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“Let’s go get some tables.” Mrs. Hearst linked one of her arms through Lyric’s and the other through Sienna’s. “Thatch, you can help your dad and brother get us some drinks.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He walked away with his dad and brother, discussing the beer choices.
“It’s good to see Thatch so happy.” His mom steered them to a table next to the dance floor. “I haven’t seen him smile this much in a long time.”
“I’m not sure he’s ever smiled this much,” Sienna added. “I’m so happy for you two.” The words came across as warm and genuine.
“I’ve been smiling a lot lately too,” Lyric admitted. “And I’m really sorry I didn’t make it to dinner yesterday.” She wasn’t exactly sure how to explain her behavior. “I was dealing with some things.”
“Don’t you worry about that for one minute.” Mrs. Hearst waved off the apology. “You don’t owe us an explanation.”
“Auntie Lyric!” Tess’s daughter, Willow, ran up to her from the dance floor. “We were dancing, but Mommy’s tired.”
“I’ll bet she is.” Lyric pulled out a chair for her friend. Poor Tess looked even more pale than she had earlier. “I’m sure dancing isn’t easy in your third trimester.”
“Nothing’s easy in your third trimester.” Tess eased herself down into the chair. “I haven’t been feeling so hot today.”
Silas approached with Morgan. “We should’ve stayed home.”
“No way,” Tess grumbled. “I’m not missing the biggest party of the year for a little stomachache. The girls have been looking forward to this for months.”
“Auntie Lyric, we only have one more month until the baby’s born,” Morgan reported.
“I know. It’s so exciting.” Lyric eyed her friend again. Was she breathing harder than normal? “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m great!” Tess smiled a little too brightly for her pallid complexion.
“Drinks.” Thatch carted a tray of pitchers and empty glasses to the table. “Beer, margaritas.” He winked at Tess. “Soda. Something for everyone.”
“Come on, Daddy.” Willow tugged on Silas’s hand. “Let’s dance again!” Silas and his daughters walked away.
Thatch sidled up next to Lyric. “Will you dance with me?”
“You don’t even have to ask.” She let him lead her away in a two-step while she clung to him, staring into his vivid eyes.
“It’s been quite a day,” he murmured, his gaze lowering greedily to her lips.
“It has,” she agreed, fitting her body to his.
“I kind of can’t wait for it to end.” The man took her and twirled her away and then back to him.
“Really?” Lyric slowed her movements. “But it’s your big day. You won.” All his hard work had paid off. “Why would you want the day to end now?”
His hands moved from her hips to her lower back. “All I can think about is going home with you.”
“That’s all I can think about too,” she whispered against his neck.
He spun her again. “Maybe we should go now.”
“But it’s only seven thirty,” she teased. “What would we tell your family?”
“We’ll sneak away.” He trailed kisses along her neck. “They’ll never notice.”
Lyric glanced in the direction of their table, and Mrs. Hearst waved at them before snapping a picture. “I’m pretty sure they’d notice.” She laughed.
“All right.” He played up a sigh. “Fine.”
“Uncle Thatch!” Willow pulled on his sleeve. “Can you come and dance with me?”
