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“Your dad’s looking for you,” he says, meeting my gaze. “It’s time for his speech and he’d like you to be there. Since he couldn’t find you or these troublemakers, he came to ask me. We better head back into the main hall before he comes looking for you in here.”
“Ugh!” I groan. “I completely forgot how much he loves his toasts and speeches. Glancing toward my mates, I ask, “How does my hair look?”
“It’s an absolute mess,” Oliver answers, grinning like a smug devil.
“Oh no,” I whine. “Everyone will know what I was up to. You guys have to help me fix my hair and clothes right this minute!”
Moving closer, Seth digs his fingers into my hair. While I stare up at him, he combs through my tangled locks. He rearranges the clips and pins in my hair, bringing the unruly strands back into place.
I’m filled with amazement as he works gently but deftly.
How could someone who looks as gigantic as him be so gentle?
Warmth floods my chest as I keep looking into his focused eyes.
“It’s not the best but it’ll do for now,” he says, his expression serious.
“Rory? Are you in there?” Dad’s voice comes in through the open door.
“Yeah,” I call out. “We’re all in here.”
Dad walks into the kitchen, taking in the scene before him. Thankfully, we’re all dressed and looking like we’re just hanging in here.
“What are you doing in the kitchen?” he asks, his gaze sweeping over the half-eaten sandwiches.
“We were hungry,” I say, making up an excuse on the spot.
“There’s so much food outside,” Dad says, looking confused. “Didn’t you like anything being served at the party?”
“Simon and Oliver were in the mood for a sandwich,” I lie through my teeth. “They’re kind of picky eaters, so I just brought them in here.”
“Oh, yeah! If we want a sandwich, we’ve got to have a sandwich,” Oliver adds helpfully.
“You used one of Heather’s special crockeries,” Dad says, his expression growing grim. “And, you broke into her liquor cabinet.” He groans, rubbing his forehead. “She’s going to get so mad. You know we’re not supposed to touch her precious scotch. How am I going to explain all this to her?”
“I’ll wash the dishes and put everything in its place,” I promise. “They found the bottle of scotch and opened it. They had no idea it was special. I mean, come on! They’re our guests. Why can’t they have a drink if they feel like it? We’ll just buy a new bottle for Heather.”
“I...I suppose we could do that...yes...”
“Are you ready for your toast, Mayor Bailley?” Seth asks, distracting him easily.
Dad looks down at his watch and taps the glass. “That’s right! It’s almost time. Come with me, Rory. I want you by my side when I make my speech tonight.”
Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, Dad leads me out of the kitchen.
Seth and his brothers fall in step behind us and follow us back to the main hall. I’m glad they’re close to me because the crowd seems to have grown bigger since we were last here. Their presence is the only reason I dare to face these people without wanting to run away and hide.
Dad grabs a flute of champagne and sweeps me onto the raised podium in the center of the hall. His round face shines with pride as he holds me close.
The soft music that’d been playing in the background is cut off.
“Hi, y’all! How’s it going?” Dad’s eager voice booms around the room, grabbing everyone’s attention. Raising his glass, he beams at everyone. “Let me start by saying how excited I am to have you join me and my daughter tonight!”
The crowd cheers and claps.
Simon and Oliver make loud bird noises, making everyone around them laugh. “They’re bringing life into this party,” Dad whispers excitedly as I gaze at Seth. Standing at the front, he smiles warmly at me and gives me a thumbs-up.
I’m about to look back at Dad when something catches my eye.
