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“Madison Leigh, we have the final head count for the reception.” The older woman at the end of the table waves at Madison.
“Great, I can message the caterers now.” Madison sets the bubbly down, reaching across the white tablecloth for her cell.
“Oh—one question. The only person we aren’t sure of is you.” Everyone stops talking at that exact moment, all eyes focusing on Madison. Her cheeks flush a bright shade of pink as everyone stares at her.
“We assumed you wouldn’t have a plus-one, but figured we should ask.” The woman’s red lips curl up as Madison’s form a pretty pink ‘O.’
“I, um—” Madison’s voice falters and her chest flushes, color climbing up her neck.
“She has a plus-one, actually,” I say, my voice breaking the awkward silence. All eyes swivel toward me and I wrap my arm around Madison’s waist. “I’m going with her.”
3
MADISON LEIGH
“And who, pray tell, are you?”Aunt Edna scowls over at Spence.
“Spencer Evans, ma’am. Madison’s date.” He tips his dark head at her out of politeness, and Aunt Edna doesn’t even bother trying to disguise her surprise at this turn of events. Her mouth opens, then shuts, then opens again, her hand fluttering over her bosom.
“Madison Leigh, how come you never mentioned this handsome new beau of yours before?” My aunt narrows her beady eyes at me, her lips pressed together in a thin line.
“I, um…”
“I’m sure it just didn’t come up, what with all the planning for the big day, am I right?” Spence catches my eye, urging me to play along. I nod, trying to come up with something—anything—compelling to say.
“Right. Plus, it’s early days. And I wasn’t sure he’d be able to make it to the wedding.”
Spence grabs my hand, twirling me around in time to the Sinatra tune quietly pumping through the speakers, and my heart stammers in my chest.
Who is this guy, swinging me around my cousin’s Bridal Brunch like some kind of mix between a White Knight and the Homecoming King?
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Spence holds on to my hand and stares directly at me with a deep navy gaze I could one-thousand percent get lost in.
“Okay. So add Spence to the grand total, Madison Leigh. We look forward to more of those fabulous dance moves.” Aunt Edna purses her lips but doesn’t seem overly suspicious. I guess she’s buying Spence’s act.
Charity’s friends resume their conversations and the party continues, every champagne glass refreshed. I snag the empty bottle from the table and drag Spence back toward the safety of the bar, away from the brunch guests.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I whisper under my breath as I hurry across the empty dining room.
“I know, but I wanted to. You seemed like you needed a save. Happy to help.” He smiles at me, all perfect white teeth, a dimple creasing his right cheek.
Gawd, he’s really cute. Very preppy, very Southern charm.
“You can still bail. I’m sure you have better things to do on Saturday night than chaperone me at my cousin’s wedding.” I swallow down over the lump in my throat, my heart pounding harder than it should after such a short walk across the room. Tossing the empty champagne bottle in the trash, I avoid further eye contact with Spence.
Why do I even care what he’s going to say? Ten minutes ago, I didn’t even know this guy.
“I don’t. I’m available and will happily accompany you to the wedding. Free food, right?” He winks at me and my stomach flip-flops, a hot rush flooding through me.
“Yes, free food. And open bar and cake.”
“Sounds great. What’s the dress code at this fete? It’s not black tie, is it?” He chucks his empty bottle into the trash, the glass clinking in the can.
I shake my head. “Mercifully, no. A dark suit will work. You have one of those?”
“Of course I do. And dress shoes and a tie too. I occasionally change out of golf clothes, you know.”
“Super.” My watch buzzes on my wrist and I glance down at the incoming text. Of course it’s from Aunt Edna.
