It was a lovely thought… but an intimidating one, too. It had been a long time for her.
The dance put Genevieve in a mellow mood. As Gage escorted her back to their table, her gaze sought out each of her children in the crowd. First, Jake and Tess, because Tess was now one of hers. Next, Willow stood on the dance floor with Emma and Drew, the trio holding hands as they danced to the change-of-tempo “Shout.” Genevieve spied Lucas holding court over a bevy of females near the bar. It took her a moment to locate Brooke, but she finally spotted her with friends from Texas at the photo booth.
Her chicks were all doing okay. They’d all abandoned the nest and, despite a damaged wing or two, were still flying.
And, hang it all, she was flying, too.
Gage excused himself after returning her to their table. No sooner had he departed than Helen all but shoved a freshglass of champagne into Genevieve’s hand. “Here—we’re going to drink to my new project.”
“Your new project?” Genevieve asked. “What new project?”
“I’m going to get us our stop sign.”
“Good. How do you plan to do that?”
“Gage gave me the idea. He told me to take on Nelson, and that’s exactly what I will do.”
“Take on Nelson Camarata?”
“Yes. My next project. I’m going to run for mayor! The election is in August.”
Genevieve gaped at her sister.
“I’m going to run on an anti-nepotism platform and promise that my first act as mayor will be to rid our city government of everyone with ties to the old goat.”
“There won’t be anyone left.”
“Precisely.” Helen clinked her flute with Genevieve’s and beamed a high-wattage smile. “It’s really too bad that tomorrow is Sunday. First thing Monday morning, I’m going to go to the courthouse and file my paperwork.”
“That’s wonderful, Helen.”
Helen was going to run for mayor. Helen had a new project.
“You’ll make a great mayor.” Genevieve reached over and gave her sister a hug. Then, speaking into her ear because the music volume had increased with a new song, she added, “I’ll be right back. Gonna run to the ladies’.”
She rose and left before Helen could get a good look at her eyes. Instead of turning toward the lodge and the restrooms, she headed for the lake.
At that point, Genevieve did something not unheard of for a mother of the groom at a wedding. However, it usually happened earlier in the event and not with such sudden ferocity.
Genevieve Prentice burst into tears.
Chapter Seven
AS PATSY CLINE BELTED“Crazy” from the sound system, Noah decided the song couldn’t be more appropriate. He was slow dancing beneath the stars with Willow Eldridge in his arms. Nothing had felt this good in a very long time. Never mind that his leg was killing him.
Willow was a dream. Tall and lithe, she flowed like water around the dance floor despite his less-than-graceful lead. She looked fabulous in a frothy green dress that made him think of mint ice cream.She’s a Dreamsicle.Used to be an ice-cream bar by that name when he was a kid.Wonder if they still make them?
They didn’t speak, but the silence was comfortable. Though they stood at the edge of a crowded dance floor, it somehow felt as if the two of them were alone.
Noah pulled her a little closer, wallowing in her warmth. He shut his eyes and turned his face into her hair.Roses, he thought.She smells like roses. He felt the stirrings of desire and hummed along with Patsy.Crazy.
He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to nuzzle her neck andnip her ear just below the diamond stud. He wanted to taste the champagne on her lips and know the heat of her breath. It would be so easy to go with this moment and do what felt so natural.
Noah lifted his head. His gaze met Willow’s and—
