Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 87513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Despite all her fears, Michaela wanted to be in his arms. The song, an oldie but so perfect for the day, was also perfect for her first-ever dance with Troy. On the dance floor, he wrapped her in his arms, not leaving even an inch between their bodies.
She couldn’t help looking into his gorgeous blue eyes and feeling herself melt.
“Are you having fun?” With the heat in his gaze, he had to be asking about so much more than the wedding and the happy day, more than the wonderful food.
“I’m having a lovely time. Thank you for the invitation.” She was sure he’d initiated it.
He grinned. “If I hadn’t asked Lyssa to send you one, Walter would have.”
He glanced at Walter and her mother executing beautiful ballroom dance steps in the middle of the floor. A couple of years ago, for something fun to do, she and Flo had taken dance lessons, and now her mother was putting them to good use.
Then he asked softly, “Are you okay with that now? I know you had some misgivings.”
She told him what was in her heart. “I couldn’t be happier for my mother. Everything you said was right. She deserves this.”
His arms tightened around her. “And how do you feel about us? You and me?”
She couldn’t make a declaration here on the dance floor. She wasn’t even sure what kind of declaration she would make.
The song changed before she could answer, and Fernsby cut in, dancing her away.
Fernsby was an excellent dancer, leading her effortlessly around the floor. Maybe he’d taken dancing lessons like she and her mother had. But then, he might be old enough that dancing had been instilled in him as a young man. With his craggy features, Fernsby could have been eighty. But his lithe movements spoke of the agility of a much younger man.
“Are you enjoying the wedding, my dear?” he asked from a great height, since she wasn’t wearing her high heels. They didn’t go with swimwear.
She gave him a heartfelt smile. “I’ve never been to a beach party wedding.” During the dancing, some of the parents had taken their kids out to the beach and were now splashing in the water. “I’ll recommend it to my clients who want something different.”
He didn’t smile, but said in a drawl, “That’s our Lyssa. Always doing the unexpected.” That might be a glimmer of humor in his eyes. “And with fascinating results.”
Fascinating. She wasn’t sure whether that was good or bad.
Before she could ask, Fernsby said, “Your delightful mother seems to be having a marvelous time as well.”
Michaela followed the line of his gaze. As Flo danced in Walter’s arms, joy suffused her features. Michaela wouldn’t begrudge a single moment her mother spent with the handsome gentleman. She wouldn’t even call him a billionaire.
But she wondered if Fernsby might have some insight. “Walter seems like a decent man,” she said, breaking the ice.
Fernsby eyed her down his long nose. “He is eminently trustworthy. With Dane Harrington in the resort business, we’ve known Mr. Braedon and his son for years. I’ve never seen the man so—” He broke off to spin her on the dance floor. “—enamored.” Astoundingly, his expression seemed to soften. “But then, I’ve never met a woman I felt was as suitable for him as your mother. Florence is one of the most remarkable women I’ve ever met, next to Susan Spencer.”
“I’m sure she’ll be very happy to know that.”
Here was another endorsement of Walter Braedon. And coming from Fernsby, it was unimpeachable. She could probably walk among the Mavericks and Harringtons and receive more glowing reviews of Walter’s character, but she didn’t need to. Walter was good for her mother. And Flo was good for him. Michaela hoped this could be the beginning of something lasting. Her mother deserved the best kind of man in her life.
In the midst of visions of her mother’s happily ever after, Fernsby said, “You must be aware that young Troy Harrington adores you.”
“I… I…”
Fernsby didn’t let her get past a stammer. Which was a good thing, since she didn’t know what to say anyway. “Speaking of good men,” Fernsby said, “he is among the best of them. I’ve known him many years, since he was a very young man, and witnessed his dedication to his Olympic training. He is completely focused upon attaining his goals. And to date, he has always met them.” He swung her in a wide arc, and suddenly she could see Troy dancing with Gabby. And watching Michaela with an avid—or fearful?—gaze.
“And now,” Fernsby went on in his dry tone, “he is singularly focused on you. I must admit that I have never seen him focused on a young woman before. Not in this way.”
“What way?” she had to ask.
But Fernsby merely raised an eyebrow.
Michaela couldn’t help the flush that rose to her cheeks. “I don’t know what to say.”